Notes from the Cracked Ceiling

The Washington Post's Anne Kornblut explains three themes that emerge often when discussing women in politics.

Jan. 7, 2008

Then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton listens to a question from an undecided voter during a campaign stop at Cafe Espresso in Portsmouth, N.H. Clinton was the first woman to become a leading candidate for a presidential nomination.

Brian Snyder-REUTERS

Oct. 22, 2008

Sarah Palin speaks at a campaign rally at Green Memorial Stadium in Green, Ohio. Palin helped mobilize the Republican base after being selected as Sen. John McCain's running mate.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

May 12, 2008

Clinton campaigns at Westside High School in Clear Fork, West Virginia.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Dec. 24, 2007

A photo of Hillary Clinton from the Dec. 17 edition of the Drudge Report, an online news source. Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh said, "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis?"

Drudge Report-Drudge Report

Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh also told his audience after the Drudge Report photo of Clinton surfaced, "And that woman, by the way, is not going to want to look like she's getting older, because it will impact poll numbers."

Jim Sulley-AP

Oct. 22, 2008

Palin and McCain campaign at a rally in Ohio. The McCain campaign was barraged with questions about how Palin would be able to balance family life and the work schedule of being vice president.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

Nov. 4, 2008

Palin waves to the crowd after McCain delivered his concession speech at their election night rally in Phoenix, Ariz. After McCain put Palin on the ticket, poll numbers showed younger white women shifting towards the Republican ticket.

Rick Wilking-REUTERS

Oct. 6, 2008

Campaign buttons in support of Palin are on display to supporters waiting outside Germain Arena at a rally in Estero, Fla. Buttons across the country often commented on Palin's looks.

David Albers-AP

Dec. 7, 2009

First lady Michelle Obama welcomes reporters to the White House around the holidays. Michelle Obama has called herself the 'Mom-in-chief' at the White House.

Marvin Joseph/twp-THE WASHINGTON POST

March 3, 2008

Clinton talks with the press on her campaign plane before leaving Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The Clinton campaign had trouble deciding how to incorporate gender into their overall message.

Jahi Chikwendiu-TWP

Nov. 4, 2008

McCain and Palin conceded defeat to Barack Obama in Pheonix, Ariz. Palin proved to be a polarizing force during the campaign.

Melina Mara/twp-TWP

Oct. 23, 2008

Palin rallies supporters in Ohio. Questions surrounding a woman's work-life balance, appearance and intelligence came up often during the campaign.

Ricky Carioti-The Washington Post

May 21, 2008

Clinton and her daughter Chelsea Clinton stand together during a campaign stop at Century Village in Boca Raton, Fla. Chelsea stayed away from the spotlight early in the campaign, but eventually joined in and held rallies on behalf of her mother's candidacy.

Joe Raedle-Getty Images

Nov. 18, 2009

Californian Republican Senate candidate Carly Fiorina holds a roundtable discussion with reporters in Washington. Fiorina represents a growing number of businesswomen entering politics.

Gerald Herbert-AP

Nov. 18, 2009

Fiorina, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard Company, is a breast cancer survivor.

Gerald Herbert-AP

Dec. 9, 2009

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington, DC. Napolitano is also a survivor of breast cancer.

Chip Somodevilla-Getty Images

July 29, 2009

Napolitano mentioned her breast cancer in some of her campaign ads for governor in Arizona. She was elected governor of Arizona in 2003.

Seth Wenig-AP

Nov. 5, 2009

Fiorina has kept her hair short as she recovers from breast cancer.

Rich Pedroncelli-AP

March 23, 2009

Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, left, is interviewed by Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America." Wasserman Schultz is also a breast cancer survivor.

Handout-Getty Images

Oct. 2, 2008

The shoes of Republican vice presidential nominee and then-Alaska Governor Sarah Palin are seen during the vice presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Carlos Barria-REUTERS

US President Bill Clinton (R), first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (C) and their daughter Chelsea attend the Franklin, Essex, Clinton County Democratic Picnic where both the president and first lady delivered an address, 18 August 2000, in Saranac Lake, NY. The Clintons are spending a few days of vacation in Saranac Lake. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/JOYCE NALTCHAYAN Original Filename: US-CLINTONS DNC PICNIC.jpg ORG XMIT: SRN08

Joyce Naltchayan-AFP

Sept. 3, 2008

Then-Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain and wife Cindy McCain are greeted at the airport by Palin and her family before the start of the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn. Palin presented herself as an "average mom" and a woman with career goals.

Susan Walsh-AP

March 12, 2009

House of Representatives Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), center, speaks during a news conference along with members of the Congressional Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-N.D.) and Rep. Mike Ross (D-Ark.). Sandlin is the youngest member of the House. When she was elected, she was single and childless, which added another type of political baggage.

Chip Somodevilla-Getty Images

July 25, 2007

Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) speaks during a markup before the House Judiciary Committee in Washington, DC. Sanchez is one of several young mothers working as a legislator.

Alex Wong-Getty Images

Jan. 4, 2007

Newly minted members of Congress take part in a "mock" swearing in for photo opportunities in the Rayburn room with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after the official swearing in on the House floor. Pelosi has cited her experience as a mother in helping her lead Congress.

Bill O'leary-TWP

April 21, 2009

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano catches the eyes of those in the lobby of the Mayflower Hotel as she walks to a speaking engagement with the Anti-Defamation League. During her run for governor, Napolitano dealt with 'whisper campaigns' that she was a lesbian.

Katherine Frey-The Washington Post

April 21, 2009

When Napolitano was chosen to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, not pictured, said she was "perfect for the job. Because for that job, you have no life. Janet has no family. Perfect." Rendell later apologized.

Katherine Frey-The Washington Post

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This Story How a woman will win Article \| Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton's approval ratings are soaring. Sarah Palin is now a best-selling author. From this vantage point, it almost seems obvious: the United States is going to elect a woman president. Someday soon. Right? Women leadership styles When young women don't vote for women Off to the races Notes from the Cracked Ceiling Interactive timeline: women in politics Full Report: Notes from the Cracked Ceiling		Network News X Profile View More Activity TOOLBOX E-Mail This Reprints		More on washingtonpost.com • More Photo News » washingtonpost.com
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