“Up, John. John.“
“Yes?”
“Up.”
In HBO’s award-winning John Adams mini-series, Abigail Adams speaks these words of encouragement to her husband in his moment of despair upon winning the presidency, when he’s collapsed into a chair as he questions his own life and accomplishments and realizes all the unpalatable public duties and responsibilities that office demands. Her prodding and encouragement were a constant throughout John Adams’ life and presidency during which–under seige from his is former close friend and vice president, Thomas Jefferson, turned into a political foe, and the other members of his cabinet were themselves taking advice and directions from an off-stage Alexander Hamilton–she was his closest confidante and most trusted advisor.
The mini-series is absolutely fantastic in its depiction of this perfect collaboration between wife and husband, as Abigail is the perfect partner that offers words or kicks of encouragement, criticism, and tender support whenever necessary, acts as John’s foil for political debate, and provides input into John’s speeches and political ideas. The mini-series, and perhaps the book upon which is based, really ought to have been renamed Abigail and John or some variation to reflect just how much of an influence and equal partner she was throughout his life. She’s the very anti-thesis of the modern political wife whose main task seems to be to look pretty and smile widely while standing in the background.
