Ellen Malcolm Quotes

Powerful Ellen Malcolm for Daily Growth

About Ellen Malcolm

Ellen Malcolm was an influential American political activist, philanthropist, and fundraiser, most notably known for her contributions to women's rights and Democratic politics in the United States. Born on June 7, 1943, in Boston, Massachusetts, she attended Radcliffe College, graduating with a degree in history in 1965. Her academic background laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to social justice. Malcolm's political activism began in earnest during the 1970s when she worked on the presidential campaign of Senator George McGovern. This experience ignited a passion for grassroots organizing and politics that would define her career. In the 1980s, Malcolm co-founded EMILY's List, an organization dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women to federal and state offices. Throughout her career, Malcolm was a powerful force in American politics, using her influence to advocate for issues close to her heart. She played crucial roles in the campaigns of numerous influential politicians, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In 1992, she founded the EMILY's List Leadership Network, a training program that empowers women to run for political office. In addition to her political work, Malcolm was also a generous philanthropist, donating significant funds to various causes and organizations. She passed away on February 14, 2014, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and change that continues to inspire generations of women seeking to make their voices heard in American politics. Malcolm's life and work serve as a testament to the power of individual action in bringing about societal change. Her quotes often reflect her deep commitment to justice and her belief in the potential of women to shape the future of America: "Women are the ones who can make this country great again."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"We need to elect more women because if we wait for the perfect woman, we will never get anything done."

This quote emphasizes the importance of gender equality in political representation. It suggests that waiting for a "perfect" female candidate, who may not always exist or be easily found, can hinder progress towards achieving equal representation of both genders in politics. The point is, action should be taken now to elect more women, rather than delaying action due to perceived perfection, as inaction allows the status quo to persist and prevents meaningful change from occurring.


"The goal is not just to get more women into office, but to change the culture of what it means to be in office."

Ellen Malcolm's quote suggests that increasing the number of women in political offices is not merely about quantity, but also about changing the quality or nature of political leadership and decision-making. It aims to shift the traditional "culture" or norms associated with holding public office, moving towards a more inclusive, diverse, and perhaps more empathetic representation that reflects the broader population. This transformation in the culture could lead to policies and decisions that better address the needs and perspectives of all citizens, not just those historically privileged by the status quo.


"I've always felt that if you're going to do something, you might as well do something significant."

This quote by Ellen Malcolm underscores the importance of aiming high and making a meaningful impact when engaging in an endeavor. It suggests that one should not settle for mediocrity but instead strive to accomplish something worthwhile and substantial, ensuring their efforts have a lasting significance rather than being insignificant or fleeting.


"Women need to realize their own power and use it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and empowerment for women, encouraging them to recognize their inherent strength and employ it effectively in their lives. It's a call to action for women to embrace their abilities, take charge, and make decisions that positively impact themselves and their communities.


"It is our responsibility to teach young women the importance of leadership and politics."

This quote emphasizes that it is our duty, as a society, to educate young women about the significance of leadership and political participation. The aim is to empower them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to take on leadership roles and engage in political processes, thus ensuring gender equality and effective representation in decision-making positions.


If George W. Bush is the kind of person folks might like to have a beer with, John McCain is the guy you pray you don't get seated next to at a dinner party.

- Ellen Malcolm

Next, Guy, Bush, Seated

Having women in office is vital to the health of our democracy because women play a unique role in our society. By and large, women are still the primary caregivers in families, even as we have taken our place in the workforce.

- Ellen Malcolm

Play, Still, Having, Workforce

I was encouraged that a group of women wanted to start WISH List, which works like EMILY's List, only it supports pro-choice Republican women. It was started by one of our members, and I was happy to tell her how we did it and encourage her.

- Ellen Malcolm

Happy, Republican, Works, Supports

This nation is really ready for a woman president. It's taken time, but we're ready.

- Ellen Malcolm

Woman, Ready, Nation, Woman President

EMILY's List has worked a lot with swing women voters over the years, and one thing we've learned is that they are very cynical about politics and politicians. They very much want help with the challenges facing them and their families, and they feel like most politicians don't understand or want to lift a finger to help them out.

- Ellen Malcolm

Politics, Very, Voters, Cynical

At EMILY's List, we're in the business of expanding the political power of women.

- Ellen Malcolm

Business, Expanding, Political Power

It took us 200 years to elect the first Democratic woman to the Senate in her own right, and that's Barbara Mikulski. Six years later, we had a grand slam: We elected four new Democratic women to the Senate. Sen. Mikulski now has some company.

- Ellen Malcolm

Woman, Some, Grand Slam, Slam

I think having Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House is going to send a very wonderful lesson to the American public that women can be strong, they can be tough, they can be effective, and they can lead this country as political leaders.

- Ellen Malcolm

Political Leaders, Very, Send

Women are tough campaigners. They certainly know how to withstand attacks. And I think we make a mistake if we say, as some do, that women should play by different rules, or that they are somehow especially vulnerable to the rules of politics. I don't think that's true.

- Ellen Malcolm

Politics, Play, Some, Women Are

EMILY's List members are deeply committed to electing pro-choice Democratic women whom we trust to stand up for our rights, treat us honestly, and make us proud. Our candidates fight for us every day. Blanche Lincoln failed to hold up her end of the bargain.

- Ellen Malcolm

Trust, Treat, Every Day, Pro-Choice

Between 1972 and 1987, the number of Democratic women in the House had actually gone down, from 14 to 12. EMILY's list started doing House races in 1988.

- Ellen Malcolm

Doing, Started, Had, Emily

It is with tremendous excitement and pride that EMILY's List endorses Senator Hillary Clinton for president.

- Ellen Malcolm

Pride, Clinton, Senator, Emily

On the national stage and in the neighborhoods of New York, Senator Hillary Clinton has repeatedly put her expertise and power behind solutions that make the lives of the American people safer and more prosperous.

- Ellen Malcolm

Behind, Clinton, Safer, None

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.