Critical Analysis

1. According to the data, in 2020, what percent of Americans said they would be willing to vote for a woman for president?

2. What story does this chart tell about American’s willingness to vote for a female presidential candidate?

3. What do you think explains the change in Americans’ willingness to vote for a woman POTUS?

4. If your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be a woman, would you vote for that person?

5. Describe how party affiliation impacts voters’ willingness to vote for a female candidate in the chart below.*

6. Six percent of American voters automatically disqualify any female presidential candidates. What percent of Americans do you believe would automatically disqualify a male presidential candidate; a “white” presidential candidate?

7. Given the data in the chart, a male presidential candidate would be starting off with a six point head start over any female candidate. Explain whether that alone is reason enough for a political party to automatically reject any female candidate.

8. Explain what year you predict America will select their first female president (if ever).

9. Explain why we have had an African-American (or more accurately, a mixed-race) president and not a female president.

10. Amendment XIX gave all American women the right to vote on August 18, 1920. That was over 100 years ago. Do you think it is surprising that a woman would has not won the presidency since this Amendment is just a century old?

Visual Extension*

Learning Extension

Read this great Vox story: Women candidates are constantly asked about their electability. Here are 5 reasons that’s misguided.

Action Extension

In a quartet, trio, or pair (in a breakout room or in person) enter into a respectful discussion about why a woman has never been president and whether a woman ever will win the U.S. presidency. Before you share your opinion, listen both carefully and actively to your partners as they share their opinions. Repeat a summary of their comments back to them when they are done. Share the results of your conversation in class tomorrow.