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 7 of 11)
91. Neither of these losers can even sustain a marriage, much less run a county. Personally I would have a great deal of trouble with a woman like that in charge of my future.
nmarti8251 at 2:56PM on Mar 30th 2007
92. Mr. Giuliani, had a job to do as mayor. Why is he considered a hero, he wasn't in the burning buildings helping save people Now, those were the heros let's not forget them. I don't feel he has enough knowledge. As for the Clinton's yes Bill had his personal moments of disgrace. Let's remember those are personal between his wife and him we all seem to want to be a part of there whole life these are humans. Mrs. Clinton has strong will power to deal with anything that comes her way and not just give in. She had respect for her husband and his position and did not abandon ship. As it is said in the marraige vows for Better or for Worst and that's what this lady held onto her Vows. Let's face it Women are stronger in many aspects of life why not give her a chance our country can not get any worst than it is already. And that's because we have had only men leading us. This lady is known to the public has lots of knowledge since she has been a politican most of her adult life and has served in the White House. We know all about her personal life. Let's give women a chance.
Carmen at 3:29PM on Mar 30th 2007
93. The current residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. have certainly achieved "keeping the first lady in the background". Wasn't she an advisor on the movie "The Stepford Wives"? She wasn't in it, but she plays one in real life.
soozgif at 3:08PM on Mar 30th 2007
94. Let me get this right -- RG is a man three times
married who paraded his current wife around while still married to his second wife. Who abused reporters asking questions during new conferences, who until 9/11 had poll #s in the pits. He's nominally a Catholic, and he thinks he can win in the evangelical, bible belt South and West? It ain't gunna work. Ihave fmaily down there and beleive me they will look askance at a man with that background - no matter how well qualified he is on paper, that WILL be held against him. The Northeast isn't the only part of the country he has to win over.
Chuck at 12:47PM on Mar 31st 2007
95. MIGHT AS WELL KEEP BUSH THAT TO ELECT McCAIN OR GIULANI, THEY ARE ALL LIARS AND CROOKS. I THE FIRE FIGHTERS DO NOT LIKE GIULIANI, TRHEN THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH COR ME. MCCAIN IS ANOTHER BUSH AND GIULIANI IS A SLIME CROOK. GIVES ME THE SHIVERS. YOU GO FIRE CIGHTERS. KEEP IT UP.
bette22han at 3:44PM on Mar 30th 2007
96. MIGHT AS WELL KEEP BUSH THAT TO ELECT McCAIN OR GIULANI, THEY ARE ALL LIARS AND CROOKS. I THE FIRE FIGHTERS DO NOT LIKE GIULIANI, TRHEN THAT IS GOOD ENOUGH COR ME. MCCAIN IS ANOTHER BUSH AND GIULIANI IS A SLIME CROOK. GIVES ME THE SHIVERS. YOU GO FIRE CIGHTERS. KEEP IT UP.
bette22han at 3:41PM on Mar 30th 2007
97. Too much about his persaonl life. What can he do as an adminstrator or leader. I don't care where he spent last nite as long as he does his job properly. He seems well qualified and capable, so let him perform.
J C Jordan at 3:43PM on Mar 30th 2007
98. Guliani is a piece of work, take away 9/11 and what have you got - a guy who asked wife #2 to move out so that the not yet next mrs. #3 could move in. anyone know what 'whiskey tango' means?
ruthalucy at 3:50PM on Mar 30th 2007
99. I don't care where he spent last night as long as he does a good job in his position. I personally think he is capable and well qualfied and much more than some of those we have to select from.
J C Jordan at 3:48PM on Mar 30th 2007
100. I don't care where he spent last night as long as he does a good job in his position. I personally think he is capable and well qualfied and much more than some of those we have to select from.
J C Jordan at 3:48PM on Mar 30th 2007
101. Rudi have too much personal problems to take on the world's problems,personally he seems to be a play boy to me, and all of these wives, really this is not a good example, he has erotic behaviors.
If you didn't know this about him then you would have to deal with it, but if you really know someone's character and you ignore it then it is on you, and what you see is what you get!
gimmieme at 4:37PM on Mar 30th 2007
102. So what if Rudy is on his third wife? At least he's upfront about it. Apparently only the philandering Kennedys and Bill Clinton get a pass. Don't forget what happened to THEIR mistresses. At least Monica is still alive.
Larry at 4:24PM on Mar 30th 2007
103. I don't know where Bush got the notion that it is a traditional thing for president's wives to stay out of policy decisions? He is dead wrong, He needs to read at least one book - American History!
Nick at 4:09PM on Mar 30th 2007
104. Hey !! Making fun of Rudy's speech impediment is cruel. Would you make fun of Liz Edward's cancer or Ann Romney's Multiple Sclerosis , MS is really tragic and hopeless. No I hope you wouldn't.
MISSY at 7:44PM on Apr 1st 2007
105. The President needs a healthy wife, not a sickly wife. Romney's wife is sickly so is Edwards, now. This unfortunately matters! My heart goes out to the Romneys and Edwards families !
Natalie at 7:48PM on Apr 1st 2007