It was brought to my attention that some folks may be using a broad brush when it comes to labels for Hillary Clinton.
Some have called the junior senator from New York the first viable female candidate for president.
Viability, it seems, can take on many perspectives.
One perspective came in the form of an email from my aunt in Minnesota.
She was quick to point out that some in the media were less than accurate in calling Senator Clinton the first viable female to run for the White House.
For proof, she pointed to the candidacy of Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) in 2000:
"Mrs. Dole has far longer public service in a variety of positions. I get annoyed what inconvenient facts are overlooked. "
As you may know, Elizabeth Dole served as U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Reagan, U.S. Secretary of Labor under President George H.W. Bush as well as President of the American Red Cross for a number of years.
Republican, Democrat or Independent-- you have to admit those are some pretty impressive credentials that many presidential candidates would boast about.
So, why isn't Dole getting the credit as the first viable female candidate for president?
Because in the 2000 race, she wasn't.
By definition, viable means capable of working, functioning or developing adequately.
But even before the first test of political strength was cast in Iowa, Dole dropped out of the race. The reason wasn't qualifications. The reason was fundraising.
She wasn't able to grab onto enough money early enough. That, beyond race and beyond gender, is the key to success early in a campaign.
You need a lot of money to run for president and be successful. The money wasn't there for Dole eight years ago. Without it, her campaign couldn't work, couldn't function and wasn't capable of developing.
When I replied to my aunt's email I did note this:
"Interesting, though, that both of them have very successful and powerful political husbands. Still makes it seem like there's a ceiling for women in politics. The message being, 'We'll trust you with the important job, just as long as you have the support next to you'"
That may be the next political hurdle.
History may look back on Elizabeth Dole with a great deal of recognition.. not as the first viable female presidential candidate... but as the first well-qualified female candidate.
Comments (1)
It can be said that the political fortunes of their political spouses both played roles in each of their candidacies. Bob Dole did not run a very stellar campaign in 1996 and lacked the charisma to take on incumbent Bill Clinton. Elizabeth Dole exhibited a lot of those skills during her "Oprah" like talk amongst the convention delegates during her time at the Republican National Convention. She wowed the crowd and pundits and was an asset for Bob Dole during the campaign. The failure of Bob Dole's performance and campaign led many to wish that his wife were the candidate. She became just that four years later; however, the Republican political machine quickly got behind George W. Bush and the rest is history. The failure of the Bob Dole candidacy led many to look at Elizabeth and the perceived success of the Bill Clinton presidency has led many to support Hillary.
Posted by David Bass | January 24, 2008 8:46 AM
Posted on January 24, 2008 08:46