Live from Abu Dhabi Connect the World takes you on a journey across continents, investigating the stories that are changing our world.
After the French first couple called it quits, former first lady Valerie Trierweiler headed off to India on a long-planned charity trip. Â While the role of first lady is well established in the United States, recent revelations of Francois Hollande's love affair and subsequent break up have led the French to re-examine the position of president's partner.
Becky spoke with Betty Boyd Caroli, author of "First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama," about how the role differs around the world. Â Caroli said it's not an easy job.
"It's a very narrow line that the spouses walk," Caroli said. Â "On the one hand, we expect them to be very involved and we expect to know everything about them. Â And yet, we really don't think they are the official voice of the president."
Becky asked how challenging the role is for a woman like U.S. first lady Michelle Obama, who sacrificed her own career to support her husband's political ambitions.
"I think it must be very difficult for a high profile professional like Michelle Obama to quit a job that she evidently loved and be basically out of sight for most of the time," Caroli said.
soundoff (No Responses)