Most Fashionable First Ladies and Political Wives

Sonsoles Espinosa – Spain's Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero’s wife has a spunky short hairdo, an affinity for fabulous oversized jewelry, and a background as a classical singer.

Carla Bruni – What’s not to love about Bruni’s style? The singer, songwriter, and former model, is also the First Lady of France, where she is often seen beaming in head-to-toe Christian Dior.

Sandra Lee – It's little surprise that Food Network star Sandra Lee knows a thing or two about looking camera ready. The force behind the cooking concept “semi-homemade”, Lee is dating New York’s newest governor, Andrew Cuomo, and is not one to shy away from frills and embellishments


 

Svetlana Medvedeva – Russia’s First Lady, Medvedeva is a glamorous blonde well known for her strong support of the arts and for being a patron of Russian fashion.

Michelle Obama – Love or hate her style, any First Lady who has the guts to wear Moschino and Alexander McQueen, as well as up-and-coming young designers like Proenza Schouler and Jason Wu, is worthy of serious sartorial praise.

 First Lady Michelle Obama may get the bulk of the public’s attention when it comes to her fashion choices, but she’s far from being the only First Lady or political wife to think outside of the box. Here’s a round-up of nine other fashion influencers in the political realm.

Maria Shriver – If being part of the Kennedy family wasn’t enough to seal her fate on this list, Shriver, wife of former California governor and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, has honed her style skills over years of on-camera appearances. Looking at ease in everything from a little black dress to white trousers and a camel top, Shriver has perfected the fashionable prim and proper look.

Joe the American Hero?

Words fail me as I try to understand America's obsession with the real "Joe the plumber." Samuel J. Wurzelbacher is his name, and his instant celebrity astounds me. After his first moments in the spotlight, I honestly thought he would slip away into anonymity once again. However, just over two weeks after the third presidential debate, his media presence continues. Wurzelbacher has become a twisted representation of the average American. I fail to see why everyone feels it necessary to broadcast his thoughts and feelings across the nation. Yes, he is "average." He is a single, working father with his own business and some tax problems, but in my world that does not give him the right to represent the "average Joe" the candidates seem so willing to relate to.
I honestly don't care that this man has endorsed John McCain, who Wurzelbacher calls "a real American." He has also hired a public relations team from Nashville to represent him, especially since McCain has now started referring to him as his role model and "an American hero." Will someone please explain to me how an unlicensed plumber from Toledo, Ohio has become and American hero for simply questioning Obama's tax policies? I just don't get it.