4 to 6 1-hour episodes spotlight First Ladies who exerted power & influence from their White House perch—a new platform from which to view them that can be expanded (or contracted) to meet broadcaster needs.

Each episode features 3 to 4 ‘leading’ first ladies with cameos by others who had related aspects of influence—those who provided set-up for pay-off (Florence Harding for Eleanor Roosevelt on women's prisons), who highlight pivotal topics (the sex scandal surrounding Rachel & Andrew Jackson appears as a ‘Mean Tweets’ segment), and unexpected contemporary illumination such as: Tyra Banks' advising Pat Nixon to "Smize".

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Laden with luminaries across the public spectrum* Margaret Hoover's ancestral insights on Lou Hoover; Caroline Kennedy on Jackie, Stevie Nicks' homage to Betty Ford. Plus techniques that spotlight FLOTUS contributions by removing them: Imagine American highways sans the Beautification Campaign, or Washington DC with no Cherry trees. Taylor Swift for the theme song.

Style: Parallaxing --inside the history, animation components, &c., no talking heads in long corridors,

1. Influencers

Getting a President elected. In creating Silent Cal’s personality, Grace Coolidge greased the wheels of her husband’s political career and paved the road to his political ascent. Businesswoman Lady Bird Johnson applied her remarkable acumen in the White House, and brought salve to the turbulent South to win LBJ the presidency; her Beautification Campaign anticipated the eco-green movement by decades! Florence Harding to Warren, "Well ..., I got you the Presidency. Now what are you going to do?” She fired off memos fiercely opposing Cabinet proposals; she poked her nose in the judicial process, instigated pardons and initiated a women’s federal prison. Rosalynn Carter was an acknowledged joint policy-maker, especially on the Mid-East Peace agreement; a political partner dubbed ‘Steel Magnolia’ for sitting in on Cabinet meetings, she pushed through Mental Health legislation.

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Episode elements:  Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of introvert on the ‘cult of personality’ and Grace’s early influence on what has become an American political phenomenon (Trump); author Sheryl Sandberg (herself controversial now) on how Lady Bird leaned in. Expert on how marital affairs can fuel ambition.

 

2. Glamour Girls > Game Changers

Julia Tyler: On the outside: playful kitten; as insider: passionate politico. When the Texas annexation bill passed, Tyler handed her the pen, as a testament to her role in the victory. Frances Cleveland: America’s sweetheart, cover-girl, and trend-setter. Frankie abandoned the bustle > equivalent to bra burning. She also scheduled special White House receptions so working women could attend. As a popular dance partner for dignitaries, she was essentially waltzing for politics. Jackie Kennedy: soft-spoken strategist. Her style & linguistic skills elevated her to (unofficial) foreign ambassador. The European tour cemented her political clout. An early adopter of new technology, she led a TV tour of the White House & funded its restoration through product sales rather than tax dollars. Dolley Madison in effect invented US patriotism & national identity, as well as the Washington political-social structure. Master of the game, but played it like a woman. Her political secret weapon: Humanity.

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Episode elements:  Revealing the first ladies as secret weapons—does it disable their effectiveness? Caroline Kennedy, emissary to Japan, on how style affects ambassadorship. Shonda Rhimes on public perception. Queen Elizabeth I expert on the unifying principle of emotional patriotism. Lauren Wright, the female Nate Silver, on the data points of style.

 

3. Independent Thinkers

Taft said: “As my wife is the politician, she will be able to meet all the issues.” Helen Taft was the first FLOTUS to express public support of racial equality, and women voting. Nellie pushed and Taft signed Executive Order 1498: Bureau of Public Health inspections. Her diplomatic relations with Japan delivered to DC its iconic image: Cherry trees. Workaholic Sarah Polk opted to join the men for post-dinner political discussion instead of retiring with the ladies. Passionately political, she culled Polk’s reading material, wrote & rewrote his speeches after canvassing constituents' opinions. Betty Ford: Media maven in the best sense—she put taboo topics on the table, going public with her breast cancer and alcoholism, to save lives. Got Carla Hills appointed to the Cabinet & advocated for the ERA. She delivered Ford’s concession speech--the only FLOTUS to ever do so.

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Episode elements: Al Gore on climate change & cherry trees. Sally Field's sharp insights from playing Mary Todd in Lincoln. Adam Grant on the upside of operating outside the rules. Stevie Nicks on the impact of the first lady going public—busting perceptions of perfection—providing the strength to get sober.

 

4. Secret Presidents

Ellen Wilson: Woodrow’s campaign strategist & shaper of speeches; impacted banking reform, Cabinet appointees; introduced Alley Bill (housing the poor) that passed just hours before her death. Woodrow’s secretary: “She’s a better politician than you are.” Edith Wilson blocked access to Woodrow after his stroke, basically called the shots in the White House for a year and a half, rubber-stamped the President’s signature. Had secret code for WWI frontlines, relayed intelligence to Wilson and the Secretary of War.

