In a recent television appearance, a conversation took an amusing turn when the topic of holiday shopping arose. The co-host playfully suggested that his colleague, having spent her formative years in a prominent political residence, might have missed out on the quintessential Black Friday experience.
The exchange began with a debate over the longevity of the post-Thanksgiving shopping tradition. One host insisted it was a long-standing custom, while the other, a former First Daughter, confessed she had no childhood memories of it. “I don’t remember being a little kid thinking about Black Friday,” she remarked.
With a grin, her co-host retorted, “Well, you were in the White House.” The journalist defended herself, noting she didn’t move to Washington, D.C., until adulthood, a clarification met with a good-natured, eye-rolling “Alright, okay.”
The discussion then shifted to family habits, where the journalist shared a surprising anecdote about her father’s travel preferences during his early political career. Contrary to assumptions of luxury, she revealed, “We always, even my parents…we didn’t fly first class.” When her co-host incredulously referenced the presidential aircraft, she clarified that in earlier years, commercial flights—even budget airlines—were the norm for family travel. The co-host acknowledged the practicality, stating, “I think it’s admirable, but if you have the money, that’s something you do.”
This theme of frugality extends to her own household, she explained. She described her husband as particularly mindful of expenses, even adjusting the thermostat to save on energy costs. The pair discussed how financial prudence can be an attractive quality, distinguishing it from mere stinginess. “I think being smart with money is powerful, and I think it’s attractive,” the co-host offered. They agreed that genuine attraction should be to one’s character, not one’s bank account.
While mindful of their budget, the journalist emphasized that their spending priorities lie with their three children, whom she jokingly said feel like a small army. She expressed a wistful desire for a larger family, noting, “I would have had one more. I would have rounded that out.” When encouraged that it might not be too late, she responded with a sigh, believing that particular opportunity has likely passed.
