Jackie Kennedy First Lady Analysis
Jackie Kennedy presented a new convention of glamor and appeal to the First Lady lifestyle. Jackie’s elegant style aided her refurbishment of the White House public rooms. Her primary focus was to fill the rooms with antiquities and reflect earlier presidencies following the founding of the United States. The concept of this project created the First Lady’s project for her successors, an area of concern, which often addressed national style, the needs of an underprivileged demographic or a social issue. Jackie also supported and influenced the President to recognize value in allocating federal aid towards art and music programs in lower school education and museums. However, unlike her immediate predecessors, Jackie was not an active political
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advocate; rather John sought comfort in sharing political information with her in private. John relied on her astute social skills to exchange conversation and regulate foreign affairs with other political leaders. Jackie’s main asset was her mass appeal domestically and globally in the public eye; her confident and graceful etiquette and good taste, followed tradition, yet her personal opinions and independent interests symbolized the mid-century era of achieving the “American Dream,” as a wife and a mother, attainable for middle-class Americans.
Faced with the benefits and limitations of the public spotlight, Lady Bird Johnson played an active role in her husband’s political career, and often fooled people with her feminine demeanor. During the race, LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act, which continued to be a primary focus for Lady Bird during public appearances and campaigning. Overshadowed by the mourning of Kennedy, upon moving to the White House, Lady Bird was reluctant to undertake the full public role of the First Lady. Rather, she sought advice from Jackie and took interest and studied the First Ladies, her predecessors. She aimed to work on projects that mirrored her husband’s aims and hopes for the nation, and frequently emphasized the idea that she’s not elected. However, Lady Bird had substantial influence on Johnson’s speeches, decisions and often heard the details of the crises that he faced everyday. Lady Bird, very aware of public perception, guided LBJ and controlled his diet, sleeping habits and health matters to keep him fit and help him lead by example. Unfortunately, Johnson’s health became a concern with the stress of the Vietnam War. As a result, Lady Bird took on more responsibility in the administrative role, in an “informal” place of her husband.
Lady Bird also served the hostess role with programs and meetings for the female spouses of Congress, and hosted discussions to address the need for women’s activism in civic affairs. Lady Bird had two personal causes: health and environmentalism. In LBJ’s 1964 State of the Union Address, he declared an “unconditional war on poverty,” and Lady Bird supported the foundation of a summer program for underprivileged pre-school children to learn about basic medical care and nutrition. This project is called “Project Head Start.” Lady Bird’s other project campaigned for the “beautification” and conservation of national parks, highways and taking measures towards anti-pollution.
With the resignation of Nixon in 1974, Gerald Ford was sworn in to Presidency. In his inaugural address, Gerald noted that he is indebted to Betty, his wife. She had many plans to expand programming for the arts and for children with disabilities, as well as her support for legal abortion. In a post-Watergate era, Betty’s willingness to discuss controversial issues gathered followers quickly. Shortly after her husband’s inauguration, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and openly shared her story, and her problems with substance abuse too. Betty veered from the traditional role of hostess too. She hired American craftsmen to create centerpieces and other crafts to support and display the work of Americans. After formal suppers, dancing would always follow with the Fords, often reflecting the American popular culture of the 70s. During Ford’s 1976 campaign, Betty campaigned independently and travelled across the United States to reach women delegates ,liberal and moderate Republican voters. By a small margin, Jimmy Carter won.
Rosalynn Carter made many appearances to help raise the public profile of her husband, in preparation for his campaign. Beyond her husband’s campaign, Rosalynn promised, without precedent, if First Lady, she would assume responsibility for guiding legislative reform on behalf of people who are mentally ill. Her campaign efforts were labeled the “Rosalynn Carter phenomenon,” for the number of people reached and distance travelled.
