lawrocket 3 #1 June 5, 2008 With the presence of former First Lady Hillary Clinton in these primaries, I was wondering about what people think is the "role" of a First Lady in the presidency. So many First Ladies have had many different roles. Some served as a ceremonial figurehead - best exemplified recently by Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. Others served a more public face of a policy. Nancy Reagan did this, too. "Just Say No" became one of the most famous quotes of the 1980's. Others were knee-deep in policy. Abigail Adams was a frequent and trusted advisor to John Adams. Eleanor Roosevelt was famous for her activism. And, of course, HillaryCare became a moniker for involvement. And Rosalyn Carter was more active behind the scenes. The top of policy importance was Edith Wilson, who was nothing less than acting President for a year and a half after Woodrow suffered a stroke! And yet there were other First Ladies notable for what they did not do. Barbara Bush? Okay, children's books, etc., and her comments about how unfashionable she will ever be. Laura Bush? Unnotable because she did nothing notable. Betty Ford is one of the most recognizable for her rehabilitation centers, the result of an intervention AFTER Ford's presidency ended (she delivered that famous concession speech to Jimmy Carter while an alcoholic and addicted to painkillers). And she and (again Nancy Reagan) were open about their mastectomies - and even faced criticism for it) What is it that you think of when you think of a First Lady? My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #2 June 5, 2008 Quote What is it that you think of when you think of a First Lady? Anything that doesn't remind me of Hillary Clinton! "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 4 #3 June 5, 2008 My view is that the country doesn't elect the First Lady and therefore the role of the First Lady should ONLY be that of the spouse of the President, that is to say, nothing that should have an effect on the lives of taxpayers beyond the minimum of her Secret Service detail. The idea of a "two for one", to me, is absurd.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Andrewwhyte 1 #4 June 5, 2008 In Canada and UK among other nations, the separation between the head of state and the head of the government has allowed us to separate our feelings for the rough and tumble of partisan politics and our love of country. I can hate the Prime Minister all I want, I still love the Queen. I think the first lady in the US best serves her nation by being that 'above the fray' source of dignity that she lends to the institution of the presidency, if not the current holder of the office. She does this by being very active in motherhood/apple pie areas such as volunteerism, literacy programs, and the like. It also requires that she avoid issues concerning employment, budgets or foreign policy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #5 June 5, 2008 certainly the people elect 2. Who was the last viable candidate without a spouse at his (and now her) side? IMO, the better politicians consult their spouse as a private advisor. Where it steps over the line is when the First Lady/Man has power to act (not just voice opinion) independently. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #6 June 5, 2008 Quotethe role of the First Lady should ONLY be that of the spouse of the President, that is to say, nothing that should have an effect on the lives of taxpayers beyond the minimum of her Secret Service detail. I disagree, for practical reasons. First, the government is LOADED with unelected persons. The federal government has 536 1/2 elected people (435 Reps, 100 Senators, a president and a veep). Other than that, they are appointed and hired. Who would have a presidential ear as much as a spouse? I trust my wife for advice in anything and everything. When a guy like Bill Clinton has the intellectual firepower of a Hillary Clinton around him, why would he not utilize that to the extent possible? Abigail Adams was wonderful. People should take some time to read some of the letters that she and John Adams exchanged. I have little doubt that her thoughts affected this country for the better. One cannot expect a President to simply ignore his or her spouse. Bearing that in mind, how First Ladies approach their jobs can be pretty important. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lawrocket 3 #7 June 5, 2008 QuoteWho was the last viable candidate without a spouse at his (and now her) side? Grover Cleveland was the last bachelor to be POTUS. He got married in office to a 21 year-old hottie. My wife is hotter than your wife. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #8 June 5, 2008 Quote Quote Who was the last viable candidate without a spouse at his (and now her) side? Grover Cleveland was the last bachelor to be POTUS. He got married in office to a 21 year-old hottie. Seriously??? That horny motherfucker! "Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
