Bestselling author William Elliott Hazelgrove has drawn controversial parallels between the roles of current First Lady Jill Biden and Edith Wilson, wife of President Woodrow Wilson, suggesting both women have taken on unofficial presidential duties due to their husbands' perceived incapacities. Hazelgrove, author of 'Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson', points to similarities in the behavior and public appearances of President Joe Biden and historical accounts of President Woodrow Wilson after his debilitating stroke. The author cites Biden's 'shuffling gait', 'scripted speeches', and limited press interactions as indicators of a possible diminished capacity to fulfill presidential duties independently.
According to Hazelgrove, the motivation for both Jill Biden and Edith Wilson stems from the desire to maintain their husbands' positions of power. He argues that the 'spoils system' in government incentivizes first ladies to protect their husbands' presidencies, as a loss of office would impact not just the president but the entire administration. The author draws a stark comparison between Edith Wilson's actions following her husband's stroke and what he perceives as Jill Biden's current role. Hazelgrove claims that Edith Wilson essentially took over governmental functions, managing access to the president and handling affairs of state. He suggests that Jill Biden may be playing a similar role, guiding the president and managing his public appearances to prevent unscripted moments that might reveal potential cognitive issues.
Hazelgrove states, 'It is the covering up that Edith and Jill share. The knowledge that their husband can no longer fulfill the duties of the Presidency without help.' He further speculates that, like Edith Wilson who progressed from guiding her husband's hand to signing documents herself, Jill Biden's role could potentially expand in a similar fashion. This comparison raises significant questions about the nature of presidential power and the role of unelected family members in governance. If Hazelgrove's assertions were to be substantiated, it would have profound implications for democratic processes and the transparency of executive functions.
However, it is crucial to note that these claims are speculative and based on the author's interpretation of public appearances and behaviors. The White House has consistently maintained that President Biden is fully capable of executing his duties as President. Hazelgrove's work, including 'Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson', has received attention from major media outlets and has been optioned for screen adaptation. His comparison of the two first ladies, while controversial, highlights ongoing debates about presidential fitness and the behind-the-scenes influence of those closest to the seat of power.
As discussions about presidential health and capacity continue to be a topic of public interest, Hazelgrove's observations add to the broader conversation about transparency in government and the potential for unofficial power dynamics within the White House. While his claims regarding the current administration remain unverified, they underscore the historical precedent of first ladies playing significant, if often unseen, roles in presidential administrations. Readers can find more information about Hazelgrove's work on his website, where he provides details on his extensive bibliography of novels and narrative non-fiction titles exploring various aspects of American history and politics.
