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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Dear Madam President summary
Jennifer Palmieri
An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World
16 mins
Brief summary
'Dear Madam President' by Jennifer Palmieri is a letter to the first woman president of the United States, providing advice to navigate challenging situations and inspire others. It encourages readers to embrace their leadership qualities with courage and authenticity.
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Dear Madam President
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Key idea 1 of 6
Hillary Clinton’s election hopes were thwarted by sexism.
The author Jennifer Palmieri will always remember November 9, 2016, as one of the worst days of her life. That was the night that, against all expectations, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. As director of communications for the Clinton campaign, Palmieri was horrified and in a state of disbelief. How could Trump’s hateful rhetoric have won the day? Why had Clinton, an experienced political heavyweight, lost?
Palmieri now believes that sexism played a big part in the outcome of the election.
Consider the media’s reaction to Clinton’s concession speech: Clinton conceded that Trump had won and stated that she would accept his presidency for the good of the American people. Many in the media confusingly said that this speech had been her campaign’s best. They even claimed that this was a side to Clinton they hadn’t seen before – a softer side that would have gone down better with voters during the contest.
Palmieri believes that the media’s response to this speech demonstrates their sexist attitude toward Clinton. Why? Because she acted the same way she did throughout her campaign – the one difference being that she was graciously accepting that a man had defeated her. The media only liked her concession speech better because it was more in line with their expectations about how women should behave.
This incident demonstrates that society is more comfortable when women concede to men for the greater good. We view women less favorably when they display ambition like Clinton did when she sought the presidency.
As part of Clinton’s communications team, Palmieri already knew about society’s problems with ambitious women. During the early phases of her campaign, experts warned Clinton that people tended to view ambitious females as selfish and pushy. To combat these perceptions, she had to ensure she always framed her presidential ambitions in the context of wanting to serve others.
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What is Dear Madam President about?
Dear Madam President (2018) explores the factors that led to Hillary Clinton’s defeat in the 2016 US presidential election. The blinks give an insider’s perspective on the discrimination and controversies Clinton faced in her fight to become America’s first female president.
Dear Madam President Review
Dear Madam President (2018) by Jennifer Palmieri offers an insightful perspective on women's leadership in politics and beyond. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its honest and relatable anecdotes, it provides a behind-the-scenes look at the experiences and challenges faced by women in positions of power.
- Through thought-provoking analysis and practical advice, the book inspires women to embrace their leadership potential and navigate the complexities of a male-dominated world.
- By presenting a vision for a more inclusive future, the book emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in shaping the world and highlights the progress that can be achieved.
Who should read Dear Madam President?
- Followers of American politics
- Women seeking greater access to leadership positions
- Those interested in learning more about Hillary Clinton
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Dear Madam President FAQs
What is the main message of Dear Madam President?
Dear Madam President inspires women to step into leadership and be agents of change.
How long does it take to read Dear Madam President?
The reading time for Dear Madam President varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Dear Madam President a good book? Is it worth reading?
Dear Madam President is a thought-provoking and empowering book, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in leadership.
Who is the author of Dear Madam President?
Dear Madam President is written by Jennifer Palmieri.
What to read after Dear Madam President?
If you're wondering what to read next after Dear Madam President, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The January 6th Report by Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol
- The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee
- Tired of Winning by Jonathan Karl
- Liars by Cass R. Sunstein
- The Myth of the Rational Voter by Bryan Caplan
- Triggered by Donald Trump Jr.
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- At War with Ourselves by H. R. McMaster
- Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
- Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance