Her Loss, Our Gain - Hillary Clinton Suspends Her Presidential Campaign
Thursday June 5, 2008
Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign may have fallen short of winning her a certain room of her own, the Oval Office. But her loss doesn't diminish our collective gain.
- HRC came in an exceptionally close second, winning more delegates and a greater percentage of the popular vote during the primary season than any other runner-up in U.S. history.
- HRC normalized the idea of a woman running for president. The dismissive attitudes that downplayed and diminished Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's presidential bid 36 years earlier were not in evidence in this election cycle. There was never any question that Clinton was a viable candidate, and her groundbreaking campaign has ensured that others will follow in her footsteps.
- HRC's run compelled us look hard at the undercurrent of sexism that runs through mainstream media. It has provoked a national dialogue about gender, exposed the divisions running through our society, and shown us what it may take to bridge them.
- HRC's candidacy has proven that 'the women's vote' is not a solid bloc but an amorphous mass that fragments itself due to age, education, social and economic concerns, and geography. It has taught us that men can be feminists and women can be misogynistic.
On the final primary night of 2008, she told us she would carry our dreams with her for the rest of her life. Her dream may fall short, but ours continue.
Like Columbus navigating his way to what would become the Americas, Hillary Rodham Clinton is navigating a path to another new world - one in which gender equity begins at the top. She will not shape that new world as President of the United States, but she has pointed the way. And thanks to her, it's only a matter of time.
Photo of Hillary supporter the night of Clinton's final primary on June 4, 2008
© Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Comments
I know a lot of people were crying ’sexism’ towards Hillary – I honestly believe it had nothing to do with her being a woman but obvious character flaws!
I do not think Hillary lost. The vote of the people were with her. I hope she does not accept the Vice Presidency. That would be saying,”I’m second best”. It is time for women to stop accepting that 2nd place. I hope Obama has the sense to place her in the Cabinet.Bill would be a great Ambassador!
I agree Hillary shouldn’t accept the VP position. Either she be first or last but never second to anyone. One day she will be President.
I hope that she does not accept the VP slot. Obama has character flaws but America is too blind and too in love with a man promising more than he can deliver. I would rather have someone with flaws than someone who pretends to be perfect all the time. That should make you run for the hills.