Political Influence Reflected In The Press Framing Of The American First Lady Michelle Obama

The important role the first ladies has played in American history isunquestionable. Therefore various scholars carry out studies on American first ladies.Based on but not limited to previous studies, the power of the first ladies,withceremony and symbol also identified as modes of public communication, can be morefully recognized and more comprehensively assessed. Standing between the first ladyand the public is the ever-present press. Very few people ever have direct contact withthe first lady, so the majority of the public’s information comes from the media. Theevolution of the position has undergone press scrutiny since the days of MarthaWashington. Through out the years journalists have played a significant role inshaping the position, reporting on everything from the first ladies’ fashion sense to herpolitical activities. So in the thesis, the author will prove that the press framing of thefirst lady reflects the political influence of the first lady.In Chapter One, the author will elaborate upon how the first lady MichelleObama became a presidential surrogate and helped Barack Obama win the election; InChapter Two, the author will illustrate how Michelle entered the realm of policymaking and playing an extended role of Policy debate; In Chapter Three, the authorwill analyze the reasons why Michelle Obama was accused of being the“HiddenPower” and how the press tried to restrict her influence.With classification and analysis, the thesis aims to unveil the political influenceof Michelle Obama reflected in the press, which frames her as a presidentialsurrogate，a policy promoter, a political interloper, providing female complementarityand serving as a special source for decision-making.