end of the day message

My heartfelt thanks for a wise and truly pro-woman decision to support Barack Obama for President.

I agree we need to move forward to the general election cycle and to confront John McCain for his weakness in the face of the fringe of his party.

You have indeed chosen the best candidate to take back the White House and ensure the freedom of all women to control their own destinies.

The Lieberman endorsement was a bad call. I couldn't understand that at all. But this is different. You have two good choices, and you're choosing to be a "momentum endorser". Nothing wrong with that.

I've heard some people are upset with your endorsement of the likely Democratic nominee. To offset those who may chose to abandon NARAL, I'm a new supporter.

As a Senator Clinton supporter I am outraged by your premature endorsement of Obama. Shame on you. You have lost my financial support and you have lost my respect for your organization.

Thank you for your support of Barack Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee. His election will ensure women will have the rights they have fought so hard to achieve.

Hillary Clinton has a stellar pro-choice and pro-woman record. I can understand her supporters' disappointment. However, it's time for Democrats to close ranks and look toward the general election where we have a real opportunity to close the door on the most destructive administration in our country's history, and regain our progressive footing for the future.

Thanks again for your courageous endorsement.

Thank you for your endorsement of Obama!
Hillary has run a tough race, but Obama will be the nominee now and it is time for us to come together around his candidacy and beat "ANTI-CHOICE" MCCAIN in the fall.

Thank NARL - It's important to remember that two people create a life and we as women have oftentimes been blind this joint responsibility. NARL is pro choice, and today you exercised a choice not to "go along" but to think about the future of NARL for all people, women, men, or all races.

Thank you for taking a significant stand that is symbolic of your bridge to bring about choice and change.

I support a woman's right to choose because I trust women to be prayerful on this issue" -Barack Obama

"but as a christian i cannot claim infallibility on my support of abortion rights" - Barack Obama

Congratulations, NARAL, on taking a position and trying to take the high road in the subsequent firestorm.
This campaign needs to be about the issues, not about gender or race. The vitriol I have seen on the site today from Hillary supporters has convinced me that I want no part of such a campaign.
I've donated to Obama's campaign, my first political donation ever, and starting next month after payday NARAL will be seeing my financial support as well.

Again - thank you, NARAL.

The ugliness of many of the anti-Obama posts is exactly the reason many of us are seeking a new kind of politics and politician. Many of Senator Clinton's supporters seem mired in the past and in negativity and divisiveness.

Onecommenter on the last thread remarked the "Obama doesn't even have his stance on abortion on his website" - which indicates that said poster hasn't quite mastered internet navigation. Thirty seconds at his site, and I have this:

REPRODUCTIVE CHOICE
Supports a Woman’s Right to Choose:
Barack Obama understands that abortion is a divisive issue, and respects those who disagree with him. However, he has been a consistent champion of reproductive choice and will make preserving women’s rights under Roe v. Wade a priority as President. He opposes any constitutional amendment to overturn the Supreme Court's decision in that case.

Preventing Unwanted Pregnancy:
Barack Obama is an original co-sponsor of legislation to expand access to contraception, health information and preventive services to help reduce unintended pregnancies. Introduced in January 2007, the Prevention First Act will increase funding for family planning and comprehensive sex education that teaches both abstinence and safe sex methods. The Act will also end insurance discrimination against contraception, improve awareness about emergency contraception, and provide compassionate assistance to rape victims.

Anyone casting aspersions on his dedication to women's issues (and there are many more listed at his site, at this address: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/womenissues) is either uninformed or intentionally misleading - both of which have been clearly in evidence on this site today.

I also find it ironic that one post rails at NARAL for "prematurely endorsing" while the very next urges women to support NOW instead, since they came out and endorsed Senator Clinton last year. So, which way do you want to have it? This reminds me of people complaining in one breath (incorrectly, to boot) that Obama is a Muslim, then immediately launching into how much they despise his Christian pastor.

Again, thank you for your courage, NARAL. You will be getting a larger donation from me to offset those whose personal hurt feelings are more important to them than keeping abortion safe and legal.

Cindy Vasquez

I am gasping with disbelief that this pro-Choice organization, to which I've belonged before, has endorse Obama BEFORE the states have all had their vote. This seems totally unnecessary to have done so. It is disrespectful of Senator Clinton, who has long, long been a pro-Choice candidate, long before Obama came on to the scene. I will withhold my membership to this organization in the future. Did your members know what you were doing before you did it? I am doubtful because I know that millions of Senator Clinton's supporters would have not endorsed this action of NARAL. Sad and sorry!

Your support of Barack Obama is an outrage. Hillary Clinton has strongly and internationally stood for women's reproductive rights throughout the world for the last 35 years. She would never vote "present" on an issue about reproductive choice. That is why women has overwhelmingly supported her throughout this election campaign. Barack Obama is a weak candidate. He is a media sensation with no substance. To say that he is a leader after his short term in office is a joke. It was Hillary Clinton who was the first to declare that "Womens rights are human rights" and that included the right to choose an abortion. Barack Obama has no record of accomplishment. SHAME SHAME SHAME ON YOU. At this important time in history, you have turned your back on the strongest candidate for women's rights that this country has ever seen. Not only that, she is the candidate leading in the popular vote. Your weakness and bad judgement here will be your downfall. SHAME SHAME SHAME. We need a strong candidate who can win against John McCain. Barack Obama is not that candidate. He is too weak to even debate Hillary because he knows he cannot shine when going head to head with her. He will not be able to duck and cover against McCain in the general. He will loose because he is the weakest candidate in the race. You have lost my support forever.

Thank you for your courageous decision to help heal our country by endorsing Senator Obama. As a woman who values choice, I join you today to support your efforts.

I realize many woman are deeply invested in seeing a woman President. For whatever reasons, this is not the year. There will be other elections. Now is the time to give up bitterness and join together to assure a woman's right to choose and all the other policies a Democratic victory will bring.

Thank you for this truly feminist decision to endorse Senator Obama.

Just so we're all on the same page, Lorna Brett Howard, former President of the Chicago NOW changed her endorsement several months ago from Clinton to Obama.

The reason was the overt deceptive campaign advertising mispresenting Obama's views on a Women's Right to Choose.

Back in the 70's, my mother was one of the first members of NOW in New York, my neighbor is a former president of NOW on Long Island.

NOW members across the nation support Barack Obama. Just so we are all on the same page.

I am utterly sick a heart to see this endorsement and frankly, this is a betrayal of the unity of women that I have always found (and supported) with NARAL.

And please - don't peg me as "anti Obama" - I am PRO WOMEN and we have an opportunity to bring a message to the world that a woman can lead and heal this nation and heal the despair this country has created in the world.

I am so sad that we are not able to stand in solidarity as women - but then, that's been our history and indeed we miss this unbelievable opportunity.

"there is a fundamental
contradiction not just between patriarchy and relationship, but between
patriarchy and Democracy. Patriarchy masquerades as Democracy, but it's an
anathema. How can it be democracy when someone has to always be above someone
else, when women, who are a majority, live within a social construct that
discriminates against them, keeps them from having their full human rights?"

Send help - we need to find a way to bring women together - I once thought NARAL did that.

I agree with most of the other comments on this blog. Your support of Obama is absolutely unbelievable not only for its timing (BEFORE the end of the primary process) but in its blatant disrespect for the FIRST viable woman presidential candidate, someone with a proven record who has vigorously supported your organization and women's rights! NARAL's ultimately FLAWED belief that Obama is electable (He IS NOT! Hillary is)is DEAD wrong!!! It seems to me to be a catastrophic decision that could negatively impact futured fundraising! I'm TOTALLY amazed at how you could have done this. Your leadership should be ashamed and (perhaps) replaced! Go Hillary!!! I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR OBAMA!!!

I am very disappointed in the decision to support Obama at this point in the campaign. We, as women, expect people in power to support our rights even when the going gets tough because it is the right thing to do. This organization's decision to endorse Obama at this point, simply because it is the politically expedient thing to do, goes against what I believe this organization stands for. It shows a lack of leadership and backbone. Yes we should support women, but we should especially support women who are the most qualified because it is NOT RIGHT to just go with the "political flow". Any group who is worthy of my support would not have made such a spineless choice.
I am very disappointed.

