The First Woman Vice President Might Make History for the Wrong Reasons

The evolving history of the number two office and why it might change now

Kamala Harris’s is among the stories of the leading political figures of our time. And yet, history shows us that women’s progress is often met with obstacles to success.

As white men made the vice president’s office more powerful, they likely inadvertently increased the obstacles facing women aspiring to that post. The vice presidency is no longer just a symbolic role. As a result, women have to present stronger credentials than their male counterparts to run for the slot. All female candidates that Biden considered for vice president were among the most qualified individuals, male or female, considered for the number two office.

While Harris has a historic opportunity as the first female vice president, the potential for failure is also unprecedented. Last week, President Biden announced that Harris will be in charge of managing the border refugee crisis, and that she has been deputized to act unilaterally: “When she speaks, she speaks for me,” Biden said of Harris. If Harris does well, her deft management of a human rights crisis and hot-button issue will strengthen the vice presidency and her future campaign for president. If she fails, she will be blamed for the calamitous situation she inherited. Also known as the “glass cliff,” when women are promoted to positions of authority during moments of crisis when failure is statistically more likely…..

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