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The POTUS whisperer: Nancy Reagan funneled ideas in Ronnie’s ear at public events and the word “peace” in his ear at night regarding the Cold War; considered a “major force” in “moderating his approach” but also considered micro-manager in government affairs: behind firing of Secretary of State & National Security Adviser. She pushed for his (sole) mention of AIDS. Lucy Hayes: first FLOTUS with a college degree; strong suffrage views; turned her husband pro-abolition... but abandoned suffrage to become a deft brand manager of ‘Rutherfraud’, amid accusations of a stolen election. In the Press: “Mr. Hayes will, in the absence of Mrs. Hayes, be acting President.” To Posterity she is just Lemonade Lucy.

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Episode elements:  Ron Reagan on his father’s illness while in the White House, Patti Davis’s peace song with Eagles’ Bernie Leadon. Clip: Jane Fonda as NR in The Butler. Gloria Steinem on women’s rights vs. relationships; crisis manger Judy Smith, the real “Olivia Pope” on how FLOTUSes handle spin.

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5. Backbone > Family Values

Abigail Adams: kept family business profitable during John's 10-year(!) absence; urged Alien & Sedition Acts, advised on speeches. Politicos often approached her over the President in search of posts. She insisted he “Remember the ladies…” Pat Nixon became the buoy in a sinking presidency—the ONLY thing constituents had to hang onto to keep their faith in the Republican party. Trips to South America & Africa, billed as “goodwill” tours, were intelligence reports she delivered to Sec. of State Henry Kissinger on the political & social climate. Six children qualified Edith Roosevelt as “mom in chief” but she was the first FLOTUS to recognize the significance of the position; created an “office” with personal secretary. On the QT, she modernized the White House, separating work and living space. Was secret liaison with the British Ambassador, "personal" letters to her cloaked diplomacy matters on the Russo-Japanese War she relayed to TR. Perhaps unfair to lump Barbara & Laura Bush together because of the surname, but they do dovetail: Barbara chose literacy as her “cause” because, “A president has enough troubles—he does not need a wife to stir up controversy for him.” Laura too chose “safe” causes: education & literacy, continuing her mission of nurturing as mother, teacher, & librarian.

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Episode elements: Interviews with Henry Kissinger; Tyra Banks on the benefits of the  "Smize". Laura Linney & David McCullough on Abigail; Jen Psaki on speaking out. Tina Brown on the Bush women. Silda Spitzer on how to handle being splattered with someone else's mud.

 

6. Trailblazers / Change Agents

Martha Washington Precedent: Absolute zero. What to call her? The public dubbed her Lady Washington, seed of the later title. Forced by history to be a Role Model; created atmosphere of refined accessibility: open houses, calling hours. Set a politically neutral table (did advocate for veterans); set a tone of grace & dignity fueled by devotion to her husband & her strong sense of duty. She was MOTUS. Eleanor Roosevelt challenged FDR on host of issues, and prevailed. A force of will, she championed vets, Civil Rights, held all-female press conference, wrote books and a daily column, had a radio show, and a dizzying public appearance schedule—she wielded such power & influence that FDR’s advisor said he could make her president.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawyer and 1st FLOTUS with a graduate degree, Hillary Clinton researched the world to assemble a workable comprehensive Health Care plan…which was rejected. She was ready to serve, but the country wanted her to serve cookies. Like Eleanor, she parlayed her White House years into political office, and had planned to return there. In charge.

 

Episode elements:  Michael Moore stumbling upon Hillary in Estonia. The legend of Louis Howe, "kingmaker" & the Eleanor dilemma. Bill Clinton on what being FHOTUS might have looked like. Role Model to Model: Measuring Martha & Melania. 

Michelle Obama: Her impact was forged by being a FLOTUS > she soared in popularity post the 2016 election. Her autobiography was a best-seller & her legacy is multi-fold, much like the modern everywoman. By virtue of the seismic shift marked by her husband’s election, she’s a trailblazer. Yet she’s also successfully surfed the currents of the time, embracing technology & showcasing designers (like Jackie), appearing on magazine covers (like Frankie), dancing on popular talk shows…so, glamour girl. Dubbed herself “mom in chief”; brought her own mother to the White House for family stability (Abigail Adams, Edith Roosevelt)—Backbone. Had a career (like Lady Bird) as a lawyer (like Hillary).... Independent thinker, influencer. This FLOTUS is a Floater, until history relegates her to a label. But... the shape of FLOTUS is shifting > her campaign speeches showed us the extraordinary evolution of the position into a distillation of integrity & grace. (Even Glenn Beck agreed!) 

Scope: Martha, Michelle, Melania

      Women are leading like never before, & we must pave the backward path to light the way forward.

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