ROMNEY'S GREATEST ASSET – AT 10:15 A.M. ET:  That's his wife, Ann.  She handles things so well, and has a winning style.  She also knows how to fight back graciously.  From The Hill:

Ann Romney, the wife of GOP front-runner Mitt Romney, told supporters at a private fundraising event on Sunday that last week’s Hilary Rosen controversy was an “early birthday present.”

“It was my early birthday present for someone to be critical of me as a mother,” she said. “That was a really defining moment, and I loved it.”

Ann Romney turns 63 on Monday...

...Last week, HilaryRosen, a Democratic strategist, told CNN that Romney had “never worked a day in her life.” After initially defending her remarks, she issued an apology.

COMMENT:  A potential first lady can't elect a president, but can be an asset, or a deficit.  Most are neutrals.  Hillary Clinton was widely considered a deficit to Bill Clinton in 1992, especially after she made a disparaging remark about homemakers.  (Shades of Hilary Rosen.)  But she has run a successful, for her, independent career. 

Laura Bush was an asset to Bush 43, but not an influential factor.  Michelle Obama was, at first, an asset to Barack, but her lavish vacations have hurt her.  For some reason, she seems to be less "present" than she used to be.  Polls show that she is still more popular than the president.

The two most "public" first ladies of reasonably recent vintage were Eleanor Roosevelt and Jacqueline Kennedy.  Although Eleanor could be annoying, she was considered by many observers of the time to be a tremendous asset to FDR, who was confined to a wheelchair.  She was his eyes and ears, and, especially during the Depression, she had the common touch that endeared her to struggling Americans.  During the war, she spent much time with troops, even venturing overseas, and they appreciated it.  Her sons were in the service, which gave her a special connection with the millions of American mothers whose sons (and daughters) also served.  Later, following her husband's death, she helped save the Democratic Party, at least temporarily, from the vociferous left. 

Jacqueline Kennedy was more problematical.  She added glamour and class to the White House, and she became a style icon.  But her little-girl voice hurt her, as did a stunning lack of familiarity with major issues.  Her later marriage, after President Kennedy's assassination, to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, tarnished her image. 

What kind of first lady would Ann Romney be.  I think she'd be terrific.  Political reporters note that, at Romney rallies, she's the star, even though her husband is the candidate. 

April 16, 2012