Women In American Politics Is Now A Very Hot Topic. What's Your Take? Ever since women gained the right to vote, American culture has changed in an ever twisting progression, evolving into what some view as a negative influence on our society. With this new power, women were able to have their voices and opinions heard, at least in the voting booth. However, this development also fueled the Women's movements of the 1970s, equal rights issues and the breaking down of gender barriers and workplace discrimination, eventually resulting in so much rhetoric on the glass ceiling effect we hear so much about today. These developments are regarded as positive influences by a fair half of the rest of the American public. When Geraldine Ferraro was nominated as the vice presidential candidate back in the 1980s, this was radical indeed. This was the first hint that women in American politics might actually fly. Although her candidacy came to naught, it was the beginning of a new thrust in American politics. Soon, women were running for seats in Congress and the Senate, winning elections and becoming prominent proponents of women's issues, with a woman's perspective. If you look at some of the primitive cultures in which the women held the reigns of power, you'll find that the matriarchal society was less prone to war. Women have not lost their feminine instincts to nurture the family and society and this is still amply reflected in the actions of women in American politics. One example of this womanly mindset is apparent in Madeleine Albright's service as Secretary of State under President Clinton. While the situation in Bosnia was not resolved without war, Ms. Albright did demonstrate diplomatic savvy. She might well be described as 'tough', but pursued diplomacy as a first resort. This year, the Presidential campaigns have brought women in American politics to a previously unheard of prominence in the minds of the American public. Hillary Clinton gained a huge following in her bid for the Presidential nomination. It's clear that a large segment of the American people now feel that women in American politics is a viable and attractive choice. When Hillary conceded to Mr. Obama, almost a third of her supporters vowed to throw their support to John McCain, to show their disapproval of a woman of Hillary's credentials and long experience being discarded as the Democratic choice. Democratic party officials became nervous, unsure of how to parry this instability. Voters who were heavily invested in the idea of a woman President, were shaking up the American politics as usual. Everyone fretted over McCain's choice. True to the theatrical trappings which often attend these elections, McCain decided to choose Sarah Palin as his ace in the hole, sensing that the public was hungering for women in American politics gaining one of those glass-ceiling spots of power. It's too soon to say how this former mayor of a tiny Alaskan town, now Governor of a state with just 600,000 citizens will ultimately fare in the November elections. This 2008 election campaign is surely one of the most interesting in recent memory. Questions of experience in matters gravely important in today's world are being bandied about by every talk show host across the country. Such questions are legitimate. Whether the successful party has a woman or a man 'a heartbeat away from the Presidency', we all want someone with extensive experience in foreign affairs and policy matters, the person best able to forward peace in this world. Just because the potential candidate is a woman is not a good enough reason to bring that individual to power. That person must be capable, educated and well versed in world affairs before they get my vote! While I'm in favor of women in American politics as a moderating influence, it takes more than that. What's your take? Summary Women in politics are becoming more commonplace as humanity evolves. The elections for 2008 will be remembered as the first time a women competed for the Presidential nomination and also a vice president nomination. This will surely be the beginning of more open-minded elections in the future. Related Articles Are Two United States Political Parties Enough? Civil Rights Related Sites