To interview former Afghan MP Fawzia Koofi, the first ever female Deputy Speaker of the Afghan Parliament, I worked through a series of mediators because she was in hiding. There had been numerous attempts on her life by the Taliban or Taliban sympathizers. She embodies an undeniable truth: No power can survive by excluding women.

Lois Frankel, running for Florida governor, scans the room. Chanel jackets, Nordstrom pantsuits, wide-necked Lane Bryant silk shells, a dining room full of Talbots disciples. Forty-three ladies and their manicured nails fondle American flags pinned to their lapels — those God Bless America and Protect Our Troops brooches. Moussed up, sprayed up, subtly bouffanted, the women re-lacquer their lips while tuxedoed boys whisk away the carcasses of their buffet lunch.

Elian Gonzales’ lawyer makes a run at becoming the mayor of Miami.