Musings About Moms on the Campaign Trail

I was over at the Obama campaign site last night checking of the new Women for Obama initative launched earlier this month with a series of kickoff speeches from Michelle Obama. The first thing you notice about Michelle is that she’s a terrific speaker. Very witty, very engaging, very concise. The second thing you notice is that regardless of what the rest of the campaign is trying to do in presenting Barack as some kind of rock star or political deity, she’s making it her mission to remind everyone that he’s just a man who leaves the butter out and doesn’t pick up after himself nearly as much as she thinks he should.

That in and of itself might be a calculated strategy but even if it is, it’s still pretty funny. Sort of a “My wife thinks I am an idiot but even she thinks you should vote for me” thing.

There have certainly been stranger ones used in the past.

That said, I’m listening to Michelle and I can’t help but notice how much what she is saying mirrors most of the Moms Rising platform. Is that on purpose? That got me thinking…and wondering. When the time comes, will Moms Rising, which, by the way, was co-founded by Joan Blades (a co-founder of MoveOn.org) endorse a presidential candidate? What will their criteria be?

I’m also wondering if the Woman for Obama initiative has been part of the plan all along, after all there is Students for Obama initiative already. Or is it a strategy to get out in front of Hillary?

These are just some musings on a Sunday morning. Anything to avoid having to watch the Sunday talk shows or fold laundry.

About Pattie Gillett

Mom, Wife, Baker, Runner, Sports Fan.

April 29, 2007 @ 11:02 am

Life in Practice, Public Policy