Can the Glass Ceiling Be Broken? What Hillary Clinton Couldn't Do, Kamala Harris Might Finally Do

Eight years ago, at the Democratic convention, Hillary Clinton became the first woman nominated for president of the United States. “This is an extraordinary moment, not just for me as a woman, but for our entire nation and the legacy we leave for future generations,” said Felma Sias, a delegate from Wisconsin.

Hillary Clinton failed to become the first woman to serve as president of the United States, but she became a staunch ally of the second woman who now, thanks to her, has a chance. “Together we have created many cracks in the highest and hardest glass ceiling, and tonight we are so close to breaking through it once and for all,” Hillary Clinton said at the convention.

Some Democrats and their voters still blame Hillary Clinton for her crushing defeat by Donald Trump eight years ago, but for others the frustration has already subsided, as was evident on the first day of the party’s convention in Chicago, where she was received as a heroine. Many foreign experts and commentators point out that it was the former secretary of state who paved the way for Kamala Harris to walk today.

– She broke the glass ceiling, and that's exactly what we needed. There's no doubt that without Hillary Clinton's work and her tenacity in this fight, we wouldn't be where we are today – says Tammy Murphy, wife of the governor of New Jersey. That is, in a place where America can already imagine a woman holding the office of president. – It helped open a lot of doors and change perceptions. Every time a woman does it, it makes it easier for the next one to be judged on our own merits – emphasizes Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democrat from Michigan.

According to a YouGov poll conducted in late July after Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race, the number of American voters who are ready to elect a woman as president has fallen by 9 percentage points since 2015.

In recent weeks, Kamala Harris' campaign has gained momentum, and subsequent polls show that her support is consistently growing, as is the enthusiasm of previously undecided Americans. “I support any black woman who runs for president of the United States 100,000 percent,” says teacher Tori Durrett. “If she became the first female president, and an African-American at that, it would be something legendary. She would become a heroine of fairy tales for little girls,” adds student Amaryn Smith.

Such words from women are especially important for Kamala Harris because – according to experts – they are the ones who can decide who will win the November elections.

According to the latest poll for CBS NEWS, Kamala Harris' support among women now stands at 56 percent, while Donald Trump's is at 44 percent. For comparison, in his 2016 clash with Hillary Clinton, he won 42 percent of the female vote, and the former secretary of state won 54 percent. However, Trump did better than Clinton among white women voters in three states, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, which effectively decided the election results eight years ago. This margin was enough to put Trump in the White House.

“I'm hoping that this time people will vote for a woman. It didn't quite work out with Clinton, but I hope it will be different this time,” says Harvey Butler, a retiree.

Hillary and Bill Clinton quickly endorsed Kamala Harris' candidacy after Joe Biden dropped out. Foreign media emphasize that although the women were on opposite sides in the 2008 primaries, in which Hillary Clinton competed with Barack Obama, they have become very close in recent years. They have been united, among other things, by the ongoing problem of underestimating women in high positions.

– Hillary Clinton was one of the most qualified candidates to run for president, and although she didn't win the election, she certainly became a role model for other women. I think the path she paved gives Kamala a better chance, says Nancy Pelosi, former House Speaker.

Speechwriter Hillary Clinton has joined Kamala Harris' campaign. Democrats are hoping she'll write Kamala Harris' victory speech.