Ten Reasons Why Women Should Unite Behind Obama If He's the Candidate
Should Sen. Barack Obama emerge as the Democratic candidate, women have compelling reasons to support his candidacy. Here are my top ten:
10. Nearly half of women voting in the Democratic primaries already support Sen. Obama's candidacy. CNN compiled exit polling data from all the states that held primaries before West Virginia. Averaging the percentage that each candidate received from women voters in these states, the two Democratic candidates were only three points apart (46.6% for Obama, 49.6% for Clinton). Sen. Obama won the women's vote in 13 states, compared to 16 for Clinton -- and that's not counting the caucuses where he won decisively, including among women.
9. Support for Sen. Obama among women is not surprising. His stands on issues important to women, from fair pay to reproductive justice to support for paid sick days and paid family leave, are strikingly similar to Sen. Clinton's. He'll be not just on the right side but a champion for gender justice. Above all, he has shown his commitment and ability to galvanize grassroots movements -- the key to moving our agenda.
8. He has attributed his understanding of gender to the strong women in his life, including his mother, grandmother and wife Michelle. Having been raised by a single mother, he has insights into the lives of those who need food stamps to feed their families or have to choose between seeking health care or paying the rent. As an engaged father he understands the reality of work-life conflicts, but he also sees how these fall disproportionately on women, and how much more difficult they are for women without resources.
7. Our anger at the sexism that emerged in this campaign, from low-life hecklers to high-profile pundits, should stoke our determination but not determine our vote. At the same time, we must all oppose the racism that emerged in both blatant and coded ways and recognize that breaking that glass ceiling is also a blow to the Big Boys, one that weakens them and strengthens us.
6. Women can set an example of unity to build a stronger party that draws on the unprecedented turnout in the primaries among African-Americans, women of all races, young people and others who have too long been left out of political decision-making. Such a coming together will not only power an election victory, but lay the groundwork for significant social change in the coming years.
5. John McCain on the war: Sen. Obama's early judgment opposing the war in Iraq puts him in an excellent position to take on John McCain, who has not only supported the war from its onset but professed to having no problem should troops remain in Iraq for 100 years. Women can't afford a president who thinks "Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran" is a stance to brag about.
4. John McCain on the right to abortion: not only does he oppose it, he's pledged to fill any Supreme Court vacancies with justices who will overturn Roe v. Wade.
3. John McCain on health care: McCain voted against reauthorizing the State Children's Health Insurance Program for five years. His health plan provides $2 billion in tax cuts to the top ten health insurance companies, while allowing those companies to exclude people with pre-existing conditions.
2. John McCain on valuing families: When Congress was considering the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993, McCain voted to suspend it unless the federal government certified that compliance wouldn't increase business expenses or gave employers financial assistance to cover any costs. He supports a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and campaigned for an Arizona constitutional amendment banning any legal recognition to gay couples.
1. John McCain on fair pay: He opposes the Fair Pay Restoration Act on the grounds that it will create too many lawsuits (this is like opposing OSHA inspections on the grounds that too many violations will be found). He also opposed raising the minimum wage and safeguarding overtime rights.
And did I mention John McCain?
Those of us who have been supporting Obama welcome the passionate, hard-working supporters of Sen. Clinton -- as we will support her should the campaign turn out differently than expected. Every woman angry at the way in which gender discrimination has robbed our pay, crimped our opportunities, devalued our work in the labor force and in the home, minimized our pain and trivialized the barriers we face, now has a great opportunity to determine the outcome of this election. We also have a great responsibility, to ourselves and the women who follow.
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Obamagirl1968: Thank you. I will read the book. As a black woman, it's about time this was stated. Well said! Also, it comes back to white privilege as well. They believe they are entitled to be first. How dare a black man arrives first. How unfair. Black women are the ones who have the right to be angry, but you don't hear us saying we wouldn't vote for Hillary if she were the nominee. The anger coming from some white women is very scary. I wouldn't be surprised by anything that is said or done from now on. Truly a sad way she is trying to use this new talking point. For all of you who keep saying you won't vote for Obama. Think about how your decision will affect your daughters and granddaughters when they may not have a choice in having an abortion if they want to or not. Things do happen. I have two boys and I'm worried about the possibility of war with Iran. I've worked too hard to keep them on the straight path for them to be only killed in a stupid war. No thank you. I would rather give peace a chance.
