With Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren appearing at several of Hillary Clinton’s rallies and appearances, could we see her being selected as a running mate and potential vice president?
A rather large portion of Hillary Clinton’s USP is that she’s a woman. Her other credits are that she has extensive experience in the field, and her opponent is a fascist permatanned populist. Clinton talks endlessly of the glass ceilings that have been broken throughout her time in the U.S. government. Whether it was as First Lady and being put in charge of the ever-controversial Hillarycare, or receiving enough votes to clinch the Democratic nomination.
On June 9th 2016, Clinton was endorsed by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, who declared herself ready, but not vetted, to be vice president. Warren, a progressive liberal figure in U.S. politics, is yet to be confirmed as Clinton’s running mate, but is looking increasingly likely to be selected after appearing at several of her events. If Clinton does select Warren, it could potentially mean discontent on both the left and right.
So what would a ‘2 woman-ticket’ mean for the political spectrum? Sure, we’ve had female running mates before, with Walter Mondale’s selection of Geraldine Ferraro in the 80s, and John McCain’s questionable picking of Sarah Palin running up to 2008. But a two-woman ticket, especially those in question, would be extremely divisive.
From the left of the spectrum, there is probably confusion and even anger as to why Warren has sided with Clinton, given that she is ideologically married to the Sanders campaign. If Sanders supporters were shocked by Warren’s endorsement of Clinton, they are in for a huge surprise if she is selected as running mate. For the right, Warren can clearly hold her own against Trump and his gross misogyny — labelling her ‘Pocahontas’ in mockery of her Native American heritage. But though she may be strong enough to fend off such tactless opposition, it still won’t stop the ‘2 woman-ticket’ label from playing directly into the hands of Trump’s far-right campaign.
For feminists it could potentially be a confusing scenario. One of pride that a long overdue double female leadership is on the table, but also a sad sense that opportunism is playing a key role. Warren and Clinton aren’t necessarily the most ideologically matched, okay, they seem to share an outward bond on stage that is warming, but not exactly politically sound. There is a sense that Clinton is overplaying, or at least clinging too tightly to the woman card, and this is something that could leave even feminists feeling disappointed.
Who knows whether Clinton will select Warren as her prospective VP. Currently it is looking increasingly likely, but if anything has prevailed over the past two weeks it is that political uncertainty is very much ‘in’. The presumptive Democratic nominee should be well aware however that at this stage, it may be more risky to play yet another woman card, than play the seemingly strong one she already has.
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Joseph Howe
I first began writing for Shout Out UK in November 2015 while in my first year at university. In February 2016, while studying at the Charles University of Prague I was appointed SOUK's Politics Columnist. Since then, I have conducted interviews with MPs and civil rights activists from the U.K. and other places in Europe.
Since graduating from the University of Liverpool, I have taught current affairs in two colleges in Vienna, and am about to start a new adventure in the Houses of Parliament. Among other things, I love to travel and enjoy a very hectic social life.
