Expectations-of-women Quote by David Remnick
““I was unlikely to be seen as a transformative, revolutionary figure. I had been on the national stage too long for that and my temperament was too even-keeled." When I asked about this, I pointed out that her popularity was always high when she ran something - when she was Secretary of State, her approval rating was nearly seventy per cent - but suffered when she ran for things. "I was running something in service to someone else," she told me. "A man. Who I was honored to serve. And so I knew that if I did get into the Presidential race again I would face what women face when you are not serving someone, but you are seeking power yourself.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2023
She reflects on how public perception shifts when a woman moves from serving others to seeking power herself, noting gendered scrutiny.
In simple terms: Women face harsher judgment when they seek power rather than serve.
Recognize and challenge double standards in leadership.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- women in leadership
- media analysis
- public opinion
- career transitions
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does gender affect public approval of leaders?
- What strategies can women use to navigate power transitions?
The quote may oversimplify complex political factors beyond gender.