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At least a woman should be more successful at keeping her zipper shut tight.
Martin Irish, USA

It's the question, not the answer, that is wrong! Why not an African American, a Native American, an Asian? Woman is just one of the disenfranchised groups in this country that pretends to hold the moral and ethical leadership of the world. In a country built on the backs of slaves and stolen from its natural inhabitants in one of the worst known periods of continued genocide it is hard to believe that enlightenment of any kind will ever sink in. Hypocrisy rules in America, it isn't possible for that to change.
David A. Mair, British citizen in the USA

The time is certainly right for any leader who is fit for the job - no matter their gender. However, the public may need to see a female President in the Vice-presidency before they feel comfortable with such a great change of tradition.
Randy, USA

It depends on the female. If a female does get elected I hope she won't need to think she has to act "macho" like Thatcher. I'd like to see a confident female get elected and have a calming effect on world politics. If only...
Steve N, UK

America, the land of the free. The land where Truth and justice is the standard for all. The founding fathers and our religious backgrounds hold as the base that truth shall prevail. If you lie you must pay for the consequences even if it is a "white lie". Lying to the Grand Jury is the biggest act of irreverence for the law that governs. I cannot believe that there is so much disagreement. The presidency will not be affected because the system provides for the immediate passing of the office to the next in line.
Ivan Torres, USA

A woman President is not a bad idea. The downside would include the consideration of the US' international involvement. Several of the countries the US deals with have a society that does not permit a woman ruling over men. A female US President in this capacity may be undermined simply because of her gender. I am not saying that they shouldn't have one, it is just a consideration.
Mutale, Canada

It does not matter what sex a presidential candidate is, what should matter the most is their integrity, ability to govern, lead the nation, their aspirations for a better country. It does not matter what sex the President is, if their values, policies and ideals are similar to my own, then he or she will receive my vote. With all that has occurred in Washington over the last several years, I think a woman would be a most welcome change. And if the Republicans are going to get into the White House in 2000, they better get on the Lid Dole band wagon as soon as it leaves the barn.
Kenneth Colony, USA

Why not? And not just Elizabeth Dole or Hillary Rodham Clinton. There are a plethora of capable women executives and politicians that fit the bill. Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, both senators from California have enviable track records in politics. and city management.
Ed Edet, Nigeria

Gender is not an issue. it is the greed among men to prove that he is better than others makes this world crazy.
Sonny Taladua, USA

Sure, why not...
Mrs. Dole - a woman - a republican - we really need another thing to laugh at..
But seriously yeah I say give it a go.. In NZ both of the major parties are led by women, one is the PM, the other one will probably be the next one and we're doing just fine...
Harry Major, New Zealand

It's time for a good US President. Male, female, whatever.
David McCall, USA

Ever notice how the women who are elected to lead nations are almost always conservative?
Richard T. Ketchum, USA

Every president has had the same kind of action for years. Just because Clinton got caught there is no reason for all of this. How would this action benefit Clinton ? It can't way at all! It was cheep sex and that what was in Clinton's head. On the other hand what did she get out of it? Movie offers and fame! She got every thing she wanted and more.
Kand, USA

Yes!!! Elizabeth Dole as President. She is perfect for the role of cleansing the Clinton White House. Elizabeth Dole will be a President to do this country proud!!!!
Theresa Bush, USA

If the job is done right, it shouldn't matter whether the President is a woman. The thing that really upsets me is that a female President will be more harshly scrutinised.
Maria Zlotorzynska, Canada

I feel as though we, the United States of America, should give Dole a try. A female president could do so much more for us than a male president.
Lauren, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.

Yes, when Bill Clinton has completed his term in January 2001. As the Republicans have proven themselves to be so vindictive against Bill Clinton (Even at the mention of his name!), poor old Elizabeth Dole would best keep out of the race. Who should take over! HILARY RODHAM-CLINTON, of course!!! She's got ability and more charisma than Al Gore! But please Hilary, don't end up like Margaret Thatcher. She probably did more harm to the women's cause.
Andrew Lye, England

No, what the USA needs is a asexual robot, capable of repeating the same mindless drivel that the American media thrives on. So then leaving the people of the United States to get on with their lives.
Politics and the media has become a self perpetuating circle in which the needs and concerns of the majority has been discarded in order to pander to the ego's of the politicians and media "loves".
Gary Leece, Scotland

