At the Water Cooler: Seeking a FLOTUS
Tara’s article got us thinking…
In 2012, what are we looking for in a first lady? What should we expect from women in the White House, and did you see those women represented at the conventions? We asked some of our friends for their thoughts:
I’m looking for a First Lady who does not stand behind her husband, but rather alongside of him. I want to feel confident that my first lady, as quite possibly the only person willing to speak truth to power, is the President’s conscience. I also want her to be knowledgeable about women’s issues around the world and remind him that as goes the prosperity of women, so goes the prosperity of the nation. —Ruth
We need the kind of woman who can be Commander-in-Chief. Since that option is not on the ticket (at least this year!), Ann Romney and Michelle Obama both–albeit through different philosophies–conveyed qualities that anyone who belongs in the White House should possess: intelligence, strength, resilience, integrity, tenacity, qualified leadership, and an idealism humbled by the realities our country faces. But, then again, they had speechwriters. –Jenny
I think that we want someone smart, poised, and respected enough to be president herself. I think that the time of first ladies who stand in their husbands’ shadows is over. The first lady should be someone who is willing to take advantage of her unique position and make her own contributions to the country, and to the world. –Arianne
In the past, we have framed discussions of the first lady in relation to her husband, as her title and traditional role suggests. But in 2012, I am looking for a first lady who stands on her own. While I think that the public has an obligation to judge her as an individual, the first lady has a much bigger responsibility; I want the first lady to empower other women, to tell young women that they can be the next first lady, or better yet, the president. –Sophia
I was so inspired by the women at the Democratic National Convention. Former Secretary Tammy Duckworth was so brave and honorable as a speaker – her story and her body tell us that women fight, women win, and women keep going. Stacey Lihn, the mother from Arizona whose daughter was able to have treatment for a pre-existing heart condition through Obamacare, was only barely holding back the tears all viewers wanted to shed for her journey and her relief to be on the receiving end of such life-changing and life-saving help. It is also easy to be inspired by the FLOTUS, by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, and by Planned Parenthood’s Cecile Richards. But the sheer multitude of women speakers, who spoke with passion and vigor, positivity and intelligence, was the most important and most moving! Elizabeth Warren, Maya Soetoro-ng, Alejandra Salinas, the group of women from the House, NARAL’s Nancy Keenan, Eva Longoria, Congresswoman Gabby Giffords (who was reciting the Pledge despite a bullet to the brain), Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Lilly Ledbetter, Caroline Kennedy. I was humbled and honored to be a women at the sight of their unifying humanity. I was also, lest we forget, pleased and warmed to see the stage prepared by those Democratic men for the women they respect so much. –Cendahl
What I want in a first lady is essentially what I want in any woman leader: intelligence, empathy, a strong genuineness, and a desire to work for change. If she can rock some fashion and have a sense of humor, that would be the ideal, but not necessary. –Colleen
In 2012 America needs a first lady who represents one of the most powerful freedoms and realities of American females today, and that is the power of CHOICE. What do we do with our lives given the circumstances that are presented to us and the opportunities available to us? Both women made different, yet admirable choices. Michelle overcame very humble circumstances to ensure that she received an excellent education and crafted a successful career, demonstrating the power of education to achieve, regardless of circumstances. Ann was privileged with the opportunity to commit her life to her family, church and community, and she made that choice despite the often demanding reality of home life with five active boys. Furthermore, she portrayed the reality that even in fortunate circumstances such as her own, life is never a fairy tale, including the graveness of illness and the commitment to find healing. Both women reflected their stories powerfully for the American public in their speeches. Both women demonstrated that they have been, and would continue to be, steadfast supporters of their husbands in office. And, of high value to me, both women placed a focus on the wonderful gift of motherhood. America needs a first lady who reflects the delicate balance that is womanhood, and in my opinion both dynamic women seem up to the task!—Julie
Now, it’s your turn to join the conversation. Leave your answer below!
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