Local Voters Talk About the Possibility of Dole Running for President

WILSON — Elizabeth Dole fell short of saying she would make a run for the presidency in 2000. But the Salisbury native made it very clear her world is full of possibilities.

"Soon I will begin considering new paths, and there are exciting possibilities," Dole said.

Many people believe one of the possibilities Dole is considering is running for President of the United States in the year 2000. But for now, only time will tell.

If she does make a bid for office, Dole will embark on new territory for women throughout the country.

Dole is hinting that she wants to go where no woman has gone before.

"I think that a woman president would bring a lot of spice to the presidency. I think she would. I think it would be different, a different look," said Wilson voter Annetta Pitt.

"I think it's a good idea. If a woman is educated and capable, I think she would do just as good a job as a man could," explained Smithfield voter Ritche Willoughby.

Nearly everyone we spoke with in one Wilson mall believes a woman in the White House would be good for America.

But a few, including one woman, believe that a man is still better suited for the job, especially in war or times of crisis.

"A job that has that much responsibility, that could endure so much time and so much mental and physical thinking and capacity, I feel like a man should do it," said Wilson voter Christine Williams.

Some say woman are too emotional for the job. Congresswoman Pat Schroeder cried in 1987 when she announced that she would not run for president.

Others say leaders like Margaret Thatcher show that a woman can be just as tough when it counts.

"We've seen several woman who have been leaders on the world stage, and I think sooner or later it's going to happen here in the United States," said U.S. history teacher Jim Boykin.

When it will happen is tough to say. That job is up to the voters.

Younger voters may be more likely to support a woman for president.

We asked history students at Wilson Fike High School if they could support a woman. Every student said "yes."