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Women in the White House: You decide

If you’re outside the United States – or living in a news vacuum – you might have missed that today is Iowa caucus day. That means that Iowa Republicans will be casting ballots, Iowa Democrats will be standing in different parts of a room

and, by the end of the day, we’ll be that much closer to knowing who the next woman in the White House will be. This year is exciting because we usually don’t get to vote for the woman in the White House.

The closest we’ve gotten so far is Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, who’s two heartbeats away from the Presidency. Of course, as Sarah pointed out last summer, we do have celluloid depictions of women who rule. And we all know that fictional leaders are often more appealing than the real deal. (President Bartlett, anyone?)

So, let’s see how the real prospects stand up against the fictional. In true Iowa-caucus fashion, pick a candidate, stand in her corner and see if you can convince others to join you.

Madame President

1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton Why you should stand in her corner: She’s the first female Presidential candidate to have an actual chance of winning. At the Visible Vote forum, she told us, “I’m your girl.” She supports the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and is in favor of civil unions. She is a real-life person.

Why you should stand elsewhere: She doesn’t support same-sex marriage “yet.” Lots of people hate her, and some believe that makes her unelectable.

2. President Julia Mansfield (Patty Duke), Hail to the Chief (1985)

Why you should stand in her corner: She was groundbreaking as the first female President on TV. The show was written by the creators of Soap, so she probably had some great lines.

Why you should not vote for her: The show was canceled after seven episodes, which suggests that she was not compelling – or perhaps the country just wasn’t ready for her. She’s not a real person.

3. President Mackenzie Allen (Geena Davis), Commander in Chief (2005) Why you should stand in her corner: I never saw the show, so I don’t really know. But according to Sarah, “Mac” was brilliant. And Geena Davis is really tall, and being tall might make people feel that a woman is really in control.

Why you should stand elsewhere: Again, I never saw the show, so my best argument is that it didn’t last very long. As she was not a real person.

4. President Allison Taylor (Cherry Jones), 24 (2008) Why you should stand in her corner: Well, I don’t know what type of President she’ll be on 24, but she’s Cherry Jones!

Why you should stand elsewhere: I cannot think of a reason. She’s Cherry Jones!

First Lady

Technically, we don’t vote for First Lady. But we all know she’s part of the picture. And this is my caucus, so I get to pick who runs.

1. Elizabeth Edwards Why you should stand in her corner: She’s cool. She supports same-sex marriage. She’s valiantly fought all sorts of cancer. She’s not skinny, and that’s refreshing.

Why you should stand elsewhere: Her husband’s a dweeb when it comes to same-sex marriage.

2. Michelle Obama Why you should stand in her corner: She’s brilliant, and you know she’d be a West Wing First Lady.

Why you should stand elsewhere: Her husband got a little testy when his stance on LGBT issues was challenged at the Visible Vote forum.

3. Dr. Abby Bartlett (Stockard Channing),

The West Wing (1999—2006) Why you should stand in her corner: I didn’t actually watch much West Wing, but I believe with all my heart that any First Lady played by Stockard Channing had to be the Best. First. Lady. Ever.

Why you should stand elsewhere: No reason that I can think of.

4. Jeri Thompson Why you should stand in her corner: I dunno … it could be a refreshing change of pace to have a trophy wife in the White House, I suppose.

Why you should stand elsewhere: Because that would mean that Fred Thompson was president. And you cannot be a character on Roseanne and be President.

5. Ann Romney Why you should stand in her corner: She gave money to Planned Parenthood in 1994. She’s a rare potential Republican First Lady who’s a first wife.

Why you should stand elsewhere: She claims not to remember giving money to Planned Parenthood in 1994.

6. Sherry Palmer (Penny Johnson) 24 (2001—2002) Why you should stand in her corner: She was a woman who could get things done – even if they were illegal or unethical or driven by a need for vengeance.

Why you should stand elsewhere: She was evil. And she died.

I know I’ve left a few folks out but again – my caucus, my candidates. In the Presidential race, I think I have to go with Hillary Clinton. When it comes down to it, I like her, respect her most of the time and ultimately am not going to choose a fake woman President when I can choose a real one. Although Cherry Jones is tempting. And on the First Lady front, I’m going with Dr. Abby Bartlett. Because she’s Stockard Channing.

The floor is open to you now. Who would you choose?

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