From Crane Collapses to Politics as Unusual: 2008 in Review

Hillary Clinton and Those 18 Million Cracks in the Glass Ceiling, June 7: The tough primary battle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama provided many months of drama—even up until the Democratic National Convention. After unexpectedly coming in third in Iowa, Clinton, long believed to be the surefire Democratic presidential nominee, suddenly became an underdog. Sure, she won New Hampshire (where she was sensitive!)—and big Super Tuesday states—but Obama built an insurmountable leads of delegates by winning many other states. And let's not forget Bill Clinton's "attempts" to help. By June, Clinton decided to drop out and in her concession speech, she referred to her female supporters, "Although we weren't able to shatter that highest, hardest glass ceiling this time, thanks to you, it's got about 18 million cracks in it." She pledged to support Obama, yet there were worries about what might happen at the convention —and speculation Obama could tap her as VP. Clinton ended up giving a rousing speech praising Obama (Bill also brought down the house) and closed out the year as Obama's Secretary-of-State nominee. (Photograph of Clinton at the Democratic National Convention from the AP)