“Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“Campaign behavior for wives: Always be on time. Do as little talking as humanly possible. Lean back in the parade car so everybody can see the president.”
Explanation
With biting irony, Eleanor Roosevelt critiques the limited and superficial role historically assigned to political wives, especially during campaigns. The directive to “do as little talking as humanly possible” and “lean back… so everybody can see the president” exposes how women were often expected to be silent, decorative supporters, valued more for their appearance than their voice or intellect. Her use of the phrase “campaign behavior for wives” underscores the scripted, performative nature of this role.
Roosevelt, however, redefined the role of First Lady by becoming a powerful speaker, writer, and advocate. Rather than remaining silent and ornamental, she addressed press conferences, wrote a daily column, and championed civil rights. This quote reflects her awareness of the constraints placed on women and her subtle rebellion against them through both wit and action.
In the modern era, this quote continues to highlight the importance of challenging outdated gender roles and expectations, especially in public life. It serves as a reminder that women’s contributions must go beyond visibility—they must include voice, substance, and leadership. Roosevelt’s humor here acts as a sharp critique of the past, and a call for continued progress.
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