As a woman, I am thankful to live in modern-day America, as those before me could not even imagine the world I am living in today. I am excited to be educated, successful and someday, renowned. Currently, I am 18 and the 2016 presidential election is only months away. Needless to say, I am thrilled to be able to exercise the right given to me nearly a century ago by the nineteenth amendment.
As the candidates began to present themselves, a large part of me jumped for joy in seeing not one, but two female runners. Both Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton have been scrutinized for their political experience, controversial pasts and readiness to lead the U.S., and I am willing to admit that until recently, I did not care what the facts really were. My main selfish and uneducated desire was for a woman to finally be in office — I mean it is 2016.
I still believe that in theory, the U.S. is ready for a female president. This country, while it still maintains an unsightly level of discrimination and oppression, could support and respect a woman in office.
Counterpoint: Clinton can set the precedent for presidents
Considering Fiorina’s lack of support in the polls, for the remainder of the article we will consider Clinton to be the only potential female president in 2016. Independent of her political standing or beliefs, Clinton is not America’s best option for leadership for the next four years.
While education and immigration continue to plague debates and rallies as hot topics, a large portion of America is incredibly concerned with the direction this country will take in handling terrorism. As of November 2015, 54 percent of registered voters do not believe Barack Obama has handled the threat of terrorism well. In turn, the poll taken by ABC News following the Islamic State group Paris Attack shows that 83 percent of voters expect (to some extent) a terrorist attack on American soil that will result in the loss of many lives.
These numbers are derived from only one poll conducted by one news network. However, people of all ages, religions and races are fearful of the effects of terrorism. American fear has manifested into Islamophobia: general hate and massively unfair stereotyping. That being said, it is an issue that must be addressed in the next four years, both within our borders and with the groups and countries that have proven to be inherently dangerous.
As a voter, I am concerned that a woman will not be as successful as a man in achieving peace with extremist groups in negotiations, potential war or even reconciliations. Not because she lacks knowledge, or has not proven to be a competent leader, but because she will not be afforded the same respect as a man.
While a few Middle Eastern countries have taken steps to improve the rights of women (allowing them to pursue educations, careers and limited leadership positions) the area maintains gender expectations that differ so greatly from ours. Considering the lack of women in power in these countries, it is difficult to believe that their leaders would accept a female president as their equal. While the U.S. is very fortunate to be where we are today as far as gender equality is concerned, we must recognize the differences in culture.
America’s priority should be the safety of its citizens. Today one of its greatest threats is terrorism and its puppets, such as ISIS. It is tempting to jump on the opportunity for another presidential revolution, but before voting Hillary Clinton into office, consider the country’s needs at large. A woman will lead America one day soon, but that day should not be today.
Related Links:
Hillary Clinton's bizarre magazine cover highlights gender disparity in politics
COUNTERPOINT: Hillary Clinton will win, but more important is how she will govern
Reach the columnist at Kendra.Penningroth@asu.edu or follow @KPenningroth on Twitter.
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Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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