I was very proud that NARAL endorsed Barack Obama, and have just joined your organization. I believe it was a wise endorsement because Senator Obama has proven to me that he is skilled at reframing issues including those that derive from privacy as guaranteed by the constitution, in a way that gets past the ideological stumbling blocks that have kept people apart and kept us from moving forward. We are fortunate that Senator Obama is a constitutional scholar. Perhaps the most influential person in Senator Obama's formative life was his mother. And Senator Obama's skill at bringing together people from diverse backgrounds may well derive from what he learned from the great strength of his mother. Senator Obama seems to have a special sensitivity towards finding common ground over emphasizing superficial differences.
I understand that many NARAL members feel that Hillary Clinton as a woman would represent their concerns very well. And I agree that Senator Clinton would fight hard on the side of choice. I do feel, however, that we need to move past the red herrings and distractions keeping pro life people at war wih pro choice people.
Sweden has the most liberal abortion laws yet the fewest abortions because Sweden offers contraception, adoption, work opportunities and prenatal care. Pro choice, for me, is all about keeping the government out of peoples' bedrooms and recognizing privacy as a constitutionally protected right. I believe that much of the militancy on both sides of this issue has been counterproductive and exhausting. I also believe that our president and members of Congress have a responsibility to find areas of common ground so we can move forward on protecting a woman's privacy and right to choose. It would sure help a lot if women had real choices. Many now don't. I don't think this is a religious but a constitutional issue. But people with religious feelings on the matter have been manipulated for the political gain of opposing political parties. It's time for some common ground and I trust Barack Obama to find that common ground so we can move ahead with other pressing issues like equal opportunity for women and helping women out of poverty and offering young women new opportunities. I am proud of the leadership of NARAL for recognizing how critical this election is and how Senator Obama has empowered so many young women to become active in politics. We need them more than ever.
Thanks for having me as a member.

I am very disappointed in the decision to support Obama at this point in the campaign. This group shows no respect to senator Clinton who fight too hard for women for her whole career. Why this group cannot wait until the primary is over and knows who is the nominee?

I would like to congratulate NARAL for its decision to endorse Senator Barack Obama as the Democratic Nominee for President.

Pro-Choice Women around the WORLD await his Presidency. He is truly a VISIONARY Leader.

Again, your efforts are much appreciated.

Jessica said:

WE WILL NEVER VOTE OBAMA NOW!!!

Wow. You'd rather have McCain pack the court with more justices like Alito and Roberts?

Obama isn't my first, or even second choice. But he's going to be the nominee. He's better for this country than McCain on a huge spectrum of issues, including reproductive rights.

I'm going to go off topic for a moment to make a point about my personal triangulation on this election. Clinton's craven vote to authorize Bush's disastrous invasion of Iraq is very disturbing, but if she were the leading contender I would support her anyway. Because McCain is just as crazy as Cheney when it comes to matters of war and peace.

Back on topic ... So why do you think the radical fundamentalist cleric Pat Robertson supports McCain? Think about what sort of conversation they must have had to cut that deal. Think about 40 years of a Roberts court, with theo-cons in the majority. Would you really rather throw this election to McCain than hold your nose and support Obama?

(BTW, in reference to a comment on the other thread, no one told me to come here and post, and no one is paying me to post.)

Thank you for taking a stand that will benefit our nation far beyond a women's right to choose. One does not have to be a woman to stand strong for women's rights and personally I believe Obama has shown more personal integrity than Clinton. Those of you who are all steamed up by NARAL's endorsement better cool off and get ready to vote for Barack in November because a nation under McCain will be one where everyone's rights are impinged - except those on the inside circle.

Oops, my bad. I was quoting Jennifer.

A decision made without any thought, reason, or research. Poo on you. No more donations from me. You turn your backs on one of the founders. I thought things couldn't get any worse with George W. Bush being President for 8 years. If you think that was bad, just wait until Obama is the nominee, or worse yet, President. Yoweee!!! You people are not going to know what hit you, and I am going to be sporting the bumper sticker that reads:Don't blame me, I didn't vote for him!

If you really are reading each and every comment, I'd really like to see some numbers for and against (and neutral, if there are any) at the end of a few days. It's a little disingenuous to talk about "some incredibly strong reactions from both Clinton and Obama supporters".

The fifth or so of total comments I've read didn't contain 'some' strong reactions, it was close to 99% strong reactions. And you make it sound as if the reactions are even-handed, which they are not. From my admittedly not statistically validated guess, it's running about 90/10 against your decision.

I wouldn't make your post sound so chirpy about the number of posts you're getting, bc it's pretty clear that you either ignored or badly misunderstood your base. Any attention good or bad may be good for movie stars, but it's not for a member-supported organization.

You really blew it.

I am completely outraged that your organization has endorsed Barack Obama before the primary process has concluded. I will never again support your organization in any way whatsoever.

Barack Obama's resume is so painfully thin and he has accomplished nothing in his political career other than give speeches. We are voting for a President of the United States, not for the best actor trophy for the Golden Globes. It is really pathetic that an organization such as NARAL has picked the candidate who clearly has less of a track record on the issues that you are allegedly invested. After all the things that Hillary Clinton has done to support women's issues, I am shocked by that you would choose to slap her in the face in this manner.

Thank you for endorsing Obama. I am a 54 year old woman who has been ardently pro-choice for my entire adult life. Your endorsement of Obama is an endorsement of the future.

Another organized group of educated women leaving their choices up to a man - you should be ashamed of yourselves! Hillary Clinton has a long and remarkable history of fighting for women's health choices and women's rights. She is unwavering in her committment to women's issues, and you have chosen to forsake that for someone with little track record to demonstrate achievements in these areas - man or woman! I'm taking my fight to people I can count on - count me out of your supporter pool.

think it vitally important NARAL endorsed Sen. Obama. They sent a clear and strong message against McCain, which we desperately need right now. We need to remind America exactly what is dangerously at stake in this election; a woman's right. As the dems duke it out, McCain is getting a free ride, and that needs to stop ASAP. The very real threat of having that man in office is a nightmare thought. We know what he will do to the Supreme Court and we know in turn what the SCOTUS will do to Roe V. Wade. Yes this endorsement may sting Clinton supporters, but I think Hilliary will survive (especially if she is the fighter she has proved to be). However, in the end, this endorsement is about the women who stand to lose the most with a McCain in office. Thank you NARAL, for taking a stand against McCain.

Thank you for endorsing Senator Obama. I admired his ability and willingness to withstand jumping on the gas tax holiday bandwagon because he knew it was something that could not happen in time for this summer and that it doesn't work. His integrity in that matter assures me that he will not sell out our reproductive rights under any circumstances.

I also lost faith when Clinton recently tried to distance herself from her strong gun control record to portray herself as pro-gun. We cannot afford to have a president who sells us out because it is politically expedient.

NOW endorsed Clinton last year before examining each of the candidates, based solely on gender because others had respectable records on women's issues.

Your courage and willingness to look at the persons record and principles, not their gender, is making me rethink my support of NOW. I never thought to hurl angry insults at NOW for endorsing Clinton and I am astonished at the bitter, hateful comments made by Hillary Clinton supporters here. She needs to look at what she has attracted to herself - it is a good mirror.

Just a simple thank you for making the right choice in endorsing Senator Obama.

Women's rights should never ever have to take a backseat to your politics. You have rendered yourself useless as a women's activist. You will be replaced.

It's a shame that you don't have the class to stand up for a candidate that has always stood up for women's rights.

Do you really know anything about Obama? Hype only goes so far. Those that are endorsing Obama are only helping to ensure a Republican will retain the Office of President.

I find it exceptionally disappointing that an organization such as yours would announce your endorsement of such a weak presidential candidate in an effort to cloud the incredible win our first truly qualified female candidate deserved to have dominate the news today.

Shameful. I hope you won't have to deal with finding out that your candidate will not be your president, even if he should win the election.

Sold down the River Again.

WHY?

IS John McCain such a threat? That you had to abandon women,and your principles. By your own records Hillary Clinton has supported abortion rights (womens rights) over and over again.
WHY are you letting men decide womens rights once again.

This potential supporter...
is out of here.

Too bad most educated people don't need your services. Just us poor, uneducated, bitter folks.

You women freaking out about the endorsement are such incredible hypocrites. Emily's list endorsed Clinton last year. They and other womens groups have sent out grossly misleading mailings against Senator Obama. So it's ok for them to endorse but not NARAL? Go ahead and vote McCain. Let's see how stupid you feel if he gets elected and appoints judges who overturn Roe V. Wade. Thank you NARAL for your courageous endorsement.

THANK YOU!!!!!
For all the great and important work that you do...and for your endorsement of Barack Obama.
He is going to be a great President...with all of our help.
It was courageous of NARAL, and I applaud you.

Let's go forward together...

I see a few of the Obamabots have found this comment section but not as bad as the other site. As a Michigan supporter, I feel like I have been screwed repeatedly in this election, but never did I expect it from NARAL. You have caused GREAT harm to NARAL as well as your state affiliates by this early endorsement. For anything you may have gained from Obama supporters you have lost so much more. Senator Clinton has the respect and admiration of many people, and this betrayal will not be forgotten...EVER!

Never in my life have I read a stream of comments from humans who claim to be women. This sounds like a hate monger site that I shouldn't be affiliated with. I didn't vote for HRC because she would never win the GE because of her and her husband's scandalous history and her limp Senate record. It is more important to uphold the constitution of the US and preserve RvW and keep McCain out of the White House than to vote with my emotions. The slander and hate you promote here is an abortion in itself. Thank you NARAL for your unemotional and non-gender/racial intelligence.

I cannot believe some of the vile, hateful comments submitted by Hillary Clinton supporters.

NARAL - Thank you for your endorsement of Senator Barack Obama - he is a person of integrity. You have made the right choice.

I think these comments by Clinton supporters are sad. I would not like an organization such as NARAL to support anyone just because they are female.

Thank you NARAL.

Obama trusts women with choice, and he's mine.

We know that pro-active sexual health and education and pro-woman laws are the real answer, to avoid a choice no woman should have to make if her country stood by her needs beforehand.

I am an educated woman, a strong woman, and I am a free woman.

I SPEAK FOR MYSELF...

I am joining NARAL right this minute.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You have made the choice at a difficult time and women stand with you!

Thanx for the support. It's time to stand up.

Thank you for supporting Senator Obama. Supporters of Senator Clinton, believe me, it would be historic to have a woman president. However, she is not the right person for the job. Please support Senator Obama as he is infinitely preferable to McCain and has a clear lead over Senator Clinton. It's time to get on the campaign trail for the general election, and Senator Clinton is blocking the way. Please support the man who will be President. We need your help.

I want to give my thanks for your support of Senator Barack Obama. I believe he will be a excellent President of the United States and it is time that we focus on the General Election. Thank you too for all the hard work that you at NARAL do every day in supporting women.

You Obama supporters don't understand. You think this is about Obama v. Clinton. It's not. It's about NARAL making a huge decision like this without even consulting the state organizations. It's about NARAL trying to get into the Democratic contest between two 100% pro-choice candidates and pick a winner.

It is not NARAL's job to pick a winner. It's NARAL's job to tell us who the candidate who best represents our issues is. With all respect to Sen. Obama's 100%, Hillary Clinton has been working on pro-choice and reproductive issues for much longer and with more enthusiasm than he has. If they had to choose, she would be the objective choice.

But why did they have to choose? Couldn't they have waited a few weeks? It is guaranteed that the Democratic nominee, whoever they are, is going to have a 100% record. This was nothing but political posturing with an intent to hurt Senator Clinton and I don't like it. I can give my money and support to NOW or Planned Parenthood who save their political capital for real issues.

Thank-you NARAL for taking the brave step on supporting Obama. I understand that many of Hillary's supporters are fuming over NARAL's endorsement. Although I'm disappointed that they feel that NARAL's choice was meant to 'back-stab' Hillary. Just because Hillary's a woman does NOT mean she's entitled to special treatment by NARAL. Hillary as well as too many of her supporters have over-played the gender-card. Furthermore, I'm disgusted with the fact that many of her supporters will vote for McCain simply because they feel cheated. This is ugly, selfish and vindictive! I don't understand why these women will betray other women by taking away a woman's right to have an abortion. Obama takes the same position as Hillary when it comes to abortion rights. Hillary even stated herself that a vote for McCain would be a grave mistake. If we women are to stand together and fight for equal rights, then why on earth would you ever vote for McCain? This is a selfish, cruel, vindictive and I'm disgusted that too many of Hillary's supporters will follow through on their threats. Shameful! I don't understand why the hate towards Obama's genitalia. They want him to 'wait his turn'. What is he supposed to do, sit at the back of the bus? Obama was raised by a single mother on food stamps. I think he's an excellent 'role model' for womens rights. Inpoverished single mothers can be proud that their children can reach for their dreams! Inpoverished children can have the confidence that they can actually accomplish their full potential. What's wrong with that?

I just wanted to say thank you for your organization's support for Barack Obama. And for those who are claiming that there is no way they'd vote for him, are you really prepared to put John "Anti-Choice" McCain into office knowing that if you do, Roe v. Wade will more than likely be overturned? Does your desire to see HRC as the Democratic nominee outweigh your desire to keep this country pro-choice?

Insofar as local NARAL chapters are unhappy with the national organization taking a stand without consulting them, I can sympathize. But the passion and vitriol displayed here and especially in the comments to the other post go far beyond the passions of internal politics. A lot of the comments seem to exhibit a real sense of personal betrayal, for which I can't see a rational basis.

NARAL's endorsement is based on an undeniable truth: Barack Obama will be the presidential nominee of a badly divided Democratic Party. Hillary has the right to continue her campaign, but that doesn't mean that she has a realistic chance at the nomination any more. That time has passed, and NARAL is to be commended for realizing it.

If we want to prevent more Supreme Court justices in the mold of Roberts and Alito, we have to put aside our divisions and unite behind the candidate who will actually be the Democratic Party's standard-bearer. (The superdelegates just aren't going to turn en masse against the candidate who's won more contests, more delegates, and more popular votes in the contests that count.) But it seems as if some Clinton supporters have become so personally invested in Hillary's candidacy that they can't see this reality. And they take any effort to point out these truths as an insult. It's as if the old slogan has been inverted: the political is now personal.

Back stabbers!!! That NARAL, at this point in a very crucial contest, could brashly turn its back on a proven, competent and, yes, INSPIRING woman, especially a woman who has always supported NARAL'S efforts on behalf of a woman's right to chose, is beyond the pale. You had the opportunity to support a strong and talented woman, yet you recklessly and pathetically passed her over in favor of a sweet-talking "tall, dark and handsome"!

We who have supported NARAL over so many years deserve an explanation. We want to know who made this decision, on what basis, why and how. We want to know why local NARAL officials weren't even asked for their input and, more importantly, we want to know why WE weren't asked for ours. To put it bluntly, we want to know why we should continue to support an organization which no longer makes any effort to be in touch with or fairly represent its members. You owe us some sunshine here.

These are serious times! At this moment, when our economy is in free fall, when our troops need to be brought home safely, when we desperately need universal health care and more, Hillary is clearly the only candidate with the experience, the credentials and the perseverance to bring about real solutions for our country.

Your endorsement does not speak for me. Hillary still has my vote and, if necessary, I will write in her name come November.

As a nearly fifty year old, fiercely independent feminist, I applaud your courage for endorsing Senator Barack Obama. I have been fortunate enough to attend a women's college and be well versed in women's issues. Real feminism means voting for the best person, not necessarily a woman just because she is a woman. Emily's List grew from an alum of my alma mater, something I was always proud of, but now I am frankly embarrassed. I am certain Senator Obama wants his wife and daughters to have choices in their lives that women previously did not have. Women are not the only persons who have fought for the right to choose. We have been joined in our movement by some wonderful men, including Senator Obama. McCain MUST be defeated and Obama will do that.

Thank you to NARAL and your support for Senator Barack Obama in his bid for the presidency.

Thank you NARAL, I applaud you for supporting Sen. Obama in his bid for the white house.

the fact that Hillary Clinton is not receiving the vote of every single democratic female is indicative of a society that thinks feminism's work is done. it breaks my heart that women cannot see the opportunity we have right now. and all we have to do is check a box.

NARAL's endorsement of the non-woman candidate is a slap in the face to feminists and to feminism. i won't entertain any "best person for the job" bullshit. we've seen enough about the priorities of men. women who want political representation will vote women into positions of power. do you really think this opportunity will arise again so soon?

How many of you so-called NARAL leaders were involved in attempts to pass the ERA, and win equality for all women? Were any of you, or have you just ridden on the backs of others?

I was, my wife was, my two teen-age sons were, my mother was, my father was, as well as my two grandmothers.

Our efforts are documented in all publications and histories re the torch run, and convention.

At the time, women had a chance to support other women and themselves by speaking up for passage. Women by sheer numbers and unity could have forced passage.

However, mutitudes (such as Phyllis Schafly, the Eagle Forum, as well as others willing to reap the benefits but not fight the fight) yielded to male influence and domination and were not willing to stand-up and demand an equal voice and protections as afforded to all males at the time.

They subjugated themselves, allowing their constitutionalized and institutionalized inferiority to men to stand. The ERA would have brought complete equality. Instead bits and pieces of equality have been "granted" through various "Title programs". Full equality does not exist under the law to this day. (*see Mary Francis Berry argument below).

As written in 1972, the Equal Rights Amendment simply stated the following:
Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of the article.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.

The fifteen states failing to ratify the ERA were the ten southern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, along with the border states of Missouri and Illinois, and the three western states of Arizona, Nevada and Utah.

Constituting, with a few exceptions, Obama's "stronghold" and base.

Then as now, many women "sold" other women out in favor of the male bastion. Just as they are doing now regarding Hillary Clinton and we life-time activists for women's and minorities' issues.

When we began working on civil-rights in the 60s, Obama was not born. When we struggled in our attempts to pass the ERA, he was a child. Yet now the so-called NARAL leadership chooses him as the savior of women's rights.

No public figures have ever worked harder for women and minorities than Hillary and Bill Clinton. Their records are out there for all to see. NARAL has back-stabbed them and all who support them and their record.

To paraphrase: "Oh, the inananity of it all!"

_________________________

* “We Lack a Firm Constitutional Basis for Equal Rights on the Basis of Gender”: Mary Frances Berry Argues for the ERA

In the years following the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment extending voting rights to women, the National Woman’s Party, the radical wing of the suffrage movement, advocated passage of a constitutional amendment to make discrimination based on gender illegal. The first Congressional hearing on the equal rights amendment (ERA) was held in 1923. Many female reformers opposed the amendment in fear that it would end protective labor and health legislation designed to aid female workers and poverty-stricken mothers. A major divide, often class-based, emerged among women’s groups. While the National Woman’s Party and groups representing business and professional women continued to push for an ERA, passage was unlikely until the 1960s, when the revived women’s movement, especially the National Organization for Women (NOW), made the ERA priority. The 1960s and 1970s saw important legislation enacted to address sex discrimination in employment and education—most prominently, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Title IX of the 1972 Higher Education Act—and on March 22, 1972, Congress passed the ERA. The proposed amendment expired in 1982, however, with support from only 35 states—three short of the required 38 necessary for ratification. Strong grassroots opposition emerged in the southern and western sections of the country, led by anti-feminist activist Phyllis Schafly. Schlafly charged that the amendment would create a “unisex society” while weakening the family, maligning the homemaker, legitimizing homosexuality, and exposing girls to the military draft. In the following 1983 House committee hearing, Mary Frances Berry of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights argued that the ERA was still necessary due to the lack of clear constitutional guidelines for court decisions and enforcement efforts regarding sex discrimination legislation.

_______________________

"We believe that one reason sex discrimination persists is that we lack a firm constitutional basis for equal rights on the basis of gender.

Now, people who are opposed to ERA say, “Well, you have got the 14th amendment and that is all you need.” But the Supreme Court of the United States has stopped short of applying the same 14th amendment standards to sex discrimination that they do to race discrimination. And part of the reason why, Justice Powell says, is that there is no ERA, and that is why we don’t have to make sex a suspect class.

What he said is ratification would “resolve the substance of this precise question.” Of course, without it the result is a “catch-22.”

Women are told they don’t need ERA because they have the 14th amendment, but they can’t have the 14th amendment’s full protection because they don’t have ERA. So you are caught however you go.

As we have said before in the Commission on Civil Rights, the chief advantage of an ERA as opposed to other kinds of reforms is that it would provide stronger protection. And in the absence of a formal constitutional foundation for gender equality, a hostile legislature, we know, could wipe off all the antidiscrimination laws that are now on the books. So what we would do is just put women’s equality into the Constitution."

TESTIMONY OF MARY FRANCES BERRY, COMMISSIONER, U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS . . .

Source: Congress, House, Committee on the Judiciary, Equal Rights Amendment: Hearings before the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, 98th Cong., 1st sess. on H.J. Res. 1, July 13, September 14, October 20, 26, and November 3, 1983, Serial No. 115 (Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1990).

Thanks for giving your endorsement to Barack Obama!

Thank you for endorsing Senator Obama. We need to come together and focus on defeating Senator McCain in the fall. Senator Obama is giving us the best chance to do that and keep our (pro)choices available.

You have amazingly missed the opportunity to support the one candidate who has the chance to actually win the election, and at the same time, set feminism back about 50 years. Does NARAL truly believe that a man is more capable to make decisions about reproductive health?

You have let down several generations of women everywhere, and have lost my financial support. I will instead support local organizations that aren't so eager to jump on the bandwagon of yet again another male who gets to make decisions about women's bodies.

a heartfelt thank you for your decision to choose to endorse Sen. Barack Obama. As a strong pro-choice woman, I'm excited about the opportunity to move forward past this divisiveness and politics as usual.

The vitriolic comments from Clinton supporters on this posting exemplify why your endorsement was, is, and will be SO important.

Thank you.

I strongly disagree with NARAL's decision to endorse and posted a heartfelt, civil message to that effect last night at approx. 10:40 pm. I noticed this morning that my post is no longer listed, although other posts from that time frame do appear. Are you screening, restricting, deleting posts now? If so, you should inform your readers, as the current set-up is at a minimum, misleading, perhaps worse. If not, what happened?

All in all, quite the debacle, NARAL! Posting all the polite, Obama-supporter thank yous in the world won't even begin to mend this fracture, to salve this wound.

Hey "sweetie" - NARAL is a sell out. I guess Obama promised NARAL something it wanted (access to his donor list). Good luck getting the kiddies' attention or their dollars to support your organization. You've lost every Hillary supportor, women who have actually worked for, protested, and financially supported women's reproductive rights. Good luck when McCain's supreme court overturns Roe V Wade.

I am incredibly disappointed that NARAL found it necessary to endorse Senator Obama at this time. If he eventually wins the Democratic nomination, there will be plenty of opportunity to endorse him then. To do so now is to deliberately attack Senator Clinton and to undermine her at what should be a time of celebration after her huge win in W VA. Based on her record you have no reason not to continue to support her. I consider your actions a stab in the back at Senator Clinton. I have sent my last contribution to NARAL.

Why President of NOW switched from Clinton to Obama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuMYKs8iJs

We are a Baby Boomer married couple in our early 50s here in East Central Florida. For many years, since Roe V. Wade was passed, we have been staunch
supporters of Abortion/reproductive rights. We have marched, donated money, made telephone calls. We have been loyal Democrats and made reproductive freedom a major issue in our voting records.

Today we are writing to tell you that WE ARE TOTALLY DISGUSTED WITH YOUR ENDORSEMENT OF BARACK OBAMA over Hillary Clinton. WE WILL NEVER DONATE ANY MONEY TO YOUR ORGANIZATION AGAIN. After all the Clintons have done to maintain reproductives rights in this country during President Clinton's TWO administrations and this is how your organization responds? For SHAME! Shame on YOU!

Thanks for turning your backs on the people who have helped keep prochoice alive. We will never forget, espectially in November. Good luck relying on the Starbucks generation for your money and support. You will need it.

Dawn and Peter

Shame on NARAL for selling out longtime supporter and advocate for women's rights, Hillary Clinton.

You have endorsed a "sweetie" candidate who did not have an answer for a female reporter regarding plans for MI auto workers while he was in MI-gabbing about "change" only goes so far and Obama's time is many months past-exactly what are his plans beyond change? The bottom line here is that this is Hillary's time and Obama should have respected that if he is all about women and understood that he had the time for a future presidency where he would have been much more experienced then now with some actual yes and no votes behind him rather then just "present" votes.

I haven't read through all the comments, but I've easily read through more than 400 of them. Why do almost all of them sound like they were written by the same person? Did the Obama campaign send out a form email for its supporters to forward?

None of them mention abortion, choice, or women's rights or Obama's record. They just 'thank you' to NARAL for .

Did NARAL give Obama's campaign the head's up so they could get the 'bots grinding right away? It's a little creepy.

Dawn and Peter -- I totally agree with the good luck on fundraising from the Starbucks generation. I guess NARAL is trying to shift their demographic younger. Unfortunately, they should have done some research, since younger potential donors give a lot less to organizations like them and are notoriously fickle in the giving. You'd think they could have tried the shift in a way that wouldn't blow their base at the same time.

Oops.

So NARAL has joined the Misogyny Express. SHAME SHAME SHAME. From this day on, Not one dime, not one minute for anything connected with NARAL. You have dumped the women past child bearing age. I hope the kids who boo'd Hillary have cash.

Although most us will be voting for Obama in the fall, your timing is premature. Kicking Hillary out the door makes NARAL look unappreciative. It is indisputable that Hillary has done more for women's health care than Obama. To suggest otherwise would be futile. Obama may have the POTENTIAL to be champion for women in the future should he become POTUS, but Hillary has been a champion for women for decades.

If you had simply waited 3 short weeks, you would have still been able to endorse the Democratic nominee (Obama) without alientating loyal Clinton supporters. Now, you have damaged your reputation which could possibly decrease contributions which might limit your ability to fund your mission objectives. We all lose.

Although this might have been a wise political decision for NARAL as it gets you in the good graces of the potential POTUS. It was not a wise public relations decision for NARAL given your timing. Democrats in 2008.

Thank you for supporting the presumptive nominee. I will do everything in my power that you will get support (mostly financially) from my friends (already promised my family) to offset these Hillary-supporters that are leaving because you chose out of two nominees with similiar plans, the one that is the presumptive nominee.

Everyone saying they'd vote for McCain if Obama is the nominee (which has been likely since february) never did believe in NARAL or NOW from the start.

