Meaning: The quote by journalist Eleanor Clift highlights the lack of gender diversity in major party tickets in politics. This observation points to a broader issue of underrepresentation of women in high-level political positions, particularly in the context of running for the highest office in the United States.

In the history of the United States, there have been very few women who have been nominated for the position of President or Vice President on a major party ticket. This fact underscores the reality that women have been historically underrepresented in the highest echelons of political power. While there have been women who have run for these positions, the number is indeed limited, and this scarcity is what Clift is addressing in her quote.

The quote also alludes to the reality that the underrepresentation of women on major party tickets is not limited to one political party. It is a systemic issue that transcends partisan lines and affects both major political parties in the United States. This further emphasizes the pervasive nature of the problem and the need for a more inclusive and diverse approach to political representation.

Eleanor Clift's observation serves as a reminder of the barriers and challenges that women face in the political sphere. The fact that the list of women considered for major party tickets is "embarrassingly short" speaks to the structural and cultural barriers that have historically limited women's participation in high-level politics. These barriers can include gender bias, societal expectations, and institutional obstacles that make it difficult for women to ascend to positions of power within the political establishment.

Despite these challenges, it is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made. In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro became the first woman to be nominated for Vice President by a major party when she ran alongside Democratic nominee Walter Mondale. In 2008, Hillary Clinton made history by becoming the first woman to win a major party's presidential primary and went on to secure the nomination in 2016. In 2020, Kamala Harris made history by becoming the first woman of color to be nominated for Vice President by a major party.

These milestones are significant, but they also underscore the rarity of women being considered for major party tickets in the history of the United States. The low number of women who have been nominated for these positions reflects the broader issue of gender inequality in politics and the need for greater representation and inclusivity.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to encourage and support women in politics. Organizations and initiatives aimed at recruiting and training women for political office have gained momentum, and there has been a concerted effort to address the systemic barriers that have historically hindered women's political participation.

As the quote by Eleanor Clift suggests, the list of women considered for major party tickets is indeed short, but it also serves as a call to action. It highlights the need for continued efforts to promote gender diversity in politics and create a more inclusive and representative political landscape. By addressing the barriers that have limited women's participation and by actively supporting and advocating for women in politics, progress can be made toward a more equitable and diverse political system.

In conclusion, Eleanor Clift's quote sheds light on the underrepresentation of women on major party tickets in the United States and the broader issue of gender inequality in politics. It serves as a reminder of the challenges that women face in the political sphere and the need for continued efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in high-level political positions. While the list of women considered for major party tickets may be short, it also represents an opportunity to work toward a more representative and equitable political system.