AP Photo/Jessica Hill; Gareth Cattermole/Getty ImagesWhat can Ann Romney do for a career now that she won't be First Lady? She was great on Good Morning America, so what about TV?
—Blankey Poo, via Facebook
Well, the first thought that came to mind was Dancing With the Stars, of course. But experts tell me that such a move would be a disaster for her. And I found out why, plus what she should really be doing next.
If we do end up seeing Ann Romney somewhere, it likely won't be on a reality show, as awesome as that might be.
According to Rachel Weingarten, a branding expert who has worked with everyone from Christina Aguilera to political wives she'd rather not name, Romney and, say, Dancing With the Stars, are not a good match.
"The first thing that she or her people have to do is find very sympathetic media—not a blitz, and anything but DWTS," Weingarten tells me. "Florence Henderson was a known and adored commodity when she did it, but Romney could become a punchline."
Ouch. But sometimes the truth hurts.
So what should a famous political wife of Ann Romney's stripe do? Well, believe it or not, she might want to follow in the footsteps of—wait for it—Gwyneth Paltrow. Or Heroes alumna Ali Larter, who has a new book about cooking and entertaining due out in late 2013.
"Based on a lot of my work and research, there are a lot of not-so-gracefully aging and very financially secure women who would love someone who doesn't diminish their very pampered role in society," Weingarten points out. "The typical and expected trajectory would likely include charitable giving and similar associations. But if she really wanted to break some ground, she might become a lifestyle guru of sorts.
"Think of a low key and very genteel cross between Martha Stewart and Paula Deen crossed with Diane Sawyer. Topic like child rearing, genuine concern for the health and safety of families."
Which, of course, could also mean a talk show. Would you want to ask Ann Romney how to roast a turkey? Sound off in comments.