This was fascinating, both the deep dive into First Ladies and the observation that a First Gentleman has different ways that he will need to talk to the public. I live in sort of a Coolidge-obsessed place where everything is named after him, but I never knew about Mrs. Coolidge and her raccoon.
Thank you for this—a great read. Mention of men dressing up in drag for laughs as they were asserting their superiority to the ladies and that was supposed to be funny, struck a chord. When I was on staff at a publication in the early 80s (Nancy Reagan Time), we put on a staff “talent show” of some sort I’ve managed to mostly forget, save for the chorus line of male editors and others all dressed up for a few high kicks. It was a completely flat head scratcher for me but hit a homer with everyone else. Of course, being female, it’s only taken me four decades and you, Merrill, to find the joke.
I have been a Doug Emhoff fan since they moved to DC, but had never considered him from this perspective. A great read. Thank you for the research and of course for bringing your singular perspective!
This was fascinating, both the deep dive into First Ladies and the observation that a First Gentleman has different ways that he will need to talk to the public. I live in sort of a Coolidge-obsessed place where everything is named after him, but I never knew about Mrs. Coolidge and her raccoon.
That's kind of amazing. There is a large slice of the conventional world that just does not give a damn about women.
Ironically, it appears that Mrs. Reagan was in fact more involved with nuclear missiles than she was with sock drawers. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/04/01/nancy-reagan-ronald-cold-war/
Really interesting. Thanks!
Apparently John Quincy Adams’ wife, Louisa, raised silkworms… I bet he didn’t like that either.
Thank you for this—a great read. Mention of men dressing up in drag for laughs as they were asserting their superiority to the ladies and that was supposed to be funny, struck a chord. When I was on staff at a publication in the early 80s (Nancy Reagan Time), we put on a staff “talent show” of some sort I’ve managed to mostly forget, save for the chorus line of male editors and others all dressed up for a few high kicks. It was a completely flat head scratcher for me but hit a homer with everyone else. Of course, being female, it’s only taken me four decades and you, Merrill, to find the joke.
Thank you for this. Feeling fortunate to read your work.
aw, thanks Lily.
Totally Love This Read!!! Thank you so much!! 🙏🙏🙏
I think Doug can do it far better than most. What a wonderful read! Thank you!
Marvelous essay, MM! Absolutely fascinating and so much research! You should publish it as a Kindle short! All the best, PP (I guess, also, CC)
Thank you, Merrill. One of my favorites. So good. ♥️
Thank you Madame Jukes.
Great stuff. Thanks.
I have been a Doug Emhoff fan since they moved to DC, but had never considered him from this perspective. A great read. Thank you for the research and of course for bringing your singular perspective!
And thank you for once again reminding me that it is time for me to make more noodles and cabbage!
Poor Rebecca, she died of a broken heart.