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January 31, 2007
Female US President in Our Lifetime?
My 10-year-old daughter is contemplating becoming president. Given the record year women had in the 2006 midterm elections, I have reason to hope that her gender won’t preclude her. In total, 71 women were elected to the House of Representatives and 16 to the Senate. The Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, is now third in line to assume the presidency.
While I’m not convinced that Hilary Clinton, the widely perceived front-runner for the Democratic nomination, will carry the day in 2008, women are clearly gaining ground in the political landscape. But does that mean we can expect a female president in our lifetime?
Pundits suggest that one of the reasons women fared so well in November was voters viewed women as an antidote to corruption. If that were true, wouldn’t more women also be rising into top corporate ranks as an antidote to the corruption there in recent years? While more women may be in management, analysis of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) data taken from the 2000 US Census by Peopleclick Research Institute reveals that women have lost ground at the executive level. And a recent Catalyst study suggests that at the current rate of advancement, it could be 40 years for women to achieve parity with men at the top.
Apples and oranges? Perhaps. But let’s say there is a correlation between business and politics. Both show a rising percentage of top-level women from a longer-term historical perspective (I’ve yet to see a comparative study on that; it would be interesting). If we do apply Catalyst’s projections to politics, my daughter will be 50 by the time women achieve parity with men, a passable age for a president (Bill Clinton was younger than that). So yes, my dear daughter, maybe there’s hope yet.
For a related article on advancement for women in business, check out:
- Monster Special Feature: "Leading Women"
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Posted by Elizabeth on January 31, 2007 at 11:27 AM in Current Events , Women at Work | Permalink | Comments (38) | TrackBack (0)
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Comments
While I like the idea of a woman President, I plan to vote for the best person for the job, regardless of their gender.
The office of the President is too important of a post to elect someone just to make a point or acheive a milestone in history. Although it may be exciting to hear that someone is the "first" this or that, it is so much more satisfying to elect someone who is outstanding.
Posted by: Merry Kanawyer Clingen | Jan 31, 2007 12:07:26 PM
Urge your daughter to be WORTHY of the office.
To have well-formed and articulated stances on more than one issue. To have thought-out rationale for her stances. To be able to state what she believes and why, logically, without resorting to name-calling, personal attacks, or "anything but what we have" rhetoric.
That's the person who deserves to be President.
Posted by: T | Feb 1, 2007 2:17:28 PM
In the society today, gender is a factor. We must erase those thoughts because if you're really good and worthy for the position you will still get it.
Posted by: Shore | Feb 4, 2007 9:02:31 PM
Anybody but Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Wade Spears | Feb 5, 2007 6:38:36 AM
I applaud your daughter's presidential aspiration. While women continue to make strides politically, it is sad and unfortunate that corporate America continues to harbor a "glass ceiling" mentality.
Posted by: Kristen Hudson | Feb 5, 2007 1:21:17 PM
My vote goes to Hilary. She is definently a better man than her husband was.
I stand behind the Clinton family decisions and voted for Bill into office, but his personal character is lacking, when Hilary's makes up for the both of them.
GO Hilary Clinton GO!
Posted by: Shummer | Feb 7, 2007 1:11:48 PM
Although I agree that a woman president is in our future I do believe that core values and ethics must play a role in the choice. Hillary has the name and really knows how to play the game but there isn't much behind the created persona. Women will continue to face that glass ceiling throughout their career for so many reasons its hard to count. After 27 years as a CPA, CFO and CEO I decided to write a book about that man/woman dynamic in business! Check it out at www.writebookstoday.com I hope women learn from the lessons men have experienced for years. Come from the heart, be real, walk the talk and don't take rejection personally, show the real talent and succeed!
Posted by: ag_ddutton | Feb 7, 2007 10:30:32 PM
in the present stage the country is in, I do not think that awoman would be the best choice for the office. Even if qualified and how that would be I don't know. It takes too many strong decisions that have to be made and stuck to. Women have a way of changing thier minds!
Posted by: bret alexander | Feb 8, 2007 12:46:21 AM
In response to Bret Alexander's comment: BOTH men and women change their minds from time to time.
Posted by: Peggy Johns | Feb 8, 2007 1:48:54 PM
Asians dont respect women authority figures and neither do africans or those in the middle east and neither would terrorists so a women president isnt going to do anything for us in world affairs. I would expect the rest of the world (Iran, North Korea, Iraq, China) to constantly challenge her to see when she backs down.
though a woman president might have to prove herself so much that she might be more patriotic to this country towards healthcare and outsourcing of jobs....
