By Joshua Hawkins
CCC Journalism Program
CAMDEN – The United States has had 44 presidents and never has a woman been the nation’s chief executive. That could change on Nov. 8, as Democrat Hillary Clinton tries to become the first female president of the United States.
Alex Roman, 27, reads an article about Hillary Clinton. By Joshua Hawkins, CCC Journalism Program
Camden County College student Ismael Sanchez, 20, of Pennsauken, who will vote for the first time in this election, said having a female president would be a good thing for the country. “Having a woman at the throne will greatly benefit our women who have been mistreated for years in our country,” Sanchez said.
Office worker Alex Roman, 27, of Camden, stated, “I think the thought of having a female president shows how far we have come as a country. Thirty years ago no one would have imagined having a female at the head of office. Whether I want Hillary to be the first female president, I don’t know. From what I hear about Hillary’s ‘crimes,’ I don’t think she should be a president, but at this point I will take anyone but (Republican Donald) Trump for president.”
Clinton was first lady from 1993 to 2001 when her husband, Bill Clinton, was president. As first lady, she fought for Americans to have affordable health care. She was secretary of state from 2009 to 2013 in Barack Obama’s first term as president. As secretary of state, she advocated for the rights of women and girls as part of U.S. foreign policy.
Those positions have made their way into the 2016 presidential campaign. On her Twitter page, Clinton commented about a story about a child having a nightmare about Trump’s views on other religions, “This is heartbreaking. No child in America should feel afraid to practice their religion or embrace their heritage.”
Camden County College student Jahmal Copelan, 20, of Camden, who will vote for the first time in this election, said he was raised by a single mother and has seen how women have been mistreated in this country. “Hillary will make things equal among men and women like they are supposed to and will improve health care so single mothers like mine can afford to take care of their children when they need it,” Copelan said.
Office worker Kristina Wenzel, 27, of Trenton, stated, “I think it’s good for us as a country. She understands what rights women should have and can give women some opportunities that we have not had in this country.”