Reminder To PUMAs: Biden Is Longtime Advocate For Women
As Sen. Barack Obama prepares to announce Sen. Joe Biden as his choice for Vice President, pundits are examining Biden's record and lauding his foreign policy experience in particular. Certainly, his experience and resume' is complete and his foreign policy credentials are significant.
However, Sen. Biden's most significant legislative accomplishment was probably the passage in 1994 of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Sen. Biden was the original sponsor and architect of this landmark legislation, which has saved countless lives since its adoption.
VAWA is the most comprehensive federal legislation addressing domestic violence that has been adopted in the history of our nation. In addition to establishing stiffer penalties for gender-related violence, VAWA established the National Domestic Violence Hotline, provided grants to law enforcement and prosecuting agencies, and provides essential funding to Domestic Violence Shelters across the nation.
Sen. Biden's commitment to this issue has remained steadfast even as he expanded his Congressional responsibilities as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He authored the reauthorization of VAWA in 2000, and included a comprehensive plan to end domestic violence in his platform while running for President during this past year. Sen. Biden even took to the pages of the Huffington Post last October to express his support and leadership on this important issue.
In my career advocating on behalf of children and in support of policies that prevent child abuse and other forms of family violence, it is extremely rare to find a legislator who is willing to make such issues a priority. Sen. Biden is the rare exception who does more than offer rhetorical comments about the value of families and our children; he has actually taken action and gotten results.
As reports circulate that supporters of Sen. Hillary Clinton may be disruptive during the upcoming convention due to their frustration that Sen. Clinton was not chosen to be on the ticket, I hope that the PUMAs will pause and consider the consequences of their actions. Sen. Biden brings a wealth of experience and a sincere commitment and track record of leadership on issues affecting women. That record should be appreciated -- not criticized in a knee-jerk reaction due to the frustration of Sen. Clinton's loss.
Here's the choice: (a) support Barack Obama and his VP Joe Biden who authored the Violence Against Women Act; or (b) support John McCain, whose former press secretary during the NH primary was arrested for violating the Violence Against Women Act.
To me, the answer is pretty clear.
Follow Jim McKay on Twitter: www.twitter.com/wabisabi
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I am a domestic violence survivor. I have used the services the VAWA funded. I didn't know I had Joe Biden to thank for them. Well I can say it now. Thank you, Joe from the bottom of my heart!
Mr. McKay, you must be new here. Good sense and logic has never defeated blind hatred (which, IMHO, the whole concept behind PUMA). But, while I myself preferred Reed (and Sen Biden as Sec of State and Sen Clinton as Atty Gen) as Veep nominee, I am happy w/Sen Biden.
Think about it folks: Turning Sen Clinton loose against all this Admins Repub Lawbreakers as Atty Gen! Wear ponchos, people! Things could get messy!
One authored, one was arrested for violating. Excellent. This story needs to be worked as relentlessly as "how many houses."
Great post. The answer is clear. Unless your vision is distorted. Prepare to be railed against for making sense.
It's time for women to just say "no"! If we are not given something for women then we don't give our vote. Do not be blackmailed by the notion that if we don't give our vote they will take away Roe vs. Wade. Just say NO!
So you are not given something for women unless you have the one candidate you want
I just don't get it. The argument is over. This is done and in the past. It does no one any good to hang onto it. Hillary ran a race..was a formidable opponent but did not win. I think if she can move past it...well.
oh yes, here we go again...th
BO as a president who is lukewarm on a woman's right to choose (mental health is not a good reason) and Joe Biden, yes the author of a wonderful piece of legislation for women (VAWA), but who does not support a woman's right to choose (rated 36% by NARAL)
HMMM two men--- a Evangelical and a Catholic making the decision for women.
I know...McC
Dear janedarcy! If you really do care about getting it right, have a clear look at the link posted by "Applebutter" above. Don't you find it revealing? And these records are recorded! in other words, before ther political statements - fact!
http://www
Mental DISTRESS (not health, they are different) only referred to the third trimester. Perhaps I am anti-feminist in believing that if the health of the mother or the fetus is not involved, perhaps one should have made up her mind before the fetus formed a brain and nervous system and could feel pain? Obama is firmly pro-choice, say what you will, but if you want to interpret what he says to suit what you want to believe, well, you're only human.
Perhaps you are anti-feminism because you believe that this decision is not between a woman and her doctor, but between a senator and his god.
Excuse me? From the link that Applebutter provided:
Abortion Issues.
In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Obama a grade of 100.
In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Biden a grade of 75.
In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator McCain a grade of 0
That's a grade of 75 for Biden from NARAL ~~~ where did you find that 36% figure?
Hillary supporters threatening to vote for mccain I hope you're reading this. Have you taken a look at mccain's record on women's issues? it is deplorable!
O'Biden 08!!!!!!
He called his wife "C..." in front of reporters!
He also offered his wife up for a "nude" contest, remember??
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