2008 national delegate recalls heartbreak as Clinton makes history eight years later

Brenda Krause of Colorado Springs watched from a far on Tuesday night as Hillary Clinton became the first woman presumptive presidential nominee of a major party.

Krause was a fixture in the Clinton campaign eight years ago as a national delegate and when Clinton fell short, Krause was devastated.

“I was heartbroken,” she said. “It was almost like getting a divorce.”

Today, Krause is over the moon.

“It’s like whew, it’s about time,” she exclaimed. “I wasn’t sure I’d see a woman be a candidate before I died.”

Massachusetts senator, Democrat Elizabeth Warren enthusiastically endorsed Clinton, fueling speculation the Democrats could field an all-woman ticket this fall.

“Donald Trump, I think would be wise to pick a woman,” political scientist Steve Meyer said. “So, if Hillary picked Elizabeth Warren that would means three-quarters of the two largest tickets in the county being made of women for this election in November.

Krause believes Clinton’s historic speech and upcoming nomination this summer is a huge step, but argues barriers for women in politics are still here and she believes gender matters more now then ever before.

“Of course there’s still residue of sexism,” Krause said. “It doesn’t change overnight. not even with Hilary getting this nomination.”

Meyer sees a drawback to Warren joining the Democratic ticket this summer. Warren is 66. If elected, Clinton will be 69 when she takes office in January. Meyer thinks the campaign will look to someone younger.