Melania Trump is not running for President. Arguably, she is a public person, but she isn't the one seeking elected office. As I've written here numerous times before, I strongly believe that the family members of elected officials...and those who desire to be elected officials...need to be exempt from the very public scrutiny that befalls those in (and those seeking) public office.
It was true with Barbara Bush, and the myriad of negative comments directed towards her. And her granddaughters, the children of George W. Bush. And Chelsea Clinton (when drug addict Rush Limbaugh mocked her appearance on a national television show) as well.
I've seen numerous stories about Ms. Trump's biography, her immigration status, and the like. I also understand the desire to paint her husband as a hypocrite on the issue of immigration. But Melania Trump didn't ask to run for office. I am sure that with Donald Trump's wealth and influence, she has received many forms of privilege, but that's an all too common perk of being wealthy in this country, regardless of political affiliation. At best criticize his actions, but not hers. This goes, especially so, for her former modeling career.
Was it fair to criticize her speech at the Republican National Convention? Sure, because that was her speech. She put herself out there, and with that, she opened herself up to the feedback that goes with taking that kind of chance. Fair enough. But this is far different than the notion of "attack via association" that's going on now.
By all means, let it rip against Donald Trump, even to the point of noting that he changes wives like some change cars (trading them in for a newer model every few years). Criticizing Melania Trump just because she happens to be wife #3 for "The Donald"? That's simply wrong.
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