View Full Version : Most highly respected female politicians in the US
Just came in from a sunset-watching discussion with DH, and it occurred to me that he really doesn't like--in fact he hates--several female politicians. Of course Hillary tops the list, but close behind is Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, Maxine Waters, and most recently, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. So I asked him which female politicians he respects. The only one he could think of was Susan Collins from ME but he couldn't even remember her name.
This man needs an education! So I tried to google female politicians and what popped up in the search was "hot female politicians." ??!! :help:
Now I'm annoyed. So I'm coming to my favorite think-tank--the Simple Living Forum--and asking YOU, which US female politicians are the most admirable to you?
Williamsmith
8-28-18, 9:50pm
Chelsea Manning
Only one I ever really admired was Ann Richards and she is long gone.
I'm not sure I'd consider Chelsea Manning a politician, although she's certainly a public figure in a vaguely governmentalish(?) role.
Off the top of my head the first female politician that comes to mind when I think of highly respected is Kamala Harris. Christine Hallquist might join that list after she's been governor for a while. I'm curious, catherine, what your husband thinks about her?
Thinking outside the US bubble I'd certainly include Angela Merkel in my list. I suppose people with a different political viewpoint than me might include Maggie Thatcher in their list.
Williamsmith
8-29-18, 3:07am
Isn’t it sad that women in the US have had the right to vote and run for public office for nearly a century and there is hardly any rememberence of one whom we can admire without thinking of other countries.
Manning was runner up for Marylands US Senate Primary Election for Democrats. That should qualify her as a politician. She was limited in her campaigning by nagging ill health.
Margaret Chase Smith
Mary Louise Smith
Clare Boothe Luce
Sandra Day O'Connor
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Shirley Chisholm
Hattie Wyatt Caraway
Ultralight
8-29-18, 6:26am
Who passed the law giving women the right to vote?
Williamsmith
8-29-18, 7:07am
I was referring to the 19th amendment. And I was thinking about Susan B Anthony’s arrest and conviction for voting earlier.
Warren for sure. She is thoughtful and well-spoken.
Madeleine Albright
Angela Merkel
RBG as previously stated
Sonia Sotomayor
Elena Kagan
Condoleezza Rice
Reference articles:
https://www.forbes.com/pictures/ejki45eel/20-most-powerful-women-in-politics/#6c9042b11281
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinehoward/2017/11/01/women-who-rule-the-world-the-25-most-powerful-female-political-leaders-2017/#18b0cd865c1b
Isn’t it sad that women in the US have had the right to vote and run for public office for nearly a century and there is hardly any rememberence of one whom we can admire without thinking of other countries.
Manning was runner up for Marylands US Senate Primary Election for Democrats. That should qualify her as a politician. She was limited in her campaigning by nagging ill health.
Yes, very sad. I just pulled this quote from this article in The Nation (https://www.thenation.com/article/why-does-us-still-have-so-few-women-office/):
America now ranks ninety-eighth in the world for percentage of women in its national legislature, down from 59th in 1998. That’s embarrassing: just behind Kenya and Indonesia, and barely ahead of the United Arab Emirates.
As for Chelsea Manning and Christine Hallquist (jp1, I don't think DH has formed an opinion yet.)--it's interesting that you guys have offered two transgendered females. I am not disputing that both are admirable--especially Chelsea Manning, but my question is, out of the short list of about a dozen women you guys have offered me, why are two transgendered? Is there something about their experience in a male body for many years that primed them for political leadership? Or is there some other reason?
And can we count as politicians on this very short list bae's & Garndr's choices of Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O'Connor, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and Sonia Sotomayor? They didn't have to be elected, they were appointed, and their function is judicial, not legislative.
Ultralight
8-29-18, 7:39am
Yes, very sad. I just pulled this quote from this article in The Nation (https://www.thenation.com/article/why-does-us-still-have-so-few-women-office/):
America now ranks ninety-eighth in the world for percentage of women in its national legislature, down from 59th in 1998. That’s embarrassing: just behind Kenya and Indonesia, and barely ahead of the United Arab Emirates.
Well, as soon as we overturn all the laws that prohibit women from running for and holding office this trend will surely change!
Ultralight
8-29-18, 7:40am
I am an Elizabeth Warren fan myself. Though I would like it is she dropped the identity politics crap. I'd still vote for her over most anyone else in a Presidential election.
Who passed the law giving women the right to vote?
