--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary…" description: "\"Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy as First Lady... Michelle Obama never wants to be seen as the kind of First Lady who is overly..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5ab/jodi-kantor-20229_clinton_michelle-has-had-to-grapple-with-hilary_582827.jpg" --- # Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy… ![“Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy as First Lady... Michelle Obama never wants to be seen as the kind of First Lady who is overly involved in the West Wing.” quote by Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5ab/jodi-kantor-20229_clinton_michelle-has-had-to-grapple-with-hilary_582827.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5ab/jodi-kantor-20229_clinton_michelle-has-had-to-grapple-with-hilary_582827.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5ab/jodi-kantor-20229_clinton_michelle-has-had-to-grapple-with-hilary_582827.jpg) > “Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy as First Lady... Michelle Obama never wants to be seen as the kind of First Lady who is overly involved in the West Wing.” [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Balancing personal initiative with traditional expectations is crucial for a modern First Lady. **In simple terms:** Too much involvement can clash with role expectations. Key Takeaway Find a respectful, authentic balance. Themes leadership gender roles politics Mood analytical thoughtful Type commentary explanatory When to use this quote - political office - media scrutiny - public expectations Key Concepts public image policy influence Questions to Reflect On - How can a First Lady shape policy without overstepping? - What boundaries are realistic? A Different Perspective Traditional expectations may limit effective advocacy. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clinton/) [Clinton Legacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clinton-legacy-2925246/) [First](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first/) [First lady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first-lady/) [Had](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/had/) [Hilary clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hilary-clinton/) [Involved](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/involved/) [Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kind/) [Lady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lady/) [Lady Michelle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lady-michelle-1266660/) [Legacy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/legacy/) [Legacy Lady](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/legacy-lady-4786907/) [Michelle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/michelle/) [Michelle obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/michelle-obama/) [Never](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/never/) [Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/obama/) [Overly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overly/) [Seen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seen/) [Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trump/) [Wants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wants/) [West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/west/) [West wing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/west-wing/) [Who](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/who/) [Wing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wing/) ## Related quotes > [First ladies, you know, we look at Michelle Obama, and we look at most first ladies, and they seem like they have it all.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/first-ladies-you-know-we-look-at-michelle-obama-and-we-look-at-most/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Michelle Obama has gone from political skeptic to political partner to a woman with a White House agenda of her own, and an approval…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/michelle-obama-has-gone-from-political-skeptic-to-political-partner/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [One of my favorite stories is from Obama's first campaign: Michelle Obama was out there every day, collecting signatures and supervising the other people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/one-of-my-favorite-stories-is-from-obama-s-first-campaign-michelle/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Some of the companies we helped start are names you know. An office supply company called Staples - where I'm pleased to see the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitt-romney/some-of-the-companies-we-helped-start-are-names-you-know-an-office/) [Mitt Romney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitt-romney/) > [I'd love to have First Lady Michelle Obama over and ask, 'How do you make your marriage work?' I think the president is sexy…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherri-shepherd/i-d-love-to-have-first-lady-michelle-obama-over-and-ask-how-do-you/) [Sherri Shepherd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherri-shepherd/) > [Michelle Obama is a major asset for the president.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/monica-crowley/michelle-obama-is-a-major-asset-for-the-president/) [Monica Crowley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/monica-crowley/) > [Previous first ladies seemed to feel the need to wear a sort of uniform, whereas Michelle Obama likes fashion and is very comfortable in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anna-wintour/previous-first-ladies-seemed-to-feel-the-need-to-wear-a-sort-of/) [Anna Wintour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anna-wintour/) > [I think Michelle Obama is on the right track with her Let's Move campaign to bring down childhood obesity. She and I come from…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-schock/i-think-michelle-obama-is-on-the-right-track-with-her-let-s-move/) [Aaron Schock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-schock/) > [Michelle Obama blows my mind. Form and function, style and grace.