NPR: Is Michelle Obama Fair Game for the GOP?

Is Michelle Obama Fair Game for the GOP?

Barack Obama stands with his wife, Michelle, during a primary results rally in Raleigh, N.C.

With an attack ad running in Tennessee that questions Michelle Obama's patriotism, Barack Obama is hitting back. On today's Good Morning America, Obama called the GOP ad "low class."

"The GOP, should I be the nominee, can say whatever they want to say about me, my track record," Obama said. "If they think that they're going to try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful because that I find unacceptable, the notion that you start attacking my wife or my family."

Is it fair for political opposition to question or "attack" a candidate's spouse?

Geoffrey Gardner

2:52 PM ET | 05-19-2008 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I hate whenever politicians' private lives get put on display or get investigated as part of negative tactics.

That said, Michelle Obama, like many political spouses, has campaigned not only for her husband's election but also for different initiatives that Barack Obama has put out, both in Springfield and Washington. She, therefore, has made herself a target, sadly.

I wish this wasn't the case. I said in an earlier post that scrutiny of my family was the main reason I never went into politics. Unfortunately, she's put herself out there, making herself a campaign issue. I wish things were like the old Soviet Union --wait for it-- because the only time you knew that the Premier had was when you saw the widow at his funeral.

Sent by Matthew Scallon | 2:49 PM ET | 05-20-2008

It is not fair to attack a candidate's spouse or family member - except Bill Clinton, who's on another level being a former President.

The members of the candidate's family have the right to campaign on behalf of the said candidate and they are NOT fair game. Seriously, where do folks draw the line for decency?

Also, the Tennesse GOP must be incredibly dumb after the GOP have lost key seats in the House to the Democratic party even after the smear ads featuring Obama still didn't work in other states (especially Missisippi). Gee, wouldn't it be a common sense approach to perhaps try something new? Hmm I don't know, maybe the candidate's policies?

Sent by Moji | 3:21 PM ET | 05-20-2008

If the spouse is going to be out campaigning, representing (in this case her) husband, his policies, and views, then of course she can be "targeted." You can't have it both ways: a representative helping out but not held accountable. Joining the conversation but not being talked back to. Of course, just with the candidate, one can criticize the criticism of the spouse: if a spouse's patriotism should be off the table, then speak up and say why such criticism is irrelevant.

Sent by Claire Garcia | 5:10 PM ET | 05-20-2008

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:	» List of local stations (PDF)
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
May we contact you with information about NPR programming and services? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

About 'News & Views'

News & Views is the companion blog of NPR's news magazine show, News & Notes. It extends News & Notes' ongoing conversation about the diversity of the African-American experience. For more information, read our Frequently Asked Questions guide and our Discussion Rules.