Running Together

What would be your signature issue as First Lady?
Having been a teacher for many years, I would have to say that education would be my number one priority. But, as a mother as well as a teacher, I would add that education is not just about reading, writing and arithmetic — it's about teaching our children how to keep themselves healthy. So, my focus would include teaching about health issues like obesity, the dangers of smoking and educating young girls about breast cancer and the importance of self exams.

Who is your First Lady role model?
I have always had a great deal of respect and admiration for Eleanor Roosevelt. She was a true humanitarian and champion of Women's Rights and Civil Rights. I especially love the story about her efforts to break the gender barriers in the world of journalism by holding weekly press conferences for women journalists only forcing newspapers to hire women.

What don't we know about your spouse?
Most people probably don't know that Joe has a romantic side to him.

What do you like most about the campaign trail?
On the campaign trail, I have the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life — from residents at a battered women's shelter to mentally handicap children to retirees — and learn about their lives and struggles. It is both humbling to be welcomed into their lives and gratifying to think that Joe could help solve their troubles.

What do you like least?
I miss being away from home.

Would you expect to have a say in the President's policies?
For years, Joe has had to listen to me go on about the problems in our education system and I don't see how him becoming President would change that. So, I'm certainly going to continue talking about the issues that I care about.

What's the one TV show you and your spouse try not to miss?
Philadelphia Eagles games!

What's the one campaign food that you could go your whole life never eating again?
Actually, after many years on the campaign trail, there is not a particular food that I've come across that I would avoid. But, there is a food that I hope I have the opportunity to have again. A few months ago when we were on the trail in Iowa — literally on a bike trail — riding a day of the RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Bike Ride Across Iowa), we came across these amazing fruit pies during a rest break in a small town in the northeastern part of the state. Hopefully, next summer, we will be back on the trail and will track them down again.