Some Interesting Political History And Trivia

I recently learned something that has short circuited my brain.

Here's a trivia question - who was the first woman to run for President of the United States?

I would have guessed Shirley Chisolm (first African American too) in 1972. However, that isn't correct - even in 'recent' times. Maine senator, Margaret Chase Smith, ran for the Republican nomination in 1964.

The answer to this question is Victoria Woodhull - back in 1872. Now, that is amazing enough in its own right. However, that is only the beginning … She was also the owner of a Wall Street brokerage and adopted political positions that remain highly controversial even today - such as the legalization of prostitution.

One of issues that she was most passionate about was sexual freedom.

"Yes, I am a Free Lover. I have an inalienable, constitutional and natural right to love whom I may, to love as long or as short a period as I can; to change that love every day if I please, and with that right neither you nor any law you can frame have any right to interfere."

All in all, an utterly remarkable woman.

Posted by Gregg.