This is a fitting association for a country that views its first ladies as cultural icons, rather than political figures. Gutin points out that Jackie Kennedy was a regular in fashion magazines during her tenure as first lady.Although she is most well-known as a fashion and cultural icon, she wants to be remembered for her vast knowledge of history, Gutin stated, citing her passion for the White House tour.Kennedy wasn't the only first lady to have her story reduced to clothes. Martha Washington, who was traveling from Virginia to New York nearly two centuries ago noted that her hair needed to be washed daily in her new role of the wife of the president. Many Americans are still unaware of the Smithsonians' display of first ladies dresses. Gutin states that fashion is a great way to connect with the past, but it's only one-dimensional.Anita McBride is a founding member FLARE and a former chief of staff to Laura Bush. McBrides referred to herself as having a front row seat to her advocacy, which helped to fuel her commitment to telling first lady stories.McBride was in the White House on September 11, 2001. Although she wasn't working for Laura Bush at the time, McBride remembers McBride's remarks that day as an important moment. After that day, Laura Bush was called the comforter in chief for her role as a calmed nation. This role was also filled by many other spouses to the president.McBride, who is also the director of American University's First Ladies Initiative, stated that McBride believes this is a great example of what a first lady could do to make an impact on the country. This was a rare situation. She said that there have been times in history when the first lady has helped to alleviate national tragedies. She also mentioned Eleanor Roosevelt's role in rallying Americans for the war effort in World War II.The exact role of the first woman varies from one person to another. Eleanor Roosevelt was the first lady to be hailed as the "gold standard" by historians. Dolley Madison is best-known for saving George Washington's portrait from the White House fire that was set by the British during World War II. Mary Todd Lincoln visited Union soldiers wounded on horseback during Civil War. In recent years, Hillary Clinton was elected to the Senate as first lady. She went on to become secretary of state.Clinton was the first woman to win the presidential nomination of a major party in U.S history. Her 2016 White House campaign almost led to her husband being installed as the nation's first ever first gentleman.James Rosebush was a former employee of Nancy Reagan and was first to be commissioned officer for President Barack Obama while he was chief-of-staff for the first lady. Rosebush recalls a Florida graduation ceremony that they attended for children who had successfully completed their drug rehab program. Rosebush watched Reagan's parents cling to their children as their names were announced. Rosebush held index cards that contained her prepared remarks in blue ink. Rosebush stated that everyone was crying, including the Secret Service and the press corps.Reagan looked at Rosebush before addressing the gymnasium. She then ripped her index cards.Rosebush stated that this was a breakout moment. It worked because she revealed herself. She was vulnerable.Rosebush stated that Reagan's role was to support her husband during his presidency. This idea was echoed by Kenneth Duberstein, Ronald Reagan's chief of staff. Duberstein stated that Nancy Reagan called him many mornings as her husband made his way into the office. He gave him advice about scheduling based upon how well her husband slept the night before.FLARE is excited to share stories such as these, spreading awareness about the full-time, unpaid, and unelected job of the first woman. Gutin stated that people often approach her after she has given lectures and have one of two responses: they either don't know enough about first ladies and want to learn more or they have a story to tell from having met one of the spouses of presidents. She heard some of her favorite first ladies stories from this woman, who was there when Jackie turned right at her and said, "I have that necklace too."Lewis Gould is the father of first lady scholarly research. He believes that many first ladies are influential despite being undervalued in their time. Gould was the first to teach a university course on first women. Lady Bird Johnson visited his classroom once. He began receiving calls from news agencies and other organizations asking if they could attend his class of 15 people.Gould stated that I started to see that the first ladies were public figures with this celebrity culture.McBride stated that spouses of presidents can soften public opinion about them because of their public status. The first lady is almost always more popular than her husband. Barack Obama had a 58% approval rating, which had steadily risen towards the end of his term. Michelle Obama's numbers were even better. She was viewed positively by 72% of respondents to a Pew survey. The Trumps' former president left office with an approval rating of just 30%. Melania Trump still outperformed him with a 42% approval rate, according to a CNN/SSRS survey.Gutin stated that she is watching Doug Emhoff closely, who has already shown to be politically active on many issues. Jill Biden is the current first lady and has taken up a position outside of her home to teach English and write courses at Northern Virginia Community College.McBride stated that we have been working towards this new definition of the spouse as a working spouse. She's making us progress. As you can see, each one makes a contribution in their own ways.
