Make no mistake, when I say “first couple” I’m talking about Bill and Hillary, not Adam and Eve.
Former President Bill Clinton stands on the verge of possibly becoming our nation’s “First Man”–and we’re all watching. We’re watching to see whether a man (and not just a man, but our former President) has the confidence, grace, humility, discipline, and selfless restraint to stand supportively at his wife’s side at the peak of her power. And as she aspires to become the leader of the free world.
There are men who have learned what it really means to support the women in their lives and who have stood out as heroes.
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Millions of men have tried to emulate the kind of support worthy of a “First Man,” as their wives have risen to positions of power in their jobs, companies, neighborhoods, communities, and nations. Some have succeeded nobly while others have failed miserably. There are men who have learned what it really means to support the women in their lives and who have stood out as heroes. And there are others who, riddled by fear, insecurity, jealousy and resentment, have succumbed to the threat and sabotaged their wive’s success.
In addition to showing every little girl and woman what is possible in 2016, the selection of Hillary Clinton as a major party candidate has afforded our nation and the world a rare opportunity to see how a man can be big enough to support the woman in his life even when she has grown larger and more powerful in stature than himself. Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, this is what’s up for grabs for Bill Clinton and what many of the rest of us will be watching with great curiosity and hope.
Show us in these coming months (and possibly years) how to reach for the best in ourselves as men.
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I, personally, am cheering for Bill. He was there for me and my family in 1996 when, as President, he and Hillary helped bring our 21 year old daughter back from India where she had died while studying abroad. I might disagree with him on a few issues, and I’m aware of the mistakes he made, but they will always be overshadowed by the kindness and compassion he showed our family in our darkest hour. Bill and I stayed in touch and I was even able to provide him some degree of comfort after the sudden loss of his dear friend, Ron Brown.
So Bill, you’re the man! You can do this! Come November, you may become “The First Man.” Show us in these coming months (and possibly years) how to reach for the best in ourselves as men. Men who know when it’s time to step back and selflessly give of ourselves and our support to our mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, co-workers, and women friends as they reach for moments in the sun. Rest assured that these women, and millions of men like me who aspire to be strong, secure and selfless enough to be good husbands, fathers, sons, colleagues and friends, are cheering you on.
Comment: “You’ve got to expect social media being mixed on our potential first First Man. His speech at the DNC brought up his numbers to 53% positive over the last 30 days but the controversial former POTUS will undoubtedly bounce around the 50 / 50 mark given the fervor of both sides of the ballot box.” – Howard K. 30dB
Source: 30dB.com – Bill Clinton
Photo: Getty Images
I guess that’s better than interns need loving. I wonder though how many men with high achieving wives are really against getting to stay home and relax letting the maid do the cleaning and the nannies watch the children.
I think the problem mostly lies with women who out earn their husbands, but for financial reasons, the husband still has to work or there are disagreements over the way he handles or doesn’t domestic issues.
Yep, the guy that cheated on his wife in the oval office, then sought to redefine sex rather then accept responsibility for his many indiscretions would be a fine example of what it is to be a man for our boys.
…and he didn’t inhale.
Let me add, Ken, that my comment has nothing to do with the unfortunate passing of your daughter. My heart goes out to you and your wife in that regard. fyi.
Shouldn’t it be “First Gentleman”? If somehow would have told either Dwight Eisenhower or JFK that firty years on, a (white Gentile) woman and a Jewish man( Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders respectively) would be vying to succeed a black man(Barack Obama) for the US Presidency, then either would have looked at the speaker as though he or she had taken leave of their senses!
Thank you for bringing up an aspect of (what I hope will be) Ms. Clinton’s presidency that I had not thought about. I don’t, of course, know Bill Clinton personally, but from what I know of him, I think he will rise to the occasion and be an exemplary first First Gentleman.