When George W. Bush took office, he and his wife quickly set about reversing what they saw as a glaring wrong committed by the Clintons. They restored a sense of "tradition" to the role of first lady. In other words, Mrs. Bush would steer clear of important policy decisions, and present a genteel, non-threatening presence to the American public. Gone were the much decried days of "two for the price of one," in which the first spouse was suddenly catapulted into a leadership position on front-burner issues such as health-care reform.What so rankled many voters, liberal and conservative alike, was the fact that while the nation took pains to scrutinize the candidates for president, it believed it need not do the same for their wives. Who was being elected, after all?
Well, "two for the price of one" has come a long way in six years, and it's not just Hillary who's singing the idea's praises.
...Rudy Giuliani said that if elected president, he would have no problem allowing his wife Judith Giuliani to sit in on cabinet meetings, "If she wanted to. If they were relevant to something that she was interested in. I mean that would be something that I'd be very, very comfortable with," he said.Update and more, after the jump.So just who is thrice-married Judith G.? The always reliable Wikipedia, paints the following portrait of Rudy's Judy:
-Got married to a medical supplies salesman at Vegas's famous Chapel of the Bells (marriage #1).
-Was re-married to a wallpaper salesman 5 days after her first divorce was finalized.
-Is a Roman Catholic.
-Her specialty is infectious diseases.
-Took up with Giuliani sometime while he was still married to Donna Hannover.
What does it all mean? Who knows. But one wonders how the twofer suggestion will play with those Republicans who so reviled Mrs. Clinton for the active role she played in her husband's administration.
UPDATE: I guess Rudy has reconsidered.
Late Friday, the Giuliani campaign issued a statement in which the former New York City mayor suggested that would not be the case. "Obviously, she [Judy] will not be a Cabinet memeber or attend most Cabinet meetings, if any. But she will pursue a campaign to educate Americans on preventing illness and promoting overall health."
There, there Judy. Take Laura's lead and teach the nation how to floss.
Reader Comments ( Page 2 of 11)
16. I agree with Eva, if this is the best the republicans can come up with, they are in deep trouble. Why is it that Rudy has no relationship with his children? I would guess it is because they do not care for his homewrecker of a wife. Doesn't it make you wonder why she won't discuss how she met Rudy?
Kim at 8:32PM on Mar 29th 2007
17. Rudi and his current wife are adulterers. As such, I do not see his immoral actions to be worthy of the presidency. After all, they tried to shoot and hang Clinton for immoral behavior under the cloak of committing another act. I do not support any man who cheats on his wife -- especially while in a public office. Moral values still mean something, I hope.
Anita at 8:33PM on Mar 29th 2007
18. Rudi and his current wife are adulterers. As such, I do not see his immoral actions to be worthy of the presidency. After all, they tried to shoot and hang Clinton for immoral behavior under the cloak of committing another act. I do not support any man who cheats on his wife -- especially while in a public office. Moral values still mean something, I hope.
Anita at 10:35PM on Mar 29th 2007
19. you can not trust him or her if you dont believe me ask there ex ex ex ex ex who counting.i heard all he did at 9/11 was get in every picture he could.
william mccotter at 8:36PM on Mar 29th 2007
20. Rudy is not qualified to be President and his wife is not qualified to be First Lady. He has no track record in anything and neither does she. What has has she done in health care? Is this another joke? What kind of contribution has either made to the American society. They both have disrespected their respective mates and by extension have no respect for the American people. As we have observed, this mediocre person has lost support in the polls and as we learn more and more about him, he will lose more. I like Barbara Walton, but this interview was soft and ingratiating. Shame on you Barbara. You are getting soft in your old age.
Elritt Works at 8:50PM on Mar 29th 2007
21. Rudy Giuliani treated his then wife Donna Hanover horribly. He wanted her out of Gracie Mansion so that he could bring his then girlfriend Judith Nathan in.
I am sure there are many other women who like myself went through a miserable divorce and would never in a million years vote for Giuliani.
With all the pictures and videos I have seen of this man dressed as a woman, one would have to wonder if elected president, who would we find sitting behind the desk in the oval office, "Rudy or Trudy"
Loretta at 8:45PM on Mar 29th 2007
22. Guiliani could be Rudy or Trudy in the oval office, but i bet he has better legs than Hillary.
Sandy at 9:51PM on Mar 29th 2007
23. As a business person, I find it hard to trust someone who has cheated on an individual they have made a profound committment to. Someone who cheats on their spouse has no integrity. What do you think they will do to you in a business deal? Get serious. And folks who have been married 3 times? You want to place your faith in these losers?
cwh at 10:04PM on Mar 29th 2007
24. I will not vote for Guiliani, having been married three times...he humiliated his second wife in the way he handled his divorce. Worse of all, he's failed to maintain his relationship with his children...what kind of family values will he espouse in the White House. I've no respect for his current wife who broke up Guiliani's marriage even thought they bought deny it.
Lydia at 6:36AM on Mar 30th 2007
25. I doubt Rudy or Trudy has better legs than Hillary, but that is beside the point. Judith says Rudy is a man of integrity! Integrity??? with all that "mess" surrounding their courtship while still married to Donna? He is not worthy to be the next President; neither is she fit to be lst lady!!
Alice at 12:03AM on Mar 30th 2007
26. Rudy is not good for any office not even a dog catcher. He throw out his children twice and now for the third time for Judith what a joke the USA has became the worst country science your Bush stole the office.
sonja_blocker at 12:27AM on Mar 30th 2007
27. To Cecil Clark; What planet are you living on? You may not approve of the Clintons and what's all this about all the members of Congress resigning? I would be ashamed to put my name on what you stated. How can you even say you support Bush after all the secrets, illegal acts by himself and those working under him? He lies just like any other polition! The difference is, he claims to be a "religious man" and has told more lies, been involved in moe scandels than anyone, since Nixon! He should resign !!
Ballard at 1:02AM on Mar 30th 2007
28. hILLARY A CAREER WOMAN jUDI A HOME WRECKER THERE IS NO COMPARAISON AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE NOT STUPID jUDI DOESN'T BELONG IN THE WHITE HOUSE
DAISY at 1:14AM on Mar 30th 2007
29. I believe your personal life is your own business but when you are in public service and you do the things stupid like bring your mistress to your home and want to move her in that goes away to far for a president want to be.
marie
marie at 1:21AM on Mar 30th 2007
30. I believe a president should be at least half way decient but it seems few people know what that means today rudy and julie are a match made for the
tabloids not the white house in washington.
marie
marie at 1:20AM on Mar 30th 2007