After Melania Trump's speech on the opening night of the Republican National Convention appeared to plagiarize Michelle Obama, the potential first lady came in for scathing criticism. Campaign officials did not deny the similarities between the two speeches, arguing the words used were commonplace. Nevertheless, it has proven extremely embarrassing, casting a shadow over her husband's Republican coronation.
Even before the convention, a Gallup poll found that Melania Trump's public image is less popular than other spouses. 28 percent of American adults find the Slovenian-born supermodel favorable with 32 percent viewing her unfavorably. 40 percent of people had not heard of her or held no opinion. How does that compare to other potential first ladies down through the years?
When Bill Clinton ran for office in 1992, Hillary Clinton was viewed favorably by 55 percent of Americans. Tipper Gore was even more popular in 2000 with 57 percent of people viewing her in a positive light. Cindy McCain and Ann Romney also enjoyed favorable images with the public in 2008 and 2012 respectively.
Current first lady Michelle Obama was viewed favorably by 53 percent of U.S. adults in 2008. As it stands, Melania Trump has the least favorable ratings of any prospective first lady Gallup has measured since 1992.
*Click below to enlarge (charted by Statista)
