Who was (or is) the Best First Lady Ever?

**amykhar** · #1 08-01-2001, 09:18 PM

and why?

Amy

ThePirateKing · #2 08-02-2001, 01:51 AM

In my book, Abigail Adams--wife of John and mother of John Quincy. She was an unsung "Founding Father," at least as intelligent, strong-willed and influential as her husband in shaping the future of the new United States. Abigail was a prolific writer with strong Federalist political leanings, advising her husband in his duties as Congressional delegate and ambassador even as she single-handedly oversaw the family farm in Braintree, Mass., and raised their four children.

In modern parlance, this girl rocked.

"Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of the Husbands. Remember all men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the ladies we are determined to foment a rebellion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any laws in which we have no voice, or representation." --AA, 1776

poseidon · #3 08-02-2001, 10:20 AM

Darn you took my answer!

erik_kosberg · #4 08-02-2001, 10:34 AM

If Jeff and I agree on something, it’s a good indication that it’s the correct answer.

Abigal was also, in effect, the first woman to serve in the Cabinet. She certainly had more influence over foreign relations than did Adams’s Secretary of State (Timothy Pickering).

#5 08-02-2001, 10:34 AM

I'd have to say Nancy Reagan. She did a fine job as President.

Sordid-1 · #6 08-02-2001, 10:45 AM

I'd have to say <insert the name of the wife of any Democratic president I feel like insulting>. She did a fine job as President.

C'mon, Lawrence, do you truly think Nancy (or her astrologist) really had any more influence on her husband's decision-making process than Hillary or Eleanor Roosevelt or Tipper Gore, etc.? Oh wait, Tipper will never be first lady. My bad!