Michelle Obama's predecessors have carved out enough different roles as first lady that she is now free to fashion the job in a way that suits her. The first lady will take her time defining her new role, but already she's dropping clues.

Sit in on Cabinet meetings like Rosalynn Carter? No thanks. Mrs Obama says she doesn't like "the process stuff". Pick a pet issue? She's identified a few favorites, including supporting military families with a parent far from home.

Her priority? She always will be "mom-in-chief" first.