In this statement, Eileen Myles reflects on her experience running for president during the early 1990s. She suggests that people appreciated her candidacy because she represented a fresh and unconventional approach to politics at the time. Unlike other candidates who might have been expected to conform to certain political norms or personas, Myles was seen as someone with an outsider perspective.
The deeper meaning of this quote lies in its critique of the established conventions within American politics. By stating that people loved her candidacy because they had never encountered a presidential candidate like herself before, Myles highlights the potential for breaking down traditional barriers and stereotypes associated with political figures. This suggests that there is often a disconnect between what voters expect from their leaders and what individuals bring to the table when they step outside of conventional roles. Additionally, it points towards the public’s curiosity about candidates who challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives on leadership.
Eileen Myles is an American poet, essayist, novelist, performer, and visual artist known for her unapologetic exploration of gender, sexuality, and identity in literature. Born in 1949 in Montana, she has been active in New York's literary scene since the late 1970s. Her candid and often provocative work challenges traditional notions of poetry and storytelling by blending personal narrative with broader social commentary.
