It shouldn't influence anyone, because the leaders' families aren't the ones we are voting for. But it will.

I couldn't give a monkey's whether they're married, a parent or whatever. They have always used their families as far as I can remember though, whether it's having the "supportive" wife next to them when some tabloid dirt hits the fan, or force-feeding their kid a hamburger for the cameras during the BSE crisis.
Now we've got Cameron parading his pregnant wife as some kind of election aid - "My goolies work - vote for me!"

We've come along way from the days when very gifted women, had to stay in the background, be seen very little, and not heard.

The 'right' sort of supportive, attractive wife is still seen as an asset, though, when she should be a completely separate entity.
Remember all the fuss when this happened?

If it does influence us..How on earth did Blair ever become Prime Minister?....

Good question, Lal.

Wives are for the *grit your teeth and smile* photo , when their twonk of a husband fecks up

And for keeping all those lovely allowances in the family, with a bit of 'secretarial constituency work'

Are we supposed to relate to leaders' wives, or be influenced by them? Are male voters meant to fancy them? I really do wonder what their significance is as an election tool. *Tries not to attribute the word "tool" to their husbands*
To be honest I don't find much to relate to with any of them. As usual one newspaper boiled it down to a fashion article - because of course that is all that matters to female voters

Far from foster an affinity it could have the potential to alienate certain voters.
Sam Cam (oh how catchy!) was photographed wearing a vest - it cost £179.
Now, I like nice things - as do many many people but most of us wouldn't consider, or afford that kind of price for a vest top - even if it was made of silk.
There is their league - and that of the ordinary people, struggling in difficult times. And never the twain shall meet. 

I agree, and wearing a vest top costing THAT much really isn't going to help endear her to voters who're on the breadline

I've had enough of Sam Cam already, it doesn't usually bother me either way. This woman seems to really irritate me and everything about them is PR, much prefer Sarah Brown or Nick Clegg's wife. It wouldn't stop me voting for a party I don't think, I'll never know, I wouldn't be voting for Cameron if someone held a gun to my head

It feels to me that we are following the US trend in electioneering. It's way OTT and surely costs the parties double in expenses for him and her. We should be voting for a party based on their general principles and practices, not on a clothes horse.

I agree Low about it being an American influence.
During the last American elections, much play was made of Obama's family, wife and children.
As for Sarah Palin - she seemed to be followed by dozens of family members.
I don't want a leader's partner introducing him as "my hero".
I don't want the partner involved. I don't like to think of a partner using privileged opportunities in the privacy of the bedroom to persuade the leader.
Now the partner is high profile.
They did their best to keep Dennis Thatcher in the background.
Before that, there were no partners, except invisible ones.

Seems we are agreeing again Yogi.  Hope the same happens when BB comes back.  Could not stand it IF we disagreed. 

We won't disagree, we can spot the good ones.

I'm surprised at the negative comments about Cherie Blair. We all look like that after a night celebrating. Overcame difficult childhood, worked hard at her education, marvellous career in law, and a better political decision maker than her husband.

I don't.

Well I don't either. It was a generalisation. Mrs Joe does though.

She'll love you for sharing that with us.

She need never know.

I couldn't agree more although in all honesty - a prospective leaders wife should be an irrelevance ................I can't believe how shallow the electioneering process has become. does it really matter whether we admire/like the wife?

 
Thought it said 'readers wives'......
 

Tut tut muf  

I did a similar thread to this.


http://talk.gagajoyjoy.com/dis...t/156374843065400170

I had not realised SB that you had done a thread.
I am sorry to duplicate.

Great minds think alike Brisket.

It's all part of the hype and does nothing for me, same as when we're told which celeb is voting for who, another one was mentioned on the news tonight but I've forgotten who as who celebs vote for means nothing to me or my life. I've only ever voted for one party, this year I'm undecided between 2, but can't imagine it being the Tories lol

*** makes note to use that one on Mr Blizzie ***

I generally look that polished by about midday, without any celebrating.

Glad to be of use Blizzie  

At least that is more honest than the 'reasonably priced' M&S dress, which had been discontinued, but they managed to get one specially made for her!

I agree - I am just listening to Draco Malfoy on Sky news telling me the benefits of the proposed 'Robin Hood' tax.

How comforting - he has just said that he is 'not a financial expert'