As far as Hillary Clinton is concerned, I dare anyone to look at what she has done for her constituents in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica/Rome, Albany, Binghamton, Ithaca or other non-NYC metros in NYS. SHE HAS DONE NOTHING FOCUSSING ENTIRELY ON NATIONAL ISSUES AND IGNORING HER CONSTITUENTS....IF ELECTED HILLARY THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IS THAT HILLARY WOULD IGNORE THE ENTIRE NATION OF CONSTITUENTS FOR SPECIAL INTERESTS AND FOREIGN POLICY!
Posted by: Pat | Feb 8, 2007 9:05:02 PM
If Hillary gets into office I will puke blood!!!!!
Posted by: Paula | Feb 9, 2007 9:30:53 AM
Sure, why not. Have her join our new political party AFJ. www.action4justice.com
Posted by: Ed Vallejo | Feb 14, 2007 1:56:41 PM
A woman will run for president and win......Rice .........Hilliary vs. Rice will be the nastiest campaign ever
Posted by: Brian | Feb 23, 2007 3:45:07 PM
While I think a woman presidents is a great idea, I don't think Hillary is the Right woman for the job. She is negative and angry, and has a questionable political past.
Posted by: chris | Feb 23, 2007 3:46:16 PM
Reasons why Hillary Clinton should NOT be President:
1. Rose Law firm documents end up in the White House
2. Masterminding the unlawful termination of the Whitehouse travel office staff; i.e trashing their reputations based on lies!
3. FBI docs in the White House
4. Use of the IRS as "gestapo" against political enemies.
5. Silencing Juanita Broderick's rape by Bill Clinton
6. Representing the feminist and lesbian agenda NOT traditional "nuclear" family at the Beijing Womans Conference during the 1990's.
7. Strange deaths - Commerce Secretary Ron Brown; also the body of a Clinton advisor found dead (homicide) in a local park.
8. Her nasty temper
9. More scandals !!
10. The US does NOT need anymore slick lawyers but statesmen like the Founding Fathers who had character Washington, Adams, Madison . God, Country, and Family Values leadership!
I don't vote "Democan't" (where everything is a 'failure' and a 'risky scheme') nor "Republicrat" (i.e. McCain, Graham).
I vote Ameri"CAN" on a candidate by candidate basis.
Posted by: Mohan | Feb 26, 2007 5:14:43 PM
Seeing the comments above, it seems exactly the right time for an intelligent candidate to win the office. Whether it is a female or not we desperately need a candidate who puts education first.
While we will always have bigotry, sexism and ignorance as part of the human condition, a strong and intelligent leader may put more emphasis on educating the American population, thereby assisting us as we re-learn to respect other nations, their beliefs and their own systems of governance.
Perhaps we could learn to lead by example instead of military invasion and occupation. If this could ever happen it would benefit the entire earth and especially the U.S. Maybe we could regain the respect of the rest of the world as well. We can always hope for change but it is easier to hope when the top office holder can comprehend our place in the world and among other nations.
Posted by: MC | Feb 28, 2007 2:02:41 AM
I am a little late responding to this blog, but in my opinion we will definetly see a woman as president and that year will be 2008, why do I say that? Well look at it this way, there is NO WAY we will elect a republican this year after the very long bout we have had with Bush. The only other democratic candidate in the running that is even worth mentioning is obama?(is that how you spell it?) and even though he is 1/2 white most americans would say he is close enough to black and our country will except a woman president, long before it could handle a black president. I personally do not care, as of right now I think anyone would be better than BUSH!!
Posted by: Jamie | Feb 28, 2007 2:51:06 PM
I would vote republican except if it was a women. i think they do well in politics but a women making important world changing decisions? i think women can be too emotional in making these.
Posted by: wammer | Feb 28, 2007 6:46:53 PM
Women are just as if not more capable than men when it comes to making tough decisions.
There are men who are too emotional or not emotional enough; there are women who are too emotional or not emmotional enough. We should be looking at the person not the gender.
Was Margaret Thatcher too emotional? We all know the answer is "Hell no!".
Posted by: Kira | Mar 3, 2007 11:29:11 AM
Women cant be president! We would all die! Personally i really dont care though...b/c if it happens i'm going to cuba.
