SM: What do you think are the pressing issues women should be concerned about today?
Huffington: I think we all need to be concerned about what is happening in Iraq. It is an utter disaster; a real tragedy—for this country and for the people of Iraq. I also think we need to devote a lot of energy—no pun intended—to protecting the environment and developing a sane energy policy that eliminates our dependence on oil … especially foreign oil.

SM: What about the upcoming presidential race? What’s your assessment?
Huffington: It’s still very, very, very early but, in the end, I think it will be a battle between Hillary [Clinton] and [Barack] Obama on the Democratic side (with Al Gore the wild card should he decide to get into the race and John Edwards, ready if Obama and Clinton stumble badly).

As for the Republicans, it’s hard to say. After the woeful recent GOP presidential race, I’m not sure that the eventual winner is in the race yet. If things keep going like they are in Iraq, an anti-war Republican candidate could very well emerge. Keep your eye on Sen. Chuck Hagel.