Viable female candidates for President 2012 or 2016
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Rutgers University Center for American Women and Politics
- Center for American Women and Politics
- Fast Facts - Elections - Current Women Candidates 2008
Which women won in 2008? Rutgers University's Center for American Women in Politics offers a list.
Most Admired Women
- Christine Todd Whitman - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What about Christine Todd Whitman? Republican Governor from New Jersey- a state with a population of nearly 9 million? On the most admired list of 2000. - Gallup Poll Releases - Little Consensus on Most Admired Man This Year, But Hillary Clinton is Clearl
- Most Admired Women
Most Admired Women
What do I mean by viable candidate?
I don't think anyone will argue with me when I say the office of President of the United States is a position of great responsibility and power both domestically and internationally. The temperament of someone assuming this office, i.e., her willingness to do the necessary homework, her history of intelligent versus emotional decision making skills, her ability to unite rather than divide consituents are qualities I consider vital for any Presidential contender.
Like HIllary Clinton, Democratic Presidential candidate for 2008, the female candidate for President in 2000 on the Republican ticket was often named one of the world's top ten most admired women. Elizabeth Dole earned this designation while serving five U.S. Presidents, beginning with Richard Nixon and as a Senator from North Carolina, where she served on the Senate Armed Services, Banking, Small Business and Aging Committees.
Elizabeth Dole was President of the American Red Cross and traveled to Kuwait to analyze services rendered to Gulf War soldiers and traveled to famine-stricken Somalia and Mozambique, as well as war-torn Croatia. She even spearheaded a humanitarian relief trip to Rwandan refugee camps in the former Zaire.
She says, "I was raised to believe that there are no limits to individual achievement and no excuses to justify indifference. From an early age, I was taught that success is measured not in material accumulations, but in service to others. I was encouraged to join causes larger than myself, to pursue positive change through a sense of mission, and to stand up for what I believe."
Dole graduated from Duke University in 1958 with a degree in political science, did post-graduate work at Oxford in 1959 and earned a master's degree in education from Harvard University in 1960. She didn't rest until she'd earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1965.
The choices she made for her life reflect a keen, curious mind and a determined, independent spirit. Her interest in service inspired her to become involved in the world of politics, where decisions affect the lives of diverse people at home and abroad. Her agenda was service and she did what it took to serve the best she could, learning the languages of political science, education and law in order to serve effectively.
Hillary Clinton will be 69 in 8 years, while Dole will be 80. Neither is likely to run in either 2012 nor 2016. But their exemplary, impressive careers put other female politicians vying for the Presidency on notice.
These two women have set the bar for what we women have a right to expect from future female contenders for the highest position in the United States of America: they are highly educated and articulate women who believe in service; they are well- traveled; they are willing to do what it takes to answer the questions journalists are paid to ask.
Women deserve a professional who will make us proud, no matter whether we are Republican or Democrat.
I plan to link future Hubs to this one, as I examine possible female candidates for President in 2012 or 2016.
Christine Todd Whitman for President
- Christine Todd Whitman bringing back discussion to Center
As former governor of New Jersey and former EPA Administrator under the Bush Administration, Whitman exhibites fiscal restraint, a vision for environmental sustainability and advocates returning the Republican Party to its roots.
Sarah Palin for President?
- Going Rouge: Sarah Palin's American Life
The Sarah Palin Phenomenon has achieved Book Status. The passions this caricature of a woman incites raise issues long submerged in the American collective unconscious. Eckhart Tolle the author of The Power...
Jodi Rell for President
- Jodi Rell for President
Signed Historic Civil Union Law in 2005 Connecticut governor Jodi Rell, who in 2006 was the most popular governor in the United States with an 87% approval rating, believes "the historic civil union...
Catherine McMorris Rodgers for President 2016
- Catherine McMorris Rodgers for President 2016
In 2016, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers will be the same age as President-elect, Barack Obama. If Rodgers continues to represent the people of Washington's Fifth Congressional District, she...
Kathleen Sebelius for President 2016
- Kathleen Sebelius for President 2016
Kathleen Sebelius could be the 2016 Presidential candidate best equipped to eliminate the deficit and reduce bureaucratic hoohaa, if her past record is any indication. In 2005, Time Magazine named Sebelius...
Christine Smith, Libertarian for President 2016
- Christine Smith, Libertarian for President 2016
Researching an informative piece on Redheads in Colorado as application for an online news site, I stumbled upon a local redhead named Christine Smith. Turns out this woman from my own neck of the Americas...
