And for the fifth. Grant became an acclaimed hostess as First Lady, while at the same time championing womens rights and pushing forward the importance of her role. And the only first lady to leave office with a popularity . Meanwhile, Melania Trump came in . Her public image is ranked fairly well- she was more popular than her husband and seen as a very elegant figure. Her openness about her mastectomy helped thousands of women check themselves. "That means the average net popularity rating for these first ladies . The first lady, according to Wright, is typically better at promoting the presidents policies and molding public opinion than other surrogates, including the vice presidentas well as the president himself. Melania Trump has the immigrant experience to share that so many Americans have had. Sharp observations and took an early interest in the environment. Its no secret that first ladies often get ranks. Madison was known for her parties and her social capital. She was an advocate for womens rights and suffrage, and she helped expand the role of first lady from domestic hostess to a more public-facing position. Laura Bush focused on advancing literature and education reform in the nation. Her integrity, courage and value to the President receive the highest marks. Whether they championed social causes or simply represented their husbands well, each of these ladies left her mark on history. This often made her unpopular with the press and political opponents. Her weakest scores were in public image and accomplishments simply because we didnt see much of her. Her public image is also high due to her immense popularity, fashion sense and class. During President Donald Trumps presidency (2016-2020), Melania was known for taking a backseat and often being rather quiet about her husbands policy initiatives. She is perhaps best known for insisting on Hail to the Chief being played whenever her husband, the 10th president of the United States, made an appearance. Hes very qualified to do that, but the purpose of socializing those interests early on in the campaign is so it wont be big news if Hillary gets elected. She had an educational background in the arts and famously spent time creating, sketching, and painting while in the White House. She served as national GSUSA president on two separate occasions. She often appeared on radio broadcasts to promote volunteerism and other issues. She ranks as one of the least photographed first ladies and preferred to remain out of the public eye. Her outfits from her time as the first lady are still often put on display today. She was also a very popular housewife whose recipes were widely copied. Here is a list of some of the most popular first ladies in American history who are still adored today. Numerous polls have offered rankings of the presidents but little effort has been made to rate the performance of the president's spouse. These are important causes to First Lady Melania Trump. Pats major initiative was in encouraging volunteerism. In 2014, the Siena College Research Institute collaborated with C-SPAN and The White House Historical Association to conduct its fifth comprehensive study of the First Ladies of the United States. Moreover, she was serving as first lady during the tragedy of 9/11. Mamie Eisenhower was extremely active on the 1952 campaign trail and was in the first-ever televised campaign ad. *oS?G:x9aRQ|2\pU+sR2?"yU5YjQdU,sX*sX?] &AD0CxMy)`q7 You refer to the first lady as the messenger in chief. Part of this may have been due to her background. Her value to the countrys score is lowest due to the scandal and her failed healthcare reform. She went ahead to set a tone for other first ladies after her, and this has helped many of the other first ladies to know what to expect once they assume such a position. Shes my favourite person whos been First Lady. One of the most beloved First Ladies and my idol, Jackie Kennnedy received consistently good marks across the board. 20 years later, Ondimba won the Gabon Presidential election, making Slyvia the First Lady of Gabon, in 2009. ^Y! KUEN#!vtd'9,!Gud$.X@rb]ddg~lc?C,F(3)gi0+8x PP#P{d b447iDQ#Y F.dqQna PGd+]qoA96i&-,}At[3aFrVsX@P85dUC}=O}Q]p8?p(Bc~q|m$uL-M)?r3ZjphvE#H' ;pWYAnwe !9z@IXDy&;U TR. While finishing my PhD at Georgetown, I was in a presidency class where it was made abundantly clear that theres no empirical research on this topic. Reagan put her husband above everything, even her own children at some points. She was the daughter of President Thomas Jefferson and his wife, Martha Wayles Skelton Jefferson. Martha Jefferson Randolph was the first lady of the United States from 1801 to 1809 and ranked 18th in the Siena Research Institutes 1982 study. Emily Donelson was ranked 26th in the Siena Research Institute 1982 survey. This contributes to her high background score. She would provide her husband with key newspaper articles and occasionally act as a liaison between important political figures and the president. A controversial First Lady, Hillary Clinton is exactly halfway down the table. The first lady, however, was not just a hostess. Her area of interest is the Republican Party, presidential elections and how campaigns are conducted. pstw5=Wkx=QU Q*d&mB [8uW{a$Iq fDaqMp 5`T.i"B RI[qqok'+A(U0TpgM'4wY)Uh!