Many — especially those in the military — presumed George Washington would become the next king at the conclusion of the American Revolution.Washington had no interest in political power, and he tepidly ascended to the presidency.He was given ample power to define the presidency because of his widespread popularity. In this regard, he attempted to limit authoritarianism and any association to the monarchy.His leadership and dedication to the principles of democracy and republicanism gave rise to one of the first modern, representative governments.Yet, this rejection of the monarchy resulted in a severe lack of majesty and class in much of American culture.This all changed with one person. She came to the White House in 1961 and revolutionized American culture and its image overseas.As Sarah Bradford noted in her biography of Mrs. Bouvier Kennedy Onassis, “glamour was a commodity singularly lacking in contemporary American politics and, indeed, in American life east of Hollywood.” The biography is entitled, “America’s Queen: The Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,”Her arrival in Washington brought a wealth of intelligence, intrigue and social grace. She began by revitalizing the White House.Next, she charmed the world with foreign trips to France, India and Pakistan along with social events in Washington.Despite all this, her actions after President Kennedy’s assassination have come to define her allure.At the swearing in of Vice President Lyndon Johnson on Air Force One, Kennedy stood at his side dressed in the same pink, blood-stained Chanel suit worn at the time of the shooting.When describing her composure and actions at her husband’s funeral, British socialite and reporter Lady Jean Campbell wrote “Jacqueline Kennedy has given the American people … one thing they’ve always lacked: Majesty,” in her article in the London Evening Standard.It is becoming increasingly clear majesty, class and the qualities associated with it are still in short supply, both in American political theatre and in American daily life.Political discord is at an all-time high and contributing to both political parties.The Senate is often glamourized as an institution of order and reason. Senators once developed close personal bonds across political lines. Washington political life was extremely high brow – especially during the Kennedy administration.The ’60s in Washington saw this centurys Bourbon court. Just as the royal court in France dominated continental Europe in the 17th century, the “court” of the Kennedys dominated the social scene of the Western world.This majesty and class is no longer found in American politics.Discord and hyper-partisanship now reign supreme.Without the ever-watching eye of C-SPAN cameras, Democrats debated health care reform in backrooms, despite a promise to do so openly.Republican Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama placed an unprecedented blanket hold on President Obama’s various nominees, while Sen. Jim Bunning, his colleague from Kentucky, decided to obstruct the extension of unemployment benefits in the Senate that expired Sunday night.The apparent lack of class and majesty is also increasingly clear in daily life.The way in which people carry themselves and care about their appearances has deteriorated.I long for the time when both men and women would only leave the house looking as best they could. Entering into the public’s eye just wasn’t done unless in the best of attire.Now, it seems as if people just don’t care they go about looking unkempt.If Jacqueline Kennedy symbolized anything, it was a regality and state of composure based on her pride for herself and for her country.I would like to see American politicians and everyday citizens remember the spirit of the woman Women’s Wear Daily called “the most outstanding woman in the world.” Maybe, with a little of her majesty and class, there would be less discord in politics and crassness in public life.
Stephen Schmitz is a 20-year-old mass communication sophomore from The Woodlands, Texas. Follow him on Twitter at TDR_schmitz.
 
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Contact Stephen Schmitz at [email protected]