Posted on 05/15/2004 3:53:01 PM PDT by Pokey78
Among the recent wave of books on the administration of President George W Bush, one of the least remarked-upon was a slim volume entitled Bushwomen: Tales of a Cynical Species - an account of the political influence wielded by figures such as Condoleezza Rice, the national security adviser.
Last week, however, it was impossible to ignore the women in the President's life.
In a response to the growing influence of the colourful Teresa Heinz Kerry in her husband's presidential campaign, the Bush camp has launched "W Stands for Women," a Laura Bush-led attempt to court the female vote, a constituency in which President Bush lags dangerously behind his rival.
The battle between the actual and the aspirant First Lady is likely to be marked by a sharp contrast in styles. Mrs Heinz Kerry is well-known for her independent wealth and sometimes contentious views, which are often flamboyantly expressed.
Last week she described White House policy on environmental issues as "sinful", provoking a storm of criticism from Republican quarters. She has also talked frankly about her pro-choice views on abortion.
John Kerry describes his wife as "down-to-earth and straightforward". But Republican strategists believe that the traditional femininity of Mrs Bush, whose biography is titled The Perfect Wife, is a more likely votewinner in the American heartlands.
"Teresa has a Hillary [Clinton] feel to her," said a senior Republican official. "She may be sassy, but ordinary women in Ohio might not like sassy. Laura is calm, elegant and is all about compassion. She's an asset to Bush, no question, if she's given the chance to shine."
Last week, an expensive new internet video, placed on more than 50 sites, displayed Mrs Bush presiding over an electronic blackboard, at which she points out her husband's achievements in education, a key issue for women voters.
A Bush campaign spokesman said: "The ad campaign is targeted to women. Several recent studies have shown that an increasing number of women are spending more time online, making the internet an important medium through which to communicate the President's message."
Meanwhile, in Washington, the President's sister, Doro Bush Koch, flanked by Vice-President Dick Cheney's daughter, Liz, hosted the inaugural "W Stands for Women" rally, attended by the Secretary of Labour, Elaine Chao and hundreds of Republican women.
"When President Bush speaks about the talent, the vision and the strength of working women, he speaks from the heart," said Mrs Chao. "He has sound values when it comes to women's issues."
In a subsequent forum set up by the Bush campaign, Mrs Bush Koch, a relatively unfamiliar figure to the American public, even elaborated on the perks of being the President's sister.
"I am so fortunate to be able to see history from the front seat and the President and Laura include me in so many wonderful events. On one occasion, the President sent me to be a delegate on the conference for the status of women."
In a desperately tight race that still appears to be tied, the battle between Laura and Teresa for the female swinging voter could feasibly decide the fate of their husbands in November. But America's First Lady, in particular, has her work cut out.
In 2000, 55 per cent of women voted for Al Gore compared with 43 per cent for President Bush. In a recent poll respondents were offered a choice between "letting terrorists know we will fight back aggressively" and "working with other nations" to fight terrorism.
Fifty-three per cent of male Americans opted for the first response, and 41 per cent for the second. Among women, the pattern was reversed, with 54 per cent of women favouring the multilateral approach.
"There's a gender gap there," said the Republican official. "I think you're going to see a lot more of Laura in the coming months. The base loves her, but she can also reach out to the undecideds. If the President can bring in the Nascar dads, Laura can bring in the women."
And any woman who casts her vote for the President of the United States based upon whether or not she feels cozy about his wife should damn well have her voter's registration revoked.
Laura Bush has made a great First Lady ,and she did it without trying to be President, Can we say Theresa will do that? I kinda doubt it.
Which says it all.
Well, this Bush woman will stand with the man who has the security of our nation as the priority, President Bush. The ONLY way to beat terrorism is to kill the terrorists. Aggression is the only way, negotiation will not work. IMO, any other nation that is not currently fighting terrorism is led by an ignorant pushover.
President Bush would not be the man he is today without the strong women in his life. I want to see more of Laura and Babs on the campaign trail. Wouldn't hurt the daughters to put in a few appearences either.
Mrs Heinz Kerry is well-known for her independent wealth...
***
Inherited from a Republican husband.
So9
This lil ol lady agrees with you, ShadowDancer.
I will be voting for G W Bush for several reasons, but foremost among these is the most important one.
I have young adult children, and two growing young grandsons. Bush is the better man to fight this horrible enemy in our midst. If this enemy is not beaten, they will not be protected.
The most important function of government is to provide for the common defense. GWB can do a better job of that than Kerry and down-and dirty Tarayza.
If voters paid more attention to first ladies, we could have been saved the Clinton years.
It's not "in response" to anybody. They've had "W Stands for Women" merchandise available for months and the Bush women have always been part of the campaign--not pulled in as props because the "earthy" TerAsa has appeared on the scene.
Oh, brother.
What's more down to earth? I mega-millionaire or a public school librarian/teacher????????????
Hunh?
Am I missing something?
I thought her wealth was strictly the result of marrying (and inheriting the fortune of ) Mr. Heinz, the Pickle King.
Nothing independent about THAT !
Is there something else ?
I can't wait for the rest of America get to hear the "colorful" Ter-REY-sa.
They're going to think, "What....we're going to vote for Za Za Gabor?"
In addition, she owns the dimcrat candidate for president.
Down to earth? The woman is a walking Prozac ad.
Pokey any word if Barbara Bush Sr might campaign with Dubya and Laura
Just asking????
John Kerry describes his wife as "down-to-earth and straightforward".
Maybe compared to Hanoi John, but what would he know about "down-to-earth and straightforward"?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.