Presidents and Spouses

Language evolves with society.

   What role and title will Bill Clinton have if Hillary Clinton becomes President?
   There are already some warnings that if Mrs. Clinton moves into the Oval Office, that will mean a continuation of Mr. Clinton's presidency, and a constitutional conflict since only two terms are allowed.
   That would mean, however, that Hillary Clinton would be subservient to her husband's instructions.
   Not likely.
   In any case, many presidential spouses have been partners and advisors to the person who actually held the office. For example, John and Abigail Adams had a long and fruitful partnership, in which the man who became the nation's second President no doubt relied on his wife's input.
   To suggest that spouses don't talk to each other is silly. Presidential spouses have long been influential in helping the President, sometimes to the extent of actually acting in the President's place.
   There is the example of Woodrow Wilson, who had a stroke near the end of his term rendering him incapacitated, and his wife Edith effectively became acting President as she prevented other government officials from contacting him.
   Later, Eleanor Roosevelt became the eyes and ears for her husband Franklin, who was unable to travel easily, incapacitated by polio. She was a touring advisor for him, gathering information on his behalf.
   Nancy Reagan was a very strong protector of her husband, President Ronald Reagan, during his long political career, especially during his final years in the White House when Alzheimer's disease was taking its toll.
   And there is no doubt that Michelle Obama, herself a highly educated and intelligent woman, talks regularly with her husband, President Barack Obama.
   Nor is there any doubt that Hillary Clinton has been a partner and close advisor to her husband during his long political career, which included being governor of Arkansas as well as President. And why would anyone think that Bill has not helped Hillary during her career as senator and as secretary of state?
   Having a member of the family with experience in politics and government is a valuable resource.
   What role did George H.W. Bush, the 41st President, have in advising his son, George W. Bush, the 43rd President? Was he consulted at all? Should he have been? If not, why not?
   It's a reasonable assumption that Presidents often consult with former Presidents on major issues that affect the country. 

   Much talk time has also been invested in speculating on what title Bill Clinton would have if Hillary Clinton should become President.
   Wives of Presidents have traditionally been called First Lady. That, however, is a courtesy title, not a reference to an elected office. So would Bill Clinton be known as First Husband? That suggests there might be a Second Husband.
   How about First Gentleman?  First Dude? First Man? First Spouse?

   Enough. He now holds the title of former President, as do several other recent occupants of the Oval Office, and will always hold that appellation. To invent and attach any other would be a reduction in status.

   Speaking of titles, men who have held the highest office in the land have been addressed as Mr. President. So if Hillary Clinton succeeds, should she be called Mrs. President? No. That implies a secondary relationship, that of wife of a President. Nor does Madame President sound acceptable.
   In 1981, when President Ronald Reagan named Sandra Day O'Connor to be the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court, the traditional title of Mr. Justice So-And-So was changed, dropping the "mister."
   Similarly, corporations have abandoned the use of the term "Mr. Chairman," because so many women now have the job of chief executive. And the leader of the Federal Reserve Board is referred to as Chair Janet Yellen.