It is not a common occurrence to awaken to a media sensation surrounding a First Lady of the United States. Rare instances come to mind, such as the intense scrutiny faced by Hillary Clinton in the aftermath of the Monica Lewinsky Scandal in 1998, or the positive light garnered by Michelle Obama following her establishment of the White House Garden in 2009. The limelight consistently gravitates towards their presidential spouses. The morning of November 19, 2023 proved different, however, when the media caught wind of the passing of former United States First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
Historically, First Ladies have often been overlooked, their contributions overshadowed by a pervasive focus on the actions and decisions of their presidential partners. This trend is evident in the limited acknowledgment of Hillary Clinton’s policy initiatives during her tenure, notably in healthcare reform. Despite her active involvement, public discourse frequently centered on her personal life rather than her substantive policy efforts. The historical sidelining of First Ladies is part of a broader pattern of gender bias in historical narratives. Research, such as a 2019 study published in the “Journal of Applied Psychology,” outlines the systemic underrecognition of women’s accomplishments compared to their male counterparts.
Dr. Judson Jefferies, an Associate Professor of Political Science at The Ohio State University, challenges the historical oversight of First Ladies by asserting that Rosalynn Carter stands as the preeminent First Lady in modern history. Dr. Jefferies emphasizes Carter’s tenacity, unwavering resolve, and indefatigable work ethic, traits rarely acknowledged in an American president, let alone a First Lady. In recognizing Rosalynn Carter’s legacy, we not only honor her individual accomplishments but also confront the broader pattern of undervaluing women’s contributions in public life. The life of Rosalynn Carter undeniably deserves profound recognition, serving as a reminder of the need to reevaluate and appreciate the historical roles of First Ladies and, by extension, gender bias in political contributions in general.
Eleanor Rosalynn Carter was born in Plains, Georgia, on August 18, 1927. Raised in the close-knit community of Plains, Carter often emphasized the profound influence of her upbringing, citing strong familial, religious, and communal ties. Graduating as valedictorian from Plains High School, Carter’s academic journey continued at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. Her impact on the college is regarded as substantial, evidenced by the establishment of statues in her honor, buildings named in her legacy, and her recognition as the founding figure of the campus Young Democrats organization.
The trajectory of Rosalynn Carter’s life took a significant turn during her freshman year at Georgia Southwestern College when she crossed paths with Jimmy Carter in Plains. Their relationship led to marriage on July 7, 1946. The couple navigated the challenges of a nomadic lifestyle due to Jimmy Carter’s naval career, resulting in the births of their four children—Jack, James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff), and Amy––all in different locations reflective of Carter’s military service.
Following the passing of Jimmy’s father in 1953, the Carter family returned to their roots in Georgia to oversee the family’s Peanut and Seed Company. It was during this period that due to his profound sense of duty and a desire to address the challenges facing his community and nation, Jimmy Carter found his calling in politics, eventually securing the Georgia senatorial seat in 1962. Rosalynn was a crucial part of his first campaign. She had a keen understanding of the political landscape and a great ability to connect with people. She engaged with voters, attended events, and actively participated in campaign activities. Her presence brought a personal touch to the campaign, helping Jimmy Carter connect with constituents on a more intimate level.
After his tenure as a Senator, and one failed Governor election in 1966, Jimmy Carter transitioned to a new chapter in his political career by securing the Georgia Governorship in 1970. This move marked the beginning of a transformative period not only for Jimmy but also for his wife, Rosalynn, who assumed the role of Georgia First Lady. In this capacity, Rosalynn demonstrated a proactive approach to advocacy, making it evident that she was committed to addressing specific issues close to her heart. One notable cause she championed was mental health, and her dedication led to the establishment of the Governor’s Commission to Improve Services to the Mentally and Emotionally Handicapped.
Photo By Carter Center
Rosalynn’s tenure as the First Lady of Georgia provided her with a platform to amplify her voice and become a more confident and influential speaker. However, her ambitions and commitment to public service didn’t stop at the state level. A significant turning point occurred about eighteen months before the 1976 presidential election when Rosalynn embarked on a solo campaign. Undeterred by unfamiliar territories, she, accompanied by a friend, traversed through towns where she was relatively unknown, passionately advocating for why her husband should become president.
What truly set Rosalynn apart was her unprecedented initiative to travel extensively on a chartered plane, visiting 42 states. This was a groundbreaking departure from the traditional roles of first ladies before her time, showcasing her determination and breaking new ground in terms of political campaigning. Rosalynn Carter’s unconventional and proactive approach not only played a pivotal role in shaping public perception of Jimmy Carter but also redefined the expectations and possibilities for the role of the First Lady in American politics. Her actions demonstrated that the position could be a platform for meaningful advocacy and hands-on engagement, paving the way for future first ladies to take on more active and independent roles in shaping the nation’s political landscape.
Photo By Florida State Library and Archives
After winning the 1976 election, Rosalynn’s husband’s tenure as President began with his inauguration on January 20, 1977. Rosalynn Carter assumed the role of the First Lady of the United States. At this time, the role was seemingly a façade. While previous First Ladies, such as Edith Wilson and Eleanor Roosevelt, had deviated from the norm in unique ways, Carter’s approach was distinct. Edith Wilson’s exceptional involvement during her husband’s illness and Eleanor Roosevelt’s activism represented departures from traditional expectations, but they did not fundamentally alter the perception of the First Lady’s role.
