It’s no secret that this election is going to be an experience. No one can seem to agree on who is the best candidate, and for once there might be a First Gentleman instead of a First Lady. There is one thing most people will agree with: we might not find a better First Lady. While President Obama has a good approval rate, nothing compares to Michelle Obama’s consistent approval rating. Will we ever have another First Lady/Gentleman with the success and approval of Michelle?
Let’s start with some background on the First Lady. Not only did she graduate with an undergrad from Princeton, but also a law degree from Harvard. That is two Ivy League degrees! She earned her living as a lawyer at first, until she realized working with people was how she was meant to give back to the world. Volunteering has always been a crucial part of her life, not just since living in the White House. She has always given back to her own community, in and out of the limelight.
Since becoming the First Lady, Michelle Obama has made it clear that she is a wife and the First Lady, but she is a mom first. Sasha and Malia are her first priority. The polls have reflected these values. While some conservatives may not always approve of her actions, one thing is consistent: they view her as a good mom. Polls were also consistently in the upper quartile showing her to be viewed as intelligent and a good role model. Even when she wasn’t agreed with, she was still respected and even admired.
One thing that separates Mrs. Obama from other recent First Ladies is her approval rating. Not only has it only fluctuated within 15 points over the past eight years, but it has been separate from her husband’s. While President Obama’s rating reached as low as the 40s, Mrs. Obama’s stayed above 60. What her husband did, had little effect on her approval rating. This may be the emergence of feminism and a woman not being tied to her husband, or proof that the First Lady is indeed the best yet.
If you are not yet convinced of Mrs. Obama’s success within the White House, there is more proof. Her approval rating has stayed as high as it has for a reason. Starting in 2010, she pioneered the “Let’s Move” campaign to work toward ending childhood obesity. Children, parents and educators were all encouraged to get healthy and active. In tandem with Beyoncé, she influenced many children to get active through dance. If you have yet to learn the dance, click here.
But wait, there’s more. The First Lady also started the “MyPlate” guideline, to show people what the healthy portions are for a balanced meal. Families are now way more informed on how to make healthier choices. She also has worked with restaurants and supermarkets to make healthier alternatives more accessible. Additionally, with help from the U.S. Tennis Association, she has built or refurbished thousands of tennis courts, trained coaches, and got children involved in tennis to help keep kids healthy. There is nothing she has not done!
In 2011, Mrs. Obama, with Dr. Jill Biden, started “Joining Forces,” a program to help service members, veterans and their families. Both she and the Second Lady are dedicated to helping our armed forces, regardless their status. Her accomplishments don’t end there. She has helped inspire students to continue onto secondary education. The program, “Reach Higher,” provides high students with the resources they need to achieve their higher education. The fight for education continues with “Let Girls Learn,” which is a more international movement. The First Lady is working to help girls all over the world get access to education. Both she and her husband were crucial in getting this in action.
The First Lady is and will continue to be a dedicated mother, daughter, wife and political leader. While she may not be an elected official, she has accomplished more than some legislatures. Her accomplishments do not end with those named above. Mrs. Obama has been a beacon of light throughout the past eight years and many will be sad to see her go. Under her wonderful clothes is a strong and powerful woman whom the nation will miss. We should all aspire to life life the way Michelle Obama does: with passion and grace. If you want to see her in action, first hand, add her on snapchat! Her name is simply, michelleobama. First Lady, do us a favor and stay a little longer?
