For the first time in history, not only was an African-American man running for the highest position in the U.S. government but women played an equally important role in defining his journey to victory.
In an unprecedented election, chock full of conflict, scrutiny, and heated debates, the women running on the forefront found themselves the target of news reports across the world. The biggest question was whether there was a double-standard placed upon these women defying their tradition roles.
“Obama and McCain were not targeted for their wardrobe costs or their trendy fashions. Sarah Palin is a beautiful woman and not everyone likes beautiful,” said 28-year-old Linda Cowley waiting outside of her district’s polling place on Election Day morning.
Throughout the election, the two women at the top of this election, Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin, came under rapid scrutiny based on trivial issues that had nothing to do with their ability to run take command of the United States. Issues of public appearance and fashion, involvement with their families and ability to be a fit mother, and possible paternity scandals were headline news during the most crucial periods of our country’s history.
“I can’t believe we have nothing better to talk about than how much cleavage Hillary Clinton was showing during a campaign speech or how much money GOP issued stylists paid for Sarah Palin’s business suites. Our country is falling apart and this is what people want to debate?” said Pheona Krasnalwitz, openly agitated about the idea of these being logical Presidential Election issues.
Though racism was not an overwhelmingly apparent issue during this history-making election, sexism was ever looming. The women of the 2008 Presidential Election paved the way for other women to follow in their footsteps so it was not all a loss.
“It wasn’t fair but our country is about to change in a huge way. This is only the beginning of a long and tedious fight to gain equality for all people,” replied Cowley when asked about her optimism towards women’s future role in the U.S. executive branch.