Part of Mrs. Shriver's public appeal was her personal authenticity. I often thought of another humanitarian in a hurry -- Eleanor Roosevelt -- whenever I ran into Mrs. Shriver.
There were few powerful women in mid-19th century America who more vigorously pressed the case first for abolition and then for the education, housing, and welfare of freed African-American slaves than did Mrs. Lincoln.
As memories of Inauguration Day 2009 begin to fade in and the new administration ensues, speculation will only increase about how politically influential Michelle Obama will be as First Lady.