While the nation’s eyes were lingering on Joe Biden during his victory speech, the President-elect made sure to recognize his wife for her position as the next FLOTUS. He tried to take the spotlight off of himself, saying, “As I said many times before, I’m Jill’s husband.” Biden praised his wife for her many roles that she will continue to carry out during her time in The White House. Besides being the next First Lady, Jill is also a grandmother, educator and Joe’s support system.
Managing a full-time job while in The White House is not a new challenge for Jill. During her husband’s time as vice-president, Dr. Jill Biden was a professor of English at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). Traditionally in the past, First Ladies have not maintained a work-life outside of the political spotlight, but Jill is already redefining that role. From an early age, Jill has prioritized her education, independence and work ethic. She has a total of four degrees, earning her last degree at the age of 55, which was a doctoral degree in education from the University of Delaware. Jill has spent decades teaching and does not want to quit anytime soon. In an interview, she told Vogue, “Like so many of your readers, I’m a working woman. [Teaching is] my passion. That’s what I love doing. That has been my career and really a major focus in my life, so I feel like I could handle it and do everything else that first ladies want to do.”
During her time as First Lady, she will continue to advocate for community college and further education, just like she did during President Obama’s presidency. As the chairwoman of the College Promise Advisory Board, Jill Biden and former President Barack Obama worked towards to promote tuition-free college programs. Many of the nation’s educators are celebrating Biden’s victory. The President-elect mentioned in his victory speech, “For American educators, this is a great day for you all. You’re going to have one of your own in the White House.” Dr. Biden’s love for teaching does not go unnoticed, with her RateMyProfessor reviews reflecting her dedication to her students. Her page features mostly positive reviews from students, besides the occasional comments on her “tough grading.”
Her students aren’t the only ones who adore her, as Jill’s grandchildren also talk highly of her character. She’s known for her love of pulling pranks and early morning SoulCycle classes. “I would say she’s not your average grandmother,” Natalie Biden, one of Joe and Jill’s grandchildren, said in a DNC video. Reportedly, Jill put a plastic rat on her husband’s podium during an Obama/Biden rally when she was a Second Lady.
While campaigning with her husband, Jill “qualified” as one of Joe’s security guards. In February, a protester attempted to get on stage during one of Joe Biden’s speeches in New Hampshire. In a video posted on Twitter, you can see Jill quickly walking towards the man to escort him off stage. That was not the only instance of Jill getting involved with protestors; the following month, photos emerged of her protecting Joe at a Super Tuesday rally.
Although Jill will not step into the White House as First Lady until next year, she is already the topic of discussion among American citizens. The Oscar de la Renta dress she wore during Joe’s acceptance speech has already sold out on the Internet. The asymmetrical floral dress sold out in just a few hours, despite its high price tag of $5,690. Whether it’s her fashion choices or her political activism, everyone is going to be watching the new FLOTUS this upcoming year.
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