Question 5: The First Hostess

Although we tend to sometimes see the First Lady's role as hostess at the White House as frivolous or less important than her other roles, as you have seen from the readings, this sets the tone for what may sometimes even be key diplomatic or negotiating situations. Most women are still raised to cook and care for a home, although the First Lady is unlikely to be found in the kitchen! But in our society, men are still less likely to be accustomed to making the kinds of decisions involved in entertaining. Sooner or later we are going to have a First Man (or First Dude, as Mr. Palin of Alaska would put it). Do you think a First Man could play this role of Gracious Host, overseeing state dinners and smaller affairs? Ladies, can you picture your boyfriend or husband in such a role? Guys, how would you handle the role of First Man when it came to overseeing social events that involve more than a six pack and a bag of chips?

Respond by midnight of Friday, June 5 (and then you are done until Monday night!)

Question 4: The Second Lady

Second Ladies have even less of a formal role and garner less attention from the public, scholars, and the press than do First Ladies. After completing all the reading about recent Second Ladies, what role(s) do you think they should play? Should they have an office and a salary? Benefits? Have an agenda and issues? Or simply stay clear of politics and concentrate on the traditional role of supportive wife, mother and/or grandmother? Should they pursue their own careers while their husbands are in office or put that on hold?

Respond by midnight of Thursday, June 4 (or at least before the dawn breaks!)

Question 3: Inventing the First Lady - Martha Washington

Suppose you had found yourself in the same position as Martha Washington, with a husband called to public service after long years serving his country in a grueling war. How would YOU approach the role of First Lady (if you are a woman) or how would YOU want your wife to approach the role if you are President Washington (if you are a man). Remember that everything is new and we have no model for this role, as do our modern First Ladies.

Respond by midnight on Wednesday, June 4 (or before the roosters crow in the morning, anyway!)

Question 2: Images of First Ladies abroad

You have read three articles about First Ladies in other nations, with the primary focus on French First Lady Carla Bruni. Why do you think she is so popular? Do you think Americans would like a First Lady with her attributes and character? What about the other First Ladies you read about? How would Americans feel about them? How would YOU feel about having a First Lady like Carla Bruni or one of the other women you read about?


Respond on the blog by midnight of Tuesday, June 2, or at least, before I get up and read about it early in the morning! By the time the roosters crow (or in my house, by the time the cats start scratching on the door and demanding breakfast! It's generally before the sun comes up!)

Question 1: Perceptions of the First Lady

The First Lady, as you will see from your readings, has been mostly ignored by social scientists who study American politics. As we begin the course, I'd like to hear your impressions of American First Ladies, what your expectations are of them and of the role they should play. I am not asking you to comment on any particular First Lady at this point. But should a First Lady's primary role be as a wife, perhaps a mother or grandmother, a hostess, a surrogate who represents the president at important functions, a policymaker and advisor to the president, or something else entirely? What do YOU think of when you think of First Ladies and the role or roles they should play?


Please respond by midnight on Monday, June 1, or if you wish to work during the wee hours, your comments should be posted by the time your professor checks them in the morning!

Remember to include your name when you post. Inappropriate comments will be removed. Check your spelling and grammar before you post, too.

Additional responses to comments by other students are welcome.

Welcome to our blog!

Welcome to the blog for APLS 493U, American First Ladies. We will use this to generate class discussion during our summer course.

Any of you can post, but please follow a few rules. First, always identify yourself by name. Second, don't post anything you wouldn't want your mother to see! This includes inappropriate language or any personal, hurtful or offensive comments about any individual, or any group (such as race, religion, sexual preference, or gender based comments that are offensive). Third, please always check your spelling and grammar before you post a comment. Fourth, thoughtful comments are best. You are entitled to your opinion but opinions should be based on facts!

Remember that posts may be opposite what you would expect - in other words, the newest ones may be at the bottom.

I look forward to working with each of you this summer!

Carol Botsch