Gender is not a viable presidential trait
March 9, 2016
While introducing democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at a New Hampshire rally last month, Madeleine Albright, former secretary of state, proclaimed that there was a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other.
Not only was this phrase inappropriate, but it also suggested that women are under the obligation to support Hillary Clinton’s candidacy simply because of the fact that she is a woman.
To be clear, I am in complete support of women and I also believe that we do need one another’s encouragement and support. However, I do not agree that women owe Clinton their vote because she is the only woman running for president.
I also do not think it is right for women to want to vote for Clinton based on the fact that they will be electing the first female president of the United States. When choosing a leader for the country there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration to determine one’s decision.
During their candidacy, light is shed on many of their past actions and they have the opportunity to talk about the areas that are of concern to them and the changes or improvements that they intend to make if elected president.
The events and coverage leading up to Election Day supply voters with information to help them make their decisions. One picks a candidate based on where they see the most potential and which candidate’s principles are similar to theirs.
Perhaps for some people Clinton fulfills their desires for being a good candidate. For others, it may be one of the other candidates. Whoever women chose to lend their support to is no one else’s business.
Women should not be put under fire for not wanting to vote for Clinton. It is not anyone’s “feminist duty.”
Voting is a right that women had to fight for, some longer than others, and they should be able to use it in the way that they feel is best for them or the public without having to face scrutiny over not supporting a woman when they themselves are also women.
Being of the same sex does not mean that Clinton will politically meet expectations for every woman in the country.
Another thing is that some people act as if having a woman for president will ensure that women’s issues are resolved. As if having a woman in charge would balance out and make up for all the unresolved issues that women in this first world country still continue to face.
There is no guarantee that this would be the case, especially considering how she has changed her opinion on certain matters, which could make or break her popularity, just in time for when her candidacy may need it the most.
In no way do I believe a woman is incapable of holding the position of president and fulfilling its job requirements to their fullest.
There should be more female leaders, more women in charge, definitely. Women are just as capable as men are to fill any position.
If people want to vote for Clinton because they see her as a good fit then they should do so, but only if they see her as a fit, politically for their needs.
So ladies, if you want to be on the side of #imwithher then do so, and if you prefer to #feeltheburn, or whatever your personal choice is, then that is fine too.