The candidates' wives have an important role to play in the campaign.

Presidents aren't required to be married. But if they are, their spouses play an important role. Because Hillary Clinton came close to winning the Democratic nomination, we could have had our first "first gentleman." Do you think this will ever happen? First ladies represent the United States in everything they do, and they can bring attention to whatever causes they think are important.

Michelle Obama was born and raised in Chicago, where she became a lawyer. She worked for the city of Chicago, and was involved with many of the same political groups that her husband worked with. She works for the University of Chicago Hospitals, but has cut back her work time there in order to spend more time campaigning for her husband and taking care of their children. She and Barack have two young daughters, Malia and Sasha.

Cindy McCain was born in Arizona, and became a teacher of children with disabilities. She also founded a volunteer group that sent doctors, nurses, and medical supplies to places that are struck by disasters or wars. She and John McCain have four children, Meghan, Jack, James, and Bridget. Cindy and John adopted their youngest daughter, Bridget, from Bangladesh.

What qualities do you think each of these women have that would make them good first ladies? What do you think are the most important qualities a first lady should have? Why? How important do you think the candidates' wives are to the voters? Why?