Also read "Women, Race & Class" by Angela Davis and "Ain't I a Woman" by bell hooks. I'm a black woman, too, moms2sons. I think this whole thing is scary.
Excellent post! Thank you!
It's worth pointing out that Hillary has already lost and no amount of soft-pedaling will change that fact.
I could not help it. I had to post. Hillary is now complaining about sexism in her "FAILED OPPORTUNITY" to win the nomination. Stop whining. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Hillary has played the game so unfairly and to think I was in support of her at first. Barack has won and I am proud to support him. I am embarrassed that Hilliary is a representive of a "WOMAN". If another woman ever run for president and act this way, I will never support her. Hint!!!! Take note from the way Barack has handled himself. Hillary now needs to tell her supporter exactly what Barack stands for. But will she do it. Hell no. She is too selfish.
Hillary is learning that equality includes sometime losing. I get the feeling she would like to think that there is evidence of sexism anytime she loses.How convenient. The women lacks all ability to be honest with herself. No wonder so many have had enough of her.
Actually, I think she will being doing alot of stumping for Obama. If she doesn't, her political career will start going down the drain. She has the responsibility of doing all she can to unite the party. If she is seen to be the reason Obama lost, she's finished!
6. Women can set an example of unity to build a stronger party that draws on the unprecedented turnout in the primaries among African-Americans, women of all races, young people and others who have too long been left out of political decision-making. Such a coming together will not only power an election victory, but lay the groundwork for significant social change in the coming years.
BRAVO!!!
This right here is why the sexist card isn't working for Hillary.
Again, BRAVO!!!
I second your BRAVOS !!!!!!
One of the main reasons I am impressed w/ this campaign season is how so many people who usually stay out of the political process, have become so engaged in it. I would love to see that continue... not just in this presidential election year... but in local and state elections EVERY year.
A response to #6. Women are often THE minority group that seeks to bring unity among many and seek to help fight all forms of oppression (look at the National Organization of Women for example - they help fight against racism, homophobia, economic injustice, etc. and compare it to, say, the NAACP's website - they don't seem to be fighting for women or gays, etc. even for Black Women and Black Gays). This suggestion for women to be the ones to unify is exactly why they've lacked the ability to rally behind the woman candidate and all that she (and all women!) symbolize. I fear women have been so busy giving into the pressure that tells them their duty, as good women is to empower others they've forgotten how to empower themselves!
Thanks for this post. What makes me sad is that too many out there actually have to have it explained to them. "Reasons to support Obama" could just as easily read "Reasons not to vote for McCain." The most outstanding reason is this: it's TOTALLY IRRATIONAL to vote for John McCain just because Hillary isn't going to be the nominee. TOTALLY IRRATIONAL to vote for McCain and not support the Democratic party. Not only is it irrational, but it's SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
Thanks again.
We are to vote for Obama just because he is not John McCain. We are to vote for Obama because he is not Hillary Clinton. All these folks who have already voted having done so because they have been left out in previous elections. Who exactly left them out. All you have to do is register and then go vote. Nobody has been left out.
I disagree. In PA... this is the first year since Carter ran for president that our primary vote actually COUNTED !! So yes... we were left out of the process. That's why I'm not mad at Hillary for staying in the race... I just wish she (and her supporters) wouldn't be so divisive about it.
Ms. Bravo,
Unfortunatley, your reasons are not convincing enough for most of us. To be honest with you, I think Obama himself is very sexist and he has magically charmed all of you traitor females who have to cling to a male figure and root for them to feel good about yourselves.
52% of US population consists of females. 12% of US population consists of Blacks, behind Hispanics and Whites.
In a Democracy, majority rules. Why we only have ONE woman in the Supreme Court.?Why don't we have at least 50% of senators being women? Why shouldn't we have the FIRST woman President?
I love the fact that you would rather be consumed with vengence than protect women's rights, stop the war and save the economy for the middle class. I would love you to site specific examples of Obama's sexism. If your answers are as weak and pathetic as Ferrarro's, I can only shake my head when you silly poseurs have to deal with 4 more years of republicans. I have a good job, health care and money saved... don't have children who could go to Iraq... and I'm within 5 years of retirement. I can just mute the TV, you'll have to live the life. You don't deserve Obama.
