Rodham

by Curtis Sittenfeld

This season does seem promising, but I’m trying not to get my hopes up. Then, because I’d learned from giving speeches that ending with the negative half of a mixed sentiment made the whole thing seem pessimistic, I deleted what I’d written and typed instead, I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but this season does seem promising.

do you remember when you and I overheard Bill talking about watermelons in the law school lounge? Before I knew him, I thought he was a horse’s ass. Then I got to know him and decided he was truly exceptional. Then I went to work for him and decided, no, I was right the first time—he’s a horse’s ass. Now, seeing his smug face onscreen while he jeopardizes Democratic unity for some kind of hand job from the media, all I can think is that this is an invitation for a Republican spoiler.”

I don’t think other things would have been possible if I’d been a mother. For all that Americans are suspicious of a woman who doesn’t marry or have kids, I suspect that they also want or even need the first woman who’ll be elected president to seem different from other women.” “As penance for ambition or as proof of exceptionalism?”