The Democratic debate on ABC was a substantive exchange of ideas about serious policy issues among the three major Democratic candidates. Until moderator Martha Raddatz decided there had been enough of that for one evening, and asked what might just be the most baffling and trivial question of any of the presidential debates so far.
Hillary Clinton was asked about flower arrangements at the Democratic debate. Yes, really.
Andrew Burton/Getty Images
Secretary Clinton, first ladies, as you well know, have used their position to work on important causes like literacy and drug abuse. But they also supervise the menus, the flowers, the holiday ornaments, and White House decor. I know you think you know where I’m going here. You have said that Bill Clinton is a great host and loves giving tours, but may opt out of picking flower arrangements if you’re elected. Bill Clinton aside, is it time to change the role of a president’s spouse?
It’s a question Hillary Clinton has been dealing with since 1992, when journalists sometimes questioned her role in making substantive policy while she was first lady. At the time she responded, “I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas.”
The Clinton campaign responded with a tweet clipping video from the 1990s, when Clinton made a speech talking about human rights in China.
Here's a First Lady dealing with China. #DemDebate pic.twitter.com/tfanZIEVN5
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) December 20, 2015 
By Javier Zarracina and Sarah Frostenson
