By John W. Lillpop
Modern American political life has seen the wives of American presidents assume an ever- increasing role in the formulation and execution of U.S. policy. Indeed, strong women are now the norm, rather than the exception, when it comes to the First Lady.
Roslyn Carter, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Barbara and Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama have significantly influenced the thinking and actions of their powerful husbands, sometimes wielding even more clout than the elected vice president and appointed cabinet officials.
Although the wife of the president is always unelected and officially powerless, the American people have a vested interest in knowing the qualifications and credentials of those women who would be “First Lady.”
Furthermore, the intelligence, knowledge, and articulation skills of the would-be First Lady will provide valuable insight into the judgment and wisdom of the presidential candidates. Informed voters should be able to examine the individual merits of the woman likely to exert the greatest influence on the “most powerful man in the world.”
Which is why the prospective first ladies should debate the issues in detail and in view of the entire nation.
An Ann Romney versus Michele Obama debate would be exciting, informative, and might even decide the eventual winner of the 2012 election!