America has been in need of a change in the shape of a female and/ or minority group president in this country for a long time.
With the last years of the Clinton presidency having been dominated by sex scandal, an electorate that generally believes a woman to have stronger sexual morals than a man is more likely than ever to vote one in.
Max Schuelein, USA

Clinton's diversion from domestic problems. He had prior chances to use force. He only reacts when it is to his personal advantage.....
Charles Harshberger, USA

I'm sorry to be part of the "Baby Boomer" generation which developed this pathetic President. I'm offended by his actions in the work place while I'm paying his salary. I'm even more disturbed by this felon lying to the World and under oath.
Charley, USA

It is always a good time for a woman President. I never voted for a candidate because he was male or female, black or white, Jewish or Christian, or anything else. It is their political agenda that I support when I vote for them. I am not sure that Mrs. Dole will get my vote but I would have probably voted for Mrs. Busch.
Constantine Alexander, USA

It was just a ploy by the President to take our focus off the impeachment process. It was just another one of his criminal acts to cover up the truth.
Michael & Julianne Isham, USA

It is time. However, the gender of the candidate is not as important as the person's qualifications. Elizabeth Dole, having served as as Cabinet-level official under two previous administrations, as well as other high-level positions, would serve this country well. Still another outstanding candidate? Jean Kirkpatrick -- former United States Ambassador to the UN -- would be another GREAT candidate.
Hillary Clinton? Sheesh! She cannot even manage to restrain "Bubba" -- let alone deal with a FOREIGN threat to the security of the United States. She should go back to Arkansas and take up "cookie baking" for a way to pass the time waiting for Bill to come home from visiting Chelsea's half-brother.
Kris Langley, United States of America

Mr.Blair is no Margaret Thatcher & Clinton is no Ronald Regan. Too bad for both of us.
Clayton B.Schmidt, USA

Gender should not really be an issue.
Given the fact that we're not allowed to vote for the people we really want, and have to settle for those chosen by the parties, what difference will it make to anyone whether the candidates are women, or of any particular racial/ethnic/religious background?
The last President freely voted for was Jefferson Davis. So what does it matter who they put forth?
J. Michael, USA

I would like to see some sanity restored in America sometime soon and Clinton should resign instead of handing America over to hell in a handbasket. He fooled us long enough...maybe he can manipulate the devil in his own handmade hell.
Shawn Benjey, US

I guess they are ready , but will a female president necessarily demonstrate high moral and ethical standards?
Shantanu Dutta, India

It's always been "time" for a woman president - hopefully, before I die, America will learn to vote for what the politician represents, not anything as trivial as sex, colour, or creed. This indeed can be an embarrassing country to live in.
Gary Maculsay, US

I am 13 years old and I want a president who will be a role model for kids. My parents remember when the president was someone you look up to. It's hard to look up to Bill Clinton. He does not tell the truth, and he is unfaithful to his wife. I feel sorry for Chelsea. If he were my dad, I'd be ashamed of him.
Sam, USA

I want a president who will "give me freedom or give me death" attitude! If a woman can command the greatest unified country of the globe, then she has my vote. Personally, I think Hillary has the qualifications to make a great president.
SFN, USA

The millennium is approaching, and though I highly doubt that there will be as big a collapse as people are saying, I think most people will be looking for some type of change. Some landmark they can pass and look back and say, "In 2000 we had the first woman President." Though depending on who "takes the helm" there may or may not be such a large change as Americans seem to be expecting.
Kara, USA

Turkey, a country which makes no apologies for being a male-dominated culture, has had a woman as its leader. Perhaps, after two centuries, the US has caught up to Europe and is ready to be led by a woman. America, however, is at the core far more conservative than any nation in Europe (one need only look at the U.S. work-place and health-care system). In the US, adherents of American-style conservatism are willing to use guns and violence to further their political aims. It is impossible, therefore, for a liberal woman to be elected to the Oval Office. On the other hand, in the state of Arizona all five of the top political posts are currently held by women. All Republicans. Only a woman who strides toward the White House as a Republican and a standard-bearer of conservatism could possibly be elected President. Elizabeth Dole just might be that woman.
John de Nal, USA

