I've been leafing through The Undecided Voter's Guide to the Next President by Mark Halpernin, and I wanted to share part of that book with you. The most interesting aspect of the book, I think, are the predictions he makes about what the major candidates' time in the White House might look like. To lighten things up, I'll share some of those with you and throw in my own. Please contribute your own predictions!
In a Barack Obama White House:
More young people would feel connected to politics and as a result, more would focus on politics and/or community activism–at least in the short term.
Close attention would be paid to his cabinet nominees, in response to concerns about his experience. The press will also scrutinize how many minorities he appoints to leadership positions.
Obama would enjoy at least a six month to a year press corps honeymoon.
There will be great media interest in any trips he takes abroad.
Michelle Obama will face a choice between being a West Wing first lady (a la Hillary Clinton), or a more reserved East Wing first lady (a la Jackie Kennedy). No matter her choice, women across the country will likely emulate her stylish appearance and habits.
As the youngest presidential children since Caroline and John Kennedy, the Obama daughters would provide adorable photo ops throughout the year.
Chicago would instantly become the American “it” city. Its fashion, architecture, neighborhoods and foods would be in vogue like no time since the days of Al Capone. This is even more true if they are awarded the 2016 Olympics to boot.
International opinion will be almost unanimously positive. World leaders will scramble for photo ops with the young, energetic U.S. President.
The search will be on for the Republican party to find and groom an energetic, young, popular candidate to run in 2012.
There will likely be at least one attempt on his life within his first term in office.
Since the Obamas are not incredibly wealthy, they would likely utilize Camp David as their primary presidential getaway.
In a Hillary Clinton White House:
There would be an unprecedented number of women at all levels of a Clinton administration.
The presidential staff and advisors would likely be efficent, proper, and incredibly productive. Still, an air of timidity would surround the West Wing, lest someone ruffle the prickly new President.
Clinton would likely focus on building bipartisian coalitions to defeat gridlock on major issues. The success of her presidency depends on her ability to do so.
Should a major policy fail or a scandal erupt the Internet and the media will be on fire with opinions and rumors.
Every aspect of the Clintons' personal lives will be up for discussion by the media. Wardrobe, staff personalities, decor, travel, schedules would all be scrutinized.
The international opinion will be mixed. Many will welcome America's first woman president, and hail the great change from the Bush administration. Others will sharply critize her election as a dynastic turn and the end of American democracy.
All eyes will be on Jeb Bush to run in 2012. (Not sure I agree with him here)
Clinton will not enjoy any honeymoon period with the press corps.
Clinton's first trip to an Arab country or meeting with a major Arab leader will be a major international story.
Bill Clinton would likely remain in the background during most of Hillary's term, perhaps taking an ambassadorship or choosing to focus on his foundation's work.