This year will see a historic number first-time female candidates seeking public office. Shay White is running to be the first African-American and first woman elected to Oklahoma's House District 77. She joins Cheddar to discuss her boundary-breaking campaign. White is a first-generation college graduate in her family, and grew up in poverty in Southern Louisiana.
White discusses why so many women are inspired to run for office this year. She puts things in the context of the second annual Women's March, and shares the story of when she first realized her political ambitions as a child. White describes the primary roadblocks standing in her way as she seeks higher office.
The candidate says that if she were a white man, people would be falling at her feet. She adds that, because of her race and gender, they're more inclined to classify her campaign as "cute." White discusses how she plans on changing the status quo, and what messages are resonating the most with voters. Voters will head to the polls in White's district this June.
There has been a series of violent attacks in Afghanistan in the past week as U.S. troops withdrawal deadline approaches. The evacuation effort is winding down with 1,200 people evacuated in the last 24 hours, compared to last week's 24-hour span high of 21,000, and it is reported that there are around 250 people still waiting to be airlifted.
Dan Lamothe, national security reporter at The Washington Post, joined Cheddar's Opening Bell to discuss more on what is going to happen when all evacuation and withdrawal missions are completed.
Futures pointed to a slightly higher open on the heels of Fed Chair Jerome Powell saying the central bank is on track to taper its asset purchases later this year. Milton Ezrati, Chief Economist at Vested joined Wake Up with Cheddar to discuss.
