For first lady Barbara Bush, the White House limelight presented an ideal opportunity to promote a cherished issue.
The daughter of a magazine publishing professional, Mrs. Bush grew up loving to read. After her son, Neil, was diagnosed as dyslexic, her interest in literacy and reading spiked.
“Where her daughter-in-law’s [key issues were] literacy and education, Barbara Bush’s focus was on literacy,” says Gutin, a first lady historian.
Bush traveled throughout the country to promote universal literacy, even starting her own foundation to support families reading together.
“She was always out there,” says Gutin, noting Bush's tradition of bringing a new reader with her to public events, introducing him or her as the newest consumer of books and literacy.
In the political arena, Bush had a talent for uniting rival factions of the Republican Party, and a gift for public speaking that many considered an asset to her husband’s efforts.
Throughout her 12 years in Washington, during her husband's vice presidency and presidency, Bush drew public attention to social issues plaguing the District of Columbia.
