In Rating the First Ladies, John B. Roberts analyzes the First Ladies as political partners rather than wives and mothers. During his presentation, the author details the personal lives and administrative influence of several First Ladies, including Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, and Lady Bird Johnson. This event was hosted by the James Buchanan Foundation in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
John B. Roberts is a journalist and a consulting producer for The McLaughlin Group. His articles have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, George, USA Today and The Observer of London. Mr. Roberts served in the Reagan Administration from 1981-1985.
Bio
John B. Roberts
John B. Roberts is a journalist and a consulting producer for The McLaughlin Group. His articles have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, George, USA Today and The Observer of London. Mr. Roberts served in the Reagan Administration from 1981-1985.
I think there is a tendency to dismiss American presidential wives--especially those of the 19th century well before the women's movement--as being of secondary importance, so I liked Roberts's presentation because it helps "set the record straight" and reminds us that they in fact often wielded great political influence and helped shape history.