During her tenure, Rosalynn emphasized that she had a working partnership with Jimmy, and would provide advice on his domestic and foreign affairs. She also considered herself to be a messenger between Jimmy and the American public, often reporting feedback about policies. Rosalynn undertook an international assignment to Central and South America in 1977 without Jimmy, to meet with policy leaders and discuss human rights, drug trafficking and nuclear weaponry, among other critical issues. Similarly, she travelled abroad to Israel to negotiate the Camp David Accords, and she was the American representative to meet the Pope in 1979 upon his first visit to the U.S. Rosalynn’s personal and diplomatic achievements add the role of diplomat to the first lady’s duties, and greatly increased the political influence of the first lady position.
In 1979, the federal government formally recognized the role of the First Lady as a bona fide federal position, although excluded from the U.S. Constitution. This appropriated that the First Lady has a premise to assist the president in fulfilling his duties, and permitted Rosalynn to take a more active role in the administration and work towards the legislative reform for people who are mentally ill. She expanded her support and volunteer projects to help senior citizens in need, and people with mental disabilities. Carter used her newfound, and personally designed position to draw attention to her primary causes: mental health and aging. The media followed Rosalynn, and shifted the focus of the first lady to be outside of the White House. Hosting luncheons only happened as a sign of activism, rather than a regular social event. The role of the first lady outgrew the fanfare of hosting private social activities, and escalated to political activism and involvement in public affairs.
Contrary to Rosalynn’s development of the first lady, Nancy had other interests – to stay at home, look fashionable and stylish, and occasionally to influence her husband, and do what is best for him. During Reagan’s campaign, Nancy preferred to stand next to Ronald, but often had to make her own appearances, to spread awareness, reiterating his views on issues. Initially, upon moving to the White House, Nancy took to redecorating the house, and receiving private contributions. Nancy was criticized for violating the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, and named “Queen Nancy,” and blamed for the economic recession, high unemployment and homeless families. Following this, Nancy made her primary focus to promote drug education and prevention programs for children and adolescents. After travelling the country to advance her campaign, she expanded internationally, inviting the wives of world leaders to attend a conference on youth drug abuse, which she hosted at the White House. About a year later, in 1986, President Reagan signed the “National Crusade for A Drug Free America,” an anti-drug abuse bill. Following this, Nancy became the first First Lady to address the U.N. General Assembly, speaking on international drug and trafficking laws. Nancy also adjusted her schedule to meet and follow her husband’s when possible, and felt responsible to protect his life. Nancy framed her tenure as a traditional homemaker, separating Ronald’s work from hers as a mother and wife. The return of the domestic ideal to the role of the First Lady paralleled the backlash to second-wave feminism in American society.
While recognizing the domesticity of the First Lady institution, the position demands “superwoman” qualities, to embrace the public and private, contemporary and traditional roles. Hillary Clinton, at times, was praised for having these qualities, but more often received backlash for being too involved publicly, and rumored to have anti-family values. Despite this criticism, Bill Clinton was elected and served two terms, often bragging that the nation received a “two for one deal.” Shortly after Hillary became First Lady, Bill gave her the responsibility to head the President’s Task Force on the Health Care Reform. Although the reform was abandoned, Hillary initiated federal efforts to address medical problems in the United States, including creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997, which provided state support for children whose parents could not provide health coverage. Hillary publicized and supported the recovery of the Gulf War veterans, and hosted conferences at the White House, supporting the spread of literacy, health education programs, and prevention of school violence. Then, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Hillary shared an interest in advocating for gender equity in developing countries, and emphasized the importance of human rights. In 1995, at the U.N. World Conference on Women, Hillary delivered an important speech addressing the need for equal rights for women internationally.
In Hillary’s first year, she faced several accusations, which led to investigations, finding Hilary not guilty, but revealed the Lewinsky scandal.
Hillary’s support of and commitment to Bill factored greatly in preventing his resignation. Hillary did not neglect the hostess role of being a First lady either. In addition to hosting conferences, she filmed a webcast and monthly lectures to connect America’s public to federal affairs and U.S. history and held larger parties for holiday celebrations and fundraisers. She also restored a few rooms in the house, and created the sculpture garden. Later, Hillary became the first First Lady to be elected in public office, winning a New York Senate seat in 2000, and the first to join the race for presidency itself.
