AFP, Washington :
From Martha Washington to Melania Trump, the role of US first lady is as old as the republic itself.
But if one of half a dozen Democrat hopefuls get their way in 2020, the nation could soon have a first gentleman – potentially even the husband of America’s first gay president – move into the White House.
The presidential spouse has always been a woman, and while her duties have never been officially codified, she is expected to function as the mansion’s hostess, overseeing its social and ceremonial events.
But the longstanding tradition and expectations of that ornamental and highly visible role, may soon be upended.
Four years ago it was Bill Clinton who was widely expected to become first
gentleman once Hillary Clinton did away with Republican Donald Trump, but history intervened.
Now, women senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand and
Amy Klobuchar, along with congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, are competing to
unseat Trump and become the nation’s first female commander in chief.
Their husbands have largely shunned the spotlight, all too aware of the unwritten campaign rule: “Don’t overshadow your spouse.”
Some have taken the stage with their candidate better halves more than others, and social media has been the venue for a few to shine.
One candidate spouse in particular, Chasten Buttigieg, has been gaining positive attention, and is already leading the 2020 spouse primary.
He is the 29-year-old husband of South Bend, Indiana’s millennial Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and their same-sex marriage would make White House history.
Buttigieg remains a long shot for the nomination, but Chasten’s joyous and seemingly unscripted Twitter feed, which combines awe for his accomplished husband with well-placed humor, has a growing following.
Chasten, a middle school teacher who met Buttigieg through an online dating app, radiates charm as he uses self-deprecating humor and candor when ruminating on life as a candidate’s spouse.
From Martha Washington to Melania Trump, the role of US first lady is as old as the republic itself.
But if one of half a dozen Democrat hopefuls get their way in 2020, the nation could soon have a first gentleman – potentially even the husband of America’s first gay president – move into the White House.
The presidential spouse has always been a woman, and while her duties have never been officially codified, she is expected to function as the mansion’s hostess, overseeing its social and ceremonial events.
But the longstanding tradition and expectations of that ornamental and highly visible role, may soon be upended.
Four years ago it was Bill Clinton who was widely expected to become first
gentleman once Hillary Clinton did away with Republican Donald Trump, but history intervened.
Now, women senators Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Kirsten Gillibrand and
Amy Klobuchar, along with congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, are competing to
unseat Trump and become the nation’s first female commander in chief.
Their husbands have largely shunned the spotlight, all too aware of the unwritten campaign rule: “Don’t overshadow your spouse.”
Some have taken the stage with their candidate better halves more than others, and social media has been the venue for a few to shine.
One candidate spouse in particular, Chasten Buttigieg, has been gaining positive attention, and is already leading the 2020 spouse primary.
He is the 29-year-old husband of South Bend, Indiana’s millennial Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and their same-sex marriage would make White House history.
Buttigieg remains a long shot for the nomination, but Chasten’s joyous and seemingly unscripted Twitter feed, which combines awe for his accomplished husband with well-placed humor, has a growing following.
Chasten, a middle school teacher who met Buttigieg through an online dating app, radiates charm as he uses self-deprecating humor and candor when ruminating on life as a candidate’s spouse.