Being president of The United States can be a suitable job for a woman. But it will have to be a very special woman. She would have to be intelligent, calm and able to see the whole picture of a case. She should not pursue feminist issues especially, but work for equal rights for every person. From what I have seen, I think Madeleine Albright is a perfect candidate for the job.
Liz Christensen, Norway

I vote no because I find the question ridiculous. It really should not matter whether it is a female, a male, white, black, green, or blue. The question should not be who it is, but what they stand for, do they have moral integrity, honor, courage, and most importantly, the ability to tell the truth at all cost. As far as Hillary Clinton, why would anyone want to put her in that office after the laughing stock that her husband has made this country during his tenure. If anyone thinks she is not one of the main orchestrators of his presidency, they need to go back to the first grade.
Lali, USA

Elizabeth Dole would make an excellent President of the United States. Most men, myself included, could easily vote for such a charming and intelligent lady. She would be a refreshing change from the liar Bill Clinton. Go for it Elizabeth, and you'll be surprised at the support you'll get.
N. Vaughan, USA

It is fine time to kick of a new era with a woman leading the country. I doubt they could do worse than what we have seen already.
Lara Thurman, USA

Anyone who says America is not ready for a female president is either still living in the 1800's or is a chauvinist. If it's still a question on anyone's mind, there is still chauvinism going on in America. My question is this - Is America ready to stop allowing pig headed men to run this country?
Tiffany Petreikis, USA

Long overdue. A senior level, Senator or Cabinet member, a progressive/conservative would be a good candidate. Someone like Kaye Bailey-Hutchinson or Madeline Albright. Or perhaps a business leader/entrepreneur.
Peter J. Stephens, USA

Europe has accepted women in positions of power for centuries, why should it be such a novelty?
C.Topham, USA

Yes!!! it's about time that the other half of the population be represented in the Oval Office. History has shown us that the male sex is hardly uniquely suited for such a high level position.
Tarek Salaway, USA

It would be time for a female president dedicated to social justice and economic equity. I am not convinced that Elizabeth Dole's political agenda would be pointed towards the realization of those goals. Great Britain's experience with Margaret Thatcher was not my idea of a feminist's dream.
Josée Belleau, Canada

Old notions regarding 'women's roles' in American society have changed in the past few generations. Also, ideas regarding the office of President have shifted. Particularly since R. Reagan, the Presidency has been regarded much more as a joint effort of a cabinet, rather than the office of a single person. The presence of women within these cabinets indicates an acceptance of women performing within the Executive branch of government. Given all that, a candidates' gender is not nearly the first consideration on the minds of most voters.
Duggan, America

Being female will not isolate a person from scandal. It may change the type of scandals and problems faced. It will give the US a first over France and Germany.
Doug Walters, USA

The problem with a woman running for The Office is that people may vote for her out of sympathy or due to gender. Americans are not the brightest people in the world. Less than 50% vote. A lady candidate will take attention away from resolving national problems by philosophy, and focus on solving national problems by testosterone and oestrogen.
Charlo Mariani, USA

It is not "time for a woman president", any more than it is time for a president of any sort of particular persuasion. Right now, the US needs to worry merely about electing a good president, one that can both lead the american people at home and serve as an example abroad, one who has solid, supported domestic policy and a lucidly constructed, coherent foreign policy as well. Once this fundamental is achieved, other goals can follow.
Colin Guest, US

No, even though I am a woman and a registered republican that will vote outside my party if I feel the candidate is better for the position than the candidate my party is running, I will not vote for and do not want a woman for President. Her husband was too old when he ran and I don't care for her.
Linda Price, USA

How about Monica Lewinsky? We hear she has certain - erm - "talents" which might make Saddam Hussein more malleable.
Graham Bell, Brazil

It's not yet time for a female president. Even though the current government is riddled with scandal, the solution for the nation is not merely a presidential change in gender.
Matt, USA

Why not? It would be the beginning of an effort to castrate all males guilty of sexual crimes, population growth, forgiveness of 'courtesy deaths' (stopping your car to wave a waiting motorist access to the very busy highway), and for those who have simply had enough of all this ruffian stuff, the end of war. What a perfumed world we would eventually be in.
B. Turner, USA

