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America’s
first black female secretary of state has been on the job for a time best measured in days
and is meeting with world leaders articulating US foreign policy. But already the media
has started running headlines variously proclaiming, "Condi For President" and
then asking, "Condi For President?" |
| During US Senate
confirmation hearings, Senator Barbara Boxer of California, lectured, confronted nominees,
and waved her arms with all the authority of a confused teenager. That grandstanding
initiated media speculation about the great hope for the Democratic Party and the
proclamation, "Boxer For President." |
| Whether Hillary
Clinton faints with the flu or stridently lectures about America's failings, a story is
written speculating about her potential to get elected president. Carly Fiorina served six
years as Hewlett-Packard's CEO. She was fired and may be available. Martha Stewart is
getting out of prison and will soon complete the house arrest portion of her sentence for
criminal acts. She may be available to serve as president. |
| Media pundits,
political junkies, and the American people should ask the important questions rather than
the question of which woman is electable. We should consider who -- man or woman -- has
the experience and is capable of serving as president. Americans should regain respect for
the office and comprehend the magnitude of the job. We must evaluate candidates' abilities
to accept responsibility, meet challenges using reason, experience and policy, provide
leadership with integrity, and have adequate broad experience. These functions and factors
are more important than gender and willingness to play to the media. |
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