Do voters prefer politicians who are married?

[Boojatta]

[Connonym]

1. That's an interesting question

In WI both of our Senators are currently single. One of them is said to be gay and the other has just divorced for a second time. There was a lot of conjecture whether Russ Feingold (the latter aforementioned senator) would run for president this year. One of the conclusions that kept coming up was that his unmarried status probably wouldn't look good in a presidential candidate. I'm not sure though whether that's because he's unmarried or whether it's the thought that being twice divorced is unacceptable. Another thing that always came up in that particular discussion was that he's also Jewish and America probably isn't ready for a Jewish president. Interestingly, Senator Kohl is also Jewish and we don't have a very large Jewish population in Wisconsin which encourages my personal belief that Wisconsin is more open and accepting than people assume. I like to think of us that way.

What was the original question? lol

[Solon]

2. Probably, though we've had a president who was a bachelor, James Buchanan.

Wilson became a widower, then courted and married a woman all during his first term.

ON EDIT: Grover Cleveland was a bachelor when he entered office, but soon married the daughter of a friend in the White House. He was also the only president to have the wedding in the White House, oh, and his wife was the youngest first lady ever, at 22 years old.

[Orsino]

3. Marriage is equated with stability, so yes.

Military officers were also expected to be married to cookie-cutter wives, particularly test pilots (c.f. Wolfe's The Right Stuff). Kings must have queens to ensure the survival of their line, and deep down inside, we expect the same thing even of democratically-elected leaders.

[GirlinContempt]

6. And, Queens must marry

People like Elizabeth I were rare and unheard of.

[LynzM]

8. To some extent, they still are

I have a friend who's married to an Army Major, and you better believe she has to attend and host social functions (Officer's Wives' Tea, anyone? :puke:) and behave and dress in the expected manner.

[skater314159]

9. So if a female got to be a test pilot, she'd hafta find a "lipstick" to hook up wit?

And if its a dude, he can't have a bear for a husband?

NOW WE KNOW THE REAL REASON FOR DON'T ASK DON'T TELL!!!!

That's just what I've been wondering this whole post...

[ThomCat]

4. I guess the implication

is that if you are married you aren't spending a lot of time going out having a social life. Your life is dedicated to your job, not to finding a mate.

:shrug:

Yet another barrier to GLBT politicians who can't get married.

[youthere]

5. I think most voters do...

as for me, if the candidate does happen to be married, I take into consideration the spouse. Teresa Heinz-Kerry is what tipped me over to John..he didn't quite cut it for me on his own. Michelle Obama is an amazing woman and any reservations I might have about Obama were quickly forgotten as soon as I heard her speak.

[Fox Mulder]

7. I couldn't care less if a politician is married or not.

It's about the issues, not the politician's personal life.

[Boojatta]

10. Kick

[BarenakedLady]

11. I don't care

But I imagine that it doesn't for the masses.