I thought Nancy Reagan was the first.
Mark, New Zealand

This question reeks of sexism, and frankly, I'm surprised that the BBC has chosen this question as one of its talking points. Why should the gender of the next president of the United States be relevant at all?!? The U.S. needs a strong, decisive leader - someone that people can be comfortable with, someone people can trust. These qualities can be (and have been) amply demonstrated by well-rounded individuals of both sexes. Gender IS not (and SHOULD not) be a relevant issue when selecting an individual to lead the greatest nation in the free world. Enough said.
Guru Sahajpal, USA

Women show much greater empathy than men. They are therefore more interested in fellow human beings than in pursuing their own interests. A better society overall!
Kristen Hellmrich, United Kingdom

Until another superpower emerges, it is going to be extremely difficult for a female president to be the only decision-maker.
Adhaidan, Canada

While leading and setting standards for the entire world, America has lagged behind in this particular aspect. The world has witnesed many strong women leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Goldamair, Ghandi, etc... Needless to say America has more potential Women leaders, as in many other resources, it must be able to give them a chance to prove themselves and to benefit from their leadership.
Shimels Afework, USA

It certainly seems ironical that a democratic free America has never had a women President, when even third world countries (including Islamic nations) have had women leaders, like Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Benazir of Pakistan, Indira Gandhi of India, Chandrika Kumaratunga of Sri Lanka, Margaret Thatcher of the UK. This is not to say that women necessarily make good leaders. However, unless the US gives a woman a chance, the world will never know. With the extent of moral degradation prevalent in the US, a woman might be a breath of fresh air. A thumbs up to giving the better halves a go at the Presidency.
Iqbal Mutabanna, USA

I've no idea what Hillary is thinking... If she can't control her husband, how could she control the country? With respect to Elizabeth Dole, perhaps she should consider the vice-presidency as a first step.
James Fox, US

It would be excellent for a woman to run for American president. Voters should select her based on merit and a good track record, not based on the fact that she is a woman. If we Americans can successfully back a good female president it could serve as an example for the equal rights of women in other cultures. Let's be careful about 'religious values.' I would not want a president that has religious prejudices or undue cultural bias. We need a powerful yet open and investigative mind. It's time women and black Americans step up.
JA, USA

I think we need a woman in the oval office, she can separate business from pleasure....and be more disciplined.
Allie, USA

Cannot believe that Hillary, or anyone else in her supposed corner, thinks people would vote for her. If she thinks that "standing by her man" is scoring points, she's as stupid as her husband. Does she think the public will swallow that hogwash about not knowing about her husband's track record. If she believes this, can the United States afford to have someone this stupid in that position again?
Elizabeth Dole on the other hand is everything Hillary is not. Just wait, you will be impressed.
Gary A. Marshall, USA

At the time of reading I see that the votes are 66% against having a woman president while the vast majority of comments are in favour of it. From this I can only conclude that those opposing are simply chauvinists without the benefit of logical argument or any sort of case to justify their misogynist position.
Max, UK

It depends on their policies as for any President. Thatcher was not elected because she was a woman. The question should be, is America ready to elect someone on the basis of their policies rather than the colour of their skin, gender, sexuality, precociousness, weight of their wallet or shine of their smile.
Duncan Drury, UK

I really feel that it would give the US the "morality check" that is necessary to halt the otherwise inevitable downhill slide.
Will Parker, UK

All indications here in the States are that Elizabeth Dole will seek the presidency in 2000. The Republican primary will be hotly-contested, but it is very possible to see Dole actually being elected vice president or president. The Republican "Dream Team" for 2000 currently seems to be Texas Governor George W. Bush for president and Elizabeth Dole for vice president. The Democrats (Al Gore, in particular) trail the Republicans badly in all early public opinion surveys.
It is very unlikely that Hillary Clinton will ever be elected to the U.S. Senate. Although Hillary has high poll numbers, she also have very high negatives. Hillary would be destroyed by virtually any Republican in a Senate race, particularly if New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani enters the race.
Ryan Travis, USA

Qualities of character and mind are superior to those of gender.
Malcolm Watts, England

Please don't make it Elizabeth Dole though for Gods sake. Ronald Reagan was the first AND last joke president. May his memory just be a bad one.
Philip Lines, USA

Why ask such a question? It exacerbates sexual warfare and diminishes female intelligence and integrity. The question is not whether it is time for a woman, but whether or not the usual bipartisan politics will prevail leaving Americans with no real choice for representation in the presidency. Personally I think Madonna is a good choice. She has character, guts and doesn't let anyone push her around. And she is marketable. Oh, she likes kids too I hear! She is a real hard worker and has excellent job experience...after all she has been Evita!
KSBW, USA

