I Don't Want Eleanor Either

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First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt has been considered by many historians as having dramatically changed the role of the first lady. Rather than stay in the background, Eleanor Roosevelt was an active participant in her husbands administration.  When her husband suffered a polio attack in 1921, Eleanor stepped up to help her husband by taking a more active role in his political career. In addition, she gave numerous press conferences, speaking out on a number of issues, including human rights, racial discrimination, and women's rights. The First Lady's high profile attracted public ridicule by her families political opponents. In his campaign for President, Wendell Willkie personally attacked the first lady, criticizing the fact that both the President and his wife were seeking a third term in office.