Those awful Republicans!
Chelsea Manning
Apparently treason is no longer much of an issue for Democratic primary voters in these enlightened times.
rosarugosa
8-29-18, 9:55am
What about Kirsten Gillibrand?
Treason is trending--with a bullet. Money and kompromat have worked their magic. I haven't formed an opinion of Chelsea Manning, but I respect whistle-blowers in general, like Reality Winner who was jailed for pointing out an important truth.
Off the top of my head: My own senator Patty Murray (unsung and a hard worker), Kamala Harris, Mazie Hirono, Maxine Waters...Of course the Notorious RBG...I have a good deal of respect for Hillary Clinton, who endured thirty years of lies and innuendo, did her job(s) and held her head up throughout. Nancy Pelosi, too, is an indefatigable force. And I don't know much about her, but Tulsi Gabbard bears watching.
I'm sorry your husband can't think of even one worthy female figure in politics; I'm sure he's not alone.
Apparently treason is no longer much of an issue for Democratic primary voters in these enlightened times.
Or Republicans.
As for Chelsea Manning and Christine Hallquist (jp1, I don't think DH has formed an opinion yet.)--it's interesting that you guys have offered two transgendered females. I am not disputing that both are admirable--especially Chelsea Manning, but my question is, out of the short list of about a dozen women you guys have offered me, why are two transgendered? Is there something about their experience in a male body for many years that primed them for political leadership? Or is there some other reason?
That's an interesting question. And one that I don't have an answer to, although if I were to guess it'd be, and least partly, because society has started to realize that trans people aren't scary freaks, but instead just different in a certain way, in the same way it has become less of an issue for a Catholic to be elected president or to vote for a gay or lesbian person running for office.
As this article points out, more women are running for office than have done so in the past. Perhaps that is/was part of the reason there are less women in office than men.
http://time.com/5361122/women-congress-2018-elections-record/
I haven't formed an opinion of Chelsea Manning, but I respect whistle-blowers in general, like Reality Winner who was jailed for pointing out an important truth.
I’ll say one thing. Given her history with betraying her word, watching her swear the oath of office would have been comedy gold.
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
Condoleeza Rice
Sandra Day O’Conner
I’ll say one thing. Given her history with betraying her word, watching her swear the oath of office would have been comedy gold.
Being deceptive goes with being a whistle blower. Goes without saying.
Being deceptive goes with being a whistle blower. Goes without saying.
Is it whistle blowing to indiscriminately broadcast large masses of data, most of which you haven’t read? Does it go without saying that you break an oath you freely took? That you make information available to the enemies of the country you swore to defend? That you betray people wearing the same uniform who would in other circumstances risk their lives for you?
You can try hiding behind some assumed moral equivalence or higher purpose if you like, but I don’t see how any reasonable person could see Manning as anything other than a treacherous, dishonorable vermin who by rights should still be behind bars.
As the late Senator McCain said’ “Her dishonor will last forever”.
Like I said, I don't know enough about Manning, or her crime, to weigh in on her.
Is it whistle blowing to indiscriminately broadcast large masses of data, most of which you haven’t read? Does it go without saying that you break an oath you freely took? That you make information available to the enemies of the country you swore to defend? That you betray people wearing the same uniform who would in other circumstances risk their lives for you?
You can try hiding behind some assumed moral equivalence or higher purpose if you like, but I don’t see how any reasonable person could see Manning as anything other than a treacherous, dishonorable vermin who by rights should still be behind bars.
As the late Senator McCain said’ “Her dishonor will last forever”.
https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.tf5UBHevx4oI2PfIhR9SkwHaJz&pid=Api
frugal-one
8-29-18, 12:47pm
Apparently treason is no longer much of an issue for Democratic primary voters in these enlightened times.
Nor for current Republicans ...
Nor for current Republicans ...
Perhaps, but that in no way justifies or excuses Manning’s vile crimes.
Even if some of the allegations against Trump are proven to be true, I don’t think they would quite sink to the depth of depravity it takes to betray your fellow soldiers serving in harm’s way.
Ultralight
8-29-18, 5:43pm
Those awful Republicans!
I bet there were a lot of women in that era who did not want the right to vote because it meant conscription and bucket duty.
Among active politicians I like Elizabeth Warren. She is well spoken, rational, respectful, and intelligent. At least from my perspective on the more liberal side of things. I believe she was instrumental in digging us out of the financial crisis and has been an advocate of consumer protection, though her methods are probably not in line with fiscal conservatives. Not quite as far left as Bernie and not quite as political as Hillary.
