In 61 days, Michelle Obama will become America's new first lady, replacing Laura Bush. She has some big shoes to fill in terms of public opinion, according to Mrs. Bush's approval ratings.

Gallup polls show 74 percent of those surveyed believe first lady Laura Bush has improved the image of the of-fice of first lady. Her approval rating is higher than her husband and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's approval ratings. At one point she had the most positive rating ever recorded for a first lady at 85 percent.

Sarah Jensen Clayton, former associate director of policy and projects to Laura Bush, said she saw Mrs. Bush's ability to speak about politically charged issues while staying above the political fray. Mrs. Bush's major initiatives as first lady included programs promoting education, women's health and wellness and serving youth.

"I observed her to be a devoted wife and mother and deeply committed to making a difference in her role as first lady,” Clayton said. “Although not elected or held accountable by the American public, she has spent the last eight years working on our behalf.”

A bettycondifidential.com public opinion survey recently reported 80 percent of those surveyed believe Mrs. Obama would improve our nation's image as first lady, while 20 percent said she would detract from it. The poll also concluded that 53 percent of respondents believe Michelle Obama will have an impact on her husband's presidency.

Michelle Obama is from Chicago and graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. After graduation, she worked for the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama after being assigned to mentor him as a summer associate, according to the Washington Post.

Throughout the campaign trail, Mrs. Obama has received both praise and criticism for her candid and down-to-earth approach in addressing the public. About 20 percent of survey respondents feel Michelle Obama is anti-American based on statements she has made.

In February, she told voters, "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country."

Brandon Stone, advertising major from Spanish Fork, said "I think what she said was poorly worded and not thought out, but she shouldn't be crucified for such a statement."

Drew Sellers, a communications major from Orem, said, "Either Michelle Obama has lived a very short life, or she is completely oblivious to the millions of great things our ordinary citizens do each and every day."

CBS News reported Laura Bush came to Mrs. Obama’s defense regarding the comment, saying, “I think she probably meant 'I'm more proud,' you know, is what she really meant."

Michelle Obama told the women of ABC's "The View" that she was touched by her defense and sent Mrs. Bush a note thanking her. Mrs. Obama went on to say “That's what I like about Laura Bush. You know, just calm, rational approach to these issues. And you know, I'm taking some cues. I mean, there's a balance. There's a reason why people like her. It's because she doesn't … fuel the fire."

Mrs. Obama said as first lady, she wants to work on issues including supporting military families, helping working women balance work and family and encouraging national service, according to the campaign Web site.

According to bettyconfidential.com, 83 percent of those surveyed said Michelle Obama's impressive career and educational accomplishments are important attributes for a first lady.

Byron Daynes, a political science professor, said he thinks Mrs. Obama will play a different role in the presi-dency than Laura Bush did.

“They are both nice people, but Michelle Obama is also a competent professional,” Daynes said. “I think that will be factored in to whatever she selects as her role.”

Throughout the election, Mrs. Obama made a splash in the fashion world and was named in Vanity Fair’s Inter-national Best Dressed List. According to to the New York Times, Mrs. Obama doesn’t have a personal stylist and chooses less expensive designers and brands. Sales spiked for clothing store White House Black Market after Mrs. Obama donned their $148 black and white sleeveless dress during her appearance on The View.

According to the New York Times, the present and future first ladies spent some time bonding as Mrs. Bush gave Mrs. Obama a tour of all 33 rooms in the White House on Monday.

Copyright Brigham Young University 20 Nov 2008