Becoming Madam Secretary

by Stephanie Dray

“Oh, we all smile at men when we don’t know what else to say.”

And I would answer that call or die trying.

“Empathy takes imagination, and most people ain’t got any.

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

Women are gonna vote from now on in New York State and I oughtta show ’em some attention. Bring ’em into my administration. Naturally, I thought of you.”

He spoke against withdrawing from politics and how he thought such apathy was an actual danger to a nation that boasted of being a government both for the people and by the people.

“Frances, we need to make issues simple enough for a woman to understand.” Then he’d wink. “Because once women understand it, the men will finally be able to understand it too.”

Harold Ickes,

“Oh, I never expect miracles, but I do have faith.”