Former Vermont Governor Madeleine Kunin recently spoke at a campaign event for Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Molly Gray in Burlington. At the age of 91, Kunin shared her unique perspective on politics, drawing on her experience as the only woman to be elected governor in Vermont. Kunin’s career also includes serving as U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and founding Emerge Vermont, a program to support Democratic women in running for office.
Reflecting on the 2024 election results, Kunin highlighted the historic gender gap, with most men voting for Donald Trump and most women supporting Vice President Kamala Harris. Kunin emphasized the importance of engaging with young men to bridge the gap between genders and ensure a more inclusive democracy.
Despite the disappointment of the election outcome, Kunin urged women to remain active in politics and continue striving for leadership positions. Drawing on her personal experience with authoritarianism, Kunin stressed the need to fight for democracy and make voices heard, especially in challenging times.
Looking ahead, Kunin expressed hope for electing the first woman president and encouraged perseverance in the face of adversity. She emphasized the importance of staying engaged and vocal in promoting political and social views to keep democracy alive. Ultimately, Kunin’s message resonates with a call to action for women to maintain their activism and never give up on striving for equality and representation in leadership roles.
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Photo credit vtdigger.org
