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Latest edition: Understanding American Power - Video 5: The Role of First Ladies

Episode Details

Original tape date: March 19, 2017. First aired: March 14, 2022.

This video examines the evolving role of the First Lady and the ways that different women holding that office have redefined it. Examples include Dolley Madison’s informal politics and Rosalyn Carter’s essential role as one of the people Carter first looked to for advice. The episode also considers the different causes that recent First Ladies have taken on. The video also considers how the stories of women in presidents’ lives teach us new lessons about the presidency and the nature of power.

Scholars
Annette Gordon-Reed, Public Program: “An Evening with Annette Gordon-Reed”, March 19, 2017
Jonathan Alter, Public Program: “His Very Best: Jimmy Carter”, November 20, 2020
Cokie Roberts, Public Program: “Capital Dames: The Civil War and the Women of Washington, 1848-1866”, May 16, 2016

Guest List

Jonathan Alter Author, “The Center Holds: Barack Obama And His Enemies”

Annette Gordon-Reed Professor, American Legal History, Harvard University

Cokie Roberts

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