I ran because somebody had to do it first. In this country, everybody is supposed to be able to run for president, but that has never really been true.

I ran for the presidency, despite hopeless odds, to demonstrate the sheer will and refusal to accept the status quo. The next time a woman runs, or a black, a Jew, or anyone from a group that the country is 'not ready' to elect to its highest office, I believe that he or she will be taken seriously from the start.

I have certainly met much more discrimination in terms of being a woman than being black, in the field of politics.

Shirley Chisholm Quotes