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DEIRDRE McGRUDER McClatchy Newspapers

Anyone paying attention to the state of America today knows what a hot mess President-elect Barack Obama will have to deal with when he takes office in January. I keep coming back to the same thought when I consider the rough road ahead:

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President-elect Barack Obama hugs his wife, Michelle, after speaking to a crowd in October.

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Thank goodness he has Michelle.

We’ll never know what’s really going on in the Obama marriage, but they present a picture of a strong, healthy partnership that I don’t think is being faked. Lord knows they’ll need it now more than ever.

I followed the entire presidential race — yep, almost two years — and one of the aspects I found myself focusing on was the interaction between the candidates and their spouses. For instance, I became fixated on catching a glimpse of Hillary and Bill Clinton in a full-bodied hug, or seeing them peck on the lips instead of his lips brushing her cheek (I saw neither). And people might call Cindy McCain a robot, but I saw the affectionate glances she tossed her husband’s way, and the blue steel of her gaze when she felt insulted on his behalf.

Say what you will about Barack and Michelle Obama — and plenty of people have — but can there be any doubt that they are a man and woman in love? They’re each other’s biggest fan. There’s an easy intimacy about them that is inspiring. He often refers to her as the love of his life, and sometimes when they’re together you get the feeling that at that moment, it’s only the two of them, and nothing else matters.

And how did they spend their Friday morning post-election? At a parent-teacher conference at their girls’ school. On Halloween, Barack the Dad walked 7-year-old Sasha to a party as Secret Service agents followed at a respectful distance. Even though Michelle the Mom will be First Lady, she has vowed to attend dance recitals and anything else her kids want her there for.

I think the Obamas offer a fine example of what a happy, healthy marriage looks like. There’s obvious respect, support and communication there, and a sense that it’s a partnership where both sides hold up their end of the bargain and have each other’s back. And frankly, I’ll feel better knowing my president is happily married and less likely to spend his time trying to get a little something on the side. That way, he can focus on more important things ... like being the leader of the free world.