A Point of Clarification

Recently I was part of a group of women who filmed public service announcements for an organization called Women's Voices. Women Vote. The goal of the PSA campaign is to encourage high voter turn-out amongst women, especially single women, 20 million of whom have been known to stay home on Election Day. It is an issue about which I am deeply passionate. However, there have been reports about WVWV which questioned the intention behind my PSA and which candidate I am endorsing for president. For the record, I am proudly supporting Senator Barack Obama.

The news reports came about because there was evidence that an individual or a small group of individuals affiliated with WVWV may have issued misleading robo-calls in North Carolina designed to suppress voter turnout in African American neighborhoods. I find these activities appalling and hope WVWV will immediately disassociate themselves from such individuals and denounce such actions.

I am not affiliated with WVWV in any way other than participating in this PSA campaign, and I debated whether to ask WVWV to pull my PSA from their website. In the end, I realized the message of the PSA is more important than the actions of some its members. Every woman, 18 or older, should exercise their right to vote for the candidate and the issues they believe in. As women, we are a powerful voting bloc. But that does not mean we will automatically align with female candidates.

My spot was set in a replica of the Oval Office and entitled "Who Do You Want in Here?" This was meant as a legitimate question, not to serve as an endorsement for a particular candidate. The PSA was meant to inspire women to vote regardless of their party or their position. The PSA, like me, is not pro-Clinton, but rather pro-women. And yes, you can be both.

Comments

[MamaLlama]

II am a woman and I am voting for Hillary Clinton. She is the best candidate, most experienced, most intelligent, hardest working. . and happens to be a woman.

[SMP]

I am an Older woman and I support Barack Obama....................your choice is yours ..just as mine is mine

[bobsmith]

"...I am voting for Hillary Clinton. She is the best candidate..."

No, she is a Republican-lite corporate stooge - which means that she is not the best candidate.

[RedBirdy]

that's your opinion, and you are entitled to support which ever candidate you wish. But you are not allowed to insult people just because they don't support your candidate.

[KillTheMessenger]

I take that as a private opinion. I can not take it as a rational description of Senator Clinton.

[KarenKaren]

Well, she certainly is an experienced campaigner. She's got 34 years worth (I saw Bill say this on the stump) compared to Obama's 12+ years. Is that the experience you're referring to? Campaign experience?

As for experience as an elected official, I see Obama has 12 years compared to Clinton's 8. As for the number of substantive bills passed, I was honestly more impressed by Obama's (securing loose nukes, ethics legislation, victim's rights, police professionalism, health care expansion, conditional aid to the Congo, tax breaks for working families, help for veterans, and more). Though Clinton's been a US Senator longer, there isn't one substantive bill she herself authored that passed into law, whereas Obama has. I'm not counting naming libraries after people and such. Yet, I know she's been a good public servant in many ways.

As for intelligence, I'm not sure how to evaluate that, but I do think she is quite intelligent and hard working, as is Obama. She's a more easily identifiable impressive fighter. Obama is an impressive fighter too, albeit in a different fashion. I do think she didn't have good foresight in terms of the Obama's campaign strength and that makes me think of what else she would miss if she were President. But I would give her the benefit of the doubt.

I guess we arrive at "the best candidate" in different ways. But I feel good about being able to fairly articulate mine.

[KarateKid]

Mama, you can vote any way you wish but your reason is flawed. By experience, do you mean her failure with the health care initiative when she was First Lady, when the Congress was Dem dominated and Bill was in the WH? She didn't listen to others then and her massive ego would not work with others and that's why she failed. Do you mean by experience her approval of Bush's War? Did she do a good job of lying about the sniper fire? Forgive for thinking you are only voting for her because she's a woman, or you are gullible.

[cla62]

I don't like billary but she is the best dem. candidate. As a republican I can even see her strategy, I can also see the dems refuse or can't understand what it is. She knows she's lost the nom. Shes setting herself up for 2012. She's helping the rep. take down the rock start. She also knows america will never elect a brother for president. sorry folks it's just a fact. For all you lefties it's just the way it is. She'll be back in 2012 once McCain retires and then you'll all have to love her all over again. The rock star is just a one hit wonder, he'll win your measly nomination, but that's all folks!!

[SMP]

So..let me get this straight....Hillary is using Rovian politics..so THAT makes her the best Dem candidate.hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ..there is something wrong with this picture.

I am thinking......Hillary should just change party affiliations and run as a Republican....

because TEARING apart the Democratic party for personal gain..is just SICK

[KillTheMessenger]

That Senator Clinton would appeal to a Republican voter for all these reasons proves one more time why she is not a good Democratic candidate.

In any case. Senator Obama won't go away. He will get my support next time he runs for ANY office. Which will be in 2012, when he will run for his second presidential term.

[Dustee]

Not only is Hillary not a GOOD democrat - she not a democrat at all.

