I wouldn't be so sure that other spouses' influence was "relatively minor," although they most certainly were much less front-and-center.

Also important to note...each and every day, matters that impact our lives just as much as an overhaul to the health system are spearheaded by sombodies that nobody elected into office:  the Cabinet and White House staff.

"But don't you think she was "regulated" to that role to deflect those criticisms?"

I think she was "relegated" to that role to quiet the public down due to fears over socializing medicine. I think anyone in the presdent's inner circle has an influence on the decision making pricess, but I don't think that being around the president qualifies one to be president any more than hanging out with MJ all day, even for 8 years, would qualify me to play basketball.

I judge Hillary by her tenure in the Senate--that's all

Todd, I agree. Other spouses take the background role. But what if Nancy Reagan's use of astrology influenced her husband more than we like to think about? (I really hope I'm wrong on that assumption.) Politicians hire non-elected "aids" to help them make decisions and create policy. I'd rather have a President take advice from someone as trusted as their "spouse" than some cabinet member with an agenda that may benefit themselves or their interest group.

Ari, I agree she should be judged by her run as Senator. Compare it to Obama's run and she still has more experience. Compare it to McCain and she doesn't.

"Ari, I agree she should be judged by her run as Senator. Compare it to Obama's run and she still has more experience. Compare it to McCain and she doesn't."

No question that MCain has more experiecne.  But just because someone is more qualified for a position does not alwasy make that person the best at that position. 

President Bush’s proposed budget calling for the elimination of Reading Is Fundamental’s (RIF) Inexpensive Book Distribution program would be devastating to the 4.6 million children and their families who receive free books and reading encouragement from RIF programs at nearly 20,000 locations throughout the United States, according to Carol H. Rasco, president and chief executive officer of RIF.

Don

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How do you come up with the President doesn't want kids to read from this? He's eliminating a program. Maybe it's a bad one maybe it isn't but unless you can read minds you have nothing to back up your statement. It's perfectly reasonable to debate the best way to get children to read but personal attacks like that are what got the unpopular Bush reelected in 2004. Many people who were unhappy with him still voted for him because what they mostly heard from the democrats were atacks on  Bush rather than solutions to problems.