Who do you think was THE greatest First Lady?
- KatieAnne
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Brian Tubbs
- Dan_Ellsworth
- Dan_Ellsworth
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Brian Tubbs
- Re: Great First Ladies - Nominate Now
This is a tough one. The answer depends on how one evaluates the role of First Lady. Do we want a First Lady that actively (and effectively) supports her husband or one that carves out a distinctive identity and national presence all her own? Or a combination of the two approaches?
For the former criteria, I think you've got to go with Abigail Adams. She was indispensable to her husband, John, as not only a moral support -- but as a political advisor as well. She was every bit the intellectual equal to just about any of the leading statesmen of that era.
Dolly Madison would be up there too, as most historians agree her husband would NEVER have been elected President without her. James Madison was a strong intellectual, but was socially ill at ease. His wife was intelligent AND dynamic. She was vital to the Madison administration. And, of course, let's not forget it was Dolly that saved Gilbert Stuart's famed portrait of George Washington, as the British came marching into the nation's capital in 1814.
Switching to the latter criteria, it's hard to match Eleanor Roosevelt, who was a giant on the national and world stages. She was a tremendous leader in her own right, but was also an indispensable support to her husband's presidency.
Personally, I think all three of the ones I've mentioned belong in the Top Five. There are probably others that, despite a quieter presence, were crucial and very influential behind the scenes. Martha Washington comes to mind, as does Mamie Eisenhower.
My vote, though, for the absolute BEST would have to go to one of the three I mentioned: Eleanor Roosevelt, Dolly Madison, or Abigail Adams. Between the three of them, I can't decide. All three of them were great.
-- posted by Brian Tubbs
» Dan_Ellsworth - Re: Re: Great First Ladies - Nominate Now
In response to message posted by BrianTubbs:Wow! I thought I'd drop in on this discussion with only two messages and see whether anybody had nominated anybody -- and whether Abigail Adams was mentioned. Brian, you've put forth a good list and analysis. I'm wondering whether Abigail Adams should get more "points" for pressing (lovingly but firmly) for more recognition of women politically. I am not a great student of history, but somewhere I've read some of her letters and believe she was ahead of her time.
-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth
» Dan_Ellsworth - Where *is* everybody else?
I think this question deserves more than two responses.My own interest in it comes about 38% from an occasional fantasy: My wife Judy elected President, and I try to bring the best I can to the unprecedented "First Gentleman" role.
Judy has expressed no interest in running for President.
-- posted by Dan_Ellsworth
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