The Role of the First Wife

What's the role of the American President's wife? Is she an adviser to the president and politically active? Or is she the welcoming First Lady of the house to guests and a public figure? Or is she both?

I remember Laura Bush blending into the background, but also still giving an impression of being active politically and socially. She had her causes to advocate, just as Michelle Obama does now. However, when I read that Michelle Obama said, "“I’m his wife, not his senior adviser.” (NY Times) I quite agreed. The wife of the President of the United States does not have necessarily be his sole source of advice not should she be butting into situations she shouldn't be. However, to an extent, being the president's wife, you have an obligation to be a public figure/role model to millions of citizens across the United States. Also, when it's time for you to be serious and support/assist your husband (whether or not that be staying at home and being supportive) you shouldn't be flying around the world. No matter what the reason. President Obama isn't exactly #1 Mr. Popular right now, is he?


When I think of famous First Ladies, I think of Jackie Kennedy - so beautiful and welcoming as the hostess of the White House, or Eleanor Roosevelt - so tactful and helpful in multiple aspects during her husband's term in office. When I think of Michelle Obama, her Harvard degree makes me think that she might be more politically active, as in not simply becoming known for her shopping sprees and jet plane rides. I guess I was wrong.