They are not only their husbands’ closest advisers, they are the only ones privileged enough to call them by their first names.

The role played by the women of the White House has changed. Long gone are the days when the wife just stands behind her husband at rallies smiling and waving. The first lady has a much more important job now than she ever has in the past. Even if it includes offering her hubby a shoulder to cry on when he realizes he is too dull or doesn’t have a clue who the world leaders are - she can affect him the most.

In the past, the first lady was around to make the president seem like he had a soft side. She would hold his hand on the balcony, pour the tea and make sure he wouldn’t pick out an ugly suit - she stands for so much more than that now.

Look at powerful and influential first wives of past presidents. Despite Hillary Rodham Clinton and Eleanor Roosevelt’s dynamic leadership qualities, it was actually John Adams’ wife Abigail who first earned the name “Mrs. President.” It was Andrew Johnson’s wife Eliza who helped reconstruct the broken society after the Civil War and managed to counsel her husband through his impeachment. If Richard Nixon had listened to his wife, Pat, maybe he would have survived the Watergate scandal.

Besides lending support and some minor advice, the first lady has a much more difficult task. What will be expected of Tipper Gore or Laura Bush? Contemporary first ladies are expected to advocate some type of domestic policy issue.

Looking back a moment, Barbara Bush made us all realize that not everyone in America can read, while Nancy Reagan was telling us to “Just say no.” Other first wives have brought different kinds of special qualities to this country, like a bit of class and intelligence from Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Rodham Clinton is even running for the Senate.

All of the women are not just products of “marrying well,” they are their own people who have lucky husbands. With luck, Tipper or Laura will bring just as much insight as the previous ladies.

For the last 15 years, Tipper has done more than just make out with her husband at rallies, debates and primaries. She has taken on the entertainment industry by trying to launch a crusade against explicit song lyrics. Prince, Eminem and Dr. Dre are some of the artists who Tipper has asked to censor themselves so the government doesn’t have to. Why have the presidential candidates avoided the subject of explicit lyrics in debates and speeches? Well, I guess they are just too nervous about losing votes and contributions. Who can blame them, right?

Wrong.

Tipper has been fighting for moral sanctity in the entertainment industry since many of us were watching “Scooby Doo” in our underoos. It may be legitimate for her hubby or his rival not to address the issue because, besides being shrouded in the First Amendment, the industry has a pot at the end of the rainbow reserved for politics. Her efforts have not been in vain, though - in the mid-1980s Tipper fought to put warning labels on explicit albums.

While Tipper is busy covering her ears, Laura is involved in a plethora of good deeds. Breast cancer and women’s health, child abuse and the arts are only a few examples of issues she is involved in. But since her career as a schoolteacher and librarian has kept her nose buried in books, she wants the rest of the country to do so also.

Childhood literacy is the main course on Laura’s silver platter and she will go to extensive lengths to implement programs across the country. So should everyone take a look at the whole package the country will be getting when we go to the polls Nov. 7? Of course.

I think everyone should read up on the issues of not only Gore and Bush, but their female companions. If they have such an effect on their husbands, isn’t it only fair to listen to the issues of those who influence American politics?

I want to vote for a president who has a positive image of his wife, a good relationship with her and a strong marriage. It may not directly affect how certain decisions are made on his behalf, but it will affect decisions made on her behalf.

So, when you go to the polls next month, which I’m sure all of you will, be knowledgeable about all the candidates involved. Even the ones who are not directly on the ballot.

Amanda Clapp, State News East Lansing reporter, can be reached at clappama@msu.edu.