Mother Talkers

Argentina Elects Liberal Woman for President

by Elisa

Mon Dec 10, 2007 at 08:46:28 PM PDT

I find it unbelievable that a country, which only a few decades ago had a vicious right-wing dictatorship, just elected a left-leaning woman president -- before the United States.

Not only did Cristina Fernandez run on sensible programs such as more funding for public education and a crackdown on those involved in the human rights abuses by the country’s 1976-83 dictatorship, she even used her own last name, which would never happen in the free U.S. of A. From the Associated Press:

Fernandez, a three-term senator who won office handily on a left-leaning ticket, captured 45 percent of the vote against a divided opposition Oct. 28. She joins Michelle Bachelet in Chile as the second sitting female president in South America.

Approval ratings for (her husband and current President Nestor) Kirchner topping 60 percent have been largely credited with Fernandez's victory, although she was praised for an astute, unorthodox campaign. Refusing to debate any of her rivals and granting few interviews, Fernandez preferred to be photographed overseas meeting world leaders — projecting a flair for diplomacy while masking a lack of executive branch experience.

Argentine law prevents more than two consecutive terms, but a husband-and-wife team could alternate in power for as long as their support continues.

I am not down with dynasties, but it is cool that a left-leaning duo like Fernandez and Kirchner appear to have moved Argentina in the right direction. Also, I am envious that people actually voted on Fernandez’s merits and not whether she was "too liberal," took her husband’s last name -- remember “Rodham-Gate?” -- or whether the Argentine people were ready for a woman president, or any other such nonsense.

Fernandez, BTW, is technically the second female president of Argentina to Isabel Peron, who as vice president assumed the presidency when her husband Juan Peron died in 1974. She was ousted 20 months later in a coup.

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Tags: Argentina, woman president, female president, Cristina Fernandez, Isabel Peron, last name, Rodham (all tags)

Permalink | 4 comments

  • I wish her luck (0 / 0)

    Congratulations to President Fernandez.

    I've also been filled with wonder at another South American president - Michele Bachelet, the president of Chile. Interesting NYT Mag article on President Bachelet here

    by Rachel on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 02:22:02 AM PDT

  • Hmmm... (0 / 0)

    When I saw Hilary and Obama hug on a bridge at the beginning of the campaign, I teared up.  My daughter asked what was wrong, and I explained that we were witnessing history.  That not that long ago, a black man and a white woman couldn't hug in public, much less do so within a stones throw of the presidency.  When I show her this post, it will be with the hope that she understands that, in some ways, while our country still has a long way to go, there is still hope.  

    let me get back to you on that.....

    by face121 on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 11:22:57 AM PDT

    • This comment (0 / 0)

      made me change my way of thinking about Hillary. I always knew I would vote for her in the general, but was leaning way away from her in the primary. But now, reading your thoughts, I realize I have the friggin chance to support and vote for a woman for president - a woman who shares many of my same values and whom I've had nothing but respect for in the past. Why I was reluctant (other than her support for the war and the rabidity of the ensuing right wing attack machine), I can't say. And, now, I'm embarrassed. I'm going to get me a Hillary '08 bumper sticker right now. Thank you. There is indeed hope.

      by GiGi on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 04:07:41 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • The name thing is driving me crazy (0 / 0)

    I'm having major issues the last week or so with my name.  Not that I have an issue with it; I like it just fine.  But I do not have DH's last name, and with holiday greetings coming in, this is the time of year when it becomes apparent to me that many people are not respecting this, after over five years of marriage.

    I can handle it when my aged relatives can't get a grip on it; I'll give some leeway for growing up in a different time.  I'm most pissed with my SIL, who I've personally told that I don't appreciate being addressed as Cynmill Husband's Name.  So what does she do with her card to us?  Addresses it to Mr. & Mrs. DH.  I have never in any capacity used his name.  My name is on my driver's license, my SS card, and DS's birth certificate.  I don't have "public" and "private" names.  I go by the name I was given nearly 39 years ago and I would just appreciate a bit of respect.

    OK, I vented, but DH is getting sick of my ranting the last week or so! I never wanted to go so far as to actually send out cards saying I did not change my name.  I figured all the address labels and birth announcements and whatnot listing us both by our legal, given names would suffice.  But apparently not, and I'm starting to think this is more than just forgetfulness.  I'm really feeling like it's many people's passive-aggressive judgment on my decision.

    Anyone have any good, solid arguments when I get the whiny comeback, "But it's tradition!  It's what you're supposed to do!"  A friend of mine says what if the tradition was that when you married, your first name changed to your husband's mother's name?  I'd love that, because my SIL isn't very nice to my mom.  It would serve her right if that was the "tradition"!

    by cynmill on Tue Dec 11, 2007 at 11:08:59 PM PDT

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