Okay, I am a 52 y.o. registered nurse. I have been on the front page of my local newspaper in VA with my young daughter at a pro-choice rally. I have worked with patients who have made the difficult decision to obtain an abortion.
I feel moved to ask: Why did your organization feel the need to endorse Obama now? Obviously, if he wins the nomination which is likely, we all should rally behind him and get him elected.
But, give me a break, abandon Hillary Clinton now? What kind of message does that give your supporters? If your governing group is under 50 years old, please send Senator Clinton a frigging thank you note. This would be thanking her for participation in women's rights and issuses which contributes to the fact you don't have to worry about sexism nor such a low glass ceiling nor your right to choose.
I'm very, very disappointed. You don't get it, do you? Or, perhaps, it is me who doesn't get it.

Perhaps Nancy Keenan prefers to be called "sweetie". How about a little pat on the head also for a job well done?
What a disgrace!

Well, I'm stunned. And count me in with the avalance of condemnation for your premature endorsement of an empty suit who voted 'present' on the pro-choice bills. The tiny handful of Obama supporters obviously haven't seen his real record on this issuue. You should HUMBLY retract your endorsement because of the overwhelming response of YOUR supporters. And, I'm switching all of my support to NOW.

I realize that NARAL is NOT a feminist organization, but am very disapointed in your disregard for the posibility of a knowledgeable, qualified woman who does support feminist issues, being elected President of the United States. My financial contributions will go to Senator Clinton's campaign, along with my time and my energy. What a shame that NARAL could not have waited on this endorsement. What a shame that NARAL did not have coviction that a woman could be electd President
I have seen that in election , while racism is not accepted in our socirty, and it should not be, thar sexism is still going strong. Yes, even in NARAL.I will vote for Senator Obama IF he is the candidate , because we cannot have another anti-choice president. BUT, my vote will not be with the same passion.

NARAL has lost my support. Obama's speeches are vapid, without the details, because he is without experience and depth of understanding the issues. His 20-year association with Wright and then his denunciation of him was appalling. But with regard NARAL's decision,

a friend of mine summed it up beautifully:

"plus he (Obama) did nothing for lilly ledbetter and fair pay, and on women's issues in Illinois his big balls voted 'PRESENT", (how courageous) then he hedged on Rowe V wade too and has only a tiny multipurpose link on his website about women's issues. CLinton went to China for women's rights and has a 100 % record over decades on women's issues. barf vommit"

My sentiments exactly

But why should women get to determine decissions for men? Should these decisions be shared?

NARAL's decision only makes me closer to stating what the Reagan Democrats once said: "I didn't leave the party...the party left me!"

NARAL, your decision makes me a step closer with changing my voter registration from Democrat to Independent. Why should I continue to support Democrats (raise money for them) when organizations such as yours, while non-partisan (but we all know it's partisan), turns your back on us?!?!

One final note....as I scroll through the comments, men are more likely to support your decision than the women on your decision. And they all state they will financially support you because of your decision.

But, when I go to your donor list on opensecrets.org, MOST IF NOT ALL OF YOUR DONORS ARE WOMEN.

How could you turn your back on the people who have financed your mission?!?!?!?!?!

Ellen R. Malcolm said it better than I ever could.

"I think it is tremendously disrespectful to Sen. Clinton -- who held up the nomination of a FDA commissioner in order to force approval of Plan B and who spoke so eloquently during the Supreme Court nomination about the importance of protecting Roe vs. Wade -- to not give her the courtesy to finish the final three weeks of the primary process," EMILY's List president Ellen R. Malcolm said in a statement. "It certainly must be disconcerting for elected leaders who stand up for reproductive rights and expect the choice community will stand with them."

Why would you take the wind from Hillary sails now?
You should and could have had the courtesy and respect to wait.

After all, Hillary has paid her dues for us with her hard work and constant loyality on this issue. We know where Hillary stands.

Thank God Hillary has a backbone. You keep going Hillary!

Sherry TH

I just read that NARAL has endorsed Senator Obama and I am sitting here stunned and confused at this choice.

I do not believe that NARAL should have supported Hillary Clinton just because she is a woman. However, having said that, it is logical that a person with Hillary's extensive record on women's rights would be the most obvious choice. So why then come out in support of Barack Obama? It could be argued that he does support a woman's right to choose... that's great. Is is important to him? I doubt it.

By NARAL making this choice, at this particular time, seems to be one of callous political expediency. I imagine that a large part of your support and funding comes from women in their 50s, who like me remember a time when abortions were not safe or legal. How brave of NARAL (and John Edwards, for that matter) to come out now in support of the most likely candidate. Wow... really going out on a limb there. I understand that NARAL is hoping to invigorate a new, younger generation of women to get involved in women's rights. However, I want to ask you this. How much support do you thing you will get from a generation that has taken access to birth control, and abortion for granted since it's always been available to them? Not much I think.

Once again, women have chosen to let men make the decisions for them.

You are to be congratulated on your utter stupidty and politcal expediency, sweeties. BTW, good luck on your future fundraising from us oldies who remember a world where abortion was NOT legal.

Sarah G

Thank you Naral for your endorsement of Senator Obama. I am confident he will champion the causes of all women. While in my heart I believe that Senator Clinton is a true believer of Women's Rights I feel that the methods she has employed in this contest have magnified negative sterotypes about women. I believe Senator Obama will fight for a woman's right to choose in the same intelligent, reasonable and determined way he has shown in his bid for the Presidency. Again, I applaud you for your endorsement.

(I must say that I am so saddened to see the hate and anger in many of the posts above. I truly believe that we can disagree without being disagreeable)

As a man who supports women's choice and abortion rights, I thought it was a callous, political stunt on the part of NARAL to endorse Obama before the primaries had run their course. I can understand that you're backing the presumptive nominee, but to try to drive a nail through the heart of Hillary's candidacy was so despicable, and you should be ashamed. This is as civil as I can be in response to your very disrespectful endorsement.

This will not, of course, lead me to stop supporting women's choice and abortion rights, but I will not support your organization.

Clearly, those who say things like We will never support Obama now! and REFUND MY CONTRIBUTIONS clearly demonstrate your own selfishness and childish attitudes.
You're really going to give that much more change to McCain in November out of your own stubbornness?

This is sickening.

I'm embarrassed for you.

While I can understand why Sen. Clinton's supports are upset, I cannot understand why they would declare they will not vote for Sen. Obama if he is the nominee. Sen. Obama has a strong pro-choice record. He raised money to oppose the abortion ban in South Dakota. He worked with Planned Parenthood Illinois on legislative strategy. He voted against a ban on partial-birth abortions. He has been a strong advocate of age-appropriate sex education, even for young children. Unfortunately, some people have spread misinformation about Sen. Obama's record.

I understand and admire that you are passionate about your candidate, but please remember what is at stake here. If John McCain is elected in November, he will likely have the opportunity to appoint multiple supreme court judges and overturn Roe. Are you willing to risk that just because NARAL endorsed Sen. Obama? Please, before you vote in November look at Sen. Obama's record at choice and then look at John McCain.

The real challenge for all of us is to recognize and do something about the blatant misogyny and sexism which has been tolerated and even joked about in this campaign. (see Marie Cocco's column of May 13). Can you hear the howl if we changed these gender insults to race based comments? It saddens me to see surrogates attack Senator Clinton and even Senator Obama started his campaign by claiming Clinton herself was part of the problem. His new politics is at best, dismissive of the good of the past and he uses his rhetoric to eviscerate his opponents. Sure he subsequently may smile charismatically and stitch the attacks up with equivication but if you'll look closely, their organs have still been removed. What a sad commentary on your organization that you did not respect Senator Clinton and all women enough to wait and see the results of all primaries. If Obama is to be supported and possibly elected, let us make sure that he is as willing to stand up for women as he is to accept the adoration of so many based solely on his presentaion of a poorly dileneated but well timed dream.

Thank you NARAL for such a courageous choice of endorsing Senator Barack Obama. This organization has always supported the rights of women in making the choices that matter most, and you have done this in such an inspirational way.

I admire this organization for making a decision not based solely upon what was expected, but what is best. As a woman, American, and supporter of Barack Obama, I am confident he will protect the rights of women across this country.

Please do not be discouraged by the negative remarks left on this blog. This organization has done great work for women and will not lose the support from individuals who actually CARE about protecting the rights of women. Your dedication is greatly admired and appreciated, regardless of those individuals that may be sore about a politician's failed political campaign.

Thank you for what you continue to do for women.

Thoroughly DISGUSTED is the only way I can describe how I am feeling today about NARAL. You've done a great disservice to pro-choice voters everywhere. My family has been big contributors to your organization in the past...not a penny more will be sent your way.

Barack Obama has us all set up for failure and NARAL is now complicit in dooming our future. Don't believe me? Take a look at the Electoral College Vote count: http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2008/Clinton/Maps/May15.html

Shame on you!!!

