Baby Steps

I don't write about politics often on my blog because it is very polarizing.  Apparently I am doing it anyway.  I am not surprised that Hillary had a poor showing in the Iowa Caucus yesterday.  I have been saying that I don't believe the country will elect a female for President.  Not ever just not yet.  As soon as I say this, my friends get very offended.  That statement is not a discussion of the merit of women in leadership just an observation about our country.  It was just in 1997 that Madeline Albright became Secretary of State and became the highest ranking female at the time in our government.  Whenever we have an election, the political pundits exclaim, "America wants change!"  Honestly, I think America likes very little change and in small doses only.

Comments

[Jessi]

Do you think it has only to do with her being female, or does part of who Hillary herself is (policies, past - the whole package)? Would it be any different if it were a different woman running? Just a random thought...

[Renee]

i think if someone like Elizabeth Dole ran they would have a better
chance. While I consider myself a feminist i believe Hillary (whom i met when i worked on bill's campaign) embodies exactly the type of cliche that frightens most people--the stone cold, bitchy-ness, power hungry stereotype associated with women wanting to get ahead. I am saddened that her persona seems to only further stereotypes of women in business and politics.

I further find it interesting that the 2 lead democratic candidates and dare i say leads for both parties are a woman and an African American...I have thought that a woman would fare better than a black considering the vast undercurrent of racism in our country....but he has the power of Oprah behind him, Oprah AKA the house wifes holy mother!

[Shaula]

I e-mailed Jessi my thoughts, but then I was asked what my response was to her question by someone else. I decided I should add a comment.

Since I think it's a stretch for America to elect a female at this time, I believe a more moderate or conservative woman would fare better in an election. I guess this echoes Renee's sentiments a bit too.

I also think a woman should be on a ticket for VP first. A woman that has a realistic chance of winning and can enhance the presidential candidate's chance of winning. I am not referring to a Mondale-Ferraro ticket.

I was just discussing the election with a male friend, and he mentioned Elizabeth Dole as a great option too. Seems like she'd have some support. :)