I'd also add Gabby Giffords. I'm not so sure of her politics, but she is a hero figure in my book for overcoming adversity.
...
I'd also add Gabby Giffords. I'm not so sure of her politics, but she is a hero figure in my book for overcoming adversity.
I'd add Tammy Duckworth for similar grit; also, she's got a formidable resume', with a PhD and a Purple Heart.
Ultralight
8-29-18, 6:43pm
Is this thread about identity politics?
Williamsmith
8-29-18, 8:23pm
Is it whistle blowing to indiscriminately broadcast large masses of data, most of which you haven’t read? Does it go without saying that you break an oath you freely took? That you make information available to the enemies of the country you swore to defend? That you betray people wearing the same uniform who would in other circumstances risk their lives for you?
You can try hiding behind some assumed moral equivalence or higher purpose if you like, but I don’t see how any reasonable person could see Manning as anything other than a treacherous, dishonorable vermin who by rights should still be behind bars.
As the late Senator McCain said’ “Her dishonor will last forever”.
Let me take the opportunity to defend my admiration of Manning but ask that you not interpret this as either an invitation or a challenge to debate the validity of my personal preferences or convictions. You have your opinions. I have mine.
First, her status as a transgender person is of no consequence to me. She.....is a she - she is a politician , however unsuccessful and I admire her as a whistleblower. She properly served her time for the crimes she was convicted of.
The United States Constitution gives the President of the United States the “power of executive clemency”, which includes the ability to pardon and also commute sentences for federal crimes. Those who often refer to the Constitution for defense of more conservative values would do well to remember that it’s primary purpose is to ensure the rights of the citizenry are not abused. Chelsea Manning is square with the house.
Past Presidents have pardoned and commuted others. Bush - Scooter Libby, Clinton - Marc Rich, Ford - Richard Nixon, Nixon - Jimmy Hoffa, Carter - Oscar Collazo, Buchanan- Brigham Young (for slaughtering a civilian wagon train)....you get my point.
Up until the point where she was released, Manning spent more time in prison than anyone previously convicted of releasing information to the media. Her original sentence of 35 years was obviously extreme and intended to send a message to any future whistleblowers in order to discourage them from taking action that would embarrass the government.
Manning provided video footage to Wikileaks that showed the killing of citizens and journalists by US helicopter attacks ....a video known as “collateral murder.” The information she revealed disclosed US government and military human rights violations and violations of international law.
She acted in the public interest and was treated cruely inhumanely and degraded during her pre trial detention of almost a year.....in violation of her 5th and 8th amendment rights.
In my estimation, Manning displayed an unbelievable amount of courage in exposing our governments involvement in heinous activity on a worldwide stage and shows that our military and its administration is not above committing its own terrorism in the form of asymmetrical warfare. These are things a public which supports its military financially and patriotically should know.
Senator McCain was a bloodthirsty war monger. May he Rest In Peace. I am glad his suffering is over.
She acted in the public interest and was treated cruely inhumanely and degraded during her pre trial detention of almost a year.....in violation of her 5th and 8th amendment rights.
But well within the confines of the Uniform Code Of Military Justice which was the governing authority.
Senator McCain was a bloodthirsty war monger.
I disagree, he was very well versed in the philosophy of peace through strength. We need more like him.
Brings to mind the very different treatment that traitor Oliver North received:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_North
But back to the topic, I'd say keep an eye on Krysten Sinema, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Arizona. Our primary was just held and she'll be facing Republican Martha McSally in November. She has a real shot at replacing outgoing Senator Flake.
I'm cheered--at a time when there's very little to be cheery about--that there is such a wide variety of women and men of different ages and backgrounds running for office, a lot of talent, enthusiasm, and purpose. Dare I hope that people are "woke" at long last?
Williamsmith
9-10-18, 9:45am
I’m kind of resurrecting this thread for one more mention. Did I miss it or did anyone mention Jill Stein? She’s got quite a resume. She has more than a few things right in many peoples estimation. The corporate political elite might want to take notice of her.
I’m kind of resurrecting this thread for one more mention. Did I miss it or did anyone mention Jill Stein? She’s got quite a resume. She has more than a few things right in many peoples estimation. The corporate political elite might want to take notice of her.
I’d take more notice if she had polled better than 1.06%.
