Hail to the chief
Time Out caught up with Commander in Chief’s Geena Davis to talk sexual politics.
When Commander in Chief aired in the States last September the critics had a field day. From describing the political drama as an ‘impressive Oval Office gender twist’ (Detroit Free Press) to a less flattering ‘absurd fairy tale.’ (Miami Herald), the glossy production at least captured the public’s attention. In the new series on TV Land this week, Geena Davis plays Mackenzie Allen, the first female President of the US, documenting the challenges she faces in both her public and personal life – and winning the Hollywood actress a Golden Globe for her efforts.
Do you think the world is ready for a female president yet?
Well, we certainly should be. I think we have to really get this to happen and it should have happened a long time ago. America is 61st in the world as far as female representation in the government goes and Americans think that they are at the forefront, that we are leading the way, but we’re so profoundly far behind in that aspect. So I mean many, many countries have had female leaders and female presidents and we haven’t, so I certainly hope it will happen.
Do you think a woman would do better than a man as the president?
You know, there certainly can be arguments about whether a woman could do better, but I actually would rather not consider that. I think what we need to do is find the best person for the job. It’s the hardest job in the world and we need to find the best person to do it for America.
Do you think sensitivity may be something that is lacking in the White House?
I don’t want to make a judgment about that. We have had plenty of sensitive presidents that have been male.
How did you approach the role?
Well, I think just the office of the presidency comes with a certain weight and Mackenzie has been subtle, but she has sort of grown more into that ability to remain, focused and even keeled in a crisis. One of the writers said that a president doesn’t ever have to raise their voice; that what a president says gets heard and acted on. And so there is a kind of quiet authority, I think, that goes with that. And I think you do want to project, especially in public or with the people you work with, that nothing is going to throw you. They can say the other side of the world blew up and you will be able to figure out how to get us through that.
Are you modelling her on anyone?
No. I always feel like I’m my best resource. I’m finding the parts of me that suit the character and her development.
Did you get any tips from Washington politicos?
President Bush was the host of a benefit I attended that included a reception at the White House. So I said to him, ‘You know, you might not have heard that I’m becoming the first female president.’ He said, ‘I’ve heard. Good luck with that.’ Then he said, ‘Well, stick around, get the feel of the place.’
And did you stick around the White House?
I did. I got a whole tour – the real Oval Office, the whole West Wing and everything. It was very instructive. I also told the first lady’s chief of staff about the show, and she said, ‘Oh, that’s wonderful. I’ll be sure to tell Mrs. Bush to watch.’ She offered her services, which I think we’ll definitely take her up on. Insiders like that have wonderful little details of life in the White House. Martin Sheen said that people started treating him differently when he took up the role of the president in The West Wing.
Have you experienced any of this presidential behaviour?
I’m waiting for it. Feel free to treat me like the president. It hasn’t really happened so much yet. I get the occasional ‘right this way madam president’ from the maître d’ or something and that is always fun. But people haven’t asked me to work on healthcare or anything yet.
How did you like the script? Did you think ‘I have to do this’?
Before I even read the script they said they want to ask you if you would be the first female president, and I was like, ‘yeah’.
How are you now with delivering political speeches?
Well, we have incredible writers. I think I have had just wonderful speeches. And in one episode that airs, I give my State of the Union address. So it’s pretty interesting.
Are you getting tired of hearing that the purpose of this show is to pave the way for Hillary Clinton?
Yes. And I can only think that she must be getting the same amount of questions about the show. If she is I feel for her. ‘Do you think Commander In Chief is paving the way for you to become president?’ It is in no way and I think it is an incredibly narrow way to look at it. First of all, it is nobody’s intention that created or produced the show to pave the way for some individual or for anybody, it was intended as entertainment. I will say that seeing a woman in the Oval Office week after week might help get Americans more comfortable with the idea and that’s great.
How does that weigh on you knowing that you are the person that might get a woman in the White House?
I’m just trying to do my best and do a good job and be credible as the president. I have been able to play some unusual female characters, some strong female characters. I got to be in Thelma and Louise, which became a sort of cultural landmark, and I thought I can rest happy with the fact that I actually got to be in such an incredible role. And now I feel I got a second chance to do a part that really affects people.
Would you support Hillary if she ran for election?
I have to go.
Michelle Byrne
Commander in Chief, Thursdays, 22:00 on TV Land.