I am fascinated by the Teresa Heinz-Kerry issue.

I like what I have seen of Ms. Heinz-Kerry. Her I’m-so-rich-that-I-don’t-need-to-take-crap-from-anyone

attitude is very refreshing. She could be a real asset to Kerry if she plays her cards right.

However, she could also be a huge liability.

When you look at her impact on the a coldblooded

From what I can see, she is automatically vulnerable on two fronts:

1. Her vast wealth. It already seems likely that she’s been taking advantage of every tax loophole known to humankind, while advocating tax increases for those less well-off. Tax increases that (a) won’t affect her, and (b) she probably won’t pay in any event.

2. Her foreign birth and strange accent.

She can overcome these liabilities if she remains likable and a little quirky.

Actually, one of the best things for her to do would be openly admit — and flaunt — her wealth. If some reporter asks her whether she knows the cost of a gallon of milk, etc., Ms. Kerry would be wise to reply, in an arch tone, “of course not, young man. I’m rich!” She could even take it a little farther and talk about how fast and comfortable her private jet is, etc. Middle America will actually like her if she comes accross as a lady who is living large and loving it.

However, if she begins to exhibit the following characteristics, she’ll be an anchor around Kerry’s neck:

1. The Rich Bitch. If she ever makes a single snobbish remark about Middle America, she is dead meat. It is often very hard for rich people to suppress their innate sense of elitism, condescention, and superiority. Kerry’s advisors have undoubetdly told her to avoid this at all costs, but she’ll be in the media spotlight for the next four months. If she has any feelings of elitism, it’ll probably be impossible for her to keep them under wraps for that long. Interestingly, if this happens, it probably won’t be in response to a “gotcha” question from a right-wing reporter. Ms. Kerry strikes me as too smart for that. Rather, it’ll probably just slip out one day, in a thoughtless offhand remark. If it does, she’s probably toast.

2. A faux populist. If Ms. Kerry tries to “get real,” she’s toast. Any clumsy attempt to relate to the lives and concerns of ordinary Americans will likely be fatal. For instance, if she says “hey, I had a normal childhood, my mom made me mop the floor and peel potatoes; she strictly forbid the maids from helping me with these tasks,” again, she’s doomed. As I recall, Howard Dean’s mom made a similar remark, something like the fact that their Park Avenue apartment had only three bedrooms and no servants, so Howard had a normal childhood, etc. Again, Kerry’s advisors have undoubtedly told her to avoid this, but as a politician’s wife on the campaign trail she will also feel a lot of pressure to connect with and relate to the voters, so something like this could easily slip out.

3. A poliical liberal. If Ms. Kerry has any of the political views typical of her peers, and if she starts talking about them forcefully, she will be on very thin ice. The danger of this for her is heightened by the fact that she is a rich woman who is not used to taking any crap from anyone. I mean, just imagine a remark about sexually repressed, bible-thumping fundamentalists, or unseemly, troublemaking black activists, etc. One can only imagine the embarrasment that could flow from a discussion of any number of issues, such as abortion, gay marriage, whatever.

Anyway, this is a fascinating issue. I very much like what I have seen of Ms. Kerry, and while I hope her husband is destroyed at the polls I hope it does not come at her expense. It’ll be very interesting to see how this plays out.