In one of the 92 presidential debates Ralph Nader criticized one of Hillary's funny money deals, and Bill Clinton sensing trouble, immediately jumped on Nader for attacking "my wife". Clinton's intent never was to defend Hillary, it was to change the subject. And dontcha know? It worked!! Nader was taken aback, and shut down his attack, which the media never picked up.
Kerry knows no one is interested in attacking his wife, he just wants a ready excuse to falsely claim they are doing that when he needs to attack Bush.
No, Muskie was sincere.