I Want to Have a Beer with Curtis Sittenfeld

Photo from Writer

I came across Curtis Sittenfeld’s novel Rodham by chance while strolling around Barnes and Noble. I bought it because I’m a political enthusiast who dreamed of becoming President of the United States before it was popular.

I read Hillary Clinton’s first memoir because I collect presidential memoirs. As a child, I wanted to know what life choices led someone to the White House so I could mimic them. I’m still collecting political memoirs, because why not me? There is still time for me to build a reputation. I won’t count myself out yet.

Rodham is a fictional account of what Hillary Clinton’s life might have been like if she had chosen not to marry a sexual predator. It felt like Curtis Sittenfeld wrote that book just for me. I felt like her ideal reader.

The “Beer Test”

In politics, there is what is referred to as the “Beer Test.” It’s the idea that voters want a presidential candidate approachable enough to have a beer with, but that stereotype has been used against professional women for decades.

If you’re too personable, then you’re not serious enough to make the hard decisions, and you’re probably getting sexually harassed by someone. That’s why you got promoted last year. If you are serious, then why would anyone want to work with you? Are you that…