Heinzstein

Ketchup stains can be hard to remove, as John Kerry's finding out. His prospective First Lady in waiting just broadened the debate in the presidential election with an attack on motherhood, remarking of Laura Bush, "I don't know that she's ever had a real job -- I mean, since she's been grown up". Miaaaow!

Other icons don't seem to be earning her respect either. In the ritual cookie contest (in arena where the steely ambition of Hilary Clinton triumphed over Barbara Bush twelve years ago) Teresa offered Family Circle magazine a recipe producing something resembling the turds of a dog that's been eating gravel and which go well with what seems like some distinctly Un-American beverage.

Being First Lady seems a thankless role at the best of times, and Laura's bland invisibility is probably the best anyone can do given the incivility of partisan politics and especially the continuing confusion over the proper balance of roles for women. Hilary Clinton suffered vilification for her outspoken embrace of a professional and political role. If she reaches the White House, Teresa is set for a rough four years. I'm simply amazed that she's more outspoken than Betty Ford, even without pills and alcohol.