Advertisement

The Changing Role Of First Lady

09:29
Download Audio
Resume
An 1878 portrait of Martha Washington (Wikimedia Commons), a 1949 photo of Eleanor Roosevelt (AP) and a 2009 official portrait of Michelle Obama (AP).
An 1878 portrait of Martha Washington (Wikimedia Commons), a 1949 photo of Eleanor Roosevelt (AP) and a 2009 official portrait of Michelle Obama (AP).

The role of the First Lady has changed dramatically depending on the woman in the office and the times in which she served.

Martha Washington said that she felt like a prisoner in the White House, while Eleanor Roosevelt relished the opportunity to advocate for women and the poor.

We talked with Dr. Myra Gutin of Rider University about the highly visible and often controversial role of First Lady.

Guest:

  • Dr. Myra Gutin, professor of communications at Rider University, and an authority on American first ladies.

This segment aired on February 18, 2013.

Advertisement

More from Here & Now

Listen Live
Close