Although sometimes not as well-known as their husbands, first ladies have made contributions to all areas of American life. From Martha Washington providing aid to the veterans of the American Revolution to Michelle Obama’s devotion to positive social change, these extraordinary first ladies made their mark on the White House, the nation, and the role of women in the United States.
Do you know?
Which first lady:
1) Had a husband and son serve as president?
2) Interviewed her husband for a newspaper before he became president?
3) Was the first to be able to vote for her husband?
4) Is considered the first “first lady”?
5) Spoke Chinese fluently?
6) Worked as a professional dancer with the Martha Graham Company?
7) Was a professional painter?
8) Was the first to own and drive a car?
9) Was the daughter of a British Army officer?
Get to know Michelle Obama, the current first lady.
Michelle Robinson excelled in school from an early age. Although she was born to a low-income family on the South Side of Chicago, she defied the odds by attending Princeton University, and went on to receive a law degree from Harvard. While working at a Chicago law firm, she met a fellow employee named Barack Obama, who shared many of her ideals, including the importance of giving back to the community. After marrying Barack in 1992, Michelle worked hard to balance career and family, serving in various community-focused positions while raising her two daughters.
Outgoing and intelligent, Michelle first captured the public’s attention at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, when her husband delivered the keynote address. During Barack’s presidential campaign, she proved to be a fine speaker in her own right, appearing at rallies, giving TV and radio interviews, and attending meetings and conferences.
How important do you think the First Lady in a President's success? Leave your comment by Sunday, March 1st. Gather will select on respondent to receive a free copy of the book First Ladies (Eyewitness Books).
Answers: 1) Abigail Adams, 2) Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, 3) Florence Harding, 4), Dolley Madison, 5) Lou Hoover, 6) Betty Ford, 7) Ellen Wilson, 8) Helen Taft, 9) Elizabeth Monroe
Taken from Eyewitness First Ladies by DK Publishing
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Comments: 52
In the case of President's their wives have always been key in their ascent into politics at a local, state, and national level. The stresses of a campaign can eat away at a person who doesn't have a tried and true sounding rod for the troubles that you really cannot take to even your most trusted 'non-spouse' adviser. When things feel hopeless, your spouse can reinvigorate you and provide you with the encouragement you need to continue on when you don't really feel like it....there are numerous examples of this in campaign trail stories.
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That being said, after many presidents get into the Oval Office I do believe the revolving door of support becomes a hinged swinging door. The president and the first lady both have numerous responsibilities that can tend to keep them apart. It is not that they no longer support each other; it is just that they are not such a constant part of each other lives anymore and while information would be readily shared, time constraints can limit it. There are exceptions to this though....not every 'first marriage' works this way, but some of them do after the apex of political power is reached.
No, seriously they are pretty influential. I am sure the President considers the wife's opinions. Also, their public images says a lot about both themselves and their husbands.
On few ocassions,they influence their husband's decisions in secret.At least,that's what we women do.lol
This sounds like a great book.
I think of first ladies as cultural ambassadors. We have had some very gracious first ladies. Jacqueline Kennedy was a trend setter with enormous influence on fashion. She was a very well educated woman and a true lady. I would say that most of our first ladies have been an asset to our country and to the presidents.
1) BOTH Barbara Bush and Abigail Adams both had a son & husband as presidents
2) Jackie Bouvier (Kennedy) interviewed her husband for a newspaper
3) Florence Kling Harding was the first lady able to vote for her husband
4) Martha Washington is the "first" first lady
5) Eleanor Roosevelt spoke Chinese fluently
6) Betty Ford danced with the Martha Graham Dance Co.
7) Ellen Wilson was a professional painter
8) Hellen "Nellie" Taft was the first to own & drive a car
9) Elizabeth K. Monroe was the daughter of a British Army officer
2. Jackie Kennedy
3. Mrs. Harding
4. Martha Washington
5. Elenore Roosevelt
6. Betty Ford
7. I don't know
8. I don't know
9. Mrs. Monroe
How important do you think the First Lady in a President's success?
I think it's critical on a personal level. Being president is such a high stress job, and the president needs as many truly supportive people around him as he (or someday, she) can get. With that kind of power, a president is constantly being pushed and pulled by people with myriad self-interests. The first lady provides a respite from all that. Hopefully, at her core, she is trying to support the president, provide a personal sounding board, and give a human face to the office of the presidency. Often, she is called to represent the president or US government overseas or with important issues at home. Finally, she represents the volunteer spirit of the country, acting in a role for which she neither asked nor is paid to perform. More than anyone, she does it out of love for country.
"Just Say No" came from Nancy Reagan and it is still used today.
Eleanor Roosevelt was a pioneer for women.
I think that Hillary Clinton was really our president for 8 years:)