During the 2004 election cycle , Bush made joint appearances with her husband on the campaign trail , including in battleground states such as Florida . She advocated for his re-election in a speech at the 2004 Republican National Convention , and was credited with having raised $ 15 million for her husband 's campaign as well as the Republican Party while still succeeding in keeping a separate schedule that allowed for her to tend to the traditional duties she had as First Lady . In a July 2004 interview , Teresa Heinz , wife of Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry , said , " Well , you know , I do n't know Laura Bush . But she seems to be calm , and she has a sparkle in her eye , which is good . But I do n't know that she 's ever had a real job — I mean , since she 's been grown up . " Heinz later apologized for the remark , and Bush stated that she forgave her while insisting her apology was unnecessary , citing her understanding of the " trick questions " asked by the media
2004 Republican National Convention
2004 Republican National Convention
Laura Bush