(January, 1978)

    President Carter hinted at his press conference recently that he might not seek reelection.  Who would succeed him?  Had time arrived for women to make a bid for this most coveted office?  My adrenalin began to accelerate.  I decided to poll the people in Smithville to glean their opinions.  Here are my findings:

     MARSHA DARRAH:  Definitely!  When do you want me to run?

    SHERRY BUSH:  I don’t believe America is ready, but I personally believe women can serve as

                                  President and serve adequately.

     NORVAL WEBB: If she can be elected.

     MARY WHITE: If the woman has the wisdom and the power, she CAN be elected.  Money

                               talks.  Her chances are enhanced, if she has money.

     MARY LEFEVRE: No. Men think logically; women think with their hearts.

     DR. JOE CROSBY: I have no aversion to a woman president.  Golda Meir made a very good

                                  prime minister for Israel.  I have not seen many women on the U.S. political

                                  scene that I would consider presidential material. The most vocal group of

                                  women are the ERA, and they certainly would not carry an election.  Why,

                                  they are not even for motherhood and apple pie.

    LINDA COLVERT: I’m against women’s lib.

    BETTY HALE: I feel that women are intelligent and capable.  They’re far more sensitive

                           than men, but I doubt if the majority of Americans are ready to follow a

                           woman’s leadership.

   REP. JOE L. EVINS: Yes.  In administrations, where queens have ruled, there have been periods

                              of peace and tranquility.  Women are good administrators, excellent organizers,

                              experienced in handling money, (They control over half of the country’s money)     

                              and would balance the national budget.

   MARGARET PUCKETT: Women are not conditioned to withstand the pressures.  God made

                                            them to be mothers.

  VESTER PARSLEY, JR.: There are not enough women qualified at the present time in the       

                                          political workings.

  McALLEN FOUTCH: Yes. Right now they seem to be capable of doing anything a man does.

 OTHA DELL CONGER: No. I don’t think women are ready to be President.  They haven’t the

                                       leadership ability that men have.

JERRY WINFREY:  If it’s a Democrat.

DR. LARRY PUCKETT: There is no reason why a woman could not serve as President, if she is

                                      well-equipped for the job.

GARY CRIPPS: Several women have the ability to successfully handle the responsibilities of the office of President, but I doubt the majority of Americans would accept such a proposition. 

Within the next couple of decades, the idea of a woman President will gain in popularity.

VIVIAN FOUTCH:  Women do not have the stamina to face the crucial pressures of the office.

FOWLER STANTON: No!  I love you women. I’m even married to one; but you ain’t got no       

                                    business being President.

     Zing, I noticed a touch of male chauvinism in a few responses.  Do you think we’ll have a woman President in the next century?