I stumble on Olympia Snowe and Mary Landrieu
- Yuefu poetry, Mary L. Landrieu and Olympia J. Snowe
Modern readers familiar with ballads or hymns will easily relate to yuefu, written during the Han dynasty, which ruled China about 206 BCE to 220 AD. If Jesus ever went to China, as some report, he...
Jennifer Granholm ineligible for Presidency
- Jennifer Granholm ineligible for Presidency
Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan, was born in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1959. This unfortunate birth location disqualifies a very successful governor's bid for the position of President of the...
Others weigh in with suggestions
- I am researching viable female candidates for the American Presidency 2016; who would you suggest ot
In answer to the question on the republican side I'd say Gov. Lingle of Hawaii and Gov.Jodi Rell of Connecticut. On the Democrat side the newly elected Gov. Perdue of North Carolina and Gov. Sebelius of...
Women in Politics in the News
- Election 2010: Women rise to the challengeSan Francisco Chronicle4 hours ago
Nearly two decades after 1992's historic election in California of two women to the U.S. Senate, an unprecedented crowd of well-funded, viable female candidates for statewide office aims to make 2010 another Year of the Woman in state politics. In California -...
- âStarsâ bright & dark in politicsManila Bulletin8 hours ago
(Editor’s note: De Gaule once said, ‘‘politics is the art of the compromise.’’ Anything can happen to parties/factions before May, as noted by the author.)
- Should pregnant women have the swine flu jab?Daily Telegraph11 hours ago
Finger on the pulse: Max Pemberton examines the difficult choice faced by pregnant women about whether or not to have the swine flu jab.
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Comments
A Fabulously Intelligent Statement! I believe there are many such women in political office on the national level and as well in local governments throughout the land. I would welcome it if some enterprising journalist would start a series, tracking the performance of such women. We ought to get acquainted with them now.
One thing I learned long ago was that no one is all good or all bad. Even Hitler liked dogs, and apparently they liked him as well. OK, enough nonsense.
Liz Dole and Hillary Clinton are both excellent politicians, and that means they have made many friends and numerous enemies. Just the same, they both have done many good and even great things. I applaud any person, any man or woman who gets involved in public service.
Years ago I briefly met Svetlana Stalin when she was in Wisconsin and she said her dad was great with her, but ruthless with his eldest son, who never seemed to do well enough to please old pops. Later Stalin Jr. died under mysterious circumstances that may have been orchestrated by his dad.
Oh yeah, dogs hated Stalin and he hated them as well. Just goes to show - you never know about a person!
Cheers
Chef Jeff
Hi Storytellersrus,
As you know, we've already had our first woman PM in the UK. Margaret Thatcher was elected in 1979, the first year that I had the right to vote. Other nations have also seen women in the top political job, so it's only a matter of time for the USA.
The 2008 election has been notable in many respects, but not least for opening the door for a whole new generation of intelligent and able politicians from previously under-represented groups. Let's hope that we see some of America's women aiming for high office in 2016!
Thanks, Ralph, for the photos of female heads of state, though all the time dedicated to Sarkozy's wife was a bit distracting, LOL. I am searching for a well-educated, widely experienced woman, where beauty is optional.
Vitaeb, I always love your comments and in this instance, we are totally on the same track. I began this Hub, intending to research potential women and report back. If you have candidates to suggest I am all over it. I want options. I'm interested in women who are working their way into the political limelight, with substance trumping ambition. Women who have earned the respect of constituents from diverse groups, not those focusing on a narrow agenda or issue or even party platform.
Chef, you make me laugh... and blow my nose. My dear old soul of an intuitive dog passed away at 6:15 pm on election day... his instincts were so accurate, as were his passions. I miss him every day.
Amanda, might you offer some advice as a Brit regarding your impressions of Margaret Thatcher, i.e., what worked and what didn't for this female head of state? A wish list now that you have experienced a female in the highest office? I understand that it's not all about gender, but do you have any observations or comments that might prove helpful in my search?
Anyone else?
I was shocked months back to realize we Americans are way behind many industrialized nations regarding the election of a female head of state- France is another notable country missing from the following list:
http://www.capwip.org/participation/womenheadofsta
Thanks, Everyone, for supporting my beginning!
