What is the importance of the White House in the novel, White Houses?

As President and First Lady, the Roosevelts live in the White House during the flashback portions of the novel that take place in the 1930s-40s. As the best friend and lover of Eleanor Roosevelt, Hick lived there as well during their relationship, and then for a short while afterwards when she was low on funds. As Franklin's secretary, Missy LeHand also lived in the White House until she suffered a stroke and nearly burned the building down in her rage after Franklin did not visit her. The press did not know that Hick lived on the premises, and she notes how she would frequently "slip out the back and stroll back in" (131) in the morning. She describes the White House as "the seat of power in the Western world," but also "a rambling, run-down boardinghouse for the extended Roosevelt family" (172).