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Greene: Sherri Shepherd to play Genie in Broadway’s ‘Aladdin.’ Was Michelle Obama busy?
Sherri Shepherd’s turn as the Genie in “Alladin” is the latest example of Broadway watering down its product with celebrity casting stunts.
Florence Harding Photographed Taught Me About Women Partaking in Politics
What would Florence Kling Harding think now? A week or so ago when I cast my ballot at my designated polling place this thought crossed my mind. I imagine the former first lady would be pleased about how routine voting has become for women in the United States. But perhaps she would not be satisfied. Today, a published essay I wrote for In Pursuit spotlights a lesson in leadership demonstrated by First Lady Florence Harding. In my research, I discovered there’s a lot to be said about this strong female historic figure. But it was the blurry photograph capturing Mrs. Harding voting for her husband Warren G. Harding, one of two presidential candidates from Ohio, on Nov. 2, 1920—Election Day—that drew my attention. It was the first presidential election held in the United States after the ratification and certification of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. Its 106th anniversary was marked on Wednesday. I remember thinking what a shame it was that her presence in the image was imperfect while the mostly men surrounding her were in sharp focus. Perhaps cynically I thought, “No surprise!” On further examination, though, the clear reaction of the people surrounding Mrs. Harding was equally important. In that snapshot of time, many of their expressions were serious. One man stood elevated above the rest with a slight smile as he caught a glimpse of history. Mr. Harding hovered over his wife’s shoulder closely observing the last seconds of her vote being cast. Their gazes were locked in on who would hours later become first lady. Subscribe The attention she drew is worth noting, mostly because, as I learned, Mrs. Harding understood the power her image could have on women across the country. She and I share in common a career in newspapers—hers the business side and mine on the editorial side. Nevertheless, it became clear to me as I write in the essay that she understood if she was seen voting, other women would follow suit. That wouldn’t necessarily be the case in that 1920 election, though, Karen Kedrowski, the director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women and Politics at Iowa State University, explained to me. Florence Harding was a suffrage advocate. But, suffrage was a contentious issue and women were far from united at the time of the election. In fact, a substantial number of women and active anti-suffrage organizations thought women participating in elections was a “bad idea and antithetical to their roles in the private sphere as mothers and homemakers,” Kedrowski said, adding that women were also viewed as the moral compass for their husbands and sons. If women got involved in politics they would become contaminated by it. Suffragists, on the other hand, wanted to bring that moral presence into politics to help clean things up. Only about 30% of women voted in that 1920 presidential election. That was a start. More than 100 years later in the 2024 presidential election, 66.9% of eligible women voted (91.3 million), compared to 63.7% of men who voted (82.6 million), according to the League of Women Voters. Yes, Florence Harding would be pleased. Subscribe That imperfect Election Day image was important symbolism about women’s potential during what was known as the “Modern Woman” era and the growing public role women were taking in the 1920s. I imagine Florence Harding might agree with other succeeding first ladies when it comes to gender equality and the importance of the vote. Like Michelle Obama when she said in her memoir Becoming, “We all play a role in this democracy. We need to remember the power of every vote.” Or Hillary Clinton during her unsuccessful run for president in 2016 when she remarked on International Women’s Day: “We celebrate the progress we’ve made to advance the full participation of women in economies and societies. And most importantly, we recommit to finishing the unfinished work that remains …” I hope if you are reading this, you will also read my essay on Florence Harding’s leadership lesson for In Pursuit. And perhaps that will move you to dig deeper and read more about Florence Harding’s life circumstances in biographies like First Lady Florence Harding: Behind the Tragedy and Controversy by Katherine A. S. Sibley. No, I do not think Florence Harding would be satisfied despite how far women have come from that day she first entered her polling place. She once wrote to the Camp Fire Girls, “The part that women play in the world has been greatly changed … It has been broadened and enlarged …” It has. And as women continue to engage in civics it continues to be. I imagine Florence Harding would want women to keep meeting the moment. Read the In Pursuit essay Watch on C-SPAN Share East Wing Magazine is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
From Michelle Obama To Cardi B, Keke & Brandy & Monica, This Is Your Guide To Celebs At Essence Fest
From Michelle Obama to Cardi B, Keke Palmer, Brandy and Monica, and an Aaliyah Tribute, here's a recap of the celebs who showed up to Essence Fest to inspire, entertain, and celebrate.
Trump posts a doctored photo of the Obamas and Air Force One with graffiti spray-painted on plane
President Donald Trump has posted a falsified image of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama boarding Air Force One covered with graffiti | News-Talk 1380 WAOK
Trump posts a doctored photo of the Obamas and Air Force One with graffiti spray-painted on plane
President Donald Trump has posted a falsified image of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama boarding Air Force One covered with graffiti | WWJ Newsradio 950
Michelle Obama reveals what the 'truth is' about Barack Obama marriage
Barack and Michelle Obama are sharing why their marriage just works.
Barack and Michelle Obama surprise first visitors to newly opened presidential center
Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama surprised some of the first visitors to walk through the doors of Obama’s new presidential center, personally greeting them.