You ask about Maggie Thatcher, and ask for my impressions. Please bear in mind that I was a teenager when she came to power, and fortunate enough to live in an affluent area, and be the product of a nice, educated family who basically thought she was some kind of a demi-god! I know there are many other Brits on Hub Pages who do not have fond memories of the Iron Lady, and who will have a different perspective, but from my point of view I remember her as having a mind like a steel trap, and an unfailing resolve. She was very capable of trampling those who were foolish enough to stand in her path, and after decades of damaging Union domination, she broke the Unions, and effectively took away their teeth, then closed the mines and sourced foreign coal so that the miners could no longer hold the country to ransom any time they wanted a pay rise. She was thorough and analytical, and did what was needed with the deft precision of a surgeon, but she was also ruthless and occassionally vindictive. The mining communities have never really recovered from her actions, and she is not fondly remembered in the North of England where the coal industry was strongest.
So, over all? Mrs Thatcher was unique. There may never be another like her. A rare combination of intellect and resolve, and I imagine that any female who hopes to succeed to the top job in the USA will need those same qualities, plus a huge dose of native cunning.
Amanda, I started my research into possible female candidates and found several sites listing qualities that predict Presidential success. Unfailing resolve is important but integrity and the ability to listen to advice are also significant. How was she on those counts? I don't remember much about Maggie Thatcher myself, except that she got along famously with Ronald Reagan- do I remember that correctly? I suppose Hillary Clinton came closest to the Maggie model.
I think it was probably Maggie and Ronnie that coined the phrase about the UK and America having a 'special relationship'! They certainly seemed to be genuinely friendly. I think Mrs Thatcher had integrity. I find it hard to imagine her ever doing anything illegal, or abusing her position for personal gain. She always appeared to have a strong moral code. She was the daughter of a grocer, a bright and hard-working girl who studied hard, and had a normal career before entering politics. She didn't come from a wealthy background, and she believed that if you worked hard you could get on in life. She had some excellent advisers, some of whom are still in politics today, and she operated a traditional style cabinet whereby decisions were largely made after thorough consultation. Certainly she made mistakes at times, and she put the welfare of the nation as a whole higher than the needs of individuals (hence the situation with the miners) but I believe she was overall a great leader, and well-respected amongst her international peers.
Amanda, this analysis lays it all out- I love how you write with such detail. It's as if I am your neighbor, sipping tea. Her strong moral code, work hard/study hard ethic, rise-from-the-ashes philosophy... you make it all very clear.
I would have been a mother of one to three children during the late 80s, wondering how such a woman could run a country while mothering twins. (I found mothering to be a twenty four hour job- and very satisfying. Simple minds, lol...)
I looked up Thatcher's education and she received a degree in Chemistry from Oxford, studying under Dorothy Hodgkin, a "pioneer of X-ray crystallography who won a Nobel Prize". Then she studied law, specializing in taxation. Definitely an intelligent woman who improved her position in life through diligence and determination!
Thanks for adding Thatcher to the discussion. Are there any possible females in line for PM currently?
Here is her Foundation site: http://www.margaretthatcher.org/essential/default. which I find interesting. It "was formed in 1991 to advance the cause of political and economic freedom."
Our current government is making a poor showing in the opinion polls, and I don't imagine that they will win another term. There are a number of women in the cabinet; Harriet Harman, Hazel Blears, Margaret Beckett, and Jackie Smith, to name a few, but I find none of them to be overly inspiring.
The Conservative party has at last got it's act together after a long period in the political wilderness. Barring some earth-shattering event, it's more than likely that they will win the next election. The top jobs in the Shadow Cabinet are mainly occupied by men, but there are a few interesting females including Caroline Spelman, Theresa May and Sayeeda Warsi.
Thanks for the link BTW. I hadn't read or heard much about Margaret Thatcher for a long time before commenting on this hub. She was a unique lady, and I'm sure that such people rarely come along.
Amanda, glad I could be of service. You certainly inspired me.
My next candidate for President is going to be the Gov of Kansas, Dem Kathleen Sibeleus, who claims to run an Independent government. This interests me. I find that there are many fascinating and impressive women in American politics. Sounds as if there might be several in England as well!
I'm assuming you'll cover Ms. Palin in one of your follow-ups. Not sure that she's "viable", but she gets the press as the '12 GOP front-runner.
bladeguy, thanks for stopping by! Nope. I won't be covering Palin. Sorry. She's far from unknown to me.
Any other suggestions? I am building a list.
patspnn suggested the following: Republicans Gov. Lingle of Hawaii and Gov.Jodi Rell of Connecticut and on the Democrat side the newly elected Gov. Perdue of North Carolina (and Sibeleus my next candidate).
Found another one while researching Sebelius: Janet Napolitano of Arizona, a Democrat. I am going to feature Republican Jodi Rell of Connecticut next, as she had an 81% approval rating in her position as Governor of Connecticut in 2006, which is about the highest in the land! She must be doing something right.
