Evolution of the Political Wife

When was it that the candidates' wives became so involved in the presidential campaigns?  Eleanor Roosevelt was a national figure because of her humanitarian causes, but she didn't introduce FDR at conventions.  Bess Truman didn't even want to move to D.C. after Harry S became president.  Mamie Eisenhower was reclusive--or maybe exclusive. Jacqueline Kennedy was a national icon for taste and style, which may have been the start of it all, while Lady Bird Johnson was involved in the human factor of her husband's campaigning.  Pat Nixon, though, was more formal.

Betty Ford really burst through the First Lady curtain when she was frank with the American public about her facelift, breast cancer, and problems with prescription pills.  And next came Roslyn Carter, who was her husband's political partner, upping the ante.  Then a brief step backwards with Nancy Reagan (who provided Ronnie with the services of seer Jeanne Dixon),  and forward again with the irrepressible Barbara Bush.

Hilary Clinton was probably the first total campaign wife, with Laura Bush following more decorously in her wake. This year  Michelle Obama and Ann Romney are all geared up and out there stumping for their men--as a necessity.  The public expects it.

Or at least that's how it seems to Fiorella, who's writing this at 10:30 pm when she would rather be sleeping.