Thank you. I don't want either Obama or McCain and they don't deserve my vote. I have a post-graduate degree, have a high paying job, own a business, have children (one in voting age who can't stand Obama), have a husband (he likes Clinton too!).
Besides, a MOTHER will never start a war or send my children, or your future children to war to prove anything. I have forgiven Hillary for her vote and sincerely think America needs a mother now, rather than a golden boy or a grand pa.
Peace out!
Why shouldn't we have the first woman president? What, are we on some sort of quota system? If so, was W. put in there to appease the 'Up with Corporate Greed' crowd? And why didn't we elect any of these women: http://www.guide2womenleaders.com/Candidates1870.htm
Why Hillary? When, by any metrics defined by the Democratic Party, she's lost the campaign against Obama -- she doesn't have the delegates, she DOESN'T have popular vote, and she doesn't have the money ...
The presidency isn't something we hand out as an appeasement to every interest group that deserves one. The first woman president will get there on her merits, and by the path defined by her party's nomination rules. Same as any person should get there. And if it isn't the same, then she isn't a legitimate president.
Excuse me? Women are now an "interest group"? and which majority group do you belong to? Male dominated congress? male dominated DNC, RNC, corporate world, media world?
Somewhere: "I think Obama himself is very sexist and he has magically charmed al of you traitor females who have to cling to a male figure and root for them to feel good about yourselves."
This is a sexist and demeaning comment to women who support Obama. You assume that, because we are not backing Clinton, we must be self-haters, or sheep, or have internalized the misogyny that exists in our culture.
I am an educated and informed woman, I looked at both candidates and chose Obama for many reasons.
Just because we don't support Clinton does not means that we are traitors, it means that we believe that Obama will be a better POTUS.
Not one white female Obama supporter has been able to articulate to me why they support Obama. What first comes out of their mouth is that they don't like Clinton and they don't think she deserves it. Another one told me she is dishonest and when I asked her when has she lied to her...she said, the sniper story in Bosnia! I mean c'mon isn't that sheepishness to the max? You let MSNBC and likes of Olbermann and Matthews (not the smartest men I have seen in my lifetime) tell you who is honest and who is not.
The republican plan to push Obama in front has worked so perfectly and he is arrogant and naive enough to fall for it.
So you are willing to bitterly hurt the world for 4 more years in an effort to prove a point?
Also, please give one legitimate example of blatant sexism by Obama.
" Hillary, you are likeable enough"
"... most of Hillary's supporters will vote for me and not vice versa"
"Hillary can run as long as she wants..."
"hey sweetie..." you are just so sweet and I can't answer your questions regarding manfacturing jobs becasue you remind me of my sweet little daugther who keeps asking me annoying questions.
Obama has never said anything remotely sexist. The outrage over him is completely manufactured. The only time he may have said anything even closely resembling sexism is when he used the colloquialism "sweetie", which he apologized for.
If you really want to convince yourself that Obama is sexist, then please keep in mind that Hillary stayed married to a womanizing cheater. Using the straw logic that I am hearing on these blogs, there is reason to believe that every presidential candidate in the history of the Universe is sexist and therefore should not get the female vote.
I am a WOMAN and I will not stand idly by while John McCain takes away my right to choose. True sexism lies in the heart of every man who thinks that he has the right to tell us what we can and can't do with our bodies.
Any woman who lets John McCain take the white house is a true traitor to her gender.
And we will have a woman president. Maybe not now, but it will happen. Out 200 years of our uniom, WOMEN COULDN'T EVEN VOTE until 1920. Let's please keep some perspective!
Don't bother with these posters. They are not democrats and simply want to stretch Hillary's campaign so that their man McSame gets elected.
Don't feed the trolls:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/20/mccain-campaign-comment-t_n_102696.html
Great post. I am a white woman and personally, I don't think you have to act like a man to win as a woman. But I do want to be treated equally. I don't like how Hillary is using the sexism card to shut prople up who are criticizing her. I really don't have respect for anyone who acts like a victim. That just reinforces the stereotype.
The irony, as far as I can see, is that it is Hillary -- through her growing cries of sexism -- who is disenfranchising women voters, and alienating them from the legitimacy they deserve. I can't find another woman of my aquaintance who decided this thing on gender -- and yet, we are now portrayed through her, into the MSM, as a bunch of issue-blind gender voters. Actually, I believe we judged her merits as a candidate and simply found her lacking when compared to Obama.
