Clymer Library Reader's Advisory

Rating the First Ladies:
The Women Who Influenced the Presidency

Behind every great man is a woman! I have become interested, not in our Presidents, but the women who handle the duties of first lady during a presidency. What has been their contributions to the nation, their power and influence over affairs of state, political campaigns, and presidential appointments?

To rate these women, JohnB Roberts II turned to the Siena College Research Institute. The survey measures the opinions of college and university history departments. Each questionnaire contained ten key criteria. To my pleasure, Roberts didn't always agree with the ratings, giving even more insight.

Check out your favorite First Lady, and see how she rated! Read to discover who took bribes, who kept a pet bear, and who maintained a lesbian affair?