No hiding that I'm an Obamamama. But I am so very grateful for what Hillary did to advance women in politics - and in general. A recent Op-Ed in the NYT says it so well:
Nobody is ever again going to question whether it’s possible for a woman to go toe-to-toe with the toughest male candidate in a race for president of the United States. Or whether a woman could be strong enough to serve as commander in chief.
[Clinton's] campaign didn’t resolve whether a woman who seems tough enough to run the military can also seem likable enough to get elected. But she helped pave the way. So many battles against prejudice are won when people get used to seeing women and minorities in roles that only white men had held before. By the end of those 54 primaries and caucuses, Hillary had made a woman running for president seem normal.
We do thank-yous every night before dinner at our house. Sometimes trivial (yesterdays' weather), sometimes momentous (food on the table). Tonight, though it might sound odd, I will say thank you to Senator Clinton. For showing my 5-YO son that a woman contender for the Presidency is normal. As you likely know, kids are experts at noticing anything different, outside what they know.
Next time he hears about a woman candidate for U.S. President (may it be soon, mamas, may it be soon), he won't say: "Mama, why is a girl running for President? Aren't all Presidents boys?" When he was three, he asked this very same question, but about doctors. Even when a very close mama friend is an accomplished hospital doc. Cultural stereotypes run terrifyng deep, so thanks, Senator Clinton, for your very significant contribution to upending this one.
Now let's eat.
Beautiful story-- thanks for bringing it to the family level. It's beautiful what Hillary did. She can be very proud and I am grateful.
-another Obamanite
Posted by: gabe mott | June 11, 2008 at 02:55 AM