[ctblue]

That Senator Clinton would appeal to a Republican voter means she can work across the aisle! Isn't that what all Americans should want? After 8 miserable years we deserve and need "A Uniter not a Divider".

[KarenKaren]

An honest opinion is a thing of value. What do you make of Clinton's recent pledge to work with "all her heart" to help get Obama elected if he is the nominee? Do you think her support will be like the "as far as I know" (Obama is a Christian but might be a Muslim) type of support, or do you think it will be the real kind?

[KarateKid]

How nice of you Republicans to visit to try to expand your narrow minds. And we'll see who wins both the nomination and the election. You are clueless as to the hatred toward your party of hypocrites and the mess we're in as a result. Read the article on the Louisiana and Illinois special elections for a taste of what is coming.

[demlover1]

Actually women don't seem do be voting that much on the basis of gender in this race. Their votes are going more to Sen. Clinton, but in more like a 60/40 ratio or even less than that. African-Americans on the otherhand appear to have demostrated a much stronger of racial pattern of voting for a first term Senator with a much shorter national record with the African-American community than Sen. Clinton. Some 97 percent of black men voted for Sen. Obama in PA and about 93% of blacks overall. This pattern of 80 to over 90 percent of support for Obama, a relative newcomer on the political scene with a lot of baggage (and who hasn't been fully vetted), by the black community is extremely curious to many Democrats. It's suggestive that the bigger problem in this election is not women voting for somone just because she's a woman---it's some African-Americans voting for someone just because they are black.
I'm a liberal and I know it's not pc to point this out, but many Democrats and Independents are thinking this and should Sen. Obama get the nomination it's a big reason why he may not win. The racism many of us see in this primary is coming more from some in the African-American community in their strange almost monolithic support for Sen. Obama. And frankly, it's a bit shocking to see.

[Aleka4]

Spoken like a true Clinton supporter!

Race bait, , then point the dirty finger at the other side crying that THEY are the racists when they object.

How sickening. How can you look in a mirror? You make me sick.

[SMP]

First of all...African Americans said he wasnt black enough...because he is BOTH black and white.... a TRUE fact most seem to forget when it is convienent.


I agree withAlkea4

People like you make me sick...you are not special..so get over yourself

[Mattylock]

It was never a problem when black folk were voting above 90% for Bill Clinton. Your white sheet is showing.

[Dustee]

Good one!

[KarateKid]

Ouch!!! LMAO

[Mattylock]

Seems like white folks are fine with black folks voting above 90% for a certain candidate as long as we're voting for who you think we should vote for. Massah is alive and well, ain't he?

[KillTheMessenger]

Of course we are fine with it. Why not? Senator Obama is a historic event in America. For white voters just as much as for black ones. What amazes me most is that he does not get 90% of the white vote. But that says more about the voters than about him. It is sometimes not easy to let go of the past and vote for the future. Not everybody is comfortable with that. So the main appeal of Mrs. Clinton is probably her affiliation with the past. The feelgood aspect of the Clinton years reverberates. Take that away from her and she would have dropped out a long time ago.

[KarenKaren]

Reminds me of "Mean Girls" the movie too. Only in this version they start a Karl Rove Wannabe Club and secretly spread rumors about their competitors.

[KarenKaren]

Wow, this kind of reminds me of the muslim-antichrist-cult-foreigner-smooth talker-unpatriotic-hustler rumors some have tried to use against Obama. But if that's all you've got, you should worry that the same tactics work better against Clinton when used by the Republicans. They'll vet her all over again. But there'd be no getting around the FALN pardons. Check out The Wall Street Journal for more on that.

Keep in mind, Gore barely lost, and it was because people thought there's only so much a president can do, so why not vote away Clinton Fatigue? And they did. Kerry only lost because people wanted to give Bush one more try to finish the job in Iraq. But Bush couldn't get the job done.

This time around, voters will push back on the themes of dishonesty (Iraq war), bitter partisanship (or ineffectiveness), and these both intertwine with the economy (which candidates are selling the snake oil of the gas tax holiday for the sake of partisanship despite economists pleas?).

See my next post about the voting bloc you referred to.

[KarenKaren]

You say, "frankly, it's a bit shocking to see" but don't be scared by this demographic. It's just another AMERICAN demographic that's comprised rich, poor, and everything in between. That monolithic bloc you refer to as "shocking" is simply a wide range of AMERICANS that span this country from sea to shining sea that cares about jobs, education, crime, childcare, the economy, values, and security as much as any AMERICAN demographic. Don't be scared. Take a cue from John McCain who has launched his "forgotten" people tour (or whatever it's called) in which he's actively recruiting members from this voting bloc. He's not taking anything for granted, nor is he buying your premise.

