Right now, it's hard to get an accurate reading as to which voices predominate in the babble of voices of the people.

I will say this: the next woman (or the next minority person) won't need to be a first, and will benefit from that. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Hillary and Barack for that.

Roro80 – I completely see your POV – politicking to the materialistic isn't going to do well with union workers, you are completely right. But part of the protective wrapping of the Presidency is the dream that goes along with it – it's not trying to embrace a stiletto or a designer suit to say, 'I'm above you, I have loads of cash and you don't” – its about celebrating the various ways that women can be defined as successful. Sure, a gucci purse might send the wrong message – but what about a spread in Vanity Fair that has a Q&A with a female political candidate and a female fashion designer and a female sports star? How about they all interview each other as powerful women all faces many different challenges and politics, but then perhaps many of the same. I come at this idea from a marketing perspective as well – so by embracing powerful imagery that already resonates with so many people, I feel that it can only help a candidate in my mind…:)

Runasim – totally understand your point – yes, politics and elections should one day be decided without leaning on gender, race, disability, etc. But, unfortunately, I really don't think that is the case, yet. Someday, I hope it is truly a level playing field, equal access for all, but with only 16 women senators – well, we just aren't there yet.

VWCat – i think you really summed up the piece – so thanks! LOL and also, part of the reason I decided to use SATC as an inspiration is because it does send those messages to women: love thy self. I mean sometimes it's even excessive in the series; but I think that when it comes down to it people watched the show and went to see the movie not to evangelize over some hollywood character, but to feel good about themselves and that's all I want from a female politician.

I'm loving this discussion with you all – thanks for reading. And Jill – I'm sure we can find many advantages to show off for you

Thanks.

I agree – gender is irrelevant to the red phone response, but this post deals mostly with campaigning. Would you agree that campaigning and governing are two different activities, or at least only overlap in some areas?

And yes – it would have to be someone very special – but then, I believe our president always should be someone special.

Americans have a great deal of trouble accepting candidates as people, as it is.
Crying by either a male of a femalte, for example, is always 'unacceptable'. While we decry stereotypes, we also insist on them.
The American publlic evolves at a snail's pace, and . I'm not sure how far out of the stone age we are, in some respects.

It would have to be a very special woman, walking on egg shells in combat boots and a sexy T, to break that glass ceiling..

I would seriously need people to tell me just what ARE my advantages as a woman at my age! lol Because with only a couple of obvious elements, I would be clueless AND uncomfortable.

No question that just as microtargeting involves understand all kinds of clues and messaging, adding “gender” to the list of things to think about when you're putting yourself together as the package known as The Candidate will require understanding what the audience thinks.

And can you imagine the reaction of the blue collar guys who make up part of her base? She may have gotten the sorority girl vote, but I don't think primping up with an $400 Gucci bag would have played too well to the union workers.

Eh…like any woman is going to be able to please everyone anyway — too masculine, too feminine, ah I saw her cleavage, what about the pantsuits, big thighs, cackling laughter — all women, even those running for office, need to figure out where lies their personal line between being everything to everyone and just being themselves.