There are occasions when winning is not being victorious for yourself, but for those of the future. The 2008 primaries show the effects of a woman who was triumphant in paving the way for the next generation.

In the 2008 primary election, Hillary Clinton was a voice for women of America. Some say, facing the sexism of American society Clinton had to be the symbol of strength for women.

Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women, said “I was very struck by the way Clinton was described in the media…commenting on her voice and

comparing it to nails on a chalk board.”

Professor Kathleen Dolan of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee and secretary of Women and Politics Research said, “Sexism is so deeply engrained in American society that many (maybe most) people don't even realize when they say, read or hear something that is sexist.”

Thelma Price a community leader and a former Penn State University vice president of academic affairs said, “Hillary is not the first to run.”

Women before Clinton such as Rep. Shirley Chisholm and Rep. Geraldine Ferraro have tried to accomplish the same task, and it is because of these women that Clinton was able to achieve any level of success.

Although Clinton was not the first woman to run for the presidency, she is the first to come so close to victory. “ Her success will be encouraging to some women who might seek office,” said Dolan.

“At the same time, it is important to recognize that she didn't lose because she is a woman,” Dolan said, “she lost because of some key tactical campaign mistakes she made and because her primary opponent was a strong one.”

Dolan and Walsh agree that no matter the attention Clinton is receiving, women are still not confident or encouraged to run for political positions. “They have to be asked to run for office,” said Walsh.

Though Clinton’s impact for the future women may change that, it will be one step at a time. “Hillary will be a symbol to women in the future, making it a little bit easier,” said Walsh.