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bellamy-young/michelle-obama-blows-my-mind-form-and-function-style-and-grace/) [Bellamy Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bellamy-young/) > [A perfectly fitted sheath dress that can take you from day to night is something that every woman should have in her closet. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-wu/a-perfectly-fitted-sheath-dress-that-can-take-you-from-day-to-night/) [Jason Wu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-wu/) > [I would love to speak with First Lady Michelle Obama about the addictive component of obesity.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-velez-mitchell/i-would-love-to-speak-with-first-lady-michelle-obama-about-the/) [Jane Velez-Mitchell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-velez-mitchell/) > [Michelle Obama, you're one hot mama.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tyra-banks/michelle-obama-you-re-one-hot-mama/) [Tyra Banks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tyra-banks/) > [Jackie O was so capable in so many ways. Hillary tried to redefine the role when she got into public policy, and Michelle Obama…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bellamy-young/jackie-o-was-so-capable-in-so-many-ways-hillary-tried-to-redefine-the/) [Bellamy Young](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bellamy-young/) > [You're never going to be able to delve into the character traits of a Michelle Obama or Hillary Clinton.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robin-wright/you-re-never-going-to-be-able-to-delve-into-the-character-traits-of-a/) [Robin Wright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robin-wright/) > [Edie Sedgwick, Debbie Harry, Chloe Sevigny, Michelle Obama, and my friend Eugenie Niarchos each have their own great sense of style.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elisabeth-von-thurn-und-taxis/edie-sedgwick-debbie-harry-chloe-sevigny-michelle-obama-and-my-friend/) [Elisabeth von Thurn und Taxis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elisabeth-von-thurn-und-taxis/) ## More by Jodi Kantor > [I will say this: One thing I did see in my reporting again and again is that the Obamas themselves are much more involved…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/i-will-say-this-one-thing-i-did-see-in-my-reporting-again-and-again/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [I spent a lot of time in the White House in the public areas where reporters are allowed to go, but I spoke to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/i-spent-a-lot-of-time-in-the-white-house-in-the-public-areas-where/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Those close to Mr. Obama say he grows irritated at being misunderstood - not just by opponents who insinuate that he caters to African-Americans,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/those-close-to-mr-obama-say-he-grows-irritated-at-being-misunderstood/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [I really thought I wanted to be a lawyer, but then I had an epiphany when I was in law school and dropped out.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/i-really-thought-i-wanted-to-be-a-lawyer-but-then-i-had-an-epiphany/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [People who face too many demands - two careers, two children - often scale back somehow. The Obamas scaled up.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/people-who-face-too-many-demands-two-careers-two-children-often-scale/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Michelle Obama is somebody who really wants to take the high road.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/michelle-obama-is-somebody-who-really-wants-to-take-the-high-road/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Every presidential candidate highlights patriotism, but Mr. Romney's is backed by the Mormon belief that the United States was chosen by God to play…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/every-presidential-candidate-highlights-patriotism-but-mr-romney-s-is/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Michelle Obama has mostly stuck to pretty anodyne topics. She's anti-childhood obesity, she's pro-veteran.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/michelle-obama-has-mostly-stuck-to-pretty-anodyne-topics-she-s-anti/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [I've learned that the best political reporters never make predictions!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/i-ve-learned-that-the-best-political-reporters-never-make-predictions/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Candidates' wives are supposed to sit cheerfully through their husbands' appearances.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/candidates-wives-are-supposed-to-sit-cheerfully-through-their/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [One of my favorite stories is from Obama's first campaign: Michelle Obama was out there every day, collecting signatures and supervising the other people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/one-of-my-favorite-stories-is-from-obama-s-first-campaign-michelle/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Mr. Romney is quick to uphold rules great and small. During primary debates, when his rivals spoke out of turn or exceeded their allotted…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/mr-romney-is-quick-to-uphold-rules-great-and-small-during-primary/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Evangelical Christian politicians who cheat often raise questions about hypocrisy, especially if they preached piety in public and disregarded it in private. When