Thank you NARAL for endorsing Obama in his bid to be the next president of the United States. It is the right decision. Hilary Clinton has fought a long and hard race, but it is time to step back and recognize that Obama will be the nominee of the Democratic Party. I agree with many of those who have praised Clinton for her commitment to women’s issues. She has been a stalwart supporter. And, under different circumstances, she would the first to recognize that NARAL is taking the correct action. It is always difficult to “let go” of a cause, and in this case, a person in whom one believes. Hilary Clinton deserves our thanks for being willing to stand up and fight to be the first woman president. In doing so, she has opened the door for women everywhere. Now, however, we need to rally behind Barack Obama and work to make certain that he wins the election. We cannot lose sight of what we all stand to lose should the Republicans maintain their hold on the presidency. We have to stop the fighting amongst ourselves and recognize that in Barak Obama we have a champion of not just our rights as women but of everyone’s rights.

The decision by NARAL to endorse Obama at this stage of the campaign is reprehensible. This is the antithesis of what NARAL represents when it stands up for women and their rights. Both Clinton and Obama fully support abortion rights thus it was it is totally unnecessary for NARAL to take sides this late in the game, particularly the day after Clinton had a big win. Women's rights will not be respected until women are respected. After 30 years of supporting NARAL, you will no longer have my support in any manner or form.

Thanks for living in the real world, NARAL. All these candidates are flawed, and whoever gets the nomination and the presidency, it's clear those who want to transform our country from a verging theocracy to a true democracy will have to advocate long and hard to bring these leaders around. The advantage of Obama is his ability to engage the next two generations in the political process. We need them: he's inheriting at least a three-generation mess.

Clinton mismanaged her campaign because she tried to game the system by front-loading the primaries and ignoring the caucus states. She failed. Obama worked the same system, assessing Clinton's astonishing advantages and figuring out how to accumulate delegates despite them. He's succeeding. It's as simple as that.

They are both Democrats and they're both pro-choice. Let's move on, or we'll all be barefoot and pregnant in a Christian Dominionist republic. Go back to your radical feminist analysis, Clinton supporters! It's the patriarchy, remember? It's all inside the box.

Thanks again, NARAL. Pragmatism rules.

I think you made a poor choice in your endorsement of Obama. You might have waited till the promary had ended. Hillary has supported this organization and all it stood for. You made a political decsion.
I will never give you another dime, I am so angry.

I love the examples of some almost wishy washy quotes from Obama courtesy of upset Clinton supporters.

Friends, we can play this game all day. Clinton has said some things too that make me wince. Like when she said abortion "represents a sad, even tragic choice to many, many women." Those of us in the pro-choice movement know that an abortion is a great relief to the overwhelming majority. But Clinton and Obama are running for office and are framing the issue in the ways they think will work.

What is important is their record. In voting and talking about the major reproductive health measures, both Clinton and Obama are 100%. The allegation about Obama's "present" votes in Illinois was part of a Planned Parenthood legislative strategy!

I'm disappointed that I have to tell my four year old daughter that indeed, no woman has been president yet. But more important than that is that I want reproductive rights to be a reality for her when she's older. Continuing to fight like this will allow John McCain to march right into the White House and finish the job that George W Bush started.

Of course we don't know who will be the nominee in 2012 or 2016. But it is highly likely that women will be major contenders. Sebelius, Napolitano, Boxer, Brazile, or who knows?

It may feel like it, but getting a woman in the White House isn't a one-shot deal.

Lesha says: "You made a political decsion." [sic]

Yes. The political organization made a political decision. Imagine that. What matters is whether it is a wise political decision. I think it is wise to support the 100% pro-choice eventual nominee.

Also: "Hillary has supported this organization and all it stood for."

Yes. She has. So has Obama. And he will be the nominee.

First, I would like to thank you for your endorsement of Obama. I believe it was the right person to get behind and show support of.

Second, I would like to apoligize for the actions of some of Clintons supporters.

Again THANK YOU Bob --santa fe, tx

What were you thinking? Endore the nominee of the party of choice if that nominee is pro-choice. The Democrats do not have a nominee at this point. THere was no reason to stick you're two-cents worth in other than to be craven. To have taken sides between two pro-choice candidates and to choose the one with the weaker pro-choice record was stupid. It violates NARAL's mission and is a misuse of the money I have donated over the past 20+ years. That can and will be ended. No more money from this household -- those funds will now go to pro-choice organizations that are not so full of themselves but are concerned with accomplishing their mission. Planned Parenthood's gain. When I want politics I support Emily's List. Bye bye NARAL

I am simply outraged at your shameful endorsement of Obama. You have stabbed Hillary Clinton and all her supporters in the back. I have been to every pro choice rally in Washington D.C. and the State of Florida. For twenty years I have donated my money, blood, sweat and tears to this cause and to NARAL. This endorsement needs to be undone and given to Hillary. I will not donate one money penny to NARAL. As far as I am concerned those at NARAL who endorsed Obama are nothing short of Traitors. Shock, disbelief, anger....I can't begin to express how much rage I currently feel to NARAL and those who have purposely ignored all the years and support they have received from Hillary. I recall at one of the Marches in Washington D.C. where Hillary Clinton gave a speech.....where was Obama??? Naral and its leadership now......disgust me. Who needs enemies when your own organization (NARAL) stabs us in the back! Shame on you, I am totally disgusted!!!

Who cooked the comments? It is reasonable to get rid of the offensive comments, but it seems as though NARAL has eliminated many legitimate comments. Previously, the comments were BY FAR negative, and now they are more balanced. The sheer volume of response also needs to be appreciated.

Nancy Keenan, you need to rethink this disaster and retract your endorsement, admitting that you had underestimated the vast majority of NARAL supporters who decry this endorsement.

OH...why don't you all of you spoiled babies grow up. This group endorsed Barack Obama so get over it. Or isn't there enough division at play already. What a bunch of garbage. Go ahead and keep complaining. It's just one more thing the Republican's are going to use against who ever is the candidate. Or haven't any of you really been paying attention.
So if you don't want to support this organization then don't. If you don't want to support Emily's List then don't. Just get past this bickering because it's senseless.
It's not like this organization endorsed John McCain. So why not think before you start all of the threats. It's not going to work. Maybe next time you have a problem you want this organization to help you with. Then you will be eating your words.
Just get past this childish bullcrap and get with the real program. In case you're too caught in your own selves it's to beat John McCain.
What a bunch of hypocrites.
Everyone will really have something to complain about if John McCain wins.
Either you contribute to this organization because you believe in their cause or you don't or is it appropriate to only support something when you get what you want.
Your are an embarrassment to me as a Women.

Thank you NARAL for such a courageous choice of endorsing Senator Barack Obama. This organization has always supported the rights of women in making the choices that matter most, and you have done this in such an inspirational way.

I admire this organization for making a decision not based solely upon what was expected, but what is best. As a woman, American, and supporter of Barack Obama, I am confident he will protect the rights of women across this country.

Please do not be discouraged by the negative remarks left on this blog. This organization has done great work for women and will not lose the support from individuals who actually CARE about protecting the rights of women. Your dedication is greatly admired and appreciated, regardless of those individuals that may be sore about a politician's failed political campaign.

Thank you for what you continue to do for women.

As a peace-loving, college-educated, pro-life, progressive woman I can only express my disappointment with NARAL at its endorsement of Barack Obama and then attempt to help you understand my thoughts behind it.

Coming at a time where there is only three weeks left to the primary, and whether or not it is the case, your endorsement appears insensitive, a betrayal to Senator Clinton and her supporters and as if it has, in some way been bought.

So, my disappointment in your endorsement is with its timing, which seems a bit self-serving and will, no doubt continue to split the chasm between the Clinton and Obama supporters even more than prior to your endorsement, when there is a dire need to be mindful of either bringing the party together or keeping it from falling apart.

I have been a member of the Democratic party all my life, and at age 51, as a professional, self-employed business woman I initially supported Senator Obama with tremendous enthusiasm like so many people! I was excited at his potential and his possibilities, however over the course of his campaign, I began to notice things about him and his message that were inconsistent with his mantra of "change we can believe in."

He has skillfully conducted his campaign with religious overtones and is running based on a premise of a promise. His behavior has been inconsistent with his message. I am so very disappointed in him.

One needs to look a little closer, a little deeper to see that the man on many occasion disregards and patronizes women then uses clever verbiage to apologize when he is caught, or when it is convenient to him. He has led a negative, divisive campaign, personally attacking Senator Clinton, calling her "shrill" and "Annie Oakley." And there are too many other inconsistencies to list here, but the list does go on.

Americans, and many women, are so desperate for a leader after the lengthy debacle of the Bush administration that they will allow themselves to be lead in a direction that has grave negative potential for women AND for all Americans. When will Americans begin to think clearly about the issues rather than allowing themselves to be lead? It astounds me how people go on face value these days, but I suppose when you examine the American values at a whole, it is not surprising.

Again, I am disappointed in Senator Obama's negative behavior and overtones towards women, and in NARAL's endorsement of a candidate that does not have the long-standing record of standing as a champion for women and children.

