Inspired by the candidacy of Lindsay Graham, who certainly has other problems.
But, in this day and age, could a never married guy win, even if all the other stars were properly aligned?
There have, of course, been sub rosa rumors re: Mr. Graham’s sexuality, but wouldn’t that be the case with any never married guy who didn’t have a string of female, darn what’s the word I’m looking for here, settling for “conquests”? And wouldn’t that present its own set of problems?
What do people think?
(I do know that only one bachelor has ever won and that was some time ago.)
Even these days, I doubt that a gay guy could be elected president. That said, few people really care that much about the first lady. Assuming our hypothetical bachelor was at least plausably straight (had occasional relationships with girlfriends, and didn’t set off people’s “gaydar”) as was otherwise decent presidential material, I don’t see his lack of a wife being a serious problem.
Since the First Lady does have quasi-official duties as the White House hostess, I wonder what they would do if the president didn’t have a wife, or at least a steady girlfriend. Would they hire an official hostess?
He was a widower, and there was no question about his orientation.
It may be a few years, but only a few, and yes, I think a gay guy could get elected President - if he was in an apparently stable, loving marriage. The notion of a candidate for major office being out is no longer an issue - hey, a lesbian is the mayor of Houston, of all places.
There have been several First Ladies who weren’t the spouse of the president. The tradition (not used for the last century or so due to spousal availability) is for the president to ask a female relation or friend to fulfill the task of Hostess.
I have to assume that a partnered gay man would receive stiff opposition due to the inability of some to accept a man as Host of the White House, e.g., First Lord. Gentleman. Whatever.
If he was the right guy. Lindsey Graham couldn’t, but someone that got the electorate actually excited, like Obama did, could.
Charlie Crist would be closer, but still not a once-in-a-generation personality.
A lesbian might have an easier job, (and this is horrible to say, but I’m only observing, not endorsing), especially if anti-gay voters convinced themselves she just “wasn’t pretty enough” to land a husband.
No, he’d have opposition merely because he was gay. We may have a First Gentleman soon enough, if Hillary gets elected. Some people think a woman can’t be President. (these people are assholes). But more people have a problem with ol’ Bill being First Gentleman than the idea of there merely being a First Gentleman. IMO of course.
Well, the FLOTUS’ role is to be the official WH hostess, and I could at least entertain [snerk] an argument that that purely social function is properly a woman’s job, and I’m sure Miss Manners would say so. Perhaps one or the other of them has a female relative who could do it, like Buchanan’s sister?
Cory Booker is often cited as a potential future presidential candidate, and one whom I think could win someday, and his personal life certainly seems to fall into the “confirmed bachelor” category.
