A Good Woman at His Side

Last night I watched a PBS "American Experience"documentary on President Clinton's journey to the Presidency. It was fascinating, and whether you agreed with him and his policies or not, he was determined from a very early age, to make something of himself, despite the difficulties of his upbringing in Hope, Arkansas. He aspired to greatness, and worked toward it, never acknowledging defeat, but rather looking to see where he went wrong, and how to improve himself for the next go 'round. Admirable, indeed. He also, was smart enough to have a "good" woman at his side: Hilary Rodham, who looked the other way at his weaknesses, and kept "their" eye on the prize.

Another such good woman was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, Second President of the United States. Though John did not have the same failings as Bill Clinton, he did have a fiery temper and a big ego. Throughout his career, Abigail served as an unofficical advisor to him, and he sought her counsel on many issues, including his presidential aspirations. She remained a supportive spouse and confidante once he became president in 1797.

During the American Revolution, the couple spent a great deal of time apart, and Abigail took the proverbial "bull by the horns", and ran the family farm in Braintree. They corresponded voraciously. It is believed that they exchanged over 1,000 letters over the years, discussing everything personal, family, the farm, politics.
Abigail did not always agree with John, but expressed her concerns honestly, and tweaked his conscience on the subject of how the new government would treat women. See below, one of her letters on the subject. Some of her critics called her "Mrs. President", but she would not be deterred. It was a real partnership, that led them from a small law office in Worcester, MA to the steps of the White House.

 “Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.”