Jeri's back in town...

By Libby

It's not my fault. I don't go out of my way to dig up dirt about Mrs. Thompson, but the NYT ran a piece and asked the same question I asked some six weeks ago, so I had to write a post at Newshoggers on it. Needless to say, when the NYT asks, a lot of bloggers weighed in.

Joe Gandelmann was appalled that the question even came up and muses that 20 years ago, it would never have been asked. This is part of what I left in comments.

Although I think you’re right that this wouldn’t have been an issue 20 years ago, when First Ladies did little but redecorate the White House and hold tea parties, in later administrations First Ladies have embraced some political cause or another and have been visible in general on their own. Certainly Laura has made state visits without George. Thus the First Lady becomes the face of America just as much as the President does. It’s not unreasonable to ponder on how Jeri would be received in the public eye, both at home and abroad.

As for it being unfair to ask the question because she hasn’t appeared publicly, it’s been reported that she is very active behind the scenes in this campaign and furthermore she is a seasoned GOP operative having done extensive oppo work for the party in 04. I’d say that’s relevant number one and number two, when you decide to run for president, it’s a tacit agreement to step into the fishbowl and spouses are not immune. In today’s world, a spouse is viewed as a partner in a marriage, not mere chattel.

As I pointed out, I don’t think that it's a necessarily a good thing that the marriage will likely be a factor, but it’s real and can’t be discounted just because it’s tacky.

Michael van der Galien expanded on Joe's post. I weighed in at that comment section too.

It’s certainly much more relevant than Edwards’ haircuts. ...I think the problem is people get all hung up on the term trophy wife and whether its perjorative and miss the point. It’s not like the age difference isn’t apparent and in today’s climate, appearances count for more than they should. ...As I asked yesterday at the Newshoggers, if she’s such an asset, or even a neutral factor and it’s not a problem, why is Fred keeping her in the closet?

The Democratic Daily notes that Jeri is hardly a poor little wallflower and sends us here to illustrate the point.

And T Bogg catches the best lede to a story on the subject.

Gruff, graying Republican Fred Thompson has a proven track record of tapping into a younger generation - starting with his wife.

Following TBogg's links we discover, contrary to what many Thompson supporters have contended, that Jeri is not really a lawyer, she just worked in a law firm and for all those who want to draw a connection to Clinton using his position to take advantage of Monica, it's interesting to note that Fred and Jeri started dating while she was a Senate aide. But I'm not saying he took advantage of that. It appears she chased Fred pretty relentlessly, much as I'm sure Monica chased Bill.

Of more interest, is this little bit of gossip. "Jeri is her husband's adoring, hand-holding top advise -- and even his driver." Not to mention, he tells her how to dress.

Rather authorian, wouldn't you say and that should also put to rest the idea that she's not fair game for scrutiny. If people were free to pile on Amanda and Shakes for working for Edwards, I'd say it's not at all untoward to use the same criteria for Jeri. Obviously, she's an even more important operative in Fred's campaign.