Dear Editor,
As the second wife of the President of the United States, she too, had been previously married. With aspirations of seeking fulfillment beyond the defined activities of the First Lady, her role as wife merges with that of the president. With a war being fought in Europe, the First Lady accompanies the president on travels abroad when Allies meet for strategic talks and ceremonial occasions.
As the president’s emotional balance and judgment appear increasingly impaired, she correspondingly appears as his constant attendant.
More than ever, her devotion to her husband is viewed as unwavering. She concerns herself with all his affairs - running interference and providing counsel. Her stewardship as a shadow politician seemingly involves determining which communications and matters of state are important enough to bring to the attention of the compromised president, while other matters are handled by department heads.
As the president’s health deteriorates further, the First Lady acts more as his proxy. Her reassurance masks the reality of his declining health to members of Congress, the press, and the public. She has the means to distort reality for the watchful masses.
Edith Bowling Galt Wilson, the second wife of 28th President Woodrow Wilson, served as First Lady from 1915 - 1921. After the president suffered a severe stroke in September 1919, Edith pre-screened all matters of state and, behind closed doors, functionally ran the executive branch of the government for the remainder of Wilson’s second term. She has been referred to as the “Secret President.”
Life often weaves mysterious webs. Joe Biden’s first wife tragically lost her life on December 18, 1972, the anniversary of Edith and Woodrow’s wedding in 1915.
However improbable, sometimes events from the past seem to foreshadow future occurrences.
Peter Wibell, Rutledge