Opinion: Barbara Richardson, a stay-at-home type

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Candidate spouses have become increasingly prominent in presidential campaigns, an unintended consequence of the elongated process of seeking the White House.

This year, Michelle Obama quickly emerged as a prime profile subject (check here and here for two examples), and she recently graced the covers of Vogue and Jet magazines and, in an interview in the new issue of Glamour, memorably revealed why her husband isn’t particularly cuddlesome in the morning.

Elizabeth Edwards has honed a reputation as a go-to source for pointed political assessments. Jeri Kehn Thompson attracted coverage even before her husband officially became a candidate, and her role in the staff turmoil that has surrounded him remains a hot topic.

Ann Romney is a conspicuous presence in Mitt Romney’s campaign (part of its effort to stress ‘family values’). Cindy McCain has lent her hand to the bid by her mate, John, to resuscitate his presidential hopes.

And then there’s the Big Kahuna of political spouses, former President Clinton, whose transition from star of the show to supporting cast member should remain fascinating to watch.

A contrast to much of this is provided by Barbara Richardson, wife of Bill.

The two go way back together; they met as teens -- she lived across the street from the prep school he attended in Massachusetts. She has been by his side at every step of the political career he began by transplanting himself to New Mexico as a young man.

But she always has maintained a low profile and, as she spelled out in a recent interview with the Associated Press, that’s not about to change.

‘I’ll never be as outspoken as some other candidates’ wives because they’re more comfortable at it,’ she said.

She also provided a refreshingly candid response when discussing the influence she exerts on her husband.

‘Do I sit in on his meetings? No, nor do I care to. I would feel free to tell him what I thought of an issue, but in terms of day-to-day advice, I don’t.

‘He’s not even around day-to-day. He isn’t. He goes out for eight to 10 days at a time. He comes back for a day of rest. The last thing he wants is me yammering on about an issue.’

Many couples can relate, we think.

-- Don Frederick