The High Cost of Mrs. Obama's Popularity

President Obama should use whatever tool he has to help his re-election bid -- including his very nonpolitical wife. But there's something mildly irritating about the fact that Michelle Obama is perceived as his best political asset, yet in order to remain that way, she has to be seen as almost apolitical.

Katherine Jellison, a history professor at Ohio University who has studied first ladies, explained to the Washington Post recently, "It's always been safest if you play the loyal-wife card." Jellison compared Obama's role to that of Laura Bush, adding, "I'm not saying I approve, but people can forgive a lot if they know 'Oh, she is just being a loyal spouse.' "    More Read