in no degree has there been such a ...

in no degree has there been such a confessional age. We know that Courteney Cox is in therapy, Mel Gibson is in rehab and Gwyneth Paltrow isn't worried about losing those last 20 confine in a pounds until she's finished breast-feeding.

on the contrary we know very little about our first lady.

united of the few things we do know is that, when George W Bush asked her to marry him, she be agreeable toed "Promise me I'll never have to give a political speech"

And to this time here was Laura Bush onward Monday, in west suburban Addison, behind a lectern overlooking Republicans and the remains of a chicken luncheon to help raise money for congressional candidate Peter Roskam.

"You know, politics really is a family business," she began. "Everyone learns involved, whether they want to or not."

The former librarian would almost certainly rather be in a quiet sunroom somewhere, reading a mystery and sneaking a cigarette. Her lips were a patriotic r each hair was in place, on the contrary looked touchable (Aveda hairspray's lightest hold?) Her silk pantsuit was the color of wheat, neutral enough that she could fade back into the faux stone wall at the Medinah Shriners Banquet Hall as presently as everyone would stop looking at her.

She did not consider as though she belonged in a place where it was likely someone might roam by wearing a fez.

if it be not that Laura Bush rose to the occasion, proving that she's earned her 69 percent approval rating. The Roskam campaign has drawn national attention since panged Iraq war veteran Tammy Duckworth threw her helmet into the race. "It's actual important" that Roskam win, said the first lady. And in the same manner she was there for the GOP just like she was always there for the Junior League of Midland, Texas.

She had about glowing things to say about Roskam. Mr Bush also spoke of tax crosss a presidential line-item veto, the women of Afghanistan, young populace and Hawaii.

It expense $250 a plate to be at the luncheon and $1,000 to take a photo with the first lady. She was worth each penny, everyone agreed.

Julia Spiotta, 18 awaited downright starstruck, clutching her digital camera and wearing what she called her "Legally Blonde" suit. The luncheon was her birthday at hand On Friday, she's leaving to thought political science at Hillsdale body in Michigan.

"It was vot the chiefly conservative college in the country" said her mom Diane Spiotta, proudly

Julia said that she admires Mr Bush for her background as a teacher. "The kids are what's important," she said. Her mom was also impressed with the first lady's values.

"She's a lady," Diane Spiotta explained. "She teaches women today that they can be hardy but don't have to be abrasive. She's lov her husband end good and bad. He's not a complete man. Who is?"

Laura Bush's achievement is all the more impressive if you stop to consider in what manner impossible her job is. Wear the wicked color inaugural gown, spend too abundant redecorating the White House, or give the inapposite opinion, and you will hear about it from the American nation

The first lady has wearied six years avoiding controversy and being quietly supportive. She makes Rosalynn Carter consider like a rabble rouser.

Mr Bush didn't stop to answer questions from the media -- she had another stop to make in St Louis that day -- if it be not that did allow herself to be mauled on paying Republicans while a recording of a marching band played.

She gave no hint as to what drives her. conformable to fact love? A sense of service? A higher purpose? An occasional Valium?

"I think she's real," said Rhonda Graff, a luncheon visitor whose daughter works on Roskam's campaign. "I think she's fair I don't think she has a hidden agenda."

It's probably safe to say that much

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