Rosalynn Carter, however, transcended the boundaries of her position, actively engaging in policy matters and advocating for significant societal issues. Her efforts went beyond the conventional bounds of ceremonial duties. Carter participated in cabinet meetings, providing input on policy decisions, and championed causes such as mental health and human rights. Her willingness to address controversial topics, support the Equal Rights Amendment, and actively influence policy marked a huge shift in the role of the First Lady. Rosalynn’s expansion and embrace of the role was unheard of before her time. She tasked herself with special projects out of her office in the east wing.
While her work is now widely celebrated, changing the status quo does not come without its criticisms. The NY Times explains that some two decades after leaving the White House, Rosalynn Carter reflected on the criticism she generated for expanding the role of the first lady. “You can’t let it stop you,” she told an interviewer. “I didn’t let it stop me.”
In the years following her time in the White House, Rosalynn’s legacy never seemed to fade away. Though not as universally recognized as Eleanor Roosevelt or as politically prominent as Hillary Clinton, Rosalynn Carter’s influence as First Lady resonates to this day. Her legacy has gained admiration from modern first ladies, including Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Laura Bush, and Jill Biden—all of whom attended Carter’s funeral service. The evolution of the role did not simply cease with the conclusion of one remarkable First Lady’s tenure, though.
Photo By Scott Olson / Getty
Michelle Obama, in her historic position as the first African American First Lady, navigated a unique path marked by the challenges inherent in being a trailblazer. Confronting the complexities of breaking new ground, she acknowledged, “Being the first Black anything is going to be hard.” Her tenure was characterized by a level of scrutiny that exceeded that faced by her predecessors, underscoring the racial lens through which her actions were often interpreted.
However, Michelle Obama approached her role with a grace and authenticity that resonated with many. Rather than engaging in direct confrontations with her critics, she opted to navigate the complexities by staying true to herself and her values. In her memoir, “Becoming,” she reflected on the importance of self-definition in the face of external pressures. “If you don’t get out there and define yourself, you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others,” she remarked, showing her commitment to shaping her own narrative.
Michelle’s impact extended far beyond symbolic representation. She actively developed and spearheaded four influential White House Initiatives, each addressing crucial societal issues. Advocating for healthy families, supporting service members and their families, promoting higher education, and championing the education of adolescent girls on the global stage, Michelle’s initiatives showcased her dedication to substantive and meaningful change. By leveraging her platform, she not only addressed pressing concerns but also demonstrated the potential for a First Lady to be a proactive force in shaping public discourse and policy. In essence, Michelle Obama’s approach to the role transcended mere racial symbolism. Her legacy lies not only in breaking barriers, but also in her ability to redefine the expectations and impact of a First Lady.
In today’s presidential landscape, we are seeing more women get increasingly close to the Presidency—more in the primaries, more in the line of succession, and more in the White House overall. Reflecting back to the 2016 election, had Hillary Clinton won in the electoral college, America would have had its first First Gentleman. Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, inferring that the country was ready for its first female president and subsequently, its first first gentleman. An outdated voting system, the Electoral College, hindered this. The potential First Gentleman in this scenario would have been Bill Clinton, a former U.S. President—arguably an exceptionally qualified individual for such a role.
Photo By Al Drago / Getty
While this was the closest the country has been to having the first spouse be a man, America does appear to still be making steps toward this goal. We now, for the first time, have a Second Gentleman, Douglass Emhoff, husband to Vice President Kamala Harris. The role of the second gentleman is even less formal than that of the first lady, with Emhoff having zero real power or influence.
However, despite the informality of the role, Emhoff’s media portrayal and the public’s fondness for him raise questions about whether his attention is solely due to breaking gender norms or if deeper societal biases come into play.
Research in the “American Political Science Review” suggests that nontraditional gender behavior, such as a man assuming a role historically held by women, tends to attract attention and can influence perceptions in political contexts (Fox & Lawless, 2014). Emhoff’s visibility as the most high-profile Vice Presidential spouse could be seen as a departure from historical gender roles. Yet, it’s crucial to examine whether his prominence is driven by genuine interest in challenging traditional expectations or if, opposingly, it reflects ingrained biases. If Emhoff were a woman in the same position, would the coverage be as extensive, or would it be dismissed as traditional and expected? This prompts a critical examination of whether society places a higher value on the fact that he is a man assuming a role historically held by women, or on his individual merits and the nature of the role itself. In essence, while Emhoff’s visibility is undoubtedly a step towards breaking gender norms, it is essential to critically examine the attention he receives to analyze the effects of gender on roles like the first and second spouses.
The role of the United States First Lady has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the years, with each woman contributing to its redefinition. The legacy of Eleanor Rosalynn Carter stands as a testament to the enduring impact a First Lady can have when she chooses to transcend traditional expectations. Michelle Obama, as the first African American First Lady, faced unique challenges and scrutiny. Her approach to the role, marked by authenticity and fearlessness, not only shattered stereotypes but also set a new standard for the position. Michelle’s dedication to important initiatives showcased the potential of the First Lady to be a catalyst for positive change.
In contemplating the changing landscape of the First Lady’s role, it is evident that the position is not static; rather, it adapts to the times and reflects broader societal shifts. The legacy of Rosalynn Carter, the transformative tenure of Michelle Obama, and the emergence of a Second Gentleman all contribute to a narrative that transcends gender norms and celebrates the evolving roles within the highest levels of American leadership. As we honor the legacies of those who have come before, it becomes clear that the future First Ladies—or potentially, First Gentlemen—will continue to redefine and expand the boundaries of this role for years to come.
Louisville Political Review 