United States: Jill Biden, an overly political first lady?

In Washington,

In recent days, Jill Biden has been everywhere: a trip to Pittsburgh to discuss infrastructure, a theme dear to the president, on the occasion of a new terminal at the airport, a round table with the wives of African leaders, two fundraising receptions for the re-election of her husband in Massachusetts... Here we are in Paris with Brigitte Macron to discuss the return of the United States to Unesco. We have also seen him in previous weeks in Namibia, Kenya or London to attend the coronation ceremonies of Charles III.

At 72, Jill Biden plays the ambassadors of charm and multiplies. An asset for her husband who is embarking on his re-election campaign? According to a poll published last year, she would be less popular than the former "First lady". 34% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the first lady against 29% unfavorable. In 2002, at the same time Laura Bush was at 67% and in 2010 Michelle Obama at 62%. Worse, 37% of respondents admit to having no opinion on who has occupied the White House for more than two years.

It must be said that this “first Lady” is not like the others. This English teacher fled politics and continued to pursue her career alongside her husband's political rise. While of course having a say. Like the day when, by the pool, she heard Joe's advisers encourage her to run for president in 2004. She showed her opposition by landing in the room in a bikini with “NO” written on her stomach! When Joe Biden becomes Barack Obama's vice-president, his wife upsets the protocol ... and keeps her teaching job at Northern Virginia Community College, not far from Washington. The reason ? Have your own career, protect your identity, and not just be Joe's wife. “The role in which I feel the most comfortable, she writes in her memoirs, is that of Dr. B. (she has a doctorate, Ed.).” When her students on her arrival ask her if she knows Joe Biden, she answers with a dry and laconic “yes we are parents” which discourages questions.

Once Joe Biden in the White House in 2020, she continues to teach there. A great first because no wife of the president has ever dared to have a job so far. This does not prevent him from also organizing state dinners and promoting various programs. Unlike Melania Trump or Michelle Obama, she does not hesitate to wear the same outfit several times and refuses to highlight the designers who dress her.

The "first ladies" usually confine themselves to noble causes. Jill Biden is more political. She travels to very conservative spaces to tout the effectiveness of vaccines, visits families of Texas shooting victims, and advocates for gun restrictions. This American football fan is outspoken. In June, speaking to Democratic donors gathered in a New York apartment, she said she found it "a bit shocking" that so many Republicans were still considering voting for Donald Trump after his indictment. A subject that her husband carefully avoids.

He also sometimes makes mistakes. He was criticized last year for saying the Latino community was "as unique as San Antonio tacos," a clumsy compliment. She apologized.

If the first lady is less known, it is also because her profile as an affable and smiling grandmother who spends her weekends correcting copies is of less interest to the media. And yet, it is a strong asset with middle-class voters who identify more easily with her. No wonder Joe's teams are deploying her across the country to promote her husband. With 15 months to go before the presidential election, Americans should see it even more.