Your supporters have every right to feel disappointed and to consider this a betrayal. I for one am so tired of the people within the Democratic party, both leaders and supporters, never having their proverbial "stuff" together that I am choosing to leave it once and for all.

Perhaps next time you'll think of the good of the whole party before you act so cavalierly with such a powerful endorsement.

Clearly NARAL has lost its way. We the pro-choice community are supposed to stand up for those who have stood up for us; and no, pro-choice is not a one-size-fits-all. Candidates mean different things by that term and DO different things to earn our endorsements. WCLA – Choice Matters, one of the oldest pro-choice organizations in the country, endorsed Senator Hillary Clinton for President in 1/08 because she earned the endorsement.
Choice Matters focused on the records of Democratic candidates Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. (Edwards was still in the race at that time.)
Neither Edwards nor Obama had, or, for that matter, has in any way championed or been outspoken on Choice.
Clinton is the only presidential candidate who counts women's health among her top priorities. Her words translate into action, and her leadership translates into results. Hillary Clinton has: 1. Spoken out against the nomination of anti-choice judges; 2. Opposed legislation that would take away women's legal protections; 3. Co-sponsored legislation to suspend the global gag rule; 4. Stood up to the Bush administration to win approval for access to emergency contraception, waging a three-year battle to make Plan B contraception available over the counter to those in need; 5. Sponsored the Prevention First Act to expand family planning services to low-income women and require health insurance companies to cover contraception; and 6. Championed legislation to ensure that rape victims receive the medical care they need.
At a time when two more Supreme Court justices (Stevens and Ginsburg) who support the Roe v. Wade decision may retire, it’s more important than ever that we elect a president who considers women's reproductive health a top-tier issue.  Senator Hillary Clinton is that person!
Shame on NARAL for not standing up for those who have stood up for us. What would the founder of NARAL, Larry Lader, say about you today?

Shame on you!!!!!
From now on, my NARAL money goes to Emily's list:

http://www.emilyslist.org/support/

Statement of Emily's List Founder Ellen Malcolm re NARAL's disgraceful endorsement of Obama:

“I think it is tremendously disrespectful to Sen. Clinton -- who held up the nomination of a FDA commissioner in order to force approval of Plan B and who spoke so eloquently during the Supreme Court nomination about the importance of protecting Roe vs. Wade -- to not give her the courtesy to finish the final three weeks of the primary process. It certainly must be disconcerting for elected leaders who stand up for reproductive rights and expect the choice community will stand with them.”

I believe your endorsement has done nothing but pour salt into a fresh and growing wound and will do nothing to advance the cause of a women's choice. Endorsing at this time only serves to harden the bitterness, especially when there was no doubt that the Democratic candidate would be pro choice. This is an important election concerning the nine votes that actually count for something. Obviously your timing doesn't account for this. Some of us believe it isn't out of the question to cut off your nose to spite your face. I'll leave it at that and make MY choice in November.

Your endorsement of Obama is an absolute outrage. How could you get past his remarks at the Compassion Forum, 4/13/08? When discussing abortion Obama said, "it requires us to acknowledge that there is a moral dimension to abortion..."(A moral dimension? How about a personal decision/dimension?) He went on to say, "...And what I have consistently talked about is to take a comprehensive approach where we focus on abstinence, where we are teaching the sacredness of sexuality to our children." ("sacredness of sexuality to our children"???) Or when asked when he thinks life begins, Obama said,"...I don't presume to know the answer to that question. What I know, as I've said before, is that there is something extraordinarily powerful about potential life and that that has a moral weight to it that we take into consideration when we're having these debates." (Again with the moral weight!)
Furthermore, Obama’s record while in the Illinois State Senate has come into question. He voted “present” –not “yes” or “no” – on seven (7) abortion-related bills. Many IL legislators use the "present" vote as an evasion on an unpopular choice, so that they can avoid being targeted for voting "no." During the 2004 Democratic primary, an opponent mocked Obama's "present" vote on abortion bills with flyers portraying a rubber duck and the words, "He ducked!". “If you are worried about your next election, the present vote gives you political cover,” said Kent D. Redfield, a professor of political studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield. (The New York Times, 12/20/07)
The Daily Women’s Health Policy Report stated that Obama voted present in 1997 on two measures that would have banned so-called "partial-birth" abortion and in 2001 on two bills that would have required parental notification before a minor could receive an abortion. (Stearns, Charlotte Observer, 12/4/07)
There are many more citations of this kind. Obama’s campaign says and he says that he is 100% pro-choice. For now I’ll have to take him at his word BUT—and it is a Big But—he is Not A Leader. With Hillary Clinton, we have the opportunity to put Choice and women back in the game center stage. We need a leader-not someone who doesn’t want to be labeled.
As a former contributor, I say, “bad move!” I won’t be giving to you in the future. I’ll be giving to organizations like WCLA – Choice Matters which puts the issue of CHOICE first!

A woman's right to choose is also the right of NARAL to choose Senator Obama as well. It is their right.

I believe this anger comes from women who cant seem to get beyond the idea that the Clintons are not entitled to our support. Surely women as a voting group are not monolithic.

I think by endorsing Obama you have Just helped McCain win the election.Congratulations.You can now say goodbye to Roe vs Wade

Emily's List endorsed Hillary a long time ago. It seems hypocritical to now say that NARAL cant endorse Obama. And dont tell me women are upset because they didnt endorse (the woman).

That would be sexist wouldnt it?.

Hi NARAL,

I am shocked at how outraged Clinton supporters are about your endorsement of Senator Obama. It isn't like you're endorsing a anti-choice republican like McCain. As you note both Obama and Clinton are very strong on Pro-choice and women's issues.

I'm starting to think that a lot of her supporters are more interested in her than the poltics she represents. If that is really true, and they don't vote for the Dem Nominee (probably Obama), then I guess they never really supportered pro-choice/women's issues in the first place.

Right on, Dawn! There will be a mass-exodus of pro-choice supporters from Obama and NARAL to Emily's List and Hillary! Obama's people seem to think they can win this race without us. Ooohh, are you in for surprise! Don't come a-knockin' at my door, Dems! I am voting for anybody but O-blah-blah, and yes with NO GUILT!!!!!!

i stand with my fellow pro-choice warriors who are absolutely disgusted with NARAL's endorsement and the timing thereof.

while the obama campaign is glowingly announcing the endorsement of john edwards, steel workers, and college democrats, i have seen NO mention of their appreciation of NARAL's endorsement (and yes, i went looking). what this says very audibly to me is that reproductive rights is NOT an issue that obama will champion, rather one that he'd like to keep quiet about. the status quo is apparently good enough for him, but it's not good enough for me.

i do hope NARAL reconsiders their position. i have lost a great deal of faith in this organization.

"Obama's people seem to think they can win this race without us. Ooohh, are you in for surprise! Don't come a-knockin' at my door, Dems! I am voting for anybody but O-blah-blah, and yes with NO GUILT!!!!!!"

This makes no sense Nellie. What makes you think the Obama campaign doesn't welcome "us"? Then you say you don't want any Dems knocking on your door?? Obama supporters have been accused of following a cult of personality, but those who follow Hillary to the point of voting for Republcan Anti-choice, Pro-choice candidates like McCain is really confusing.

Please get a hold of youselves - just because it looks like Hillary won't win this race, doesn't mean it was stolen. If Hillary was winning and Obama was loosing would you like to hear this from us?

Let's stay united in Novemeber to promote Pro-choice women's rights irregardless of who the Democratic Nominee is in August!

Dear Jannie, Thank you for a lovely response. I must respectfully disagree with you. As a Dem for many years, what has happened to Senator Clinton is a disgrce to the party. Folk have long memories. Normally, I would agree with you, but not this time. I must agree with Dawn and the other Pro-choice folk on this blog who are appalled at NARAL's decision and timing.

I have no way of knowing how long you have been involved with politics. Keep fighting for what you believe in, and allow others their decision. You never know when you might come together again. Regards

Hi Nellie,

The only thing I don't understand is why women who have supported the Hillary Clinton's run to be the Democratic Nominee are now so angry with the Democratic party that they would vote Republican. It's true that I am young (30), but one thing the "older generation" has taught us is that we should not be judged by our gender or race, sexual orientation etc.

Of course you and others like you have a right to be "allowed their decison" to vote Republican or Nader. It just confuses us when we are taught by your generation that we were fighting to be treated equally and then when one of our sisters looses an election we're told we should use the old-girl network to cry foul and seek special treatment.

Sorry, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but it makes me so sad to see progressive vs. progressive and generation vs. generation. I'm sure Rush Limbuagh and his hord are so happy to see the little progressives fighting eachother.

Peace!

P.S. as for the timing...Emily's list had no problem endorsing Hillary months ago...

For NARAL to turn their back on Senator Clinton is an insult to all women. The timing of this endorsement is disgusting. I will NEVER donate to this organization again, and I will be surprised if NARAL is in existance one year from now.