WATCH LIVE: Barack and Michelle Obama open Obama Presidential Center with Springsteen, Stevie Wonder
Former President Barack Obama is getting a little help from his friends in celebrating the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago.
Kara Swisher calls out rage bait after UFC fighter insults Michelle Obama at White House event
Dana White denounces Josh Hokit’s derogatory remarks toward Michelle Obama
Josh Hokit is making waves in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but some of his recent post-fight remarks aren’t scoring him any points with promotion officials.
Dana White called a UFC fighter’s Michelle Obama insult ‘nonsense.’ The White House isn’t commenting on it
Less than 24 hours after a UFC fighter used a highly publicized White House match to lob a false insult at former first lady Michelle Obama, Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO and President Dana White called it “nasty and false,” dismissing it as “nonsense.”
UFC fighter Josh Hokit shouts, 'Michelle Obama is a man,' at White House Freedom 250 event
Josh Hokit made a distasteful comment about Michelle Obama during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House.
Donald Trump’s UFC fights at White House marred by smear aimed at Michelle Obama
President’s UFC fights held on the White House lawn overshadowed by chants about former first lady
Piers Morgan, Michelle Obama, Claire Foy & ‘House Of The Dragon’ Team Join SXSW London Line-Up
Piers Morgan, Michelle Obama, Claire Foy and key figures from the House of the Dragon are among the latest big-name entertainment biz players set for SXSW London. Morgan will appear alongside opera si...
Michelle Obama reacts to Viola Davis’ viral 'First Lady' portrayal
Michelle Obama revealed she has not watched Showtime's 'The First Lady,' in which Viola Davis portrays the former first lady.
‘Many billionaires are not happy people’: Michelle Obama talks politics and going ‘a little low’ in first Australian event
Former first lady delivered veiled but sharp remarks on US politics during speaking tour that began in Melbourne
Obama admits 'genuine tension' in marriage over pressure to stay in politics
Former President Barack Obama says his role as President Donald Trump's most high-profile critic has created tension in his marriage with former first lady Michelle Obama.
Stephen and Ayesha Curry are coming for the sports drink market—and their kids were the first focus group
In an interview with Fortune, the Currys explain why they jumped at the chance to work on a Michelle Obama-backed healthy sports drink Plezi Hydration.
Former U.S. Presidents, Entertainment, Sports and Media Leaders Convene in Rare Gathering to Celebrate Country’s 250th Anniversary
Former president Barack Obama appeared alongside former first lady Michelle Obama, five other former U.S. leaders, actors Nicole Kidman and Ted Danson, 'SNL' players Tina Fey and Colin Jost, NFL playe...
Obama, Nicole Kidman, Tina Fey, Jason Kelce Attend HISTORYTalks 2026
Former president Barack Obama appeared alongside former first lady Michelle Obama, five other former U.S. leaders, actors Nicole Kidman and Ted Danson, 'SNL' players Tina Fey and Colin Jost, NFL players Tom Brady and Jason Kelce, and more to discuss legacy and leadership for HISTORYTalks 2026.
TLC's Chilli addresses reports that she donated to Trump's re-election campaign
TLC's Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas has addressed reports that she donated to President Trump's re-election campaign in 2024 and reshared a video claiming that Michelle Obama was not born female.
Al Green kicked out of State of the Union after holding sign protesting Trump
The Texas Democrat held a sign that read “BLACK PEOPLE ARE NOT APES!” It’s a reference to a video Trump shared on social media this month that depicted Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
Barack Obama Speaks Out About Racist Video Donald Trump Posted
After Trump shared a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes, the former president addressed the ‘deeply troubling’ behavior.
Congressional Black Caucus chair says Trump's post on the Obamas shows a 'bigoted and racist regime'
The chair of the Congressional Black Caucus says the Trump administration has a chance to change after President Donald Trump posted a racist video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as primates in the jungle
Trump called Sen. Tim Scott after lawmaker condemned image of Obamas
President Trump called GOP Sen. Tim Scott after the South Carolina Republican publicly urged the president to remove a reposted video depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes.
Trump posts video that depicts Barack and Michelle Obama as apes
Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina called the video racist and urged the president to take it down
Trump shares a racist video that depicts the Obamas as primates
President Donald Trump used his social media account to share a video about election conspiracy theories that includes a racist depiction of former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle.
Trump shares racist video depicting Obamas as apes, sparking outrage
President Donald Trump shared a racist video on his social media platform Thursday night that depicted former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes in a jungle, sparking intense condemnation.
Donald Trump prompts fury after posting racist video about Barack and Michelle Obama
The US president posted a racist video on Truth Social that included disproven allegations about ballot-counting
'Becoming' media moguls? Michelle Obama, Melania Trump pursue Hollywood
"Melania," the first lady's documentary offers a differing approach to the Obamas' turn in Hollywood after they exited the White House.
Michelle Obama says US moving toward having a woman president
Former first lady Michelle Obama said in a new interview that the country is moving toward the direction of having a woman president — taking a softer approach after previously saying the country is not ready for one.