Despite the absence of any legal job description and election for the role, First Ladies are expected to balance being a model of American womanhood whilst performing one of the most publicly visible and influential positions in American culture. From the moment Martha Washington assumed the role, the presidents’ wives have reflected the societal expectations paralleling the status of American women, changing the role from hostess to public activist and confidante to the President of the United
States.
advocate; rather John sought comfort in sharing political information with her in private. John relied on her astute social skills to exchange conversation and regulate foreign affairs with other political leaders. Jackie’s main asset was her mass appeal domestically and globally in the public eye; her confident and graceful etiquette and good taste, followed tradition, yet her personal opinions and independent interests symbolized the mid-century era of achieving the “American Dream,” as a wife and a mother, attainable for middle-class Americans.
Faced with the benefits and limitations of the public spotlight, Lady Bird Johnson played an active role in her husband’s political career, and often fooled people with her feminine demeanor. During the race, LBJ signed the Civil Rights Act, which continued to be a primary focus for Lady Bird during public appearances and campaigning. Overshadowed by the mourning of Kennedy, upon moving to the White House, Lady Bird was reluctant to undertake the full public role of the First Lady. Rather, she sought advice from Jackie and took interest and studied the First Ladies, her predecessors. She aimed to work on projects that mirrored her husband’s aims and hopes for the nation, and frequently emphasized the idea that she’s not elected. However, Lady Bird had substantial influence on Johnson’s speeches, decisions and often heard the details of the crises that he faced everyday. Lady Bird, very aware of public perception, guided LBJ and controlled his diet, sleeping habits and health matters to keep him fit and help him lead by example. Unfortunately, Johnson’s health became a concern with the stress of the Vietnam War. As a result, Lady Bird took on more responsibility in the administrative role, in an “informal” place of her husband.
Lady Bird also served the hostess role with programs and meetings for the female spouses of Congress, and hosted discussions to address the need for women’s activism in civic affairs. Lady Bird had two personal causes: health and environmentalism. In LBJ’s 1964 State of the Union Address, he declared an “unconditional war on poverty,” and Lady Bird supported the foundation of a summer program for underprivileged pre-school children to learn about basic medical care and nutrition. This project is called “Project Head Start.” Lady Bird’s other project campaigned for the “beautification” and conservation of national parks, highways and taking measures towards anti-pollution.
With the resignation of Nixon in 1974, Gerald Ford was sworn in to Presidency. In his inaugural address, Gerald noted that he is indebted to Betty, his wife. She had many plans to expand programming for the arts and for children with disabilities, as well as her support for legal abortion. In a post-Watergate era, Betty’s willingness to discuss controversial issues gathered followers quickly. Shortly after her husband’s inauguration, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and openly shared her story, and her problems with substance abuse too. Betty veered from the traditional role of hostess too. She hired American craftsmen to create centerpieces and other crafts to support and display the work of Americans. After formal suppers, dancing would always follow with the Fords, often reflecting the American popular culture of the 70s. During Ford’s 1976 campaign, Betty campaigned independently and travelled across the United States to reach women delegates ,liberal and moderate Republican voters. By a small margin, Jimmy Carter won.
Rosalynn Carter made many appearances to help raise the public profile of her husband, in preparation for his campaign. Beyond her husband’s campaign, Rosalynn promised, without precedent, if First Lady, she would assume responsibility for guiding legislative reform on behalf of people who are mentally ill. Her campaign efforts were labeled the “Rosalynn Carter phenomenon,” for the number of people reached and distance travelled.
During her tenure, Rosalynn emphasized that she had a working partnership with Jimmy, and would provide advice on his domestic and foreign affairs. She also considered herself to be a messenger between Jimmy and the American public, often reporting feedback about policies. Rosalynn undertook an international assignment to Central and South America in 1977 without Jimmy, to meet with policy leaders and discuss human rights, drug trafficking and nuclear weaponry, among other critical issues. Similarly, she travelled abroad to Israel to negotiate the Camp David Accords, and she was the American representative to meet the Pope in 1979 upon his first visit to the U.S. Rosalynn’s personal and diplomatic achievements add the role of diplomat to the first lady’s duties, and greatly increased the political influence of the first lady position.
