Liberal

Potter: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand shows promise as future presidential candidate

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) has quickly risen in politics and is becoming well known nationwide. She progressed from congresswomen to senator, and has been considered on the short list of 2016 Presidential candidates.

 

Considering she was appointed to the Senate by Hillary Clinton, it would be unlikely for Gillibrand to attempt to get on the ticket for the Democratic Presidential primary. Due to Gillibrand and Clinton’s close relationship, she may be considered for Vice Presidency or a cabinet position if Clinton wins the Democratic ticket.

Though 2016 is not the appropriate year for Gillibrand’s Presidential run, she has proven herself to be highly capable and would likely make an excellent candidate in the future, or a strong running mate for Clinton.

Gillibrand has consistently advocated for legislation that is focused on helping women and families, most recently the Military Justice Improvement Act, which aims to reduce sexual assault in the military. In 2013, Gillibrand also announced her American Opportunity Agenda, which includes paid family leave, an increase in minimum wage, universal pre-K and equal pay. This legislation, while insufficiently tested on a state level and not ready for national implementation, is a glance into Gillibrand’s future goals for the U.S.



In a Sept. 16 interview with Forbes, Gillibrand argued that women are “good consensus builder’s, and … often more likely to leave partisan bickering and party politics aside in favor of getting something done.” She claimed that she has often had strong support from female Republican senators on the legislation that she has spearheaded. This type of bipartisanship, whether initiated by women or men, is exactly what our country needs.

Gillibrand’s ability to work across party lines and general political outlook makes her well suited to be a national leader.

More women in Congress means a Congress that is better suited to representing the needs of Americans. And having a woman in the White House would not only be symbolic of the progress our nation has made in women’s rights, but could help to increase the representation and advocacy for women.

In the past few weeks, Gillibrand has received heightened attention, in part due to her recently released book, “Off the Sidelines.” She has shed light on sexual harassment that women in politics face, both in her book and in recent interviews.

According to a Sept. 15 Huffington Post article, Gillibrand was ridiculed for her post baby weight and she was told she needed to lose weight in order to be elected statewide. Based on her public reaction to the harassment, she is more than fully prepared to not only professionally handle the obstacle of gender discrimination, but also work toward reducing it.

Gillibrand is not only working toward addressing sexual harassment and discrimination issues, but is an advocate for American families and family values. She serves as an excellent role model for women who want to get involved in politics and is an incredible asset not only to the Democratic Party, but also to politics as a whole.  If she advances to an executive branch position, it would be a step in the right direction for women, families, Democrats and our nation.

Rachel Potter is a senior political science and sociology major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at [email protected].





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