Becoming Madam Secretary

by Stephanie Dray

it was best to stride with a purposeful gait, keeping fixed upon my face an expression that said, Ill-intended gentlemen will very much regret trifling with me.

“Because many people in America believe poverty is a moral problem having to do with sloth or some other sin we can blame on individuals. But I believe poverty in America is an economic problem that can be solved…and I intend to solve it.”

“Politicians are different sorts of villains,”

It was still the prevailing belief that if a woman wanted to work for the betterment of society, she needed a private fortune.

I wanted to jump to my feet and ask why they couldn’t hire more workers to meet the demands of a short season. The answer, of course, was that they’d have to employ able-bodied men, who commanded higher wages than little girls.

“My dear girl, making a few enemies is how you know you’re doing things right.”