Hi Storytellersrus! This is the first hub I read from you, and what an interesting one at that! The title caught my eye, and the article really delivers!
Sorry that I can't add to your list, I'm widely ignorant about USA politicians --aside from the big names anyone would know! I think it's high time the world witnesses a Madam President, I kinda had hopes with Hillary Clinton, but it wasn't to be.
Besides the women you list, maybe someone that raises her profile while Obama is in the WH --could be a member of his cabinet... I don't know, but I certainly wish I live to see the day :-)
Elena thank you so much for your comments and your visit!
There is a woman in Obama's new Cabinet that I had intended to research: former governor of Arizona, Janet Napolitano-- our new Secretary of Homeland Security. She was named by Time as one of the top five Governors in 2005 and is definitely someone to watch!
I plan to resume this study soon. I took a break to watch positions shift as Obama named his Cabinet, etc.
I hope you live to see the day, too!!!
Found a sensible writer..scocially
Thanks apeksha. I appreciate the compliment. I have been holding off looking further into this subject, as several of the Democratics were being considered by the Obama administration. I didn't want their resumes to become obsolete immediately.
For women, and men, for that matter, there are options to get your name out. There are various community networking sites available that are set up, geared just towards getting the minorty, average Joe, or Jane in this case.
Try http://americanpresident2012.com for one.
I wanted Hillary Clinton for president until I found out her and Obama are involved with trying to enslave humanity in the Builderburg group.
hahahaha, too funny! Love the humor bgjojo! It gets a bit stuffy around here, lol.
I'm thinking that Obama will ask Biden to step down in 2012 so he can elevate a woman to that position ( think Napolitano, Sebelius, ) to be a viable candidate for prez in 2016...
Great Hub, very interesting and lends itself to a lot of speculation between now and 2012...so much fun.
well, Sebelius is ineligible for VP as well as President due to her Canadian birth. Interesting concept, however! It is SO much fun! Thanks for your enthusiasm!
Story,
Great hub. The one concept that scares me is the "IT’S TIME" idea. We should NEVER consider a candidate based on gender or race. When the right candidate meets the right moment in time it will happen. Every time it is forced, as with Geraldine Ferraro and Sarah Palin, it ends in disaster.
Regarding Whitman, I think could be a great candidate. However she took a lot of flak in the months following 9/11. This would surely come out. Would surely have a great impact on her candidacy. In today's political climate a liberal female has a much greater chance. A moderate or republican would be a tougher sale. The general opinion of a republican would be that she is counterfeit, a puppet so to speak. Further she will have to be completely above reproach and with out spot or wrinkle... The Republican Party has traditionally been much harder on their candidates’ than the Democratic Party has.
Many possible female candidates’ have watched the Palin tragedy with great interest I'm sure. I'm wondering how many viable candidates’ will give the presidency serious consideration.
In any case the candidate like all of the men before them will have to have a heavy dose of charisma without being polarizing. Dull candidates or polarizing candidates of any political affiliation generally don't do well in presidential races. Not in the age of visual media anyway.
Great points, CJ! I agree with your correction regarding "It's time!" "May the best candidate win" is a better philosophy. Even when we have little in the way of choice.
I'm not sure I agree with you that Democrats are less stringent about their choices, however-- Richard Nixon being one example of a second run Republican that went bad. And the vetting of Sarah Palin didn't impress either.
I have been very interested to see who is making names for themselves in the current political climate. While I do like Whitman a lot, I agree that she comes across as pretty boring, sigh. I'm not sure she is even interested, but she might not be electable. What do others think?
As to the Making of a President, well pockmarks don't blow up well on the big screen, lol! I guess that is a reality we have to get past... unless...
Republican Abe Lincoln would never be elected today- he was too homely. Republican Taft was about 330 pounds and might garner the couch potato vote but that's about it.
Check this site for the five ugliest Presidents according to Dr. History: http://doctorhistory.blogspot.com/2009/05/ugliest-
Story,
In the case of both Nixon and Palin the party abandoned them at the first sign of trouble. Thats more of what I meant by my statement. In fact when Ford pardoned Nixon, it was the end of the road for him. Which was probally the worst Presidential decision in our history. I say that because his poor judgment gave us Carter. Think of this, Clinton could have never gotten away with his shananagahns in the Republican Party.
Well, if Carter had been reelected I would have had a job at the Solar Energy Research Institute in Golden, Colorado- a position I was gearing up for as an Energy Resource Management MBA candidate attending the University of Denver! As it was, Reagan's focus on Silicon Valley spelled the end of renewable energy, and deflated my dreams.
