Okay, I have waded through various diaries on the recent recommended list and I have also read many of the comments in those diaries. The diaries I am referring to ended up evoking passionate comments by supporters of Hillary and equally passionate comments by Obama supporters.
Not once, however, did I see anyone mention anything about who the First Spouse would be.
The Hillary supporters, many of the feminists, are eager to see a woman elected President. I share that desire.
The Obama supporters are eager to move-on, so to speak, and put the past behind them. They are looking for someone who can transcend the bitterness of the past, someone who can bring this country together, and who reflects a new way of politics. I share that desire also.
Needless to say, the election of either Obama or Hillary is a two-fer - you get the candidate and you also get their spouse. This is an undeniable fact. So I am wondering why so little attention has been paid to the effects that the spouses have on this election. Let me begin.
Remember Bill Clinton and the impeachment hearings? I remember them all too well. I was disgusted with Clinton for his stupidity, his lying, and most of all, what he did to this country with his carelessness. However, I supported him because I was even more disgusted with the hypocritical Republicans and their odious attempt to impeach a president for his personal failings.
That being said, I know that there are still many Democrats who greatly admire Bill Clinton and would like to see him back in the White House, even in the role of first spouse. I am not one of them.
I assume that most people already know the background of Bill Clinton so I won’t go into that here. But how many people here are aware of the background of Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle? Let me give you a glimpse of a strong, accomplished woman.
A few highlights:
- Graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in sociology
- Received law degree from Harvard Law School
- Worked in law firm of Sidley & Austin
- Was assistant to the mayor of Chicago
- Assistant commissioner of planning and development for the City of Chicago
- Vice president of community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center
You want a smart woman in the White House? How about Michelle? I know the role of first spouse is peripheral, but nevertheless it is important. She/he is another face that represents America. So, if there are any fence sitters out there who find it difficult to make up their minds, let me put my two cents in. I, like a lot of other people in this country, have a chronic case of Bill Clinton Fatigue Syndrome. The only cure for that syndrome is to see fresh new faces in the White House, namely, Barack and Michelle.
No, make that four fresh faces - Barack, Michelle and two darling little girls by the names of Sasha and Malia.