Jill Biden Speaks Out About What It's Like To Be The First Lady In 2021

Dr. Jill Biden opened up about what it’s like to be the first lady and her outlook on some current major political questions.

In a CBS News special, “Jill Biden on being first lady,” correspondent Rita Braver dug into Biden’s experience.

"I told you, Rita, a long time ago, I think, that I would never waste my platform," Biden said. "And if I can help in any way with this pandemic, if I can help to heal this nation, I want to be in, I want to do this."

Braver spoke to Biden about a recent visit to Oklahoma to meet with the family of the governor. She then drove a little over an hour to show the president support at an event for the Cherokee Nations’ efforts to preserve their language.

"You are out there shaking hands with kids, hugging them, talking to them. What do you get from it?" Braver asked.

"I feel excitement,' Biden replied. "And I'm so happy that they're happy to meet someone who cares about them."

Braver asked what it’s like to take on the title of first lady and reshape your lifestyle.

"Were you prepared for what it’s like to be the first lady?" Braver asked

"I think it's a little harder than I imagined," Biden replied. "It's not like a job that you do; it's a lifestyle that you live. It's 24 hours a day."

Biden, 70, was second lady from January 2009 to January 2017 during the Obama administration.

Braver asked about some calling Biden an important advisor to the president.

"Over the years, a lot of people close to the president have described you as one of his most important advisors … and I wondered how that's played out in the White House?"

"I listen to him, he listens to me," Biden replied. "It's a marriage, and we talk about what's going on every day, and what's going on with our lives. But I'm not his 'advisor,' I'm his spouse, I'm his wife."

She teaches writing and English at Northern Virginia Community College and is the first first lady to log hours at a full-time job. Biden earned two master’s degrees and a doctorate in educational leadership.

She was asked about President Joe Biden's dip in approval ratings.

"You've seen the president's poll numbers drop. Does that bother you?" Braver asked Jill Biden.

"You know, I look at it a little differently, Rita. During the campaign, Joe made certain promises, things that he would do. And we were going through a pandemic, which no one could have anticipated,” Jill Biden said.

Braver ended the her questions with an inquiry into the president's health.

"And one more question on that, on the polls: because there's been some recent polls that show that quite a few Americans have some questions about the president's current mental fitness – as somebody who spends … I can see you shaking your head!" Braver said.

"Yes," Jill Biden said.

"So, what's your response to that?" Braver asked.

"I think that's ridiculous," Jill Biden replied.

The Bidens have been married since 1977. They have a 40-year-old daughter, Ashley.