Mates Were Boosters of Political Husbands...

The wives of the two candidates for president delivered messages about their husbands in efforts to prove how human they are when speaking at the national conventions. Both first lady Michelle Obama and Ann Romney, wife of challenger Mitt Romney, came across as first-rate speakers. Mrs. Obama rallied the Democratic delegates. Mrs. Romney did the same at the Republican convention.

Who was the most convincing? Some will call it a draw. Others see it through party glasses.

For us, the downer about Mrs. Obama is that four years ago when her husband was nominated she said for the first time she was proud of America, or something like that. Yet in her convention speech she extolled the virtues of the American dream as she and her husband seized opportunities available only in this land. Was she proud of America as she and her husband climbed the political ladder to reach the top — the White House? Those words about being proud of America only when reaching the top of the ladder, and then giving the impression in her speech that she always had the proud feeling growing up and handling the struggles they had as a young couple.

That pushes the credibility button for us.

Both ladies told of the human side of their mates and how the lives they led have given them the understanding they have for average Americans. The Romneys have five boys. The Obamas have two girls. Michelle mentioned how exhausted she was when taking care of the two girls when they were young. Having experienced growing up with a sister and three brothers, and having raised five children of our own, does she really know how life is for a mother in a household of a number of children? Mrs. Romney with those five boys never mentioned how exhausted she was, but did say it was a challenge.

Both ladies described their husbands as loving fathers who care about all Americans. They seemed very credible when telling of the virtues of their husbands. Again, verbal pictures were drawn of husbands who are in touch with the realities of life while at home and while pursuing their chosen political careers. Images of trust were emphasized.

Mrs. Obama did mentioned the “change” goals that her husband emphasized to win the election four years ago. She said change takes time, apparently agreeing with critics who are disappointed that most of the promised changes didn’t materialize during the nearly four years he has been in office. “Eventually we will get there, we always do,” she said.

Four years ago change and hope were instilled in enough voters’ minds that Obama was elected. He has lost the hope boost he once had.

We are convinced both husbands are good family men, which was emphasized by their wives. We also salute the wives for being good speakers. Remember conventions when the wives of the candidates, the nominees, were only seen on stage the final night after their husbands had delivered acceptance speeches? Times have changed and wives rightly so are speakers and in the limelight at political conventions.

This year the two wives have elevated the convention speech bar rather high to be matched in the future.