It's been fascinating to observe the strong responses going on in the media regarding Gov. Palin's VP candidacy. If anything, her nomination has inspired a very heated and opinionated debate - both from men and women. However, while many men have been properly instructed to be politically correct - and avoid being sexist - many women are the ones stereotyping women in powerful positions. The bottom line is: can a woman be a great spouse, a great mother, and a great leader?

Few people would ask this question about men. Women would jump at men's jugulars if they questioned whether or not a woman can do a good job while being a great mother and spouse. Men must be going: "YES!!!," seeing women in catfights. Touché.

Women can't have it both ways, though. If we truly believe we can do it all, finding fault in someone else won't help us make the point (i.e.: "If she had been home with the kids, her daughter wouldn't have become pregnant," "As a mother, why would she allow her pregnant child to be under the scrutiny of the media," or "With so many kids, she wouldn't have time to do anything else.") This highlights how much ambivalence both men and women have around women in power. This central point is what inspired me to write Alpha Female Leader. As an example, many women want to be considered to advance in their careers, but they also want to have time off to raise their kids. Many become upset when they are not hired for the promotion while their counterpart (man or woman) may have worked 20-30 additional hours a week. In Palin's case, she seems to have put the effort behind her actions and there also seems to be a backlash, even as she went back to work days after delivering her last child instead of taking months off.