I wish you were wrong.

This isn’t much consolation, but here goes.

Patriarchy is a stronger force than racism or classicism. This is why the US elected an African-American man before electing a woman (you quoted the wonderfully perceptive and accomplished Shirley Chisholm — talk about a double whammy).

Some elected women leaders at the state level and internationally have been either patriarchal in manner and philosophy (Margaret Thatcher, Nikki Hayley) or related / connected to powerful men (Indira Gandhi, daughter of Jawaharlal Nehru; Lurleen Wallace, wife of George Wallace). More non-patriarchal, independent women are getting elected to Congress and as governors, but as a nation, we seem committed to the notion that our figurehead should be a male figure.

As deep as our buyers’ remorse may turn out to be, we’re not likely to change our habits any time soon. But those of us disappointed in the results of the 2020 primary can work to support candidates of merit in the congressional and local elections. And eventually, the momentum will work its way upward.