All around the world women are presidents and prime ministers, yet in America, we have yet to elect the first woman president. When Barack Obama accepted the nomination as the Democratic candidate for president in 2008, the media were quick to point out that Hillary Clinton lost. Yet Clinton won almost 18 million votes and was the first front- runner woman candidate. Almost Madam President: Why Hillary Clinton 'Won' in 2008 argues that Hillary Clinton gained more than she lost in her bid for the presidency. This book takes the reader on a rhetorical journey through Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign, focusing on Clinton's sophisticated "You Tube" style announcement speech, the debates, and the many notable stump speeches and media events on the campaign trail. Along the way Gutgold examines the obstacles and opportunities of women as presidential candidates.

"In Almost Madam President, Gutgold offers a detailed narrative of the Clinton primary campaign, allowing readers to experience it again and to draw conclusions about it. The book focuses on Clinton's Internet announcement, speeches, performance in the debates, and on television coverage and attacks." - Presidential Studies Quarterly

"A strong start on the challenging and extraordinarily important task of uncovering the power of identity in politics." - Politics & Gender