+C==o-=Ws|a~tbc]%J)-\:Pr!|,!_h(>R ,d)>(S With an approval rating of 75% and is ranked in the top 9 first ladies, Betty Ford is rated as one of the most beloved first ladies in the white house. Background- Her life before being First Lady, including education, work and advocacy, Value to the Country- Ambassador both at home and abroad, Being The White House Steward- Caring for their presidential residence, Accomplishments Her work as First Lady, afterwards and her legacy, Leadership Good qualities as de facto consort of the country, Being Her Own Woman- Being a separate entity to her husband, Public Image Her popularity with the public, Value to the President How much she assists her husband personally and politically. 1. Why are Americans fascinated by first ladies? She also supported the Equal Rights Amendment. She performed for the cameras (in a way that we would now see as commonplace). US First Lady Michelle Obama (L) and former First Ladies (L-R) Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Barbara Bush and Roslyn Carter. No other first lady ever tarnished the office like she did in recent times.. melanoma gives women a bad name she is worthless just like donny the pig. Cleveland was a popular First Lady through her time in the White House, but ranks among one of the most controversial due to her later political takes including opposing womens suffrage. Siena Research Institute found that she is consistently ranked by the American people in the top 13. Ready to Read, Ready to Learn was an education initiative that promoted reading in early childhood education. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis received the highest ranking in this inaugural First Ladies Greatness Poll, with 65%. Sarah Stook is a freelance writer with a great interest in US politics. Some of these famous First Ladies are known for their involvement in their husband's presidency (Hillary Rodham Clinton), others are popular for their humanitarian efforts (Eleanor Roosevelt), and some for their commitment to American citizens (Michelle Obama). The former first lady is joined by Michelle Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Oprah Winfrey, Scarlett Johansson and more on YouGov's annual international survey. However, she remained loyal to her husband and his efforts to preserve the Union. I rated her highest for her courage, integrity, accomplishment, leadership and being her own woman. She was also the first First Lady to be nicknamed First Lady, a title which has since been used by all subsequent wives of presidents. All Rights Reserved. Neither Jackie nor Melania really cared about being in the spotlight. Shes not in my Top 10 but shes far from the worst First Lady. After her term as first lady, she did not continue the tea and a tour tradition with Dr. Jill Biden as was customary during the transition of power. Betty Ford was known for her openness. A formidable and intelligent woman who made the family millionaires, Lady Bird Johnson comes in at a respectable sixth. When Dr. Jill Biden ranks as one of the most popular first ladies in American history, its no surprise that shes also one of the most accomplished. Whilst the original did a value scale, I am sticking with the 1-5 divided by ten. In addition to being an advocate for free community college and education access, Dr. Biden is also a lecturer and academic who earned her doctoral degree in educational leadership from the University of Delaware. There are five living former first ladies: Rosalynn Carter, married to Jimmy Carter; Hillary Clinton, married to Bill Clinton; Laura Bush, married to George W. Bush; Michelle Obama, married to Barack Obama; and Melania Trump, married to Donald Trump. She also helped begin lessen the stigma of mental health issues similar to Betty, Nancy was most protective of the President to the point of being a shield. She is known to be a party and social planner who even went as far as inviting her political opponents to the parties she organized. There are three main pillars to this program, and they are well-being, online safety/cyberbullying, and opioid abuse. Abigail is remembered as an intellectual, often consulting on major issues that were to set American history. While she may not have been as iconic or well-known as some other first ladies, Ida McKinleys story is nonetheless a tragic and fascinating one. Although the term first lady was not yet in use, Martha Washington was often referred to as Lady Washington. During her time as first lady, she focused largely on White House restoration, taking a special interest in the artwork and