HotmailGreat expectations await nation's next first lady
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Historical perspective
If Carter was criticized for being too politically active, Nancy Reagan, her successor, was criticized for being too socially active (and spending money on new china). But they can at least take heart that criticism of first ladies goes back to the beginning of the Republic.
Abigail Adams, the nation's second presidential spouse, was derisively called "Mrs. President" by an anti-Federalist, Albert Gallatin, for her partisan support of her Federalist husband, John.
Dolley Madison, on the other hand, was admiringly called "Presidentress" by some for her role as a national symbol for all Americans, one who knew "how to strike the delicate balance between queen and commoner," Anthony says. But Elizabeth Monroe, who came next and was much less popular, suffered from the comparison.
The wealthy Julia Tyler was called deemed overly regal or queenlike, but then her successor, Sarah Polk, was called "monstrously small" (meaning small-minded) by President Tyler himself, Anthony says.
Even Eleanor Roosevelt, known for traveling the world and speaking out on issues from poverty to civil rights to women's rights, was not immune from criticism. And Jackie Kennedy herself, revered for her style and flair, was initially seen as too young, was once called "too darned snappy" in the press, and even had her hair described as "a mop."
By the time Hillary Rodham Clinton came onto the scene, she was hardly the first to assume a strong political role. But Clinton, who'd been a successful attorney and children's advocate, went farther, establishing an office in the West Wing and accepting an assignment from her husband to overhaul the nation's health care system. When that failed, it harmed the standing of both spouses.
Laura Bush took a much more quiet approach, and thus is widely seen as a more traditional first lady. But over the years she has in fact traveled overseas on her own, delivered some of her husband's Saturday radio addresses and championed causes like women's rights in Afghanistan and pro-democracy activists in Myanmar.
Today show
Learning from Laura Bush
Nov. 10: The Obama family prepares to move into the White House, with the president-elect meeting today with President Bush and Michelle Obama taking a tour with Laura Bush. NBC’s John Yang reports.
While Michelle Obama, with degrees from Princeton and Harvard Law, may arrive at the White House with a resume more like Clinton's, evidence suggests she may take a page from Laura Bush, approaching the political aspects of the job more gingerly. It might be a wise move not only for her image, but for her sanity.
First, says Costello, the former Rosalynn Carter aide, "the requirements are beyond belief, from visiting schools to launching Navy boats to traveling overseas." Even more so in two years, when midterm elections take place and Obama, as a first lady, will be expected to campaign vigorously for her party.
And on a purely social level, "there are innumerable events: receptions, lunches, a dozen or so Christmas parties. There will probably be state dinners to plan. There are big expectations that this couple will bring Washington alive again. They'll be expected to use the White House as a showcase for important social and cultural aspects of America."
As if that — and the new first lady's own agenda — weren't enough, she's expected, just like Jackie Kennedy, to look great while doing it all. And to set trends, too.
"I think readers have already shown what they want from Michelle Obama — they want her to bring style back to the White House," says Lesley Jane Seymour, editor of More, a magazine for women over 40. Its cover photo and interview with Obama made the October issue one of the year's best sellers.
"This is a different world," says Seymour. "People say Barack Obama is "post-race," and you could say Michelle Obama is "post-first-lady." She's great-looking and accomplished, and not afraid to dress like it." Seymour particularly liked the close-fitting, bright red dress Obama wore to meet the Bushes at the White House.
"She was saying, 'Here I Am,'" Seymour says. "I think she's gonna be gangbusters as first lady."
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