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ucme's avatar

Which wives of former US presidents were in your opinion, the most influential?

Asked by ucme (50047points) March 7th, 2010

Behind the scenes pulling the strings as it were,Or at least were a major influence on their husbands decision making.Obviously the president is really just a frontman & has many advisors,but I just wondered, of all the strong women resisiding in the white house over the years,who was the most influential?

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11 Answers

janbb's avatar

Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a great humanitarian in her own right and positively influenced the course of the country during the Depression. There are others, but she stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

davidbetterman's avatar

Nancy Reagan. Ronnie was often lights out to the world, and she took up the slack.

dpworkin's avatar

After Wilson had his stroke his wife was the president.

marinelife's avatar

Eleanor Roosevelt, Abigail Adams, Edith Wilson, and Lou Harding. Also Hilary Clinton.

filmfann's avatar

Eleanor Roosevelt (for the better), Hillary Clinton (for the worse), Nancy Reagan (for the much worse) have already been cited.
I would add Jackie Kennedy. She added class and style to a Presidency that occasionally faltered. America became obsessed with her, and followed her life after Jack with a microscope.

dpworkin's avatar

Jackie was a girl, who was mistreated by her husband, and had no meaningful influence except upon fads and fashion. She grew into a great lady in middle age.

filmfann's avatar

Jackie’s influence was not on policy, but on perception, and she helped JFK remarkably here.

mattbrowne's avatar

Nancy Reagan’s astrologer. Seriously, Eleanor Roosevelt.

davidbetterman's avatar

Reaganomics came directly from Nancy. Even her astrologer didn’t see it coming.

mattbrowne's avatar

I take your word for it ;-)

davidbetterman's avatar

My astrologer told me so!

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