Politics Today: Women in Politics

By: Krystle Russin

Women's involvement in society has progressed tremendously - from being in the kitchen and raising a family to determining the direction of the economy, government, and everyday lifestyle. Now, at the start of a new millennium, the thought of a female president is a likely possibility.

However, the idea of a woman becoming president of the United State rests in the hands of our nation's citizens. Would they agree? I talked with Quincy High School students about that issue and heard different responses.

Chad Miller, a sophomore, said, "I think it would be good and give a variety of people in the government," while Ashley Sibbing thought it "would give us a different perspective on things."

One faculty member added their own comment. "There have been many fine, quality women...in office," said computer instructor Sue Crist. "I don't believe the sex of a person is what determines the quality of their leadership. It is character, morals, and values that determine effectiveness."

But what about those who do think your sex would make a difference in your job performance? While some may feel "it's about time," as teacher Marilyn Hermsmeier did, there is still no guarantee that a woman will be elected president in the near future.

However, the current front-runner for that position in many Americans' opinions is Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY). And just by asking, it's obvious that Clinton does have much of young people's support.

Junior Seyhan Hope mentioned, "I think it's another step to making women more equal to men. We (women/girls) are pretty equal, but not entirely. Putting a woman in charge, or at a higher position, such as Mrs. Clinton, may make us all equal as we should be."

"Hillary in office is the beginning of a new era of women in politics," Kari Vahle stated.

Several adults thought the same. "I believe if she is good at it, I would support her, even if she runs for president," said Dave Dietrich, a security guard. Teacher Andy Nelson exclaimed, "Al Gore/Hillary Clinton in 2004!"

Although the likelihood of a female commander-in-chief in 2004 or 2008 isn't positive, today's elected women have hope. Congresswoman Jan Schakowksy of Chicago mentioned, "Women have some important advantages as candidates, advantages that are powerful enough to propel a woman into the presidency in the near future."

"Women are viewed by voters as more honest and trustworthy, less likely to be captives of special interests, and more inclusive in their decision-making." Schakowksy later added, "The public is looking for someone to trust. Women fit the profile."

Right now, it is America's first ladies who are trying to "fit the profile." It began with Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, deciding to get more involved. Her famous way of speaking out was shown when she resigned from the Daughters of the American Revolution because the association wouldn't allow an African-American singer to perform for its members.

Forty-five years later, Hillary Clinton became what some consider the most well-known first spouse. In the first term, she worked to create health legislation. At the same time, she became someone for women to look up to. The future senator stated in a 1998 speech about women's rights, "It falls to every generation to imagine the future, and it is our task to do so now."

When her husband took office, however, Laura Bush had it in her mind not to follow the other first ladies. Mrs. Bush told People Magazine in 2001 that she planned to remain a regular wife, not to compete with her husband for the spotlight.

Those may have been her first thoughts, but when September 11 occurred, she began going out of her way to be in the news. Bush also set her own record: she became the first of any first lady to handle the job of the president's weekly radio address. By speaking to young people and recommending parents what to tell their children, she felt that it would help everyone "heal" and return back to normalcy. It reminded Americans of the encouragement that came from the other Bush administration.

Almost a decade earlier, her mother-in-law, Barbara Bush, was invited to speak at a graduation ceremony. Students at Wellesley College were against it, asking why Bush - someone who didn't work toward the White House - was asked to come to a women's university.

The controversy was soon forgotten when she addressed the Class of 1990. "Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow my footsteps and preside over the White House as the president's spouse." She then turned it around. "And I wish him well!"

Still, how much longer will it be for women to make the transition from first spouse to president? According to Jan Schakowksy, it must be done by helping other women run for office.

"In order to increase the number of women in Congress, we need to encourage more women to run," she stated. "When women run, women win in equal proportion to men." Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara agreed. "I think women have already become a leading force in politics, but the numbers at the top levels are still not where they should be."

If helping women run is how they will win the White House, then many are enthusiastic. Debby Johnson, a secretary at QHS, said, "The U.S. needs more women in politics. I think now that women are expressing their views, people will see that one day, a woman will be the president."

"I think women have a great impression on our states," claimed Sophomore Sarah Eaton.

Meanwhile, Spanish teacher Kay Dyer noted, "I'm glad to see women becoming more involved in the political process, and I hope it continues."

One hundred years ago, the concept of any woman expressing the freedom to vote was merely a dream. Today, not only is it a reality, women are able to run for office themselves.

Already, women have taken a much more considerable role in today's society when compared to half a century ago - and that is just in a few decades. For now, we can only deliberate at what may be expected over the next few years. As Mayor Hasara put it: "I really think even in my lifetime, I will live to see a woman president. I really do."

 

Krystle Russin writes for The State Journal-Register(IL) and contributes political articles/interviews to several publications including PurePolitics.com.