Untraditional Jill Biden May Keep Day Job

Jill Biden has long chartered an untraditional path for a career politician' wife.

She has four degrees --a bachelor's, two master's and a doctorate. She raised three children and has five grandchildren. For 31 years she's been married to a U.S. Senator, although few of her students at a Delaware community college knew it, and she continued teaching English there four days a week while her husband campaigned for the vice presidency. She even did a little modeling in her 20s.

And now it appears Biden, 57, could become one of the nation's few second ladies to hold down a job while her husband occupies the office of the vice presidency.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[Promise]

I happened to hear a radio interview (NPR) with Jill Biden during a very low time in Joe's run for the presidential nomination. He wasn't doing well in the polls and the media didn't seem to be taking him very seriously. Jill was so humble, down to earth and amazingly unpretentious. She has a Delaware accent ( I think that's what it is) and was not really impressive on the interview in the usual sense. I couldn't see her, obviously, so didn't know how stunningly beautiful she was and no mention was made of her academic degrees or teaching work. What impressed me was how Nice she was!! Her sincerity and love for her husband shone through strongly. Then, after Biden was tapped for Veep and I saw her and read of her accomplishments I was really surprised! What a wonderful combination of "real folks" and accomplishment she is. Plus good looks! Wow...what a great role model she will be for young girls.

[SparkyDash]

I heart these two love-birds, Joe and Jill Biden. Their affection, love and respect for each other is obvious in every public appearance...whether rallies or voting or at Grant's Park (see the very end video of PE Obama's speech). They genuinely love their family, friends, and constituents. I would at one time have said Jill was lucky to be with Joe, but Joe is also lucky to be with Jill. They are both fortunate, as we Americans are to have them as second couple. I am totally inspired by Dr. Jill Biden, her story and philosophy, and know that she'll kick arse no matter what her choices. I'm so very happy that Joe Biden will be our next Vice President! Rock on Joe and Jill (and your whole Biden clan...they all seem pretty remarkable). And wishing Beau a safe return from service in Iraq...we're thinking of you.

[murphysgirl]

I think it's great that Jill Biden wants to continue teaching. She serves as a great role model for working women abroad. I think it's admirable that she chose not to have pictures of her husband in her office, in order to not have any special attention given towards her. Michelle and Jill will redefine the roles of First and Second Lady, and I think the country will be better for it...

[cucumber]

She got her doctorate at 56? She's inspiring!

[ksmagenta]

I just love both Joe and Jill Biden. What a smart, strong, classy and good looking couple they are!

[SparkyDash]

Their whole family is really something to behold...it says a lot about Joe and Jill. I wonder if it will be disrespectful to say Jill and Joe after he's officially VP? a shame if so.

[lobo1939]

It was worth electing Obama and Biden just to get these two classy women as first and second ladies. What a bargin; two wonderful, beautiful, intelligent, etc etc ladies to represent our county. The women that Obama has around him like his wife, Hillary and Power have to be an absolute nightmare to the Moslem and Christian taliban.

[harriettubman]

Why continue to work though? I could surely find other ways to fulfill my life without working in another state.

[lobo1939]

I am sorry that you have this opinion. I have taught fundamentals of speech for the past 40 years at an HBC and know that I could not have spent my life in any greater service to my country. If you are planning for one year, plant rice; if you are planning for 100 years, plant trees; if you are planning for 1000 years, build schools.

[IndyReader]

Just think, if the stars had aligned differently we'd be looking forward to Cindy McCain, who can sometimes resemble a lizard, and Todd Palin. And what in the world would he do as the husband of the VP?

[lobo1939]

Please. You revive nightmares.

[onenation]

I hope she can do it. Being VP is not like a CEO job, so the restrictions and security are different. She will be in touch with and hear from "regular" folk and help anchor reality for Joe and via also Barak.

[ramblingjohnny]

Since when being a teacher is a "Day Job"?

[robertsandimas]

No kidding. Good for you! I taught for 35 years. That was about 12,000 days teaching and 12,000 nights of homework for ME.

[Georgia1992]

On January 20, 2009 the U.S.A. will have leaders, including spouses who are educated, intelligent, and articulate. I have forgotten what that was like since our leaders of the current administration don't have those qualities. I'm not going to know how to act.

[DeniseD]

Good for her! There is no reason she should give up her career just because her husband is the VP.

[luke150]

The only good reason is security, I think.

[janinei]

I want to be like Jill when I grow up! What a truly amazing woman, my guess is she knows when to put the "g" at the end of the word!

[Samalabear]

I like what she said about community colleges and its students. It's about time someone put the spotlight on these institutions and their importance.

[truthforme]

Absolutely. Community colleges are often the only financially viable option for people seeking to better their lives through education.

[Bitsko]

Good for you, Ms. Biden. In almost any other part of the world staying in your job would be a given.