First among equals: how Kamala Harris must rewrite the history of female political leadership to win
In the final week of the US presidential election campaign, there is a real possibility a woman will make it into the top job. But why has it taken so long – and has Kamala Harris got what it takes to make history? My research examines celebrated women in history and how, collectively, they represent women’s changing status in society. In particular, I have looked for the historical themes and patterns that explain the rise of the first elected women leaders. Women in politics are generally assumed to be a minority, emerging from a position of disadvantage. When successful, they are...
Is America ready for a woman president? Voters’ attitudes to women politicians are radically different from a decade ago
A decade ago, people did not even agree on the traits that defined women politicians. Now they see women seeking political office as intelligent, rational, analytical, ambitious and moral.
Down On The Creek
Shirley Chisholm of Texas, the first African-American woman elected to Congress served seven terms. She is often described as “Unbought & Unbossed.” As successful as her political career was she once observed: “Of my two “handicaps,” being female put many more obstacles in my path than being black.”
Opinion: My Critics Have It Wrong. Talking About Kamala Harris’ Style Isn’t Sexist—It’s Strategy
Earlier this week, I wrote an op-ed with a constructive critique of Vice President Kamala Harris’ sense of style, offering a strategy for how she could better leverage her wardrobe for political success. I anticipated some negative reactions given the high-pressure pressure cooker context that is T-minus two weeks to election day. But I did not expect such a chorus of criticism; the op-ed (and I) received much backlash—some of it foul-mouthed and vitriolic—labeling my thesis sexist, and worse. Even actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who is stumping for Harris, weighed in with her signature “shut UP” in a Threads post. But as...
Flags lowered to honor former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that flags of the United States and state of Ohio be lowered at public grounds in honor of former Ohio House Speaker Jo Ann Davidson, who passed away Friday. Davidson was the first woman elected speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives...