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Culture > News

Hillary Clinton is Already Getting Involved in the 2020 Election & I’m Here for it

Jamie Bridenstine
Abbey Williams
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Wyoming chapter.

***Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author’s and are not those of Her Campus Wyoming or HerCampus.com. 

Hillary Clinton called out an important struggle women have… and I’m here for it.

I was browsing through my news feed this morning, when I came across an article by Politico titled, “Hillary Clinton says 2020 female candidates unfairly have to avoid looking ‘angry‘.” 

Me, being a savvy, politically opinionated conservative, had to read this to see what kinds of things the 2016 election loser was sparking up about the upcoming 2020 election. Oddly, I was surprised and agreed with Hillary 100%. The fact is, females in male-dominated fields already face a disadvantage. Personally, I can see this first hand.

As Secretary Clinton points out, how does a woman stand up for herself on the biggest stage in the world without looking aggressive?

Women often face scrutiny and criticism for perceived qualities or traits that would not be applied to men. For instance, being too aggressive, assertive, confrontational, argumentative, macho, or gung-ho. Perceptions of women are still rooted in the traditional 1950’s housewife persona. And if I need to provide any more examples, just look at any woman in a military or political career. Women can’t be too masculine when in a leadership role.

And what I hate most about the expected persona is that there is no gray area. You’re either viewed as too soft, feminine, womanly, gentle, delicate… or masculine and aggressive. Basically, you’re seen as a jerk when you need to get something done or need to establish a grounded command presence.

There’s no between. And as a woman, particularly in a man’s field, I think that is crap.

So where does this leave us in the 2020 Presidential race? Hillary’s interview was about her views on the women running for president, so it’s only fitting to see who exactly is in the pool. Five Democratic women have already declared candidacy.

1) Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii)

Gabbard is the first Samoan-American and the first Hindu member of Congress. She is also a Major in the Hawaiian Army National Guard. She announced her campaign in mid-January.

2) Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York)

Gillibrand, preceded by Secretary Clinton herself, has served in the House and Senate. She also has a Law degree from the UCLA School of Law.

3) Kamala Harris (D-California)

Harris also has a Law degree, from University of California, Hastings College of Law, and wants to fight for a large tax cut for the middle class. Her mom immigrated from India, and her father immigrated from Jamaica.

4) Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota)

Klobuchar is also a lawyer, getting her degree from the University of Chicago Law School. She is Minnesota’s first elected female United States Senator.

 

5) Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachussetts)

Warren has an academic background, being a professor of Law. She was also Republican up until 1995.

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“Sometimes you want to have a very productive Saturday to feel that you are in control of your life, which of course you are not.” -Tina Fey, Bossypants Jamie Bridenstine... How do I even begin to explain Jamie Bridenstine. Jamie Bridenstine is flawless. She has two Fendi purses and a silver Lexus. I hear her hair's insured for $10,000. I hear she does car commercials... in Japan. Her favorite movie is Varsity Blues. One time, she met John Stamos on a plane. And he told her she was pretty. One time, she punched me in the face. It was awesome. Jamie Bridenstine is a 4th year undergrad at the University of Wyoming, earning her B.A. in Communication and a minor in Military Science. Her favorite move is Mean Girls... and any movie with Tina Fey in it. She enjoys deep conversations about politics, procrastinating on group projects, and watching The Office over and over again. Jamie has the cutest dog in the world, Timber, and is ready to take on the world after college. She will be heading up to Washington after graduation to pursue her career in the military... and hopefully her graduate degree in Public Relations.
Abbey Williams

U Wyoming '19

Abbey is a senior at the University of Wyoming and is currently majoring in Journalism. She couldn't imagine a world without Jesus, coffee, The 1975, Twitter or her family. You'll usually find her at a concert or cafe somewhere, which is where she spends majority of her free-time. Talking to band members after their shows is a hobby, along with thrifting & indulging in all aspects of pop culture. After college, she plans to spend more time at concerts, getting paid to write about music and bands.