Williamsmith
9-10-18, 10:21am
I’d take more notice if she had polled better than 1.06%.
Well, that’s 1.06% more than both of us together got.
Well, that’s 1.06% more than both of us together got.
You’re being too modest. She outspent us by millions and she only beat us by one percent.
Williamsmith
9-16-18, 9:22am
I think Catherine has really asked an important question. It leads me to wonder where the next female candidate for the Presidency will come from. In looking at the serious political landscape for women.....I’ve been impressed with and I highly respect the US Representative of Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District , Tulsi Gabbard (D).
She has an interesting background and a progressive mindset. A unique combination of military veteran who is critical of the interventionist regime change activities the US continues to be involved with. She resigned as DNC vice chair and took on Debbie Blabbermouth Shultz over the rigging of the primaries for Hillary Clinton. Especially the lack of debates in order to favor Hillary.
She’s in favor of a Medicare for all type health care fix, a transition to clean fuel from the petroleum fuels, opposes the TPP, wants closer ties to India, is open minded on Iran and wants an end to the 17 year war in Afghanistan, is enlightened as to the Saudi Arabian control of US foreign policy via their funding of our wars for their own means, is against taking military action to effect regime change in Syria at the risk of creating a conflict with Russia, sees the irony of the US creating and supporting terrorist groups in Syria, has a widely progressive view of many social issues and is a practicing Hindu.
She checks off a lot of blocks for millenials and covers a few for many baby boomers. A dark horse without support from her own party but someone to keep an eye on,
I could see Nikki Haley becoming president. Domestic experience ✔ International experience ✔ Diverse and took down the Confederate flag ✔ Articulate ✔
I like Gabbard, too. I think we have a lot of smart, hard-working candidates, frankly. Hawaii does well in that regard.
I could see Nikki Haley becoming president. Domestic experience ✔ International experience ✔ Diverse and took down the Confederate flag ✔ Articulate ✔
She managed to leave the Trump team on good terms, which is a brilliant feat in itself. I have also seen polls that rank her as the most popular politician in the country (although I’m not sure how high the bar is there).
Williamsmith
10-10-18, 4:36am
She managed to leave the Trump team on good terms, which is a brilliant feat in itself. I have also seen polls that rank her as the most popular politician in the country (although I’m not sure how high the bar is there).
Much of the voter block that elected Trump does not see eye to eye with her and frankly wouldn’t support any woman but I’m not sure that coalition still exists. That was a perfect storm that has been downgraded to a tropical depression. Progressivism is an undercurrent to be dealt with in the next two years.
I don't know WS. They seemed to like Sarah Palin well enough.
Williamsmith
10-10-18, 7:13am
I don't know WS. They seemed to like Sarah Palin well enough.
The cast of deplorable I interact with thought and think Palin is a stupid Saturday morning comic character and refused to go vote when she was linked inexplicably to John McCain for President. I don’t believe a woman short of a Margaret Thatcher clone could get their support.
Much of the voter block that elected Trump does not see eye to eye with her and frankly wouldn’t support any woman but I’m not sure that coalition still exists. That was a perfect storm that has been downgraded to a tropical depression. Progressivism is an undercurrent to be dealt with in the next two years.
I think Trump’s coalition of the irritated will continue to be a factor, although probably not the decisive one. Mutual provocation between them and the more hysterical elements of the “resistance” will see to that. I don’t share your belief that they would never support a woman.
As to the prospect of a great progressive wave, the recent unpleasantness seems to have somewhat closed the “enthusiasm gap” in an unfavorable way for them. Should they take the House but not the Senate, it seems to me unlikely they could push through much on the big ticket wish list. Probably we’d see an endless round of House investigations on various officials going back to their Kindergarten deportment grades. An indecorous scramble for the Democratic presidential nomination might also tarnish the brand somewhat for 2020.
I’m doubtful we will see a new dawn of a Democratic Socialist future in the next few years.
Teacher Terry
10-10-18, 10:51am
The news was interviewing past trump supporters like farmers who said they are done with him because he lied about helping them, etc. Hopefully enough people feel that way.
The news was interviewing past trump supporters like farmers who said they are done with him because he lied about helping them, etc. Hopefully enough people feel that way.
Reminds me of Caitlyn Jenner's surprise that Trump is against transgenders serving in the military. Surprised, really??
Is this the time to say "LOL Republican tears" ??? /s
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