I think being an effective First Lady is first of all being the partner that your husband needs.

You know, everybody knows some of what politicians say is malarkey, and having somebody there to call them on it is good. I'd be happy to do that any time and any place.

Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it's less good than the one you had before.

I think I did marry a marvelous man.

Successful health reform must not just make health insurance affordable, affordable health insurance has to make health care affordable.

I took my son's name. I didn't take my husband's name.

But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.