THANK YOU, Again, Elliott! A GREAT BIG YES from this 85 year old who has been waiting all her life for exactly this trajectory and Promise to be FULFILLED!
May I echo you and Elliott? At 85, had we a daughter, I might imagine and give hope that she would be intelligent, curious, empathetic, and embed with character and traits to lead, to govern, and to carry on the traditions and aspirations that come from government service and the under-appreciated thing called politics. Maybe even take to the podium, cape and all. OK, a fantasy too far, the last, but ... only if she would choose to run. Fortunately, there is Elliott's daughter to watch for.
Women do extremely well in the world arena of political madness. Women have the temperament to consider consequences. I really like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris! Bravo for them! ...and Elizabeth Warren and various state governors and prominent officials. Nancy Pelosi is a strong force. ...and... it's not like "the guys" can point to their flawed and tragic records with with pride. Had Kamala won, we would not be in Trumpian world chaos and madness now.
I have 3 daughters and 6 granddaughters and I am not saying that they could be President but they would love to see a woman President. A Woman President who is not a golden senior, someone who can sing along with Taylor Swift on the radio. I am so sick of angry vindictive old men. I miss Barack Obama with his empathy and humor. I just want to stop being angry and I want a new tomorrow !
Splendid piece. Many thanks to you Elliot Kirschner. My wife would have been a great president but she devoted her formidable abilities to decades of university teaching and scholarship. AOC would be a great president. How much courage does it take to recognize excellence. Apparently, for many, plenty.
Pretty sure the majority of women in this country, regardless of political affiliation, share at least one set of communal values … likely grounded in our traditional roles as mothers/wives, but primarily focused on bearing, nurturing and caring for life from start to finish.
Doesn’t have to be a democrat. But if that energy and spirit could be harnessed, coalesced and focused, we could have an overwhelming majority that transcended political lines and put a stop to this devolutionary nonsense.
So all we need right now is an inspired, charismatic wonder woman who can pull us together — regardless of party affiliation — under the common tent of nurturing all life, as opposed to war games/death/destruction/profit.
No, not all women are caregivers or mothers or "nurturing all life." Not all women want to be married, and have families in the traditional sense, etc.
And, based on what the Repuglican party has become, which is now a full fledged fascist political party--party affiliation very much matters. Rightwing women have already proven they are just as capable as inflicting as much damage as rightwing men.
I'd argue that actually "One of our biggest problems" is seeking a "Wonder woman" as a presidential candidate.
My guiding principle as an activist, and especially as a voter, is the brilliant Rebecca Solnit's suggestion that "A vote is a chess move not a valentine" (paraphrasing).
Gee, look at the list of the desired characteristics of such a candidate mentioned just in these few comments: she must be "inspired, charismatic, nurturing (mothering) and caring", able to "sing along with Taylor Swift" so definitely NOT OLD, of course (not a "golden senior"), yet in her youthfullness also have experience, qualifications, intelligence, common sense, emotional intelligence, strong leadership skills but of course not too masculine, aggressive, or loud, education/degree or not, progressive goals, and definitely NOT an annoying laugh. And on and on.... It's exhausting just thinking about the perfect woman candidate!
Oh. Elliot. Your grandfather, who called himself a feminist and championed the ERA when that was still unusual among women would be cheering this piece. And so do I!
I really enjoyed your post. I’m not an American but I am a father of 3 daughters and grandfather to 3 granddaughters 18, 20 and 22. I share a lot of your opinions but as someone who strongly dislikes the pseudo manliness currently dominant in your politics and to some parts of your culture I would love to see a women in the presidency but I would also caution that women can be just as troublesome as leaders as men… perhaps you remember Margaret Thatcher as one example.
"People are tired of the vitriol and chest-beating. There is a hunger for something different". Thanks - so true! Can we elect real leaders, with values, common sense to just get stuff done! Democrats- pay attention and key your eye of the ball. Stop litmus tests and labels. Get stuff done to fix our country!
Great article! A woman could absolutely make a good president. But she is equal to a man in being capable of either good or bad. There have been bad women leaders.
It would great to get rid of that toxic masculinity so many seem to think is needed, and we do have a few men who aren’t like that, but it would be great if your daughter, all of our daughters, knew there was an even playing field. With the rampant misogyny that exists, I would celebrate the win. I do think it’s time.
I had the pleasure of meeting AOC a few years ago on a business trip for the Bridge, and was immediately impressed with her conversational skills and inherent confidence. Elizabeth Warren has the breadth of experience, challenges, and progressive goals this country needs. We had a chance during previous Presidential debates, to assess her values and skills. Both of these women came from low to middle class backgrounds, and are familiar with the challenges facing much of the population.
Even Italy !! I adore Italy and (most of) Italian culture - but let’s face it - one of the most machismo cultures in the world…and they have a woman prime minister
We need an excellent leader. We have a system where the public chooses the nominee. I think the Resistance places stock on knowlege, trust, ability, identifying with the needs of workers & experience. If primary voters select a nominee who wins overwhelmingly, I could care less about their gender, race, religion or home state. After winning the election, the challenge of resuscitating the American Dream long term is job 1
But primary voters tend to be the most ideological and primary turn out is low, so we get polarized and polarizing candidates who chase the $ and play performative politics for the base while the country goes to hell for lach of true givernance for the common good.
THANK YOU, Again, Elliott! A GREAT BIG YES from this 85 year old who has been waiting all her life for exactly this trajectory and Promise to be FULFILLED!
