Thanks Taylor for your thoughts, you have put all new ideas into my head about the role of the First Lady. I think that the election is a couple’s game where the potential First Lady is vital in conveying her husband’s policies and credibility as a candidate.

Coming from Australia, I can see the US Presidential Election is clearly unlike any other in the world as a battle for a country’s leader. While I watched Michelle Obama’s speech last night at the DNC in Denver, I was amazed at the enormity of the event and the “hysteria” democratic supporters showed. Held in a room filled with thousands of people, bright lights, posters, banners and signs, you could have mistaken the DNC for a rock concert or Academy Awards ceremony. Supporters waved posters which gleamed “MICHELLE”. It was like a celebrity had walked into the building.

It seems that the role of the potential First Lady is quite significant to the election of her husband, more significant than I first thought. Sure, Michelle does not hold any credentials to say whether or not Barack is qualified for the job as president, nor is she an objective party in the manner, but she is a key player in the Democratic campaign.

I believe that the Democrats have done a fantastic job in convincing voters they are “ordinary folks”. With tales of growing up, struggles and illness, Michelle (and her PR people) certainly reassured the American people that they care. Michelle explained Barack’s campaign promises including heath care and foreign affairs in such a way that they made you feel all warm and fuzzy. So this cute, warm, heart wrenching speech may not be accurate or even believable, but it works. It has ensued trust with the public. As Michelle said, she came as a mom, a sister, as a daughter and now, as I see it, a pawn in the political game. Heading into the election with Michelle as his wingman, Barack Obama is set to be a strong contender while I believe McCain sits in the shadows.

I, like many other people are still undecided as to who will and should win the election, but it should be interesting to see what the Republicans have to say. I think the election is a couple’s game where the potential First Lady is just as important as the presidential candidate. Cindy McCain may have to step up her game to twist the public’s view on the all American Obama family.