BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA — President Nestor Kirchner and his wife are poised to launch a new political dynasty today in an election that promises to replace him with her.
Argentines are grateful to Kirchner for engineering a recovery from a 2001 economic crisis that savaged the middle class, and that has translated into such broad support for his wife, Sen. Cristina Fernandez, that she will probably avoid a second round.
Argentine law prevents more than two consecutive terms, but a husband- and-wife team could alternate power for as long as their support continues.
Kirchner has taken on the role of cheerleader during the campaign, saying little except that he relishes the idea of becoming “first gentleman.” But Fernandez has left little doubt that a vote for her is a vote for him, stressing his accomplishments more than any proposals of her own.
Public attention has focused more on Fernandez’s glamorous looks than on her politics, despite her solid credentials in the Senate.
Dubbed “Queen Cristina” by many critics, Fernandez campaigned in gritty slums in designer clothes.
Many joked that her frequent campaign trips abroad were focused more on shopping than politics.
Fernandez said such criticism reflects “a certain level of misogyny.”
In a recent interview, she said, “Should I have to dress up as a poor person to be a good political leader?”