In 1979, the federal government formally recognized the role of the First Lady as a bona fide federal position, although excluded from the U.S. Constitution. This appropriated that the First Lady has a premise to assist the president in fulfilling his duties, and permitted Rosalynn to take a more active role in the administration and work towards the legislative reform for people who are mentally ill. She expanded her support and volunteer projects to help senior citizens in need, and people with mental disabilities. Carter used her newfound, and personally designed position to draw attention to her primary causes: mental health and aging. The media followed Rosalynn, and shifted the focus of the first lady to be outside of the White House. Hosting luncheons only happened as a sign of activism, rather than a regular social event. The role of the first lady outgrew the fanfare of hosting private social activities, and escalated to political activism and involvement in public affairs.
Contrary to Rosalynn’s development of the first lady, Nancy had other interests – to stay at home, look fashionable and stylish, and occasionally to influence her husband, and do what is best for him. During Reagan’s campaign, Nancy preferred to stand next to Ronald, but often had to make her own appearances, to spread awareness, reiterating his views on issues. Initially, upon moving to the White House, Nancy took to redecorating the house, and receiving private contributions. Nancy was criticized for violating the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, and named “Queen Nancy,” and blamed for the economic recession, high unemployment and homeless families. Following this, Nancy made her primary focus to promote drug education and prevention programs for children and adolescents. After travelling the country to advance her campaign, she expanded internationally, inviting the wives of world leaders to attend a conference on youth drug abuse, which she hosted at the White House. About a year later, in 1986, President Reagan signed the “National Crusade for A Drug Free America,” an anti-drug abuse bill. Following this, Nancy became the first First Lady to address the U.N. General Assembly, speaking on international drug and trafficking laws. Nancy also adjusted her schedule to meet and follow her husband’s when possible, and felt responsible to protect his life. Nancy framed her tenure as a traditional homemaker, separating Ronald’s work from hers as a mother and wife. The return of the domestic ideal to the role of the First Lady paralleled the backlash to second-wave feminism in American society.
While recognizing the domesticity of the First Lady institution, the position demands “superwoman” qualities, to embrace the public and private, contemporary and traditional roles. Hillary Clinton, at times, was praised for having these qualities, but more often received backlash for being too involved publicly, and rumored to have anti-family values. Despite this criticism, Bill Clinton was elected and served two terms, often bragging that the nation received a “two for one deal.” Shortly after Hillary became First Lady, Bill gave her the responsibility to head the President’s Task Force on the Health Care Reform. Although the reform was abandoned, Hillary initiated federal efforts to address medical problems in the United States, including creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program in 1997, which provided state support for children whose parents could not provide health coverage. Hillary publicized and supported the recovery of the Gulf War veterans, and hosted conferences at the White House, supporting the spread of literacy, health education programs, and prevention of school violence. Then, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Hillary shared an interest in advocating for gender equity in developing countries, and emphasized the importance of human rights. In 1995, at the U.N. World Conference on Women, Hillary delivered an important speech addressing the need for equal rights for women internationally.
In Hillary’s first year, she faced several accusations, which led to investigations, finding Hilary not guilty, but revealed the Lewinsky scandal.
Hillary’s support of and commitment to Bill factored greatly in preventing his resignation. Hillary did not neglect the hostess role of being a First lady either. In addition to hosting conferences, she filmed a webcast and monthly lectures to connect America’s public to federal affairs and U.S. history and held larger parties for holiday celebrations and fundraisers. She also restored a few rooms in the house, and created the sculpture garden. Later, Hillary became the first First Lady to be elected in public office, winning a New York Senate seat in 2000, and the first to join the race for presidency itself.
Despite the absence of any legal job description and election for the role, First Ladies are expected to balance being a model of American womanhood whilst performing one of the most publicly visible and influential positions in American culture. From the moment Martha Washington assumed the role, the presidents’ wives have reflected the societal expectations paralleling the status of American women, changing the role from hostess to public activist and confidante to the President of the United
States.