Gender, Race, and Politics
First of all, congratulations to Barack Obama. He has made history and given hope to a frustrated nation.
The official line is that he won the Democratic nomination for President because democrats want change. Change? Yes, of course. The American public seems to want change up to a point. It seems people can envision a mixed-race president before they can allow a woman in the White House.
Historically, a pattern is clear. In 1870, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution stated that voting rights cannot be denied or abridged based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude”. It wasn’t until 50 years later, in 1920, that the 19th Amendment extended voting rights to women.
Even though she didn’t get the nomination, Hillary Clinton has made great strides for women in politics. She is intelligent, experienced, and professional. And as a pioneer in shattering this particular glass ceiling, I am proud of her.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
The White House South Lawn