Life

These Women Should Run For President In 2020

by Megan Grant

During her concession speech Wednesday morning, Hillary Clinton echoed many of our own thoughts: This election hurt. The loss cut deep. But she remained a source of inspiration, encouraging us not to lose hope, as one day, women will break through the glass ceiling still getting in our way. Some of us are already looking ahead at years to come, wondering about other women who should run for president and pursue the most influential position in our country. If there's anything we've learned over the last several years, it's that there are a number of fine ladies who would make our country proud (although honestly, they already have made it proud — and continue to do so).

Policies and political stance aside, Clinton stood as a symbol of hope and possibility. The White House hasn't exactly rolled out the welcome mat for women; neither, for that matter, has politics in general. But Clinton proved that we all have what it takes within us to make it to the top. This election may not have been the one for the first woman president, but one day — soon, if we have any say in the matter — somebody is going to get there. One woman is going to shatter records, make history, and change American politics as we know it. And maybe it will be one of these seven women.

Michelle Obama

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I think a lot of us are hoping this isn't the last we see of the Obamas in the White House. In many ways, Michelle Obama revolutionized the role of the First Lady. Refusing to stand in the background while her husband kicked some political behind, this lawyer instead made her voice heard and became an activist and role model for healthy families, services members and their loved ones, higher education for all, and education for young girls all across the globe.

Americans already expressed their desire for the FLOTUS to become the POTUS, and their requests have only gotten louder throughout this year's election. #Mobama2020

Elizabeth Warren

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Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren, never one to shy away from voicing her opinion on Trump, is a favorite amongst progressives and has fought her entire career for the middle class family. Twice she made TIME Magazine's list of America's 100 most influential people, and she's fearlessly taken on Wall Street to protect our financial rights and safety. She's admired by many for her bravery and original thinking, making her another easy pick for president.

Chelsea Clinton

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I think a lot of people would be thrilled to see the Clintons' only child follow in the footsteps of her powerhouse parents. Chelsea Clinton became a superstar in her own right, serving as a special correspondent for NBC News from 2011 to 2014, working with the Clinton Foundation and Clinton Global Initiative. Her educational resume is no joke, either. She did her undergrad at Stanford, received her master's degrees from University College, Oxford and Columbia University, and received a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oxford.

Condoleezza Rice

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Rice's accomplishments are abundant. She was the first black woman to fill the role of U.S. national security adviser, in addition to the first black woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. This political scientist and former professor received her PhD from the University of Denver's Graduate School of International Studies, and her passion for politics has left a lasting mark on our government. While she has said that her future is in education and not politics, I still think she'd make a darn fine president.

Tammy Duckworth

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No one can deny that Tammy Duckworth loves her country. Occupying the spot that President Obama once held, this Illinois senator (their second female senator) is an Iraq War veteran eager to serve the people, help working class families, make college more affordable, create jobs, and help veterans — something I think we can all agree our country desperately needs.

Valerie Jarrett

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You may not be familiar with the name, but Valerie Jarrett has been crucial to Obama's presidency, serving as a Senior Advisor, and overseeing the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. She also chairs the White House Council on Women and Girls. She has greatly helped develop Obama's agenda with campaigns to put a stop to sexual assault, raise the minimum wage, empower working families, and encourage entrepreneurship.

Janet Napolitano

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Napolitano's resume is a lengthy one. She was serving as the governor of Arizona (and the first woman to chair the National Governors Association) when she joined the Obama Administration. She also previously served as the Attorney General of Arizona and the U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, and was the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security from 2009 to 2013. And that doesn't even cover it all. She has been instrumental in coordinating our security efforts and managing large scale disaster relief efforts over the years. She is widely considered to be one of the most powerful women in the country.

Who would you like to see on the ballot in the future? We've got the power to make it happen.