Funny, I'm in the software industry. My fate was tied to Reagan. I'm also a govn't contractor. Don't like the idea of elections determining what projects are worth while or what contracts get dropped. It is reality though isn't it?
Carter was one of the early leaders of the nuclear Navy. Funny how most folks see him as some dumb peanut farmer and don't realize that he was a nuclear engineer. I just don't like his politics. Excluding his idea's on renewable energy. That issue is not partisan. Its lobby based. Just too much money invested in oil, which is connected to the auto industry.....As long as renewable energy is politicised it will languish in the background of popular technology.
WE GOT OFF TOPIC!LOL
Viable canidates.....
Mary L. Landrieu Dem Senator from Louisiana. Not much in the way of the "WOW" factor, but she has staying power, she's moderate and seasoned. I think she would have gotten more attention except that she came along around the same time as Hillary. Thats the thing with Hillary, while she can easily be seen as a remarkable modern woman. She is polarizing and in my opinion un-electable as far as the Presidency goes. She also cast a huge shadow, one that other women in her party will have a hard time stepping out of.
I appreciate your comments on energy and government contracts. In my psyche I have the day and time recorded when my father lost his job of over 30 years because Honeywell was not rewarded with a government contract. The pain he experienced ushered in an early death. I needn't go into how that made me feel. Suffice to say, I get it.
I have not read much about Mary L. Landrieu. Interesting! Maybe she should be my next exploration. I have been letting this go as I follow my nephew on his trip across America for prostate cancer. Still, you have my attention! THANKS!
oops... I already commented here LOL. Good hub though.
I guess I can't delete this comment huh? That sucks.
Yeah, that's okay. I laughed at your first comment twice this way.
Thanks, Storyteller, for a thoughtful and thought-provoking hub. I must say, I just joined this community a week ago, and I'm amazed that the comments on this topic didn't degenerate into flaming from both sides of the spectrum. It seems to be impossible to discuss politics these days without it turning into a bloodbath, and it says a lot about the caliber of people in this community that the discussion has remained intelligent, balanced, and respectful. There may be hope for us yet!
Thank you Miss Belgravia for that observation! I am trying to keep this even handed and balanced, as there are women from both sides I consider viable candidates. I find that the community is willing to go beyond party loyalties when ideas are the focus. I look forward to reading what you have to say.
How about Michelle Bachmann. There is a lady.
Keep on Hubbing!
evoery, I tend to go for moderates who are less divisive than Michelle Bachmann. "Bachmann states she was called by God to run for the seat, and that she and her husband fasted for three days to be sure." Someone who feels she is called by God has a pretty big ego in my spiritual framework. I do not support candidates who push religion or ban books, therefore I am unable to write a hub on her, but I really appreciate getting a look. She is a very attractive lady, but I am looking for women.
Ok, I'm a man. AT work, men will work for a female boss...barely. Women however, tend to hate their female boss. I don't know why. To me if they are qualified and are fair, no problem. I have women friends at work who tell me all about great issues, little to me, and how production suffers because of it.
I try to figure this out because I am writing a novel with a Matriarchal world.
Here is a site that might interest you, Hi-Jinks. http://modernmatriarch.wordpress.com/2007/05/07/ma
This is what the writer says,
"...the term Matriarchal Society is often used to describe a society dominated by women. This, however, is a misnomer. A Matriarchy is a nonhierarchical society in which decisions are made by consensus. The term originates from the Greek “meter” for mother and “archê” for beginning or origin.
"Some other traits of “Matriarchal Societies” include:
• Non Violence
• Sexual Freedom
• Veneration of Ancestors
• Close integration/interaction with nature
• Primary unit is tribal
"Patriarchal societies are social systems originally based on the family unit in which authority was inherited through the masculine lineage. For this system to maintain its integrity, female monogamy was a prerequisite and was therefore reinforced by moral and social taboos. Modern technology has made it possible to determine parentage despite promiscuity; however, many of the moral and social taboos remain. Although patriarchies were originally dominated by men, the woman’s suffrage and human right’s movements have helped to diversify gender roles and diffuse power among the sexes. The nature of true equality within a patriarchal system is on going, however."
Good information. The idea of a Matriarchal Society is dangerous to some people, and spooky to others.
Great!
Ralph Deeds says:
13 months ago
The U.S. is overdue for a woman president. Here are pictures of heads of state (and candidates) of several other countries:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Segolene_Royal_a_Breath_of