The question is why would anyone not vote for Barack? He's been an elected official 4 years longer than Hillary, has passed more substantive legislation, has run a better campaign despite having almost 2/3's less campaign experience, was more honest in his call on the war--and even now on the gas tax holiday--and will, by most accounts, fair better in foreign policy. People appreciate what he has to offer. It's not necessarily a vote against Clinton or McCain. It's just a preference for what's needed in this time.

Racial? If they supported Hillary en masse wouldn't you love it? And guess what, many of them will forgive and forget when it comes to Hillary. But John McCain is working hard to gain this vote you are shocked to see and view as "strange".

[marlovian]

Oh lucky man, Barack, to be deemed sponge worthy.

[genia]

LMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gayleg]

"The PSA, like me, is not pro-Clinton, but rather pro-women. And yes, you can be both."

Really?

Quick! name 5 initiatives Barack Obama started which specifically benefits women.

Oops, you can't!

HRC has a record of pro-woman legislation and initiatives listed right there on her website. Barack doesn't. But thanks for proving you're so "pro-woman," you don't care about women.

[LeftRoss]

gee whiz. would you just relax?

[wakupmagy]

I'm sorry. I cannot bear to go up on the Hillary Clinton site because I have so much antipathy towards this horrible, bitter campaign she is waging.
Could you just explain what kind of a "list of initiatives" ? Is this legislation she has proposed during her years as senator?
Is this a list of other people's initiatives she now says she backs? Her supporters usually cite a speech (what? just words?) she gave in China in the last century.
I sincerely would like to know. It would not change my vote, but you would be educating me, and perhaps others.

[formerobamarobot]

You must be in a coma or dreaming because the only one openly holding a negative campaign is obama
It is another one of the things that is held back by the media for the good of the cause.
Sometimes I wonder why we bother with the vote because we are all led to believe our vote counts but the person that was SUPPOSED to win gets elected.
Bush is a good example.
Right now we are suposed to elect McCain, that is why the democrats are pushing the empty suit that plays the game of old politics, concert tickets for attendance, food, etc.
Same-o Same-o
I heard obama talking and that was all he did, blame, accuse, had no original idea, yak, yak yak.
Why would anyone elect him? as obamy says, do the math
50% republican pretty well set in stone.
1/4 Hillary
McCain and Clinton: she might win. Republicans don't want that.
McCain and obama: McCain will win as >50% of Hillary Supporters will do the right thing for the country and vote for someone who has a clue.

[SMP]

how many passed and when were they ACTUALLY drafted...answer that and you will have some substance

[ljschwabtx]

OK, so not only are you hilarious and one of my favorite comediennes, but I have so much respect for you for putting this out there. Since I heard about the robo-calls I have been researching WVWV and I was looking at them from a negative standpoint. I am a single woman & a very proud Obama supporter and I commend you for taking a stand and clarifying their role and your participation. I am sorry for the ignorant messages on this posting...I do not attack McCain or Clinton supporters in the way I see people attacking Obama supporters and I wish everyone was not so afraid of the greatness he is going to bring to this country. Kudos to you!

[gala1]

The label thing?
You're still on the Label Thing?

For those who don't have personal assistants, but are starting to need personal assistance and know that the real legacy of the Bush League is to have turned the American dollar bill into a five dollar purchase, what with bread, milk and oil all now costing that, who cares whether the candidates are hermaphrodites or plaid?

it's about the experience,dear.
All politicians are ambitious. All are given to rhetoric All make the prettiest promises.
Bu they are being handed what George Bush has always left behind. The mess of failure.

And whoever gets the prize has to hit the ground running with crisis management.

Hillary Clinton was my state senator for 8 years and I watched her handle crisises.
it's why i can sit here today typing on this computer which would have otherwise been flood-lost.

I am not interested in giving Mr. Rodgers on the job training til he may or may not get it right.
I want a pit-bull that can kick butt NOW
I'm writing in Hillary.
I could care less abut what trend is being marketing to who.
i won't have another mistake foisted upon me.

gala

[shm259]

The experience that you're talking about isn't enough for this moment in history. I admire Senator Clinton's record- but if we are going to make any sort of real changes we have to first begin by changing the American mindset- understanding that yes, change comes from the ground up and it also comes from the inside out.

[LoonaC]

Julia,
How come, if a black person is for Hillary, they are perceived to be crazy or perverted or a traitor to their race. On the news, when one of these Hillary supporters is interviewed, they are asked dont they think this will hurt them with their constituents.
But when a woman politician or celebrity goes for Obama, they are called couragous for not voting for a women as if it a badge of honor
I have seen this over and over.
Julia does this same thing as if she proves her womenhood by not voting for the woman.

[generationyes]

Wanna know why people think she's courageous? Because a lot of Clinton supporters call her a traitor to her sex.