As an African American woman and a feminist, I appreciate this article. However, it bothers me that we keep talking about women as if all women are white. Black women are women too!
So are white, college-educated women living below the Mason Dixon line, supporting Obama with everything they've got.
Thanks. Loved this post. I am deeply troubled and disturbed by the recent cries of sexism coming from the Clinton campaign: Ms. Ferraro is out there telling Clinton voters not to vote Obama in the fall, should he be the nominee. She wants us to vote McCain? or, stay home and let McCain have it???
Talk about voting against your interests!!!!
At this point, I believe Sen. Clinton has a responsibility to her base: educate them to the fact that voting their social and economic interests has to trump everything else -- including race, and resentment over the way this campaign played out. So far, she's not living up to that responsibility, and seems instead ready to let those people she professes to "care" so much about cast dangerous and ill-informed votes this fall.
However this primary race turns out, I've got to vote D this year. Even if it's Clinton and her appalling hubris on the ticket. I've got to vote D because it's in my best interest to do so.
I loved this article!
Veemerge, you really need to get over that. You keep commenting on ONE thing Obama has said. Hillary has said much worse and many more "wrong" things. I am a woman and I am PROUD to support Obama. Hillary was a strong candidate but she has done many things I don't like. If she won the nomination FAIRLY (not having delegates overturn the will of the people) then I would get into that voting booth, hesitate, and then punch the button for her. My desire for the WHOLE of the country is more important to me than whether I personally like or dislike a candidate as a person. I detest Hillary, but I think she would fight for her issues. Others don't like Obama but he'll fight for his issues. Staying home or voting for McCain is putting yourself above everyone else and being a sore loser. DEMOCRAT 08.
Great, great essay. I'll be using this in the future to debate McCain supporters (who often don't have a clue who/what they are actually voting for.)
I have one point to add to this very good post: I am now an Obama supporter. But early on in the primaries I believed (and still do) that either Clinton or Obama would make an excellent president. It’s interesting to me that in a year when the Republican nomination line-up was so patently underwhelming, that the democrats should put forward two such amazing people. This sharp, often bitter divide in the Democratic Party of late is actually proof that each candidate has some remarkable attributes that genuinely make him or her worth fighting for. Clinton and her supporters deserve respect. Maybe feelings are still too raw at the moment, but if Obama is nominated, a gracious and earnest invitation needs to be made by all of his supporters to her legion. We need each other in November.
For many Clinton women supporters, McCain is the only reason to vote for Obama. He just does not have a sincerity in his words, either with women or working class whites.
"For many Clinton women supporters, McCain is the only reason to vote for Obama. He just does not have a sincerity in his words, either with women or working class whites."
Really? So his work prior to now in Congress and in his time in Chicago aren't good enough for you? Barack Obama is on the right side of pretty much any gender-related issue you can name and, as the essay says, pretty much a carbon copy of Hillary Clinton's views on these issues. But you think the only reason to vote for him is to vote against McCain?
That is an amazingly short-sighted view, one that both discredits the feminist movement as a whole (that sought out GOOD candidates, not just FEMALE candidates) and really goes against the interests of feminists in this country. You have a wonderful candidate and advocate right in front of you and you don't even appear to realize it.
Obama's problem with a certain percentage of HRC's supporters is that he doesn't have a vagina. Reverse sexism, I think it's called.
you mean he does not pander? please.
Clinton To Fight To The Convention??
“Stay with me. Let’s make history together.” If she is denied MI and FL then she needs to run as a third party candidate!!!
lboucher,
Think Ross Perot Ralph Nader, etc. Third party candidates don't win. They usually make it easier for the Republican candidate. Is it really worth it to do 4 or 8 more years of Bush. Do you really care about America and those worse off than you? or just that Hillary is president.? Pray about it.
Except for the third party bit, you explain Clinton's strategy perfectly.
The MI & FL delegate seats are being negotiated in bad faith - She is hoping to be disappointed by the decision. Then with the a little buffoonery, she will to take it to the convention.
She is trading off the electorate for the most undemocratic part of the process. You are supporting the actions toward a "corrupt bargain."
Big hurrah.
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