Is the US ready for a female president? how about black and female?

Question

I'm sure that Hilary Cinton is being groomed for the presidency in 2008. I'm an non-partisan voter and I wish the Democrats come out with viable solutions to our problems instead of just repeating that there are problems. She's (Hilary) will have a fight on her hands if Candy Rice is drafted into the race.

Answer 1

I used to think it was hard for a woman to be President, extremely tough for a Black ,and imposible, for a Black woman.

I still think it remains the same, but perceptions are changing. In Britain, nobody thought so too, until Margaret Thatcher popped up.

If a woman can be as forceful, display strong leadership during a crisis or period of uncertainty, and remain prominently in the public eye, then the American voters will probably not consider gender, in electing a woman as President.

However, during peacetime and a period of economic boom, then the advantage, swings back to the men.

For a Black, guy he must meet the same criteria but has an additional hurdle in Middle/Southern America, which remains staunchly conservative and almost always, pro-White.
A prominent Black leader must balance the liberal views that Blacks usually support, with conservative agenda that the Whites in states like Georgia, Tennessee, Maine, Vermont, the Dakotas, the Carolinas etc, demand.

Given their polarising views, he cannot support one, without antagonising the other.
And you must remember that White Conservatives are usually loyal to the Republicans, whilst Blacks prefer the Democratic Party.
At least 1/3 of these Conservatives will only vote based on race, 2/3 will only vote Republicans and vice-versa for the Blacks and the Democratic Party.
It will take an extra-ordinary Black leader, who remains Conservative but leans Liberal at times, to be a strong candidate for President.
Thus far, there have been very few of such men, with prominence in the public eye. The closest was probably, Colin Powell.

Senator Barack Obama has that prominence, but he still isn't regarded that highly in these states.

Finally, a Black Woman has to face the combined challenges/perceptions that a woman and a Black male, will already face.
Condileeza Rice is probably the only one who stands out, but she lacks a base from which she can build presidential aspirations on.

Note: Any of the above 3 persons running for President, will face another major hurdle that goes with every minority candidate, 'unheard of scrutiny and study', of their lives, both in private and public.
Whatever mistake they make/made will be harped on and highlighted, as compared to the normal White male candidate.

In short, they must be 'squeaky clean' and be prepared to face a barrage of questions on their minority status, and yet, remain unfazed, unbroken by it.

A tall order, by any standard. However, the consolation is that in America, never rule out the impossible or the improbable!

Hillary Clinton looks like the one, who will have 'the first bite at the cherry' in 2008. She will need a very sorry economy and poor morale over Iraq/Afghanistan, to raise her profile.

Then only, the real battle (to overcome perceptions/prejudices) will start, on the campaign trail.

Answer 2

I do not think so. There is too many prejudices in this country. Our education system is lacking, and therefore, a lot of our people are still living in the dark ages. Their only claim to "superiority" is that they are white and/or male. They are not giving that up without a fight. Could a black person or female run the oval office with competency. Sure! But, as with a white male, it has to be the right person for the job. It seems that no one with the intelligence and moral superiority to do the job well, is capable of getting into office..why? Because to get elected, you need funding..and to get funding, you have to sell out to corporations, then do their bidding and not the people's. The problem is bigger than gender/color. Do I know the solution? No, I do not. But, we should at least, as Americans, start to look for a viable solution.

Answer 3

Yes, America should have that. Someone who is balck and female would better represent America than a white male. Black females have the other two qualities that America has never seen. It is a great oppurtunity for all people to see how America has done something we have never done before, and who knows? Every president has had their share of good choices and bad choices. America has too.

Answer 4

That's he problem of voting for president.
I would NEVER vote for a person just because she's a women or her skin is black.
I ALWAYS vote for the most qualified person for the job.
If Hilary ran, I would NEVER vote for her, I find her to be incompetent for the job of running this country, plus she wants to take away my video games.
As for Condi, I'm not sure because I have not heard her speak about any of the issues and have not payed attention to her competence as a leader.

Answer 5

i dont think the country is ready. the only female i see is hilary and the closest black candidate would probably be barak obama (he needs to hurry up and run tho). but nah, the country isn't ready just yet but the fact that people actually think that a woman or someone of color can win is a good step.

Answer 6

America isn't ready for a female or black president yet.

I have a black female friend who said she'll run for president one day. She said that her VP will be a mexican.

I asked, "why?" She said she would never have to worry about getting assisnated or impeached. Again, I asked "why?"

She said, "No one wants a Mexican running the country"

True story!!

Answer 7

NO! Have you heard from even one woman you would want making decisions for you. The women that could do the job are not running. They know all is in a big mess and nothing can really be done to correct it.

Answer 8

there is never going to be a president that does not have the backing of business these days and if by some miricle one gets elected they will toss this country into a depression the likes of which you will never forget.

Answer 9

i doubt we-ll see a woman president ~~ just because the male sexist population ain't going to have it.....NOT BECAUSE THE WOMEN ARE NOT QUALIFIED~~~..that goes for minorities too. they are qualified ~~ the old, grumpy men in high places ain't going for it, though

Answer 10

i'd vote for Hilary...not Candy