If you are a political junkie, a lover of history, or enamored with power, Washington, DC, can provide plenty of it. It wouldn’t take much effort to run into people of immense influence, members of American institutions, and those writing history daily here.
Of course, I love history and respect the game of politics when it ends up helping more than it hurts. But I’ve never been impressed by people with power. I can respect them as people and the positions they hold, but I can’t remember when I flipped out because I saw President Biden walk out of a bagel shop (which I never have). Basically, I’m not star-struck by important people.
I’ve had a few jobs that have allowed me to rub shoulders with these people of power. I’ve had some interesting conversations with Supreme Court Justices, a House Speaker, and a few cabinet members. I’d name-drop, but I find that hilarious since none of these people tell their friends, “Hey, I met Chris Dake the other day! WHOA!”
But I’ve never interacted with a president of the United States, which is incredibly disappointing to me since, as an institution, it has had quite a hold on me since I was little. It’s a fascinating position of power, created by men of power to provide power to those who wouldn’t necessarily look like them.
And yes, a woman has yet to ascend to the presidency, an embarrassment that will eventually need to be corrected. However, it is pretty remarkable for the men who have held this job, given to them by fellow citizens.
Speaking of a woman who cruelly fell short of winning the White House, Hillary Clinton’s husband, the 42nd president of the United States, showed up at my job last week. He was here to attend a funeral. I learned of his attendance the day before, and had it confirmed when a colleague told me excitedly—Bill Clinton said hello to me and waved.
I must admit that is a pretty cool moment, a nice connection between two people. But what’s remarkable is the idea that Bill Clinton ever became president in the first place. And no matter which gang you prefer to identify with, the institution of the presidency is an equal opportunity to elevate anyone to the heights of power and legacy.
The Man from Hope
Of the 45 men to hold the title of president of the United States, Bill Clinton is one of about sixteen who came from what financial experts call “modest” means. Either they were born in a log cabin, didn’t have running water, or had the fate of being born a fan of the professional sports teams in Cleveland, where living in misery never improves.
We think of Clinton's rise to becoming president when describing America. He was born to a single mother, having lost his father to a car crash three months before his birth. His mom married Roger Clinton, Sr., and Bill assumed his last name when he turned 15. With the name came the abuse, so Clinton’s upbringing wasn’t great.
But he was steadfast in pursuit of a quality education, and he worked his way to Georgetown University, where he would become class president twice and good friends with the man he eulogized last week. The rest all fell into place – a Rhodes scholar, then a law degree at Yale, where he met Hillary Rodham, then marriage, the Governor of Arkansas, etc.
It’s a path similar to that of Barack Obama, Andrew Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few.
Of course, power is attractive to people who have achieved power outside of politics. Men of considerable wealth could skip all of the steps of their poorer counterparts to realize the goal of becoming president. Donald Trump being the current example, but so were FDR, William Henry Harrison, John F. Kennedy, and the Founders, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. These men had advantages that prevented potential presidential legends, say like me, from ever making it that far.
There are also political legacies, like Benjamin Harrison, George W. Bush, and John Quincy Adams. It helps if your father was president if you want to become president. God help us if the current example continues in this regard.
Winning a Gift
Connections or not, you still need to get elected, which is long and complicated. Electing the president was different back in the beginning than it is today. However, we still abide by the Electoral College, which has really bitten us in the ass this century.
It’s funny when you think of “winning” the White House. To me, it’s more of being gifted. Millions of people hand over this job for at most eight years, with the expectation that, since you overcame incredible hardships, or that you were born into a position of privilege that gave you a leg up, you will, in fact, make their lives better. It is also interesting how people feel connected to the people they hope to elect.
is a presidential historian I discovered a few years ago because of a biography she wrote about George Washington. You wouldn’t be shocked to learn that I just bought the book yesterday.
Anyway, Coe is a fellow at New America and is working on a project for the upcoming 250th birthday of our Independence. Last year, Coe went around the country and asked people, “How should a president be?” It’s one of those ideas I wish I had thought of, but then again, I’m not actually a historian or a fellow. I have a regular job, but one where Bill Clinton may show up and wave to me.
I strongly encourage you to read Coe’s article on the verdict to that simple, straightforward question. You should also follow her (Coe is one of the few people I have a paid subscription to), and read her insights, especially this piece regarding the author behind the resurgence of our boy Alexander Hamilton.
All Are Welcome
Despite my unique relationship with my father and the fact that I have never lost an election in which I was a candidate (7-0), the only way I make it into the White House is by a tour. However, in America, anyone should be able to grow up and become president. It shouldn’t matter what color you are, what faith you have, what gender you are, or if you are a No-Good, Cheating New York Yankees fan.
You can be smart or not so bright, rich or poor. You could have come up through the military, or did your best to avoid that service when called on. The office of the president of the United States is uniquely ours. And I will look on it with great respect and awe at what it means for its existence in our desire for self-government.
What’s funny is that I didn’t vote for Bill Clinton, who was on the ballot when I was first eligible to vote. But years later, I voted for Hillary with no issues (the vote for the Iraq War was the exception). What a blessing to have that ability of choice, moved along by the formation of faith, experience, and a bit of trauma.
What do you think? What are some interesting things about the men who would become president regardless of the current occupant? I’m interested in learning some different perspectives.
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Alright. Another week is done. Good job, everybody! I’ll see you on Monday with another Maundy Monday Newsletter. Appreciate you all! Happy Weekend.
Okay,
Chris