From Abigail Adams to Jill Biden, We’ve Been Arguing about First Ladies since 1787

Most people assume that first ladies have played a central role in politics since First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt served as her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s eyes and ears on the road across America. And, of course, Jill Biden plays an important role as a sounding board and advisor for her husband, never more so now when his renomination is questioned by so many Democrats. In reality, Americans have dissected the appearances, portfolios, and political influence of first ladies since 1797, when John Adams took the oath of office, and Abigail...