The National Equal Rights Party and 2008 Election

In the spirit of women’s history month I’m going to discuss one more throwback issue: The National Equal Rights Party of 1884. Ever heard of it? Yeah, me neither. That is, until my history of women’s suffrage class this semester. Apparently Geraldine Ferraro, Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin weren’t the first females to be taken seriously in a U.S. Presidential election.

This was the first woman to run for U.S. president...

M.J. Gage, Lizzy Stanton, and Suzie Anthony all supported this party, as did the rest of the suffragists. Presidential candidate Belva A. Lockwood and Vice Presidential candidate Marietta Stow were involved in the first serious national campaign that included women.

It bothers me that I was 19-years-old when I learned this crucial part of American history. It bothers me that it’s not public knowledge and universally known. I wish I was wrong, and I wish more people were aware of this historical moment, but they’re not. I’d like to know why this is something conveniently left out of mainstream curriculum?

I am especially perturbed that this valuable piece of information was not brought to my attention, or anyone else’s for that matter, during the Presidential election of 2008. There was a truckload of buzz about Clinton and Palin being the first serious potential female candidates to be elected into the White House. This lack of news credibility thanks to the media only furthered this political myth. Yet again, the media played a role in shaping our thoughts and ideas on a critical issue.

Reinforcing “The Personal” in Politics

Clinton: Global feminist

She’s at it again ladies and gentlemen, conquering the world one country at a time. Rather, one person at a time. Clinton recently came back to the U.S. after her Asian tour, stopping in countries like China, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea. Instead of following in the steps of past diplomats, Clinton is creating her own path of success concerning U.S. relationships with international governments. One way to win over a government: start with the people.

This strategy of cultural diplomacy that Clinton used in the last couple of weeks brings a whole new meaning to U.S. foreign policy. Finding a way to relate to the people of a state is a smart foreign policy plan—home girl obviously did her homework.

Hillary visited the University of Tokyo during this tour and not only did she speak about how the United States needs to maintain and restore its connections with the Muslim world, but she also responded to a student who asked her “how to become as strong as she is?

Michelle Obama Rockin’ the White House

Clearly, someone thinks she's got style...

The Obama family has already started to shake things up in Washington, and I am especially looking forward to what Michelle Obama does differently from past First Ladies. It’s finally time for, what’s the cliché? Change! (Yeah, I drink the kool-aid).

With about 35 official days in office, there is much talk about what kind of progress Mrs. Obama is going to achieve. Here are five reasons why I think Michelle will rock the White House no matter what she decides to pursue:

1. Her education. After graduating as salutatorian from her high school, Michelle Obama received her B.A. degree from Princeton University where she also graduated cum laude. She majored in sociology and minored in African American studies before moving onto Harvard Law School. What up now, haters?