The height differential in this photo illustrates one more barrier female candidates face:
From our worship of athletes to our habit of electing the taller presidential candidate, we tend to think of "leaders" as big, physically imposing people. Witness the endless negotiations on podium height, standing vs. sitting, and who walks over to who in presidential debates.
But leaders come in all sizes: I remember with a bittersweet tear in my eye a photo of Bill Bradley and Paul Wellstone campaigning together. Wellstone stood above Bradley on the plane steps, and Bradley crouched down as low as he could so petite Paul was towering over him. Both had broad grins on their faces as they poked fun at themselves in their impromptu role reversal.
Both of them would have been damn good presidents. And Patty Judge, despite some shortcomings, might have been a damn good governor but we won't find out this year.
As for this year: Is this going to put pressure on Fallon and, especially, Blouin, to name pre-primary running mates? Especially if the Nussle-Vander Plaats deal happens? Does Blouin name an unimpeachable lefty to cover that flank while he courts the anti-choice vote? Does anyone cast a general election vote based on who the running mate is?
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