Jill Biden's visit to Eastern Europe serves as a powerful demonstration of America's unwavering commitment to Ukraine, as the Biden administration continues to offer unstoppable support for Ukraine's defense of its independence. This visit also serves as a poignant reminder to allied partners that America's engagement with Ukraine extends beyond current political circumstances.
First Ladies have a rich history of playing significant roles in national affairs that go beyond decorating the White House and hosting events. Since Martha Washington broke new ground in the position over two centuries ago, many First Ladies have sought ways to contribute more than just sprucing up the Oval Office and hosting receptions.
However, many modern First Ladies have faced substantial challenges as they've sought to push the boundaries of traditional first lady roles. Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is arguably the most famous example. She was a prominent columnist who tackled some of the most pressing issues of her time, including racial injustice, and faced heavy opposition as a result, from criticism of her appearance to her relationships with left-leaning politicians.
One of Roosevelt's opponents, Westbrook Pegler, wrote: "I disagree with Mrs. Roosevelt... I simply call her unrestrained, self-righteous and mischievous, and I expect no favors from her if I criticize her." Pegler was far from alone in his condemnation.
Yet, despite these challenges, Roosevelt and other First Ladies persisted, often embarking on strategic foreign trips to support their husbands' efforts. In 1943, during World War II, Roosevelt embarked on a month-long journey to the South Pacific. In Sydney, Australia, she delivered numerous speeches on women's roles during war and in society. "Perhaps this [was] the seed of an idea that encouraged women to participate in all aspects of civic life in the post-war era."
Another famous example is Barbara Bush, who accompanied her husband, George H. W. Bush, on a Thanksgiving trip to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. She proved to be the life of the party, winning over the soldiers with her quick wit and infectious humor.
"President Bush may have come to Saudi Arabia without weapons or rockets, but he brought a far more effective kind of arsenal – Barbara Bush," wrote one political commentator in The Washington Post. First Ladies like Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump have all traveled abroad to support their husbands' political agendas.
First Ladies also play essential roles in political campaigns. In the fall of 1964, Lady Bird Johnson embarked on a 1,628-mile journey through eight Southern states, campaigning for her husband, Lyndon B. Johnson, and his support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Michelle Obama was one of the most vocal critics of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and delivered some of the most poignant speeches and comments on the challenges facing the country during his presidency. At the 2020 Democratic National Convention, she sharply criticized Trump, stating: "He just can't help it. He can't help himself. He just keeps on revealing his true self. His disregard for our alliances, our institutions, our values, and the rule of law comes from a belief that our power doesn't protect us from chaos, it emboldens it."
First Ladies have always found ways to leverage their position to impact public life, even in the face of sexism and bigotry. Every time a traveling First Lady, like Jill Biden, reaffirms America's support for Ukraine and contributes to addressing the challenges of our time, they contribute to a stronger precedent for the future. First Ladies are expected to not just be accepted, but to use their positions to improve American life.
Upon further examination of the historical context in which Eleanor Roosevelt exerted her influence, one can better understand the scope of her impact.
Enrichment Data:
- Public Advocacy and Policy Influence: Eleanor Roosevelt's hands-on approach to public policy and advocacy allowed her to directly impact government responses to the Great Depression and World War II. Her press conferences, daily newspaper column, and countless speeches provided a platform for engaging with the public and policymakers. Her advocacy efforts also extended to civil rights and women's rights, including equal wages, fair working conditions, and education access for women.
- International Influence: Eleanor Roosevelt played a vital role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the United Nations. As the first chairperson of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, she incorporated her commitment to social welfare and justice into a global framework. This experience demonstrated her ability to use her powerful position to make significant contributions beyond domestic policy.
- Networking and Collaboration: By maintaining close relationships with civil rights leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt opened doors in Washington, D.C., and facilitated the involvement of marginalized groups in federal policies. Her networking skills allowed these groups to have a greater influence on domestic legislation.
- Media Engagement: Eleanor Roosevelt used the media effectively, engaging with radio and television to reach a larger audience. Her show, "Mrs. Roosevelt Meets the Public," introduced prominent guests like Albert Einstein, Albert Schweitzer, and Winston Churchill to a broader audience, further enhancing her public persona.
- Legacy and Impact: Eleanor Roosevelt's influence transcends her time as First Lady, providing a foundation for modern American social safety nets. Programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and food assistance initiatives owe much to her advocacy. Her legacy has inspired subsequent First Ladies, including Rosalynn Carter and Hillary Clinton.
By examining these elements of Eleanor Roosevelt's influence, one can appreciate her remarkable impact on the role of the First Lady as an advocate for social change.
