Читать книгу First Ladies For Dummies - Marcus A. Stadelmann, Marcus A. Stadelmann PhD - Страница 59

Informally, Abigail discussed policy options with John Adams and gave him frequent advice. Soon, the political elite in Washington referred to her as an informal cabinet secretary.

Abigail was frequently called Mrs. President because of the influence she had over John. She discussed important problems with him, helped draft official letters, and basically became a minister without portfolio. For this reason, Abigail became a heroine for women who believed in women’s rights.

Abigail supported John’s policies, including the controversial Alien and Sedition Acts (see nearby sidebar). She believed that her husband and family were unfairly attacked by the press, which made libelous statements, and she believed that the press needed to be punished.

At the same time, Abigail was the first First Lady to attempt to manipulate the media to shape public opinion toward her husband and family. She planted stories in the Boston newspapers by sending them selected letters and news stories that she approved of.