Expectations for women in politics have become even more challenging, as the prospects of a female US president have been dashed once again by Donald Trump. This is not the first time Trump has stood in the way of making history – he previously defeated Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
As the Center for American Women and Politics notes, “Once again, a woman has reached the highest office in American politics, coming close to breaking that barrier, but ultimately not being elected.”
It’s worth noting that women have been fighting for a spot in the Oval Office for centuries. Victoria Woodhull, a pioneering stockbroker, newspaper publisher, and social reformer, was the first woman to actively seek the presidency in 1872.
Despite facing many challenges, including being four years too young to serve as president according to the U.S. Constitution, Woodhull’s courage paved the way for future generations of women in politics.
Still, Harris’ defeat is reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s, except for the fact that Trump won all the swing states this year, whereas in 2016 he missed Nevada.
Celebrities supported both the parties in their own style. Harris was supported by a group of female celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey, while Trump had his own Cabinet with Elon Musk, Hulk Hogan, Joe Rogan and others.
However, he was rated second-rate. Former First Lady Michelle Obama opined that, “We expect her to be intelligent and articulate, to have a clear set of policies, to never show too much anger, to prove over and over again that she belongs”. Talking about Harris. “But for Trump, we expect nothing. No sense of policy, no ability to have a coherent argument, no honesty, no decency, no morality.”
The question remains: When will that glass ceiling be broken, paving the way for a woman to become President of the United States?
At Trump’s Pennsylvania town hall, after some people had medical emergencies, he said, “Let’s not take any more questions. Let’s just listen to the music.” One of the songs played during those 40 minutes was James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”.
It’s all about politics in this playlist.
The fight continues.
