18 Million Cracks in the Ceiling

Below is an excerpt from “The Progress Report,” issued by The Center for American Progress Action Fund on Monday, June 9, 2008. The Report’s comments about Hillary Clinton’s recent speech and her campaign are a must-read for Clinton supporters.

On Saturday, thousands of people joined Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as she ended her historic run for president. "Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it," Clinton told her supporters. "And the light is shining through like never before, filling us all with the hope and the sure knowledge that the path will be a little easier next time." Her campaign may be over, but the effects of her candidacy will continue to pave the way for progressives. "She shattered barriers on behalf of my daughters and women everywhere, who now know that there are no limits to their dreams," said Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL). Even First Lady Laura Bush said she "admired Hillary's grit and strength." Because of Clinton's candidacy, women analysts were featured by the media more frequently, women's issues rose prominently in the national debate, and the need for more women office-holders entered the national consciousness. Even while facing intense displays of misogyny, as the New York Times's Paul Krugman noted, Clinton continued to stay focused and put forth policy proposals that were "surprisingly bold and progressive."