Softening Up - Same Old, Same Old Media Coverage of Candidates' Wives

Hillary's departure from the 2008 presidential race means media coverage of the candidates' spouses reverts to business as usual. Female leadership has been pushed to the back burner, and what's simmering nowadays in every media pot is the same old, same old overcooked piece on the candidate's wife as a lovely asset.

I'm so tired of chewing on this. Was I naive to think it would be any different this time around?

We have not progressed a millimeter in this election year. We're once again treating women as ornamentation. Ambulatory arm candy. The must-have accessory for every well-appointed man running for president.

Notice how the headlines have shifted over to the Two C's - clothing and catfights? (I confess - I wrote about the former just like everyone else - and even though I knew it would be of interest, I was ashamed.)

This step backwards has frustrated some of the most accomplished women in media and marketing. Here's two for your consideration:

• Columnist Susan Estrich's commentary on "The Wives"
• Author Lisa Witter's op-ed "Unfetter women's intellect on campaign trail" in Newsday.

We expect nothing less than substantial personal strength and professional accomplishment in our presidential candidates. So why are these qualities a liability in a First Lady, and why the emphasis on 'softening' the spouse's image? Why, after the historic campaign of Hillary Clinton, are we back to square one when it comes to candidates' wives?