The Future Is Female

In 1872, Victoria Woodhull became the first woman to run for president of the United States of America, unless of course we’re taking into account that at 34 she was legally too young to run. In which case, the all-female ticket of Belva Lockwood and Marietta Stow (president and vice-president, respectively) would qualify as the first candidate(s), just three terms later in 1884.

And though a shocking total of 33 woman have been official presidential candidates of their parties since the position was established in 1789, only 10 women have run in a general election where they have received over 40,000 votes. And we all know the one and only woman to receive the presidential nomination for a major political party.

That said, it is amazing to see that a third of those on the Democratic debate stage in Ohio in October were female. This primary is making history and setting a precedent for who can be considered an acceptable candidate, in a positive direction.

It is hardly noticeable (historically speaking) to have a debate stage consist entirely of men. Imagine how shocking it would be to have a majority of candidates be women or even NO MEN on a stage of this kind! Not to say that is the desired outcome, but to have women’s skills and experience appropriately recognized would entail such a possibility. But I am more concerned about a reality where that situation would not even be news.

Though it feels painfully behind the times for these four women to be breaking a record, it is none-the-less worth a pause to appreciate their presence and powerful contributions to the conversation. Yes, some will inevitably drop out of the race, but I love that the odds are more in favor than ever for a female president.