“The First Lady role is really difficult. It has no job description… You have to create it for yourself.” – Former First Lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton
The role of First Lady is fascinating. It is a role that is not defined or given any obligations by the Constitution. Much like the Presidency, the First Lady’s job has changed and shifted over time. As the very first First Lady, Martha Washington saw the position as a hostess to foreign leaders and dignitaries. The second First Lady, Abigail Adams, was called “the second president” because she was known for being President Adams greatest advisor. Dolly Madison is known for appreciating American history and saving the famous portrait of George Washington during the burning of the White House. Eleanor Roosevelt was a politician in her own right for her efforts in the women suffrage movement.
The role, however, has seen its biggest shift in power within the last fifty years, starting with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Since Mrs. Kennedy, politicians have recognized the importance and influence the First Lady can have on a campaign and the effect they have on the American people. At the start of the sixties, the American people were fascinated with the Kennedy’s and what they stood for. After eight years of the elderly Eisenhower’s, it was refreshing to have a young couple with two little kids representing the country.
For the first time, the First Lady was almost as popular, if not more popular, then the President. Although it was more materialistic, the public was fascinated with what Jacqueline wore, how she spoke, how she raised her children, what cause she supported and so much more. Mrs. Kennedy brought the role of the First Lady to the celebrity front. Her celebrity status was further cemented after she hosted the television special, White House Tour, which garnered fifty six million views. After President Kennedy’s assassination, it was the First Lady who the American people turned to to mourn and grieve with. It was here that the new role of First Lady was born.
After Mrs. Kennedy, the First Ladies that succeeded her followed in her foot steps. “Lady Bird” Johnson, was known for speaking directly to Congress and employing her own press secretary, Mrs. Ford, Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Reagan spoke out about particular health issues such as drug abuse and breast cancer awareness.
Mrs. Barbara Bush and Laura Bush both focused on universal literacy. Current First Lady, Michelle Obama, has been known for having a higher popularity rating than her husband due to her efforts with the Let’s Move! campaign and her influence in pop culture.
No matter what side you are on, Republican or Democrat, there is no denying that Hillary Rodham Clinton is one of, or the, most accomplished first lady of all time. Just read her Twitter bio (see right). She needs to update it and add grandmother!
With the presidential election of 2016 on the horizon, people are starting to question whether or not a former First Lady is the right person for the job? We see it everywhere we look. Whether it is on television with Mellie Grant on Scandal or Hillary Clinton, there is a possibility that women could call the Oval Office, hers.
Of course, Mrs. Clinton has had more than enough experience outside the role of First Lady that would more than enough qualify her as a presidential candidate, but it is fascinating to think about. If you were to interview Mrs. Lincoln, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, or even Mrs. Kennedy, and it is more than likely that they would never imagine a women as president. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president.”
We live in a fascinating time where that opinion is about to change and once again, the role of the First Lady is about to change. With Hillary Clinton even being considered as a possible presidential candidate, it is incredible progress that will shape politics for the rest of time. Imagine where we will be in another fifty years. What do you think – will Bill Clinton make a good “First Gentlemen”?
Photo Credit: Header, 1, 2, 3, 4