[close] This book is a call to action for new political leadership from the women of America. Elected women leaders; Governors, Senators, Congresswomen, state legislators and city officials; tell their stories to former three-term Vermont Governor and Ambassador to Switzerland Madeleine M. Kunin, who intersperses her candid observations. She asks: Why run? What difference do women make? What is the worst part of politics, and what is the best part? What inspired these women to run, and how did they prepare themselves for public life? How did they raise money, protect their family's privacy, deal with criticism and attack ads, and work with the good old boys?<br /><br />Kunin interviews a diverse group of women; some are female profiles in courage. Kunin looks at women's leadership and the role of gender stereotyping for women Congresswomen, Governors, Corporate CEO"s and for President. She interviews Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, analyzes her campaign, and asks the question: "Is the country ready?" She interviews a wide variety of women in elected office, U.S. Representatives Loretta Sanchez, Deborah Pryce, and Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senators Susan Collins, and Amy Klobuchar, among other women leaders at various levels of elective office.<br /><br />The next generation of women will be inspired to lead by seeing women like Nancy Pelois wielding the gavel, and seeing themselves reflected in the portraits in state houses, court houses, corporate and university boardrooms, and the White House. Politics and Pearls will help ensure that this inspiration is not sourced or deflected, but channeled into successful candidacies by America's leaders of tomorrow. [close]