I have always been under the impression that a female President has existed since Hillary Clinton took office. Surely nobody seriously thinks "Bill" has been in charge. He, after all is incapable of running his own private life let alone a great country like the United States.
Peter Olohan, USA (English)

This is the perfect time for a female US president. We have two strong candidates with outstanding credentials. And, considering the current political atmosphere with President Clinton, a fresh change of pace would be strongly welcomed.
Richard, USA

Why not? You had a (great) female Prime Minister for more than a decade.
Jacob Rennerfelt, Sweden

Women are more intelligent but less greedy than men.
Lily, US

I believe it is time for a woman in the White House, and Elizabeth Dole would be my choice. She is an honest, caring, hard-working savvy lady, God fearing and loyal. She would do what is best for the American people and I would be proud to have her as my President.
Kenneth Wester, USA

I'm not 100% sure whether it is time for a female US President, but it certainly is good timing for a strong candidate in the American President election.
Bart Remes, Belgium

I'm all for a woman president. I'm not sure that Elizabeth would be a good candidate however. She somewhat exemplifies the traditional roles of women despite her career at the Red Cross. She also is very conservative in her views, so if Elizabeth would run, she wouldn't get my vote.
Brett Toay, United States of America

The time is asking for poignant president, whether female or male shouldn't be a question. The United States is slowly moving towards its downfall. The country is surviving by virtue of people like Alan Greenspan. For the last few terms, the country has been running under bunch of clowns, and incompetent men who really needed intelligent support. After Linden Johnson, the United States unfortunately always had empty-headed vice presidents. It's not the question of a female president or male president, but a sophisticated president who could successfully run domestic, foreign, and economic policies.
Abdul Rafey, United States

It's definitely time for a female president. America's choice of Presidents thus far can definitely be viewed as sexist. It may also help to redress the balance in male dominated world politics. It will interesting to see, if Amercia does vote in a woman, the reaction of some of the Moslem allies of the US.
Alla Lapidus, UK

Certainly overdue! There should be more women in power. A female president would lend credibility not only to the democratic process, but to the office of president. However, whether or not the political world is ready for a female president remains to be seen. The world is ready (finally) to see women take their place as leaders, unencumbered by the competitive drive of testosterone. Are women more cool and balanced, unlike men who are seen as competitive and driven?
Wayne Boatwright, Australia

I really hope not! Why ? Quite simply it's not natural. Just look at all of the other animals on this earth. It is ALWAYS the mother who stays at home to look after the young while the father goes out to get the food, provides for and protects the home. Women, (female gender) are just not made to do this type of work, or any other type of work. Just relax ladies, do your bit and leave the workload to us men !! In addition, can you imagine how the unemployment figures would benefit if only men were allowed to work and how wonderful family life would be if "wifey" were waiting for "hubby" to come home from work with a nice dinner waiting and all evening to talk about how wonderful life is.
Greg Morgan, Germany

Yes. Hillary Clinton should run for President, to give the voters a chance to show what they think about the impeachment proceedings.
Mathew, USA

An excellent idea ... as long as she is not a Thatcher clone !?!?
Paul Brazier, United Kingdom

Sure... but not Elizabeth Dole. America strongly rejected Bob - why should we think she's anything but a mouthpiece for her husband?
John, USA

With all the time, money and media coverage that has literally been wasted on Clinton and his peccadilloes....one has to admit that someone with a "nesting" instinct .....someone who will of themselves dedicate their efforts to HOME would be refreshing....someone with less testosterone!
Marilyn Penny, Canada

Yes - but only if she's the man for the job.
T.J. Cassidy, USA

No. Supposedly women are equal to men. Then one day it is rumoured that a woman wants to run for president. Her (Republican) party is full of excitement, because they know that many voters will vote for her simply because she is a woman. Therefore at least in politics, women are not equal to men.
Diederik Zwager, Netherlands

Elizabeth Dole, who served as the Transportation and Labor Secretary is a far more qualified candidate than Hillary Clinton who has done nothing more than ride on the coat tails of her husband's political power. Hillary was a miserable failure in the one true test of her ability - the health care reform task force - which in the end was even repudiated by members of her own party.
USA

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