Politics aside, I see something new and hopeful in the White House this year. I see a couple who appear to be deeply in love, who truly like one another, who operate as a partnership, and who genuinely respect each other. President and Mrs. Obama together make me smile.
That isn't to say that past First Couples haven't loved one another. In my lifetime, I recall the Carter's who seemed to like one another quite a bit. The Reagan's also seemed to love each other in a sweet way. They seemed like a couple who fell into the habit of calling each other "mom" and "dad" during their parenting years and never stopped. The older Bush couple seemed comfortable together and respectful of each other. The Clinton's seemed to work well together as partners – but more in ambition than in life. The younger Bush's seemed content and respectful, much like the elder Bush's. But the Obama's? They seem to be passionate about each other and their family. I haven't seen any passion in the White House in my lifetime.
Seeing passion in the White House makes me feel hopeful. It buoys the spirits of citizens. It reminds us there are wonderful things alive in this uncertain time in our country. It provides a good role model of a happy couple amid the dysfunction of Hollywood publicity. It shows young adults how a couple can work in partnership to raise children together. It makes the President and his family appear accessible and humanizes them. And it reminds me that at the end of the day, President Obama is just someone's husband trying to maintain wedded bliss while doing a really tough job.
Photos by: afranklin and cliff1066
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YOU ARE SO RIGHT! there is just something so sweet and REAL about their marriage…what a blessing for a country to be led by a man who is deeply committed to his wife. what a fantastic example for the youth of this nation.
What a great post! A very different perspective (but well worth discussing). I love the picture too; it seems to sum up the words of your post.
I whole heatedly agree. My husband and I have talked about this quite a bit. It is refreshing and I don't know…almost comforting? in a way to see such a real and healthy relationship between our nation's leader and his wife.