integrity of the interior decoration in the historic building. While her husband was in office, Abigail served as the formal entertainer, meaning she focused on the critical social status and reputation of the president and, ultimately, the White House. She ranks fourth among all first ladies, and she is an advocate for bipartisanship. Barbara was the most shrewd sometimes too pointed with her remarks. While each of America's first ladies has brought something unique to their White House role, the general U.S. public has found some more favorable than others. District Profiles: Alabamas Congressional Districts, Debbie Stabenows Retirement Shakes Up 2024 Senate Contests, Pennsylvania House Elects Consensus Speaker, With a Twist, Elections to Watch Across the Globe in 2023. Served as First lady in the administration of her husband Richard Nixon. One volunteer group she was a part of is Women in Community Services. As the first first lady, Martha Washington set a precedent for how the role could be approached. Moreover, she is the mother of who would become President John Quincy Adams. She was an advocate for healthcare reform and adoption, and her husbands Whitewater controversy notwithstanding, she enjoyed a 66% approval rating during her time in the White House. On March 27, 1912, she personally planted the first two saplings with Viscountess Iwa Chinda (the wife of the Japanese ambassador). Her focus on drug awareness campaigns helped to improve her public image. mp@p$_gGX >F"'aO..P%XI@8Dv=#+9l-Bj]`#N`7,j`dTHaqiLM"A4ZsE:8P #i:+f[ )EL0756~$ XO 5i'ahN2W0TF She fought for permission from Congress to build the first White House library, and spent countless hours selecting books, as she won approval. Both women were elegant, gracious and had impeccable taste in clothes. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis received the highest ranking in this inaugural First Ladies Greatness Poll, with 65%. She also shepherded individual bills for healthcare especially for children and families. Rosalynn made regular appearances at cabinet meetings during President Jimmy Carters administration. In fact, it was revealed after her death that she no longer considered herself a Republican towards the end of her life. In 1896, Ida McKinley was very popular. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. Course, she probably doesnt care. At number 14 in the Siena Research Institutes 1982 survey is Louisa Adams, the first lady from 1825-1829 during President John Quincy Adams term. Although Donald Trump has not officially confirmed if he plans to run again in 2024, he has consistently teased the possibility since leaving office. Melania Trump's stint in the White House was a hot topic in recent weeks. 5 0 obj I'm convinced that the term "pearly whites" was inspired by Michelle because, come on, her teeth actually match her necklace. Sarah Polk ranked at 22nd of the most successful first ladies in American history. jacket she wore to an immigrant detention center (via Vanity Fair) and her speech at the Republican National Convention, which included lines from Michelle Obama's speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. I was unsure about public opinion due to her eventually being able to be voted to the Senate, but she was also very Marmite. It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. These first ladies are great women who have ultimately left their marks on American history as they will always be remembered for their contributions for a very long time. Her courage and accomplishments get high marks. The Trumps made headlines this week when the former president had to deny that his wife would not be joining him in the White House for a potential second term. Laura Bush is often forgotten due to being sandwiched between Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama, but managed to get fifth place. Enter your email address to follow Elections Daily and receive notifications of new posts by email. While she didnt focus on policy, she knew the importance of social capital, especially during the era she served (1809-1817). I'm working like amy a** off at Christmas stuff that, you know, who gives a f*** about Christmas stuff and decorations? My guess is if Hillary is elected the White House will probably call his office the office of former President Bill Clinton. Lou Hoover was known for being an advocate for various causes. The list weve put together is based on a variety of factors, but ultimately it comes down to how much the public loves and trusts these women. History ranks Pat Nixon low on the list at number 37 in Siena Research Institutes survey. As first lady, she was often criticized for her heavy personal spending and the cost of refurbishing the White House. While some first ladies are more popular than others, it can be hard to rank them in order from most to least popular. Rosalyn is a writer and also a strong advocate in American society.