May I echo you and Elliott? At 85, had we a daughter, I might imagine and give hope that she would be intelligent, curious, empathetic, and embed with character and traits to lead, to govern, and to carry on the traditions and aspirations that come from government service and the under-appreciated thing called politics. Maybe even take to the podium, cape and all. OK, a fantasy too far, the last, but ... only if she would choose to run. Fortunately, there is Elliott's daughter to watch for.
Women do extremely well in the world arena of political madness. Women have the temperament to consider consequences. I really like Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris! Bravo for them! ...and Elizabeth Warren and various state governors and prominent officials. Nancy Pelosi is a strong force. ...and... it's not like "the guys" can point to their flawed and tragic records with with pride. Had Kamala won, we would not be in Trumpian world chaos and madness now.
I have 3 daughters and 6 granddaughters and I am not saying that they could be President but they would love to see a woman President. A Woman President who is not a golden senior, someone who can sing along with Taylor Swift on the radio. I am so sick of angry vindictive old men. I miss Barack Obama with his empathy and humor. I just want to stop being angry and I want a new tomorrow !
Elliot, you are a man of rare sensibility. Hurrah for your daughters and your wife!
Splendid piece. Many thanks to you Elliot Kirschner. My wife would have been a great president but she devoted her formidable abilities to decades of university teaching and scholarship. AOC would be a great president. How much courage does it take to recognize excellence. Apparently, for many, plenty.
Pretty sure the majority of women in this country, regardless of political affiliation, share at least one set of communal values … likely grounded in our traditional roles as mothers/wives, but primarily focused on bearing, nurturing and caring for life from start to finish.
Doesn’t have to be a democrat. But if that energy and spirit could be harnessed, coalesced and focused, we could have an overwhelming majority that transcended political lines and put a stop to this devolutionary nonsense.
So all we need right now is an inspired, charismatic wonder woman who can pull us together — regardless of party affiliation — under the common tent of nurturing all life, as opposed to war games/death/destruction/profit.
Therein lies the challenge.
No, not all women are caregivers or mothers or "nurturing all life." Not all women want to be married, and have families in the traditional sense, etc.
And, based on what the Repuglican party has become, which is now a full fledged fascist political party--party affiliation very much matters. Rightwing women have already proven they are just as capable as inflicting as much damage as rightwing men.
Totally agree, but don’t want to resort to stereotypes. One of our biggest problems.
I'd argue that actually "One of our biggest problems" is seeking a "Wonder woman" as a presidential candidate.
My guiding principle as an activist, and especially as a voter, is the brilliant Rebecca Solnit's suggestion that "A vote is a chess move not a valentine" (paraphrasing).
Gee, look at the list of the desired characteristics of such a candidate mentioned just in these few comments: she must be "inspired, charismatic, nurturing (mothering) and caring", able to "sing along with Taylor Swift" so definitely NOT OLD, of course (not a "golden senior"), yet in her youthfullness also have experience, qualifications, intelligence, common sense, emotional intelligence, strong leadership skills but of course not too masculine, aggressive, or loud, education/degree or not, progressive goals, and definitely NOT an annoying laugh. And on and on.... It's exhausting just thinking about the perfect woman candidate!
Oh. Elliot. Your grandfather, who called himself a feminist and championed the ERA when that was still unusual among women would be cheering this piece. And so do I!
Hi
I really enjoyed your post. I’m not an American but I am a father of 3 daughters and grandfather to 3 granddaughters 18, 20 and 22. I share a lot of your opinions but as someone who strongly dislikes the pseudo manliness currently dominant in your politics and to some parts of your culture I would love to see a women in the presidency but I would also caution that women can be just as troublesome as leaders as men… perhaps you remember Margaret Thatcher as one example.
Time for something totally different? You think?…🤲✊
"People are tired of the vitriol and chest-beating. There is a hunger for something different". Thanks - so true! Can we elect real leaders, with values, common sense to just get stuff done! Democrats- pay attention and key your eye of the ball. Stop litmus tests and labels. Get stuff done to fix our country!
I can only think of one way to see the first woman occupy the White House; keep forwarding female candidates over and over and over until it happens.
Great article! A woman could absolutely make a good president. But she is equal to a man in being capable of either good or bad. There have been bad women leaders.
It would great to get rid of that toxic masculinity so many seem to think is needed, and we do have a few men who aren’t like that, but it would be great if your daughter, all of our daughters, knew there was an even playing field. With the rampant misogyny that exists, I would celebrate the win. I do think it’s time.
I had the pleasure of meeting AOC a few years ago on a business trip for the Bridge, and was immediately impressed with her conversational skills and inherent confidence. Elizabeth Warren has the breadth of experience, challenges, and progressive goals this country needs. We had a chance during previous Presidential debates, to assess her values and skills. Both of these women came from low to middle class backgrounds, and are familiar with the challenges facing much of the population.
Perhaps mention Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and older examples, such as Britain, Israel, Germany. How many more? Why is the USA more like Iran?
Even Italy !! I adore Italy and (most of) Italian culture - but let’s face it - one of the most machismo cultures in the world…and they have a woman prime minister
We need an excellent leader. We have a system where the public chooses the nominee. I think the Resistance places stock on knowlege, trust, ability, identifying with the needs of workers & experience. If primary voters select a nominee who wins overwhelmingly, I could care less about their gender, race, religion or home state. After winning the election, the challenge of resuscitating the American Dream long term is job 1
But primary voters tend to be the most ideological and primary turn out is low, so we get polarized and polarizing candidates who chase the $ and play performative politics for the base while the country goes to hell for lach of true givernance for the common good.
YES!!!