The Office of President of the United States is never one taken lightly. Especially in Congress, the role of female politicians has significantly increased in the modern era. Historically, there have been amazing women (Virginia Woodhull, Gracie Allen, Shirley Chisholm) who have run for elected office. One advocate campaigned before women could legally vote!
The following five women are by no means “the” list—it is simply my observation and resolution that they are extremely qualified for President if they choose to run. A great quote to think about while you read this article is one by former First Lady, Secretary of State and Democratic nominee for President, Hillary Clinton: “I know we have still not shattered that highest and hardest glass ceiling, but someday someone will—and hopefully sooner than we might think right now.”
1. Nikki Haley – Republican
This bawse is the former Governor of South Carolina and current U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Haley is Indian-American and a strong advocate for American interests first.
She was the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners and is involved in the Women’s Caucus. She is loyal and honest. Haley is also a Christian; her parents raised her Sikh, but she converted and is a Methodist.
Her platform is conservative: anti increasing tax rates, pro-life, in favor of charter schools, pro-death penalty and solid immigration laws. Another important factor is Ambassador Haley is staunchly pro-Israel.
Haley would be an exciting candidate for President and the rumor mill has already been quite busy. She brings a multicultural dynamic and breaks many barriers about race, religion and gender.
She has the political background and finesse and is now gathering foreign relations experience. She is doing an outstanding job representing America in the UN and she would have a large fan base and support structure if she ran in 2020 or 2024.
2. Elizabeth Warren – Democrat
This Senator from Massachusetts is an intrepid powerhouse. Warren has been in politics for a few generations and has fearlessly advocated for the causes she believes in and never backs down from a fight when she knows she is right. She has the honor of being the first female senator from MA.
She is considered a liberal progressive and was very vocal in the 2016 election. She has extensive education and experience in commercial and bankruptcy law. Her platform is for safe and legal access to the right for abortions but supports churches giving out birth control, she wants more bank restrictions, more gun control, against defining “traditional marriage”, for public schools and universities, against legalizing marijuana and for the death penalty.
She also began the rapidly spreading feminist movement based on the phrase: “Nevertheless, she persisted.”
Warren’s bulldog spirit, vision for the Democratic Party and stature in Congress highlights a path to President. She has a populist following and her tenacity to speak out and challenge anyone is respected.
Her specialized fields are economics and social security reform; America desperately needs guidance with both.
3. Susan Collins – Republican
She is the incumbent Senator from Maine. Yes, she is the only Republican representative from New England—an impressive feat to be continuously reelected. How so? Because Collins is extremely bipartisan and a team player. She deftly manages to walk the political aisle and negotiate both sides of issues.
She is for same-sex marriage, liberal on abortion rights and gender equality but conservative on the majority of the other issues. She also broke away from the GOP during the 2016 election, standing by her convictions. Collins is admired by both ends of the spectrum and has the knack for reversing polarization into excellent teamwork.
She has been labeled a moderate centrist and an influential player in Congress. Running for President seems right up her alley and perhaps she could be the bridge between the recent, intense divide between Americans.
4. Kamala Harris – Democrat
A young Senator from California with many firsts. Quote: “She is the first female, first African-American, first Indian-American and first Asian-American attorney general of California”. Harris is incredibly popular in CA because of her magnetic appeal and positions strongly against Trump. She is a Democratic Party favorite.
Harris is for protecting immigrants and supports the DREAM Act. She is for abortion rights and against the death penalty, she is involved in laws protecting the environment, for gun control and better education.
Her fiery character provides a lot of political fodder for discussion; one cannot say she lacks political ambition. An oft-used moniker for Senator Harris is that she is the “female Obama”—creating progressive victories and regulating conservative positions that would be damaging to America.
5. Kirsten Gillibrand – Democrat
The last—but certainly not least—Blue Dog Senator from New York. Gillibrand is candid and very transparent. She is also designated as moderate and pleases both Parties on different subjects. She is anti-tobacco, for amnesty for illegal immigrants, wants to protect gun owners, and demands to return fiscal responsibility to D.C. Her platform is specifically about women and the importance of their increased role in politics.
She is a leader in the Women’s Leadership Forum to activate women into power and success. Many pin her similarly politically groomed like Clinton and admittedly, Secretary Clinton was a mentor to her. Gillibrand summarizes her ideology: "Only when every woman and girl fulfill her God-given potential can America fulfill hers.
Clinton
