The first lady had an important part in the beginning of the first term of the administration. In 1993, the president appointed her chairperson of the Task Force on National Health Care Reform. From this position, she led a 19-month study to determine how to reform health care best to ensure that citizens receive the help they need. In doing so, she transcended the traditional role of first lady - from companion to co-pilot.
She also favored sensible welfare reform. Last summer, the president signed the Welfare Reform Act into law, a bill that she originally opposed. To avoid election-year media badgering, the White House presented a less vocal and more complacent Hillary Clinton with the hope that the whole situation would blow over. The Democrats tried to cover their backs politically and unfortunately, Hillary Clinton's voice was subdued as a result.
In light of the media circus surrounding Whitewater, the first lady is now at the small level of activity and influence with which most presidential spouses contented themselves. In many ways, the political experts molded her into the "first housewife."
But Hillary Clinton is capable of much more - her intelligence and political savvy back up the claim. She is a strong political leader and a role model for women in politics. Evidence of her positive impact appears at many levels, including Ann Arbor's "Friends of Hillary" club - the largest chapter in the country.
Shoving her aside to downplay her strength and determination is a damaging signal to send to up-and-coming female politicians. Women who look up to Clinton to see her ideals and beliefs are getting the message that women are to be repressed when they present politically risky ideas.
The president and his political strategists must allow Hillary Clinton the political exposure she deserves. With the upcoming changes to welfare, the first lady would be a good choice to guide and help implement improvements on the current WRA. With experience as chair of Arkansas' Education Standards Committee, she also offers her ability to guide the president's education reform efforts. She would prove to be a strong asset to her husband's administration - again.
Hillary Clinton must be allowed to work for Americans - like her husband. The White House should cultivate her position as a role model for women. Her ideas and actions are important - not only for their inherent value and positive effects, but for the precedent they set for society.