Obama's Bill Problem

Welcome to the first topic on Power to the People.

Today's topic is more for the Dems and indies to weigh in on but, as usual, any political stripe can join the fun.

The Clinton's are ratcheting up the heat on Barack Obama as you would expect. They are showcasing their incomparable political will by adopting a tag team strategy that forces Obama to defend himself on two fronts. As Bill lays the wood directly to Barack, Hillary calmly outlines her proposals to highlight the substantive differences between her and the junior Senator from Illinois. www.nytimes.com/2008/01/21/us/politics/21clinton.html?ref=politics

Very effective. Obama has already acknowledged that he must address Bill's attacks, which plays right into the Clinton's strategy. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22769395/

While many, including me, feel it is unseemly (a polite word) for a former President to insert himself so strenuously in a national campaign in which he is not running, "unseemly" does not deter the Clintons. In fact, "outrageously inappropriate" doesn't deter the Clintons. Come to think of it, nothing deters the Clintons--not impeachment, not public humiliation, not losses in caucuses, not brow-beating opponents, not bad press, not even bad hair days. That's probably why they win.

So... what's a brother to do? How would you advise Obama as he starts to hear that old Motown gem "Don't Mess With Bill" drown out his message of hope? Here's what I'd do:

Sic Michelle on Bill.

That's right. If one spouse can call out a candidate, so can another. Michelle is ready, willing and able. As a lawyer, she can represent with the best of them. As a mother, she knows how to command respect. As an attractive woman, she can draw a crowd.

But what she can really do is highlight the fact that Bill, when all is said and done, is merely a spouse. Like she is. Influential? Of course. Involved? Of course. On top of the situation? Of course. Just like she is. And with that, she undercuts the notion that Bill has special authority because he was Potus.

And any criticism she might receive is easily parried by saying, "Hey, I'm not going to stand by while another spouse attacks my spouse. If he can do it, so can I".

This allows Obama to keep his focus on just one opponent--without the other jumping off the ropes behind him and slamming him to the canvas.

Love to hear your thoughts. Tomorrow we talk about the economy. For all you Repubs.