An insightful blend of analysis, profiles and interviews with prominent political women illustrating the realities of life in the upper echelons of public life, as well as the challenges likely to face a woman in one of the world's most powerful political positions - president of the United States.

Madam President? The question is not if, but rather when the United States will elect a female president - but timing may be the only certainty involved in shattering this most visible glass ceiling in U.S. society. Who will be included in the field of candidates for Madam President, and why? How will she have to position herself for a viable run at the Oval Office? Once in office, will she encounter gender-based biases in her handling of military and foreign affairs? Will Madam President blend seamlessly with the long line of Mr. Presidents - or will the very nature of the presidency be irrevocably changed? Anticipating Madam President's insightful blend of analysis, profiles, and interviews with prominent political women illustrates the realities of women in the upper echelons of public life, as well as the challenges likely to face a woman in one of the world's most powerful political positions.

Foreword - Pat Schroeder. The White House: The Ultimate Prize - the Editors. THE STRUGGLE FOR POLITICAL EQUALITY. Breaking the Glass Ceiling - M.J. Skidmore. Paving the Way: The Work of the Women's Movement - A.N. Costain. Changing the Climate of Expectations - E. Falk and K. Hall Jamieson. Profile: Shirley Chisholm, Blazing Trails. THE CAMPAIGN. Obtaining the Nomination: The Role of Parties - M. Haussman. Fundraising Issues for Female Candidates - V.A. Farrar-Myers. Communication on the Way to the White House - D. Bystrom. Public Discourse - C.L. Bower. Profile: Pat Schroeder, The Campaign that Wasn't. THE MEDIA, VOTERS, AND PUBLIC OPINION. Media Coverage of Campaign Firsts - D.J. Heith. Is America Ready for a Woman President? - C. Kennedy. Gender, Race, and the Oval Office - A. Gordon and J. Miller. Profile: Geraldine Ferraro, Media Coverage of History in the Making. GOVERNING. Leadership: Governance from a Woman's Perspective - L. Cox Han. A Female Leader for the Free World: Foreign Policy Issues - T. Lansford. Confronting the Myths: A Question of National Security - J. Davis. Profile: Elizabeth Dole, Executive Leadership. CONCLUSION. Madam President: Sooner or Later? - K. O'Connor.