Public Love

What struck me - somewhere between admiration and a cringe - during all of these presidential race speeches were the candidate's declarations of love for their wives. Perhaps it's all election strategy and necessity - think French Sarkozy with his pre-Bruni wife, who campaigned with her while actually in the midst of a divorce. But can one come across authentic with such declarations if they are not meant? Even for such political professionals as Obama and Romney, I doubt it. So I'm a big fan. I frequently do the same, although I am still waiting for my invitation to speak at the Demcratic convention. My husband would never even think of it - even though I think I'd deserve it. Love is such a beautiful thing, why hide it? I hope everyone could live this out, without any fear. Here I'm thinking of Obama's last phrase, "no matter whether straight or gay". Such an important ending to his wonderful speech (watch it!), I felt like declaring from Berlin "Ick bin ein Amerikaner"!