Watching the two party conventions this election year in the United States, and as someone who notices "firsts" for women, I was moved by the role of almost-successful Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and then the presumed nomination by the Republicans of Sarah Palin for the office of Vice President. But beyond their glass-ceiling-breaking roles as candidates, I found myself wondering: has there ever been an election year where the wives of the nominees -- and the outgoing President -- played such central, substantive roles? In 2000, Laura Bush spoke on behalf of her husband. Other wives have played some role. But didn't it seem much more prominent this year?
On a slightly different note, while watching the Republican convention, I found myself wondering: what would Jeanette Rankin think? What would Mary Crisp think? Would they recognize this as their party?
Comments
Women are making headway, but is electing Sarah Palin the change we want? Guns, God, and Lipstick? A lot of things are coming out about her ideology, actions, and inactions. I urge people to become informed voters and not support her because she is a woman.
If you haven’t already read Wasilla resident Anne Kilkinny’s opinion, I urge you to do so. She sent an e-mail to several dozen friends on August 31, 2008, expressing her opinion about Sarah Palin. The e-mail is proliferating through the internet, posted on blogs, discussed in various publications as well as on television and radio shows. Whether one agrees with her perspective or tone, Kilkenny is generating critical thought and dialog about Palin.