This isn’t a political commentary. Let’s clear that up right away. I’m not here to endorse a party or advocate for Hillary Clinton as our next president. Rather, I’m a dad reflecting on the significance of telling my daughters they could one day occupy the highest office in the land—a statement that carries real weight in today’s world.
I have three kids: Lily, who is 2, Mia, who is 6, and my son, Jake, who is 9. While Hillary Clinton has yet to secure the presidency, she has made strides that no other woman has achieved before her. Although she has been in the White House, she was there as the first lady, playing a vital role beside her husband, but lacking the authority that comes with being the president.
As a father, I want my daughters to understand that their dreams are within reach. When I say, “You could be the next president,” I want to point to a real example of a woman who has come so close. I hope to inspire them to dream big and believe they can achieve anything, unimpeded by glass ceilings or societal expectations.
It’s crucial for my daughters to grow up in a world that recognizes their potential. I want them to know that they can aspire to be astronauts, Supreme Court justices, or even the president of the United States. Equally, I want my son to recognize his role in supporting these aspirations. At 9, I want him to understand that he has just as much responsibility to uplift the ambitions of the women in his life as he does to pursue his own dreams. Whether his future partner chooses to be a stay-at-home mom or the president, I want him to champion her goals, respecting her as an equal.
In 2023, we live in an age where women are just as capable and educated as men. I want this truth to be reflected in our political sphere. I want to be able to tell Mia and Lily, “Look, she did it. So can you.” As a white male, I realize I’ve never faced the challenges of underrepresentation. I’ve never looked at a lineup of leaders and felt that my gender was a barrier to achieving those roles. But now, as a father of girls, my perspective has shifted.
As I watch my daughters grow, I see their intelligence and capability, and I know they can achieve anything. Yet, I wonder if they realize their potential or if society’s gender biases will cloud their views of what they can accomplish. I don’t want them to feel limited by their gender. I want them to believe they can drive their own futures, fully aware that their abilities are equal to anyone else’s.
Even though they may not grasp the full political landscape right now, the fact that Hillary Clinton has come so close to the presidency is a milestone worth celebrating. It allows me to share with Jake that women are equally capable of leadership, urging him to respect that fact. And for my daughters, it provides an opportunity to show them that they can follow in her footsteps.
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Summary
A father reflects on the significance of Hillary Clinton’s achievements for his daughters, hoping to inspire them to believe in their potential. He emphasizes the importance of equality and support in both his daughters’ and son’s futures.
