Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton come out in support of Dr. Jill Biden using her title

This week, the Internet has been abuzz after a Wall Street Journal writer suggested that future First Lady Jill Biden — who holds a Doctorate in Education from the University of Delaware — should not use her title because she’s not a medical doctor.

“As for your Ed.D., Madame First Lady, hard-earned though it may have been, please consider stowing it, at least in public, at least for now,” Joseph Epstein wrote. “Forget the small thrill of being Dr. Jill, and settle for the larger thrill of living for the next four years in the best public housing in the world as First Lady Jill Biden.”

On Monday, former First Lady Michelle Obama responded to the criticism in an Instagram post, writing: "For eight years, I saw Dr. Jill Biden do what a lot of professional women do—successfully manage more than one responsibility at a time, from her teaching duties to her official obligations in the White House to her roles as a mother, wife, and friend." 

"And 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. And yet somehow, their words can stick—after decades of work, we’re forced to prove ourselves all over again."

"Is this really the example we want to set for the next generation?"

"Dr. Biden gives us a better example. And this is why I feel so strongly that we could not ask for a better First Lady. 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."

Former first lady, senator, secretary of state, and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton also responded to the debate, writing simply: "Her name is Dr. Jill Biden. Get used to it."