Yesterday, I was the morning speaker for the Pennsylvania Bar Association Commission on Women in the Profession.  The conference theme was “Women and Politics” so my talk focused on how women can increase their political capital by negotiating more effectively, whether they are running for public office or not.  Could the timing have been any more interesting given that news that Hillary Clinton has decided to suspend her campaign broke just last night? Yes, there I was in Pennsylvania, a state that had meant so much to the Clinton candidacy, speaking to a group of women lawyers but I must admit I was feeling very depressed about the outcome of the Clinton campaign. 

Then Gerry Ferraro made me feel better.  (more…)

TAGS: Geraldine A. Ferraro, Hillary, Hillary Clinton, media bias, Politics, Women In the Professions, women role models

Last night I tuned into the Democratic candidate’s debate about 40 minutes into it.  I was impressed with the performance of all three candidates, particularly Senator Clinton’s.  Whereas Obama pontificated a bit too much for me, and Edwards seemed to rely on passion more than facts, Clinton provided the most detailed responses — and that I liked.  So I was quite surprised when it was over and CNN did its analysis.  I had missed the initial fireworks!  Although one part of me admired Clinton for engaging in offensive action, in the long-run, I felt it was unnecessary and unbecoming.  I realize that she’s following the same strategy that Bill Clinton employed during his campaign (every attack gets a response), but the rules are different for men and women.  Senator Clinton has a unique combination of experience, intelligence, compassion, and vision — all necessary ingredients for leading this country.  In recent months she’s worked on her LQ (likeability quotient) and it’s paying off.  My coaching tip for Mrs. Clinton:  lead with your strengths and stay above the petty politics engaged in by your opponents.   

TAGS: Democratic debate, Hillary