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Criticism Comes With The Job

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 2, 2008

If Rosalynn Carter was criticized for being too politically active, Nancy Reagan, her successor, was criticized for being too socially active. But they can at least take heart that criticism of first ladies goes back to the beginning of the Republic. Here's a look at some of the nation's other first ladies, and some of the criticism that swirled around them:

Laura Bush is widely seen as a more traditional first lady. But over the years she has traveled overseas on her own, delivered some of her husband's Saturday radio addresses and championed causes such as women's rights in Afghanistan and pro-democracy activists in Myanmar.

Abigail Adams, the nation's second presidential spouse, was derisively called "Mrs. President" by an anti-Federalist, Albert Gallatin, for her partisan support of her Federalist husband, John.
Dolley Madison was admiringly called "Presidentress" by some for her role as a national symbol for all Americans, one who knew "how to strike the delicate balance between queen and commoner."

The wealthy Julia Tyler was deemed overly regal or queenlike, but then her successor, Sarah Polk, was called "monstrously small" (meaning small-minded) by President Tyler himself.

Eleanor Roosevelt, known for traveling the world and speaking out on issues from poverty to civil rights to women's rights, was not immune from criticism.

Jackie Kennedy, revered for her style and flair, was initially seen as too young, was once called "too darned snappy" in the media, and even had her hair described as "a mop."
Hillary Rodham Clinton was hardly the first to assume a strong political role. But Clinton, a successful lawyer and children's advocate, went further, establishing an office in the West Wing and accepting an assignment from her husband to overhaul the nation's health care system. When that failed, it harmed the standing of both spouses.

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