Maverick liberal Mickey Kaus probes the Democrats mommie meme, most recently reflected in Barbara Boxer's attack on Condoleezza Rice as a childless woman who therefore is not entitled to an opinion on Iraq:
"The 'it's all about children' meme must focus-group really well, because Democrats keep trotting it out (most famously to justify welfare payments for 'children,' even though it's adults who get the checks). I don't remember Mommyism winning any national elections, though--especially during a war.
"Boxer also managed to leave the implication that if only her children were of the right age, they would of course be volunteering to serve their country in the military. I don't know Boxer's children, but I'm skeptical."