BTN News: For decades, women in the United States have fought tirelessly to shatter the highest glass ceiling in the nation’s nearly 250-year history—becoming President of the United States. Despite their relentless efforts, the presidency, the most powerful position in the country, has been exclusively held by men. However, the upcoming 2024 election could mark a pivotal moment in history. The landscape of American politics has seen significant changes over the years, but the journey toward a female president has been long and challenging, filled with groundbreaking attempts by remarkable women who paved the way for future generations.
The possibility of a woman holding the highest office in the land has been a topic of conversation for many years. As far back as 1989, former President Gerald Ford expressed hope that one day a young woman would become the President of the United States. He even speculated that this might occur within the next four to eight years, anticipating that a female vice president could ascend to the presidency if the sitting president became incapacitated or passed away while in office. While Ford’s prediction did not materialize within his suggested timeframe, his words echo through history as we witness the remarkable candidacy of Kamala Harris, the first female vice president, who could potentially make history again in the 2024 presidential election.
Kamala Harris’s journey to this point has been nothing short of historic. She is only the second woman in U.S. history to secure a nomination from one of the two major political parties, following in the footsteps of Hillary Clinton in 2016. Clinton, who became the first woman to be nominated for the presidency by a major party, laid crucial groundwork, despite her eventual defeat. Harris, with her nomination, has brought the country one step closer to what many hope will be the ultimate breakthrough—electing a woman as president.
However, the road to this moment has been paved by the efforts of many extraordinary women long before Harris and Clinton made their marks. Victoria Woodhull, for instance, was the first woman to run for president in 1872. Woodhull was a trailblazer in her own right, not just in politics but also in business and journalism. Born in Ohio in 1838, she was a fierce advocate for women’s rights, founding her own newspaper and becoming the first woman to own a brokerage firm on Wall Street. Although her presidential bid against incumbent Ulysses S. Grant was unsuccessful, Woodhull’s courage and determination opened doors for the women who followed.
Margaret Chase Smith, another pioneering figure, was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for the presidency by a major party. Born in Maine in 1897, Smith’s political career was impressive; she served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and four more in the Senate. In 1964, she received 27 votes in the first round of voting at the Republican National Convention, though she ultimately withdrew from the race. Smith’s campaign was a significant milestone, demonstrating that women could compete on the national stage in major political parties.
Shirley Chisholm, born in Brooklyn in 1924, also made history by becoming the first African American woman elected to Congress. She served in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983, advocating tirelessly for the rights of women and minorities. In 1972, Chisholm sought the Democratic nomination for president, becoming the first African American woman to do so. Despite facing significant racism and sexism, including being barred from televised debates, she secured 152 delegate votes at the Democratic National Convention. Chisholm’s candidacy was a bold assertion of equality and a powerful reminder that women of all backgrounds have a place in the political arena.
Jill Stein, a physician and politician, has also been a significant figure in American politics, running for president three times under the Green Party. Born in Chicago in 1950, Stein’s campaigns focused on environmental issues and social justice, drawing attention to the importance of alternative political movements. Although her vote share was modest, with 1.1% in the 2016 election, her persistence and dedication have kept the conversation about women’s leadership alive and highlighted the role of third parties in American politics.
Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential run was a watershed moment in American history. A graduate of Yale Law School, Clinton had an extensive career in public service, including roles as First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. Her 2016 campaign brought her closer to the presidency than any woman before her, as she won the popular vote by nearly three million votes but lost the Electoral College to Donald Trump. Clinton’s defeat was a bitter reminder of the challenges women still face in achieving the highest levels of political power, but her candidacy nonetheless represented a significant step forward.
Kamala Harris, born in 1964, has broken several glass ceilings throughout her career. As the first woman of Black and South Asian descent to serve as California’s Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator, Harris has been a trailblazer in many respects. Her selection as Joe Biden’s running mate in 2020 made her the first female vice president, and now, with Biden stepping aside, Harris has the opportunity to become the first female president of the United States. Her candidacy in the 2024 election is supported by a wave of enthusiasm and financial backing, reflecting the growing momentum for women’s leadership at the highest levels.
Another significant figure in the 2024 political landscape is Nikki Haley, who has also made history as the first woman to serve as the governor of South Carolina and as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Born in 1972, Haley has been a prominent figure in the Republican Party and the only woman to run in the 2024 Republican primaries. Despite the challenges she faced, including competing against former President Donald Trump, Haley’s campaign has been a testament to the evolving role of women in the Republican Party and American politics more broadly.
As the 2024 election approaches, the possibility of a woman finally breaking the highest glass ceiling in American politics feels closer than ever. The efforts of women like Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Jill Stein, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, and Nikki Haley have brought the nation to the brink of a historic moment. While the outcome remains uncertain, the progress made by these women has already changed the course of history, ensuring that the dream of a woman president will continue to inspire future generations.
