The second-hardest job in Washington

What does the nation expect of our first ladies?

What role do first ladies play? That’s a question that has haunted the wives of presidents since the beginning of the republic. The Constitution says nothing about the first lady’s duties; she has no formal place in government. Yet the moment a president’s spouse steps into the White House, she is defined by her husband’s all-consuming public life—and the expectation that she will serve as a sunny model of inspiration to women everywhere. “I am more like a state prisoner than anything else,” complained our very first first lady, Martha Washington. Pat Nixon called it “the hardest unpaid job in the world.”

What makes it so challenging?

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First ladies are expected to be visible—but not too visible. For shy, retiring presidential partners, the intense scrutiny can be agonizing. A number of first ladies—Letitia Tyler, Jane Pierce, and Eliza Johnson—were so unsuited to public life that their husbands had to rely on daughters, nieces, and other surrogates to play hostess at White House dinners and give speeches. Margaret Taylor so dreaded being thrust into the spotlight that she prayed Zachary would not be elected president. Just 16 months into his presidency, Margaret got relief of a sort, when Taylor died. Many first ladies, of course, have actually enjoyed the power and influence that comes with their prominent perch in the White House. But this, too, can present a problem.

How so?

Spunk and self-confidence go over well, but even in post-feminist times, the public still seems uncomfortable with a first lady who steps outside a traditional, supportive role. Forceful and independent presidential wives, such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan, and Hillary Clinton, have all met with great suspicion and even hostility—and become targets for their husbands’ political opponents. Who, people asked about each one, elected her?

So what are they supposed to do?

The most popular first ladies have played a high-profile ceremonial role, as the national hostess and the president’s biggest admirer, while making some distinct—but nonthreatening—symbolic contribution to his administration. Dolley Madison, a brilliant hostess, would seat attractive young ladies next to powerful statesmen at her social gatherings, to pry out political intelligence. She would pass what the young ladies learned on to her husband, James. Jacqueline Kennedy, perhaps the most admired first lady in history, played to her refinement and beauty. Her taste in fashion was imitated by millions of women, and Jackie turned the Kennedy White House into a cultural showcase. Other admired first ladies have generated goodwill by adopting public-spirited causes. Lady Bird Johnson promoted highway beautification, and Betty Ford campaigned against breast cancer. Both Barbara and Laura Bush have been advocates of literacy.

So is the job entirely symbolic?

No. As the only member of the administration to share the president’s bed, first ladies have a unique opportunity to influence presidential thinking—and even shape policy. “A first lady is in a position to know the needs of the country and do something about them,” said Rosalynn Carter, who attended her husband’s Cabinet meetings. “It would be a shame not to take full advantage of that power.” John Adams considered Abigail his partner in all matters, professional and personal. James K. Polk relied more on his other half, Sarah, than he did on his Cabinet; she even shared his White House office. Although Bess Truman was the most retiring first lady of modern times, Harry called her “the Boss” and consulted her on every major issue, including sending troops to Korea and dropping the atomic bomb. As Rutherford B. Hayes said, “Mrs. Hayes may not have much influence on Congress, but she has great influence with me.”

Can that be a problem?

Yes, if it becomes too obvious. John Adams’ defeat in 1800 has been attributed, in part, to voters who resented Abigail’s influence over his decisions. Eleanor Roosevelt was indispensable to the crippled FDR, acting as his eyes and ears; during his first two years in office, she traveled 80,000 miles. But her outspoken views on desegregation and human rights enraged Roosevelt’s enemies. Even some Democrats grumbled when she descended into coal mines to talk to workers, and when she addressed the 1940 Democratic National Convention in place of her ailing husband. Hillary Clinton, of course, aroused nationwide animosity by indicating that she and Bill would govern jointly, declaring that she wasn’t the kind of woman to spend her time baking cookies. Her pet project, a national health-care plan, subsequently failed, with gleeful critics saying she’d proved that the president’s wife had no business meddling in policy.

Was Hillary the most criticized first lady?

She has plenty of competition. During the Civil War, Mary Todd Lincoln was accused, unjustly, of being a traitor to the Union because she came from Kentucky and had relatives serving in the Confederate army. She was also reviled for wildly overspending her White House redecorating budget while many Union troops went without blankets. The teetotaling Lucy Hayes was dubbed “Lemonade Lucy” for banning liquor from the White House (“The water flowed like champagne,” muttered one unhappy dinner guest). Nancy Reagan became the butt of jokes after the country found out that she had consulted astrologer Joan Quigley on the timing of important presidential meetings. Eleanor Roosevelt, speaking from experience, warned potential successors that they’d be targets for the critics’ scorn, no matter what they did. “Any woman who goes into public life,” Roosevelt said, “has to have a hide like a rhinoceros.”

The shadow president