Richard Pennycuick wrote:

>...  Our last prime minister, Paul Keating, was well-known for his
>passions for Mahler and French antique clocks.  These were almost always
>reported as examples of eccentricity, elitism, insert-derogatory-word-here.
>However, the politician who likes it to be known that he/she enjoys the
>same pursuits as The Common Man/Woman will be suspected of attempted
>self-promotion.  Alas, it may be ever thus.

The trick is to let the wife manifest interest in the fine arts, a la
Jaqueline Kennedy.  I believe that the only president in my lifetime to
appreciate classical music was Truman and he didn't flaunt it.

I suppose the rules may change when we have a woman president!

Walter Meyer