By guest host Jane Clayson:

In the race for ‘08, strong and smart women and one ex-President are a force on the campaigns. The compliant spouse, neatly coiffed and smiling in the background, is a thing of the past.

The candidates’ spouses are giving their own speeches and playing the politics, but moreover, they are making news. Elizabeth Edwards took on Ann Coulter. A speech Michelle Obama made last week was construed as a veiled dig at Hillary.

Some of the spouses are taking opposite stances on the issues, reasoning no couple agrees on everything after decades of marriage.

This hour On Point: the candidates’ power spouses and what they mean for this presidential race.

Guests:

Judy Bachrach, contributor to Vanity Fair and author of “Giuliani’s Princess Bride” in the September issue of Vanity Fair;
Eleanor Clift, contributing editor and “Capitol Letter” columnist for Newsweek;
Allida Black, Research Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University and Project Director and Editor of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers