Michelle Obama’s speech to the 2016 convention glorifies Hillary Clinton. In one place she says “And because of Hillary Clinton, my daughters and all our sons and daughters now take for granted that a woman can be president of the United States.”
In reality, other women led the way: Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, Geraldine Ferraro, Pat Schroeder and Sarah Palin. The list is actually much longer. Remember Margaret Chase Smith?
Jordan was a rumored running mate for Carter in 1976. Ferraro was Mondale’s running mate in 1984. Schroeder in 1987 decided not to run for president. Palin was McCain’s running mate in 2008.
Shirley Chisholm stands out: “In 1972, she became the first major-party black candidate for President of the United States, and the first woman ever to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.”
Michelle’s husband awarded Chisholm a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 and pointed out her firsts. For Michelle Obama to have mentioned Chisholm’s pioneer run in her speech would have detracted from the glory that is Hillary Clinton.
11:02 am on July 27, 2016