[MPeter]

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

HAGATNA, Guam (AP) -- Barack Obama has defeated Hillary Rodham Clinton in Saturday's Democratic caucuses on Guam by just seven votes. More than 4,500 island Democrats voted.

Neither candidate campaigned on the island in person.

[formerobamarobot]

Voters drift toward Clinton
Nationwide, the Pew poll showed, Democratic voters now are about evenly divided, with Obama holding a statistically INSIGNIFICANT 47-45 margin.
Clinton appeared to be gaining strength among voters

Sat May 3, 10:24 AM ET
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama's problem winning votes from working-class whites is showing no sign of going away, and their impression of him is getting worse.
Those are ominous signals

[RedBirdy]

Great point. I am a black woman, and I've been scrutinized time and time again for supporting Hillary.

[formerobamarobot]

Thank you for your courage!

[Anonani]

Too bad! Not all of Joan Q. Public believe that because a black woman supports Hillary Clinton you are "crazy or perverted". However, take a close look in the mirror because you are using the same tactics, and words, against Julia D. that you allege are being used against you. Julia did not like the fact that SOMEONE took her image and her words and used both in a manner that was contrary to her wishes. That is her right! Julia also has a right to campaign and vote for Barack Obama. You know the same one that you are exercising when you choose to support Hillary Clinton. Supporting HRC does not give you any special right to diss Obama supporters as you have done here.

Take a page from my book, take your argument to the voting booth on 4 Nov 2008 and take as many likeminded people as you can convince to support your candidate...that is my plan!

[qwr]

Thanks for the clarification, Julia. You and Larry David are two celebrity endorsers who definitely add coolness to the whole endorsement business.

[BetterAmerica]

Wonderful post! People like you are helping McCain get elected.

[seattleblogger]

Uhmmmm.. How did you come up with this leap of logic?

[PFHarlock]

Logic? It's obvious that "BetterAmerica's" logic has been obliterated by their desperation.

[gayleg]

Yes, they are!

[valleygent]

Julia...I knew that I liked you...! Thanks for all the laughs...and for your clear thought on this page.

[Jentutsy]

Your quick response to the recent actions of WVWV shows your dedication to making sure all voters voices are heard. I think it's really important that those associated with this group, however peripherally, denounce their recent actions, and you are showing leadership in that capacity. And thanks for promoting women and women's activism in the political arena. Great post.

[aht772e]

JL-D,
I am curious why you thought it was important to a do a PSA to get WOMEN to vote as opposed to simply getting PEOPLE to vote? I guess maybe women might be less likely to vote than men, although I have never come across such data, and I can't imagine why there would be a significant difference in 2008. Also, for the femisists who support HRC because they believe electing a woman will change politics, I ask the following question: Although I will concede that as a father, I like the idea that my daughter can aspire to be president without wondering if America would vote for a woman (which would make HRC's election a good thing), has the election of a woman anywhere in the world ever produced different results than the electiuon of men in those countries. i am thinking of Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, Eva Peron, prime ministers in Canada, and Germany. It seems to me that their political functioning and values were similar to the men elected from the same parties as them. Am I wrong? Can someone offer an example of a woman 's election changing the political nature of the system she ws elected to? Once in office, do women, in fact, somehow govern differently than men, becaue i don't believe they do and I am ar a loss to find an example of it.

[MPeter]

Thanks Julia. You rock. I fell in love with your work on Jerry long before I fell for your bright mind and sense of fairness. Thank You for supporting Senator Obama. Thank you for encouraging women to vote their minds, not their gender or race.

[shades3]

Thank you JLD. Just being a woman, by itself, is no reason for women to feel obligated to support Hillary Clinton. She has shown herself to be as devious and underhanded as any Karl Rove-backed man.
Barack Obama is not just what we used to call a feminist, but a humanist and deserves support as a path to a new political reality.
Clinton is business as usual. Obama is new approach in a new century by the people, of the people and for the people. A breath of fresh air. YES WE CAN.

[auramac]

It is obvious that some broadcasters, or "pundits" have an extensive knowledge of world and American history- like Tom Borkaw, for instance. And he appears to be unbiased. There are others, like most of those on Fox, for example, who just have big mouths and a forum. That said, there are those actors who are well-informed and others who are not- the former are as well-qualified to speak out and make a point as, in fact, the rest of us. The trick is- keep your eyes and ears open.

[indiethinker]

Julia, thanks for speaking up about this. I found the fraudulent robocalls on behalf of WVWV very disturbing & am glad to see you disassociate yourself from them. These are the kinds of tactics that ethically challenged Republican strategists like Karl Rove are famous for & it is very sad that Clinton supporters feel justified in stooping to this kind of thing. I am appalled that tactics like this (which the Clinton campaign may or may not have had a hand in - we just don't know) & negative & divisive campaigning (which we do know the Clinton campaign has been involved in) have not been rejected more soundly by Democratic women & men.