Posted by: Bobby | Mar 5, 2007 11:59:44 AM
Hehe, times are changing...would be great to try at least. Never had the opportunity to say whether it is bad or worst so let's first try no?
Posted by: Vanina | Mar 6, 2007 8:14:09 AM
I don’t think it is ridiculous at all to think that a woman would ascend to the White House at some point during the lifetime of a small child. Credible female candidates are beginning to build up the political clout and financial resources to make a legitimate run at the presidency even in the 2008 election. To think that the situation wouldn’t be more plausible in 2028 or 2048 is absurd.
I am personally intrigued by the idea of the pundits that the relative victory of women in 2006 was a result of public desire to eliminate corruption. This idea of women as the moral guardians of the country is one deeply rooted in society, and has been a prevailing opinion for as long as women have been eligible to vote (the amount of social reform legislation passed in the early 1920’s is considerable). I suppose that society still retains this idea that women can clean up the corruption of government. On the other hand, might they become just as easily corrupted as a male politician when thrust into that role of power? Perhaps the advancement of women recently in politics can be simply explained away by the reemergence of the Democratic Party as the majority party in Congress. Given that women are more likely to be Democratic than Republican, it would be no surprise that women took over a few seats in Congress.
If the idea holds true that women are viewed by society as the moral guardians against government corruption, and this is proven in fact by the women who are reaching new heights of power and prestige within the government, then it seems rather inevitable that at some point in the next fifty to seventy years there would be some scandal that would cause such a reactionary backlash as to put a woman in the White House. I personally feel that this can be done without such a scandal, but it’s a theory at least.
Posted by: Andrew | Mar 6, 2007 11:43:09 AM
This is interesting to see.
Any qualified female or male candidate can be equally corrupted. Gender will not prevent anyone from being tempted by money, power, etc. Humans are humans.
I wonder if the stereotypes are still so entrenched that the public will want to believe that a female president will be uncorruptible. I doubt that most voters will vote on that score alone but it could play a part.
Posted by: mc | Mar 9, 2007 11:52:15 PM
I like the first comment there, I think that person really hit the nail on the head. '...While it is exciting to hear someone be 'first' at this or that, it is more satisfying to elect someone outstanding..." I think that summarizes it all up.
I also am not apposed to female presidents, but in my heart, I know Hillary is not that 'outstanding' person.
Thank you.
Posted by: Noneofyourbuisness | Mar 13, 2007 9:59:47 AM
I hope we do see a woman president someday--but I want her to be capable, assertive and passionate in her role. Lord save us from the alternative, which nowadays seems to be ex-corporate "power-biatches" who choose to rule by threats and intimidation because they cannot force people to respect them. And why is that? Complete absence of "merit", that's why.
For those who are opposed to the whole idea, I wonder if it's partially because we've never had the equivalent of a "Margaret Thatcher" in U.S. politics. Or anyone close. EVER. If Hillary is the best we have to look forward to, I'm thinking it may be a little longer 'till we see a woman hold the office of president.
Posted by: Timo | Mar 13, 2007 4:07:47 PM
With most of America- I agree. VOTE FOR THE MOST BALANCED & WELL QUALIFIED CANDIDATE!
I think the correct woman could be President but for 2008 I am HARD PRESSED to vote for the candidates that are currently in the running. Male or female- at this time, its all emotion & there is a giant lack of facts, practical/functional platform, and/or quality in the game.
I will keep my eyes & ears WIDE OPEN. Politics are out of control as it is, Voting season is like hunting season... everyone's shooting in every direction at everything...
Let us be careful & wiser than the politicians think we are.....
Posted by: meowii | Mar 21, 2007 3:29:28 PM
A woman president would be great if she were hired based on her qualifications, and having a vagina shouldn't be one of them. We shouldn't vote for a woman who told American women to accept chronic infidelity from their husbands.
Posted by: Shannon | Mar 21, 2007 9:32:53 PM
"Even if qualified and how that would be I don't know. It takes too many strong decisions that have to be made and stuck to. Women have a way of changing thier minds!" --ag_ddutton
"Asians dont respect women authority figures and neither do africans or those in the middle east and neither would terrorists so a women president isnt going to do anything for us in world affairs." --Peggy Johns
Wow.. Id like to hear the reasoning behind these claims. Unfortunately, like most of these types of comments, no reasons were added to support the claims.
