I'd have to agree with you there. No matter how many people protest that it's wrong to judge by appearances, the reality is that's it normal to do. My guess is that most of the snickering would stop if Fred's wife got a first lady makeover. I don't think the issue is as much about their age difference as it is about her presentation. Your mention of Callista Gingrich's style is a good comparison...
maybe it’s just me, but in that pic, i see a woman who stole someone else’s husband, and it doesn’t much matter WHAT she is wearing, that is what i see.