Michelle Obama plays first lady safely

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Michelle Obama appears to be taking on the traditional role of U.S. first lady as wife and mother, observers say.

The Los Angeles Times reported Monday that Obama, the wife of President Barack Obama, has played her role carefully in the opening days of her husband's presidency.

"She is looking and learning, and isn't going to make the same mistakes because she's aware of what the mistakes were," said Letitia Baldridge, an author who served as social secretary to the late Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of assassinated President John F. Kennedy.

The newspaper said the role of first lady has historically been largely what the individuals chose to make it.

Barbara Bush, wife of former President George H.W. Bush, was something close to first grandmother.

Then there was Hillary Clinton, the current secretary of state who the newspaper described as a "co-president," pushing for healthcare reform during then-President Bill Clinton's first term.

"You have this undefined role of first lady," said Jackie Norris, Obama's chief of staff. "She wants to think about how to be the hostess, but are there other things she can do to help the dialogue?"