The glass ceiling for women in politics has been “shattered” but challenges remain, political commentator Eleanor Clift said during a keynote speech Saturday at the Women in Leadership Conference.
Calling women the “crown jewel of the electorate,” the Newsweek contributing editor described the many advances women have made in politics during her speech to about 100 people in McCormick Auditorium.
“The Clinton administration set a positive tone for women by its numerous appointments and policies,” she said. “And Bush has continued that with a diverse cabinet. There are encouraging signs.”
Clift, who has covered Washington, D.C., since the Carter administration, also discussed her experience battling stereotypes as a female political correspondent. The only woman panelist on “The McLaughlin Group,” Clift said she originally felt like she had landed in an “alien culture.”
“The show was designed to have the format of a men’s locker room,” she said. “It was never intended for a woman to regularly appear. But after abortion became a major issue, it didn’t seem appropriate to only have five men debating anymore.”
Instead of concentrating on her personal accomplishments, Clift talked about the work of prominent women who have run for office.
Her most recent book, “Madam President: Shattering the Last Glass Ceiling,” which she co-wrote with her husband, Tom Brazaitis, profiles 10 of the most influential women in politics who could possibly run for president.
Clift said many of the women she interviewed realize that the opportunity for a presidential run exists but also are aware of the obstacles they would face.
“Many women aren’t known enough to be thought of as presidential candidates,” she said. “We can only succeed if we step into the arena.”
As possible female candidates, Clift said she expects Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) to consider running for president in 2008.
“This year was the first time a first lady has run for public office,” Clift said. “Some women are afraid to declare their ambitions for higher office because it’s seen as a selfish career move.”
Clift also pointed to Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D-Md.) and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Texas) as qualified candidates.
Saying Clift was a “great fit” for the seminar, Women’s Coalition leaders said her blend of knowledge in politics, journalism and women’s issues made her an ideal keynote speaker. Women’s Co executive board member Laura Millendorf said Clift sends an optimistic message to women.
“Eleanor is a high-profile female who pays attention to women’s issues but is also respected by the men in her field,” said Millendorf, a Weinberg sophomore. “In such a period of controversy in politics, it was great to have her speak.”
About 30 community members also attended Clift’s speech.
Glenview resident Cindy Sammons, who founded the first Women in Leadership Conference 10 years ago as a Northwestern student, said she agreed with Clift that political barriers will break only when more women get involved.
“We need a groundswell of more women getting involved to change anything,” Sammons said. “It should be a challenge to us to get more motivated.”
