Have a Seat

Barack Obama doesn't want people to criticize his wife, the things she says or use those things in opposing political campaign ads. Understandable.

It's reasonable for a husband to come to the defense of his wife, but if the wife is out campaigning for said husband in a presidential race, it is also reasonable for both husband and wife to expect criticism. We're not playing patty-cake here.

However, in situations where disputing parties have reasonable expectations, trade-offs are necessary to resolve such disputes. (This is a concept with which the Obamas--a pair of lawyers--should be familiar.)

So here goes my attempt at amateur lawyering.

Pundits, professional and otherwise, will lay off of Michelle Obama. In her turn, Mrs. Obama will, for the most part, heed the advice which NBA star LeBron James offered to his mother when she inserted herself into one of his professional campaigns.

Deal?

(Thanks to Hot Air)

Comments

[Phelps]

Yup. Family is off the table until they pull themselves up to it. I've never supported anyone taking shots at the Bush daughters, because they have made it clear that they want no part of that life. Chelsea Clinton and Michael Reagan, on the other hand, have embraced the political side -- and are therefore valid targets. (And Chelsea was off the table, IMO, until she joined her mother's campaign.)

[Dick Stanley]

As someone else (I forget who) said: Barry should a skirt so no one can tackle him. Looks to me like Michelle can hold her own without his whining.

[Khaki Elephant]

Well argued, Juliette.
You can't send out a storm trooper like Michelle Obama and then declare her off limits.