Posted by: wait...what? | Mar 23, 2007 2:46:47 AM
IS TIME FOR CHANGE. AMERICA MUST WEAR A NEW FACE WITH NEW IDEAS. I BELIEVE THAT WE CAN STILL STAND STRONG WITH A WOMAN AT THE HELM AND SHOW SENSITIVITY WHEN REQUIRED. TO THOSE THAT PLACED BUSH BACK IN OFFICE BECAUSE YOU WERE AFFAID OF HOMOSEXUALS HAVING THE RIGHT TO MARRY. YOU PREFERED HAVING YOUR CHILDREN KILLED TO CONTINUE TO DENY OTHERS THEIR CIVIL RIGHTS. YOU SELECTED WAR AND PILLAGING RATHER THAN CHANGE. IT IS TIME FOR NEW IDEAS.
Posted by: AB | Mar 23, 2007 6:31:36 PM
Yep. Without better and more comprehensive education, we don't stand a chance. Right now it appears we are deeply deprived of both education and common sense.
It's 2007 and this is the level of discourse we can expect re a female in the presidency? God help us all.
Posted by: MC | Mar 25, 2007 12:23:24 PM
While I would like to see a woman as President someday, I will not vote for a woman just because she is a woman. Sorry, Hillary. I look at what a person stands for, and their character when I cast my vote. The women who fought to give me that right deserve that much. Women were thought to be too empty headed to be able to make an intellegent choice, and that reasoning kept us from voting for a very long time. I have to vote with intellegence and conscience to honor those who paid the price for my right to vote both men and women.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Mar 30, 2007 3:25:17 PM
I disagree with the idea that women can't be corrupted as much or as easily as men. The fact that there is less corrupted women underscores the fact that women hold less power seats in government and industry. As women move into these higher seats in society we will probably find as much corruption with powerful women as with men, here is an example:Martha Stewart, and the HP's executive.
I hope that my children get to see a female president, chosen for their ideas and good leadership, etc. and also a black president, also chosen for their ideas, leadership, etc. I find it very interesting that the US being a leader in the world is behind countries such as Chile, Pakistan, India, England and others in electing a woman to be the leader of the country !!
Women presidents:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_women_heads_of_state
Women Prime Ministers:
http://terra.es/personal2/monolith/00women3.htm
Posted by: Jose | Apr 4, 2007 8:51:45 PM
The Constitution of the United States of America clearly states that there cannot be any discrimination based on sex. Sure a woman President would be great, but not Hillary Clinton. She does not know if she is coming or going. We are all surprised how she has continued in public office after all the blunders she has made in politics...
Posted by: Action For Justice (AFJ) | Apr 17, 2007 4:16:02 PM
These comments have been invaluable to me as is this whole site. I thank you for your comment.
Posted by: Rosie | May 9, 2007 11:35:13 AM
i want to be president myself and even though i am a female. im only 15 and struggling in high school i plan on achieving this goal just because a women president would be here. men and women are different. all of you think one of two things "women are better because....." or "men are better because..." you arent actually thinking men and women are different. ive been told several times that i should be a guy. i act just like one. i mean for crying out loud my favorite sport would be tackle football. so when you think women or better because thier less stuborn or somthing like that youre wrong just like you people who think men are better because they are more sensible what ever you think men and women are different no women are the same just like no man is the same! we all of different ways of looking at things. this is coming from a 15 year old. gender shouldnt matter. think about it.
Posted by: jordan | May 15, 2007 8:48:28 AM
No Americans are not ready for a U.S Female President. I am not apposed for a female president but I think the older generation people will not vote for a female president due to a big issue of does she have the military qualifications? Can a female president make the tough decisions that is needed for a U.S. president? I myself am not ready for a U.S. female president and will vote for a democratic male president. I personally think it will take another 20, 30 or 40 years until the U.S. will see a U.S. female president. I think the best alternative would be for a lady to be vice president and work behind the president and then when the public can see that the lady has the qualifications it will turn and then there will be a U.S. president. Until a lady can prove she is worthy of such a big position there will not be a U.S. lady president for the next 20 years or more.
Posted by: Mookie | Jul 10, 2007 12:49:13 PM
I would like to see the female persanality as president of USA
Posted by: vijay | Jul 17, 2007 6:34:35 AM
I would love to eat my words but:
Their will be -NO WOMAN OR BLACK PRESIDENT IN OUR LIFE TIME.
(only when the minority population cathes up in about 100 years )
Posted by: truedat | Jun 7, 2008 1:17:55 PM
