Put a Powerful Woman in the White House - Vote Obama

With a background in computer science and dreams of entrepreneurship, I am reminded every day that in my career I am a woman playing in a man’s world. So I am constantly looking for powerful female role models that have succeeded in a male-dominated environment.

Which is why I was extremely disappointed when Hillary Clinton lost the nomination for the United States presidency.

Don’t get me wrong - there was plenty I didn’t like about Hillary. Just like there was plenty I didn’t like about Obama. But with the two having similar platforms I mostly agreed with, I picked the woman.

Yes, I admit it. I desperately wanted the woman to win, because in my field the women who win are few and far between because there are hardly any women to begin with.

But I may still get my wish for having a powerful female role model in the White House in Michelle Obama, which is one reason I’m now wholeheartedly throwing all my support behind her husband Barack. Here’s why:

Michelle Obama is Authentic

Michelle Obama speaks openly about her husband and their family life. She admits she never wanted Barack in politics and discusses the sacrifice she has made for this country - allowing her family to undergo scrutiny in order to support her husband’s presidential campaign. Women can relate to this sacrifice she makes - as a wife and as a mother - and Michelle rallies them around her.

Michelle’s authenticity wouldn’t be possible if she was running for presidency, because her words would be considered weak rather than heartening. But with no pressure to make promises to her audience, Michelle Obama is nearly unstoppable in her efforts to gain a following of passionate citizens.

Michelle Obama is Educated

Michelle Obama has the same impressive educational background as Hilary Clinton - she graduated from Harvard Law school in 1988 and has been a practicing lawyer since, serving at universities, for firms, and in politics with Mayor Daley of Chicago.

Michelle Obama has a strong career history in politics and law and is clearly a close adviser to her husband. I believe her ability to balance femininity with power is what the women in this country need to take the next step into leadership and eventually into a female presidency. Being an alpha female is no longer about joining the Good ‘Ol Boys club, which is the perception Hillary Clinton gave many of us. Instead, it’s about taking the natural abilities and strengths that women are blessed with and using them to change the world in a different way than a man could.

Michelle Obama is the new Jackie Kennedy

The elegance, grace, and personal aesthetic of Jackie Kennedy has made her one of the most beloved first ladies in United States history. As I watch Michelle Obama, I notice similarities between the two women.

For example, the White House Black Market dress Michelle Obama wore on The View last week is flying off dress racks at nearly every store in the country. Michelle Obama is not even First Lady and she is already set to become an iconic woman of the 21st century. After all, when was the last time you bought something Laura Bush wore?

Perhaps you think the power to sell dresses is a frivolous Paris Hilton trait, but just think what Michelle Obama could sell if she used that power to support a charity. The position of First Lady is perfect for a woman interested in making a real difference in the world. While her husband runs the country, Michelle can put her influence to use in other, complimentary ways.

What do you think of Michelle Obama? Is she the female role model the United States needs right now?

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