There is an entire exhibit in the Smithsonian Museum of American History dedicated to the first ladies. One wall in this exhibit features 44 pictures of the 44 first ladies America has had. Conveniently, there is room for one more frame on that wall, inconveniently, there is a very real possibility it will not be taken by a woman. Below the print that reads “America’s hostesses” could be a framed picture of Bill Clinton. Alongside the courageous women who have stood behind their husbands during the challenges of their presidencies, will finally be a man standing behind his wife through her obstacles.
If Hilary Clinton becomes our next president it will be a completely different ball game; the roles will be flipped on their heads. America has a tradition of remembering first ladies by their elegance and grace, framing their pictures and displaying their dresses in museums. The inauguration dress has become a staple of the president’s inauguration. Bill Clinton would not look good in an inauguration dress, and I am fairly certain he will not be wearing one. Even the title ‘first lady’, a title near and dear to our country’s story, will need to change.
American history is dominated by men, particularly in the White House. The first ladies, while being held in high respect and dignity, their importance almost equal to that of the president, are a staple of the gentleness of women. They are the social side of the presidency, the soft, amenable side where their husbands need to be firm. This election could bring the reign of powerful females, going against every norm we have regarding the presidency. While Mrs. Clinton would certainly bring a completely new, groundbreaking level to the presidency as the first female president, Mr. Clinton would do the same with his new role of "first lady."
Mr. Clinton has been President of the United States. He knows what the job entails and he is anything but ignorant to the American democratic system. He already has imperative information about our government that is typically withheld from first ladies, and it will affect how he molds to his new role. He will not take on the role of social housewife, rather, he will bring a repertoire and demeanor to the role that American has never seen before.
Mr. Clinton becoming the next ‘first lady' would alter our current culture. Not only will journalistic coverage of White House affairs need to be altered, but American society will need to drastically change the way in which they view the presidential family. Even museums will struggle adjusting their exhibits to be inclusive to a man becoming a member. It will no longer be the loving woman behind the president, raising the children and attending to the media. It will no longer be the case of the inauguration gown covered by one-hundred different magazines and tabloids. America will need something new to talk about. So why is no one talking about it now?
