The way the numbers of the electoral votes were furiously ticking away, it looked clear as day that Barack Obama was destined to make history as the first black President of the United States.

Though cliched it may be, the point that comes to mind after having followed the developments closely is how imperative it is for a man to have an equally charismatic and classy woman behind him when he is making his climb to glory.

Obama's running mate in life is cool and collected Michelle who is as beautiful as she is smart. She is a graduate from Princeton University and Harvard Law School and is a lawyer by profession.

And, mind you, she does have her Louboutins and Loewes down pat as well because she has appeared several times on various best-dressed lists. In fact, she has been compared to the late Jacqueline Kennedy for being a sharp dresser.

Despite being thrust into the global limelight, Michelle plays her part well too, not quite projecting herself as an advisor to her husband (which oftentimes works adversely for a politician, any politician at that) but instead, earning brownie points by just being sturdy and supportive (and scandal-free, of course!).

Her recent appearance on an Oprah Winfrey segment showed her to be very"regular" and relaxed as well, with a sense of humour to boot. Yes indeed, Michelle does seem like the good half for her better half.

Whether they like it or not, men in high offices (especially, although it applies to ordinary Joes as well) need that "perfect" partner. No matter how liberal some people are, there is always that old-fashioned streak that makes them look out for these values before putting their trust in a leader.

Somehow, America's First Ladies have not disappointed. From motherly Barbara Bush, stylish Nancy Reagan, ultra-chic Jacqueline Kennedy to brainy Hillary Clinton, they have come up trumps.

Hillary only made her steely presence felt when she became a Senator, even positioning herself later as a presidential candidate for the Democrats before Obama won over.

Meanwhile, being a barrister herself, you could say Cherie Blair has more than her share of credentials to make an excellent sparring partner for Britain's former Prime Minister, Tony Blair.

Yes, indeed, what you are - or make yourself to be - can make or break the careers and lofty positions of your spouse.

I mean, I wouldn?t think that Imelda Marcos' penchant for shoes and more shoes did Ferdinand any good, image-wise. I mean, if you are a penny-pinching Filipina, wouldn't you be wildly resentful of the immense numbers of the Stuart Weizman, Dior and Gucci heels that line her walk-in wardrobe, considering that the price of just one of her mules would feed a whole household for a month?

Also, the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, didn't do her then hubby Prince Andrew a favour either with her wild ways. I recall reading with amusement how she earned the wrath of Kensington Palace when she, armed with a brolly, poked the bums of unsuspecting guests at an Ascot event.

Somehow, the late Princess Diana was in a league of her own. She became a media darling almost as soon as she married her Prince, outshining her Prince Charles at every turn.

Alas, it worked adversely for her as it didn't gain her the popularity vote with British royals. I suppose the thing about being a partner in our context is to be able to keep a discreet but respectful distance from the hoopla and hype.

It isn't the easiest thing if you have Diana-like appeal but the situation calls for much retraint. How Michelle Obama will handle her new status has yet to be seen but given her cool disposition, I have a feeling that she will score with flying colours.