Figure 1.--.

The clothing worn by presidents as children and the clothing worn by their children are a good reflection of contemporary children's clothing. America of course has no royal family to help set fashion standards as was the case in Europe. The American president and his family have in part played this role. Thus a review of the American presidents provide glimpses on popular children's fashions of the day. In addition, the clothing of the presidents themselves provide additional glimpses. Very limited information is available on the childhood of many 18th Century presidents, especially the childhood of presidents like Abraham Lincoln that grew up in modest ircumstances. Much more is known about the 20th Century presidents and this will almost certainly be the case for 21st Century presidents.

The 21st Century began with the presidency of George W. Bush was campaigned on a platform of reducing government and drawing back America's commitments avroad. The 9-11 attacks dramatically changed the Presidents's outlook and goals.

Available information on the presidents of the 20th century is as follows:

• George W. Bush (2001-09): The 42nd president was the first president of the 21st century. He was the son of President George H.W. Bush. Raised in Texas he ran against popular Govenor Anne Richardsfon and defeated her. After winning the Republican nomination in a rough campaign againsr Senator John Mccain, he ran against Vice President Albert Gore who won the Democratic nomination. The Vice President was hurt by the scandals of the Clinto presidency, especially the relevations concefning Moniks Lewinsky. The Vice President had nothing to do with the Clinton scandals. The Vice President had an exempliry family life. Unfortunately for him, he suffereed as a part of the administration. The voters did not want Clinton impeached, but they were clearly unhappy with his behavior. It turned out to be a remarably close election. It is difficult to say what most hurt the Vice President, but he seems to have left a lingering image that he was not to be trusted, in paet because of a series of minor mistatements. He also had a strangely wooden image for a politican. American elections are generally not settled on ideologyy or issues, but rather personality. The Governor appeared a much more personable candidate whose personality resonates well on television. That said, the Vice President did slightly out poll Govenor Bush in the popular vote, while Bush won in the all important Electoral College. Only 8 months after assuming office, Islamic terrorists carried oyt the 9-11 attacks which would come to define the Bush presidenct.
  
  
• Barak Obama (2009- ): .
  
  

  
  
  
  
  

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