Dr. Jill Biden responds with grace to controversial op-ed

Dr. Jill Biden, who will become first lady in January, is speaking out about the controversial Wall Street Journal op-ed piece that called on her to drop the use of her “doctor” title.

“That was such a surprise,” said Dr. Biden, in an interview with her husband, President-elect Joe Biden, on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”

“It was really the tone of it that I think that… you know, he called me kiddo. And one of the things I’m most proud of is my doctorate,” she said. “I mean, I worked so hard for it.”

“That Was Such A Surprise” – Dr. Jill Biden Reacts To The Attack On Her Doctorate

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As her husband proudly pointed out during the interview, Dr. Biden earned two master’s degrees before earning her doctorate in education from the University of Delaware in 2007.

She balanced her academic success while teaching at night and supporting her husband’s political career. Dr. Biden also taught at Northern Virginia Community College during the eight years her husband served as vice president in the Obama administration.

At Motherly, we believe in empowering women and celebrating their successes. For those reasons, we are choosing to not quote or link to the WSJ op-ed.

Dr. Biden says she’s touched by how many women have come out in support of her and her achievements.

“I am so grateful,” she said. “I was just overwhelmed by how gracious people were.”

Women around the world are sharing their messages of support for Dr. Biden, including Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

In an interview with Good Morning America, Harris said, “I was deeply disappointed that in 2020, that kind of approach would be given any legitimacy.”

“She worked hard,” Harris said. “She raised her kids. She went to night school. She got degrees. She earned everything she has. That’s the American way; that’s the American spirit. So, when there’s anyone who tries to diminish the significance of people who work hard, I think it’s just not the American way, frankly.”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also came out in support of Dr. Biden. Obama shared an image of the two women together on Instagram, writing, “right now, we’re all seeing what also happens to so many professional women, whether their titles are Dr., Ms., Mrs., or even First Lady: All too often, our accomplishments are met with skepticism, even derision. We’re doubted by those who choose the weakness of ridicule over the strength of respect.”

Mrs. Obama continued, “She will be a terrific role model not just for young girls but for all of us, wearing her accomplishments with grace, good humor, and yes, pride. I’m thrilled that the world will see what I have come to know—a brilliant woman who has distinguished herself in her profession and with the life she lives every day, always seeking to lift others up, rather than tearing them down.”

When her husband takes office in January, Dr. Biden will become the first first lady to hold a doctorate degree, as well as hold a full-time, paying job outside the White House. A lifelong educator, Dr. Biden intends to continue teaching throughout her husband’s presidency.

Dr. Jill Biden won’t be a ‘traditional’ first lady. Because of that, some have chosen to attack her.

No, she won’t be a traditional first lady. She will be an historic one.

We look forward to seeing all that Dr. Biden does for our country. Whether she chooses to call herself First Lady Biden or Dr. Biden, we know she will accomplish remarkable things that will benefit American families.