''We aren't elected....We are thrust into a national spotlight in a way that I know none of us could have anticipated,' Biden said.
While she had visited the White House before as the vice president's wife whenDuring an event for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy at the Kennedy Center, Biden also paid tribute to the late Barbara Bush, who was first lady from 1989 to 1993 whenwas commander-in-chief. Barbara Bush died in April of 2018, while her husband died less than eight months later in November.
Jill Biden spoke of the Barbara Bush's ability to gracefully wade through controversy. She said she has learned a similar lesson:"There are times when the role of first lady pushes you to show up, even when it's uncomfortable.""We aren't elected, we have to define this role for ourselves. And we are thrust into a national spotlight in a way that I know none of us could have anticipated," Biden said.
When asked why she visits Republican-leaning states such as Mississippi, Alabama and Alaska, where she knows she will be encounter opposition, she said:"I am their first lady, too." "There have been times when I'm met with anger or hurt. But I've also found that the common values that unite us are deeper than our divisions," Biden said."I've seen how a kind word or gesture can relax someone's shoulders just a bit—can open their heart to what you have to say, even if we'll never agree."
Biden has been one of the administration's most prominent and prolific surrogates, frequently traveling outside of Washington on her own, and occasionally with President Joe Biden, to encourage Americans to get vaccinated. A teacher, she often visits schools to push the administration's proposed investments in education.
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