11 First Ladies Who Wielded Enormous Power
From the days of the Continental Congresses, Republican John Adams frequently sought his wife’s advice and approval. After her husband became president, Abigail Adams continued to be an active participant in politics and policy.
The wife of Democratic President James K. Polk has been called “the first true political First Lady.” She worked side by side with her husband, polishing speeches and writing correspondence for him.
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The second wife of Democrat Woodrow Wilson became the gatekeeper of his presidency after he suffered a stroke. Mrs. Wilson essentially became Mrs. President.
Harris & Ewing - Library of Congress
The brains behind Warren G. Harding’s newspaper business, the one-time divorcee helped her second husband reach the White House. Once there, she influenced the selection of cabinet members and spoke out about racism and women’s suffrage.
Underwood Studios – Library of Congress
Independent and progressive, Mrs. Roosevelt pushed past a loveless marriage to FDR, championing the poor and fighting for civil rights and the rights of women. She even held her own press conferences.
One of the most outspoken First Ladies, the wife of Republican Gerald Ford was an advocate for abortion rights and equal rights for women. She also spoke publicly about confronting alcoholism and drug addiction.
David Hume Kennerly
As her Democratic husband’s closest confidante, Mrs. Carter didn’t flaunt her role, but she didn’t hide it either, often sitting in on Cabinet meetings.
A fierce defender of her husband “Ronnie,” First Lady Nancy Reagan could be as steely as her husband could be charming. In 1987, she engineered the ouster of Reagan’s strong-willed chief of staff, Donald Regan.
The union of Bill and Hillary Clinton has been as much a political partnership as a marriage. After serving as First Lady, Hillary could now become the president and dominant partner.
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She devoted her tenure to education reform, testifying before the Senate Committee on Education -- asking for higher teachers’ salaries and better training for Head Start. Together with the Library of Congress, Laura Bush started a national literacy program, Ready to Read, Ready to Learn.
White House photo by Krisanne Johnson
Michelle Obama helped promote her husband’s policies, including the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and the economic stimulus bill. She also campaigned for the return of the kidnapped Nigerian school girls. She’s been mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate for president.
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