Jewish…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/evangelical-christian-politicians-who-cheat-often-raise-questions/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Interpreting anyone's marriage - a neighbor's, let alone the president's - is extremely difficult. And yet, examining the first couple's relationship - their negotiations…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/interpreting-anyone-s-marriage-a-neighbor-s-let-alone-the-president-s/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) > [Sometimes, when you look at an adviser's failings or perceived failings, I think the tough question you have to ask as a journalist is,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-kantor/sometimes-when-you-look-at-an-adviser-s-failings-or-perceived/) [Jodi Kantor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) [Explore all 31 Jodi Kantor quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-kantor/) ## More Clinton quotes > [There's more than 1700 emails out of the thirty three thousand Hillary Clinton emails that we've published, just about Libya. It's not that Libya…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-assange/there-s-more-than-1700-emails-out-of-the-thirty-three-thousand/) [Julian Assange](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-assange/) > [You can criticize Trump and his wealth all day long, but you can't say he hasn't worked. You can say that about the Clintons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/you-can-criticize-trump-and-his-wealth-all-day-long-but-you-can-t-say/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [ I guarantee you \[Hillary Clinton\] is smoking in humiliation over the idea that she needs to heal and that \[Donald\] Trump's the guy to… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/i-guarantee-you-hillary-clinton-is-smoking-in-humiliation-over-the/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [How do you, on the one hand, not object to Hillary Clinton being elected, and then, on the other hand, tell people, "Elect me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/how-do-you-on-the-one-hand-not-object-to-hillary-clinton-being/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [All my life I've been involved with racial politics. I was a Freedom Rider in the South. I was the author of books on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-hayden/all-my-life-i-ve-been-involved-with-racial-politics-i-was-a-freedom/) [Tom Hayden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-hayden/) > [We know from this book entitled... What is it? Surrendered? Succumbed? I can never remember the title perform. And we learn from this book…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/we-know-from-this-book-entitled-what-is-it-surrendered-succumbed-i/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [I didn't do anything for Russia. I've done nothing for Russia. Hillary Clinton gave them 20% of our uranium.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/i-didn-t-do-anything-for-russia-i-ve-done-nothing-for-russia-hillary/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [I absolutely trust Hillary Clinton to stand strong on trade agreements.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherrod-brown/i-absolutely-trust-hillary-clinton-to-stand-strong-on-trade-agreements/) [Sherrod Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherrod-brown/) > [We're in more wars today under Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton than under George W. Bush or Ronald Reagan. Yet they tell you that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/we-re-in-more-wars-today-under-barack-obama-and-hillary-clinton-than/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [Hillary Clinton is the least popular candidate for president ever except for Donald Trump.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-pickering/hillary-clinton-is-the-least-popular-candidate-for-president-ever/) [Charlie Pickering](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-pickering/) > [Hillary Clinton truly is sincere, but she has to connect more with the American people in terms of what she believes in and how…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-pelosi/hillary-clinton-truly-is-sincere-but-she-has-to-connect-more-with-the/) [Nancy Pelosi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pelosi/) > [Why can't we have a voice? What's the difference between an athlete having millions or Donald Trump? Every time a politician talks, they talk…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mahmoud-abdul-rauf/why-can-t-we-have-a-voice-what-s-the-difference-between-an-athlete/) [Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mahmoud-abdul-rauf/) > [Hillary Clinton's been around for 30 years. Why do these stories need to be told? It isn't all of this widely known?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rush-limbaugh/hillary-clinton-s-been-around-for-30-years-why-do-these-stories-need/) [Rush Limbaugh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rush-limbaugh/) > [I happen to think that Hillary Clinton is a beacon of hope for younger girls, as was Barack Obama in other inspirational areas. We've…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alex-meneses/i-happen-to-think-that-hillary-clinton-is-a-beacon-of-hope-for/) [Alex Meneses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alex-meneses/) > [If you're going to run for president as the anti-Clinton, you should know that Democrats and their media friends will do whatever it takes…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-gigot/if-you-re-going-to-run-for-president-as-the-anti-clinton-you-should/) [Paul Gigot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-gigot/) [Browse all 2,917 Clinton quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clinton/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Michelle has had to grapple with Hilary Clinton's legacy as First Lady... 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