Don't Forget the Ladies

What really matters!

 

 

I have written often about Presidents, but far less often about the Presidents' wives.  Many things impact the influence of the stability of the nation.  This blog considers the important of presidential wives.  Only one U.S. President was unmarried throughout his life.  Six presidents were unmarried when they took office.  Cleveland married while in office.  Four were widowers when they took office and never married again.  Three lost their wives while in office.  However, in recent years our presidents have had wives beside them as they campaigned and served.  Do First Ladies matter?  If the issues predicted by Ulysses S. Grant in the comment above are significent, do such things apply to First Ladies?,  

   The role of the President's wife is undefined, but First Ladies have gradually carved out roles.  In addition to social duties in the White House and representing the nation when they travel, many of the modern wives have chosen causes they wish to support. 

The absence of a title for the President's wife was left to Washington, and he chose Lady Washington.  Early presidents followed his example.  Today, presidential wives are called First Ladies.  Our modern First Ladies are seen as partners to the president.  Some are outgoing and involved in their husband's activities, including campaigning, and participating in their husbands' policy advocacy.  Others have social causes of their own.

Some are close political confidantes of their husband, even crafting political speeches.  It is common today for first ladies to campaign for their husbands.  Most modern First Ladies have specific causes of their own, speaking out to bring attention to the causes they support.  Eleanor Roosevelt set an example for First Ladies, and most since have continued to follow her example, although with less involvement by most.  Eleanor was not afraid to get out of the White House and advocate for her causes, and because her husband had been crippled by polio, her willingness to travel in his place was important. In surveys, Eleanor's popularity continues to the present time, generally at the top.  

Early wives of the past are often unknown to modern women taking polls; however, Abigale Adams is an exception.  The letters between the second president and his wife, have survived, and his respect for her opinions are apparent, including her ability to manage their farm while he was away.  She is perhaps best remembered for her quote, reminding her husband "to remember the Ladies."   

The grace of Jacqueline Kennedy following her husband's assassination keeps respect for her alive.    Michelle Obama often ranks highest among modern First Ladies. 

One survey divided responses into 10 categories:  Background, Value to the Country, Steward, Courage, Accomplishment, Integrity, Leadership, Being Her Own Woman, Image, and Value to the President.  Mrs. Roosevelt topped that list, followed by Bess Truman, Mamie Eisenhower, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson.    

Perhaps in the early years of our nation, far less was expected of the President's wives.  Yet, I was surprised that many surveys ranked wives of early presidents quite high.  I could not help wondering how those responding even knew the early wives.

Today, most Presidential candidates utilize their wives and children in the campaigns.  Do citizens like that, or would they prefer the old-fashioned campaigns when wives and children were left at home...or seated in the back!  

The only conclusion I could make from my research was that people do pay attention to the wives of the presidential candidates. Whether publicly using the candidate's family or leaving them at home and out of the picture is better I do not know.  Personally, I think meeting the candidates family is relevant--especially since their wives may host important visitors.