Melania Trump is a beautiful woman. She has modeled for the likes of British GQ and various European publications, and is therefore used to being in the public eye. But she has remained private to the point of reclusion since her plagiarism incident at the Republican National Convention in July.
A Washington Post article noted it was “only Wednesday night — after a seven-week absence — that Melania Trump appeared at a campaign event, sitting in the audience as her husband addressed a national security forum.” While her absence is baffling, particularly in comparison to her counterpart, Bill Clinton, it begged the question — why does it matter?
If Melania were to stand beside her husband at any moment on the campaign trail, what legitimacy would she lend?
Thus far, Melania’s standout moment since her husband’s campaign was announced came when she chose to lift entire phrases from Michelle Obama’s 2008 speech, forcing us to draw parallels between the two. It is also necessary to note that as a multiplatform journalistic outlet, The Daily Free Press considers plagiarism a very serious offense, therefore flagging Melania as a suspicious individual from the get-go.
Michelle Obama is a trailblazer, being the first African American first lady to reside in the White House, next to her African American president husband. Michelle Obama is highly educated, first attending Princeton University for her undergraduate degree and graduating from Harvard Law School. She is independently accomplished beyond her husband, working professionally at a law firm before joining the ranks at The University of Chicago. Michelle’s shoes are certainly large to fill, and Melania could serve to learn from her potential predecessor, but Melania’s value to Trump is questionable at best.
“Trailblazer” would not be the word that springs to mind when describing Melania in conversation. Melania’s education is iffy, particularly following the shutdown of her website after reporters raised questions of her higher education. And lastly, her independence from her husband stems directly from her beauty and not much else. Sadly, she is perceived as nothing more than another possession of the presidential candidate’s.
Melania threatens the Trump campaign with her very existence. She represents every hole in his policy, including but not limited to immigration and education. It is frankly a smart strategic decision to keep her pretty face hidden.
Interestingly, Ivanka Trump has stepped in as the supportive female figure role, a capacity of which Melania could not conceive. It does not matter that Ivanka is not a spouse of the candidate, particularly for the campaign’s mostly anti-female voting base. Her achievements, education and immigration status lend levels of veracity that are lacking with Melania. Putting aside the misogynistic comments that have haunted Ivanka’s relationship with her father, Ivanka is accomplished in her own right and deserves a serious gaze.
This consideration steers the conversation back to Melania’s counterpart, Bill Clinton. Because he has established himself as an independent political figure, large benefactor and serious individual, his absence from his wife’s side would never even be considered. It’s simply assumed that he is gallivanting around the country from conference to function to serious event. Far before his wife announced her candidacy, he had a positive rapport with the public.
Melania Trump and her absence is a salient issue because of the assumption that she must have nothing else to do. Her presence next to Trump is as superficial as she is. But then again, who cares?