As for the BHO supporters, we will NEVER unite. Your pathetic nicey nice is way too obvious.

Hi Jannie: I have only my own experience to share with you. I am an AARP member. For me, and for many other posters here, this feels like a betrayal.

When I registerd to vote, Abortion wasn't legal. I have always passionately voted Dem and pro-choice, as other posters mentioned. The 80s were a nightmare, but at least we had a Dem congress.

And that's one thing I think we will have, even if McCain is at top of the ticket, and that is where many of us Pro-choice folk learned to concentrate our energies...if we have a prochoice Congress, a Repub at the top of ticket will be nullified to a good extent.

This is what many pro-choice "Reagan Dems" did--voted pro-choice for Congress and local/state, and voted for Reagan at the top of the ticket because it was "good for their pocketbooks".

I feel many of the posters here may do the same. So don't despair, lol. Keep working hard for what you believe in.

God Bless you,
Nellie

I am just shocked by all the people who claim to support reproductive rights but who proudly say they will vote for John McCain. The next president will be very likely be choosing multiple members of the supreme court. It doesn't matter if local politicians or teh congress support reproductive freedom. The decision on abortion will be in the hands of the Supreme Court. If John McCain is president we will be saying good bye to Roe. We will be saying hello to less freedom over our bodies, more war, more bad economics, no universal healthcare, and less respect for our constitutional rights.

Yes, your vote is yours to use how you please. Just like NARAL's endorsement is theirs to use how they please. I just can't believe that you would be willing to doom yourselves, your friends, your children and grandchildren to live in a country run by John McCain. I fail to see how that helps any of us acheive our goals.

I'm finding it very hard to even begin to think about what I'd like to add to this debate. I would like to thank NARAL for making their endorsement and more importantly for not going back on their decision despite the many "donors" and "supporters" that are claiming to so quickly kick you to the curb.

Before I am written off as just another Obama supporter that was told/paid to post here let me say that up until 3 days before the primary for my state I was genuinely torn between Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama. I've always said that I would support and vote for whoever the Democratic nominee was. I preferred Hillary's health care plan over Barack's but preferred Sen. Obama's overall policies and demeanor to Sen. Clinton.

Since that time I've been disgusted by the debate from both sides. Though I would be lying to say I feel it equally - at this point it seems clear to me that so-called Clinton supporters are intent on destroying Barack simply because Hillary hasn't won. I also know that many of the most vile, nasty commenters are actually Republicans hoping to keep the bitter turmoil boiling as long as they can.

As a gay man who has always supported women's rights and is a donor to Planned Parenthood and NOW I am moved by NARAL's profound wisdom to begin the important work for the General Election that I am going to be another new donor for you.

And, remember this wasn't about Barack over Hillary. This was a General Election endorsement where the options were Barack Obama or John McCain. That choice is crystal clear.

For those folks who are complaining about Clinton supporters being "angry and hateful", I challenge you to find a Clinton supporter making such a vicious personal attack as the following one posted by an Obama fan:

By bob levens on May 15, 2008 12:43 PM
First, I would like to thank you for your endorsement of Obama. I believe it was the right person to get behind and show support of.

Second, I would like to apoligize for the actions of some of Clintons supporters. I guess evil people follow an evil leader.

Again THANK YOU Bob --santa fe, tx

I am sorry to hear this. Hillary would have been a better choice.

Pathetic. You've allowed politics to taint your better judgment. You should be ashamed of yourselves as women - today we all lost.

I would like to join with the others in stating that I am totally appalled at NARAL's decision to support
Obama, especially at this point in time. Naral has the gall to ask bloggers to "respect other opinions" before posting a comment, but did they bother to poll (or consult in any way) the many women who support NARAL about their choice nominee before speaking for all of us? NARAL has clearly sold out and it's a disgrace. They will NEVER see another penny of my money, and I believe I speak for the majority when I say they will never regain the credibility and respect they once had from the feminist community.

Such whining! For all you fertile youngsters out there...nobody is stopping you from voting for Senator Obama.

Since Senator Obama's people cannot seem to remember Stonewall or wire hangers, I hope my vote for anybody but your candidate will help remind you, or perhaps give you the experience. You all have had it too easy.

BTW, for those of you whining about "your friends/your daughters/other people not having rights",that's their problem. Not my problem. I've carried Dem party on my back wayyyyy too long. It's your turn. Let's see what you got...unless it is as I suspected, and your candidate is indeed an "empty suit".

You reap what you sow. The Obama campaign is filthy, filthy, filthy. You got what you wanted. Now go out and work for that "vote".

As for me, I am post-menopausal. I support Hillary Clinton. You don't like, go scratch.

I will vote for anybody but Senator Obama. Deal with it.

Get it, Kurt and Bob?

MY VOTE, MY CHOICE!!!

Sincerely,
Dawn

I am so disappointed in your choice -- Obama does not seem to even respect women as people, so why bother endorsing his (identical)policies over Clinton's...?

I can see that you have eliminated thousands of emails opposing your absolutely stupid endorsement of Mr. "Present" Obama. How dare you eliminate the thousands that opposed your position and say that there were diverse opinions. Earlier I read email after email after email condemning your incredible stance against a woman who has spent her entire life on women's issues. What is wrong with you? You have convinced me that never, never, never will I vote for the empty suited Obama! I'd rather vote for McCain!

NARAL, thank you so much. I am a woman and I have a history of feminist activism; this is the space from which I am speaking here.

In my view, allies to a movement are true allies to the extent that we can trust them to tell us the truth and to choose well based on their real commitments and questions that they have honestly told us about them -- rather than whatever makes them "look good" at a particular point in time for the sake of political expediency.

In this campaign I have seen Senator Hillary Clinton (and her surrogates) exploiting "women" as a group, over and over, in order to further her own individual political wants and needs. By her actual actions she has shown me that she is committed first and foremost to political expediency and her own power -- not to any larger group or larger good. This is not someone I want to be a leader in this country and not someone who I could count on to protect women's reproductive rights.

Anyone who feels that "women" can count on her should check how she has treated Black people as a group, men and women, during this campaign. Despite previous appearances of being a friend, when it became politically expedient to insult, demean and devalue this group to gain votes for herself, she did so -- used racism for her own gain. I have no doubt that she would do the same with reproductive rights if it ever would benefit her.

In contrast, Senator Barack Obama has shown himself time and time again to be a person of integrity and honesty. He may not always say what a given individual or group wants to hear, but he tells the truth about where he stands. He also knows how to listen and is able to learn from a range of other people and perspectives, rather than only listening to those who tell him he's right.

I trust that whatever he does it will not be for consolidation of his own power. I trust that he will not use and exploit "women" or any other group for political expediency's sake. I trust that he will not sell me out. He is made of the stuff that a real ally is made of.

NARAL, you made an excellent decision in your endorsement. Not just for this campaign, mind you, but also for the larger movement for women's rights. Anyone who has been active in this movement should have learned how to spot real solid trustworthy allies versus those who will use others and only appear and conditionally act as allies when it suits their self-serving agendas.

Michelle, your post is the most racist here.

Allow me to retort: Senator Obama has disenfranchised several millions of voters: BLACK/WHITE/HISPANIC/ASIAN,GAY,BI-RACIAL,NATIVE AMERICAN,TRANSGENDERED, DIFFERENTLY-ABLED and every combination thereof in both Michigan and Florida because he doesn't have the B*lls to support the vote being counted in these states. Why? Because he WOULD LOSE TO HILLARY CLINTON. And yet you call this man honorable.

So quit your bit*hin about being disenfranchised. If one person in this country is, we all are. And yet you don't give a da*n about Florida and Michigan. All you care about is the same old victimization.

Your interpretation of "self-serving agenda" means YOUR agenda only. Your comments are exclusionary and insulting. But then, I should know better than to expect anything better from a supporter of Senator Obama.

What else you got?

Sincerely,
Dawn

Nellie said:

And that's one thing I think we will have, even if McCain is at top of the ticket, and that is where many of us Pro-choice folk learned to concentrate our energies...if we have a prochoice Congress, a Repub at the top of ticket will be nullified to a good extent.

The memory of the stellar 72-25 performance by the Senate on the Alito cloture vote doesn't give me much confidence in a hypothetical President McCain being nullified. Ironically, Senator Feinstein was against a filibuster, and only changed her mind under intense constituent pressure. I was one of those constituents calling and emailing her office.

For those who say they will never vote for Obama (who BTW was my 3rd choice in the primary), please visualize the horror that President McCain and a theo-crat Supreme Court would be on so very many fronts. The vitriol expressed here and elsewhere convinces me that NARAL is correct in helping nudge this primary towards the inevitable outcome sooner rather than later. (I say "inevitable" not because I'm swayed by the media, but because I'm swayed by arithmetic.) The Democratic party will be slaughtered in the general election if this sort of atmosphere continues to prevail.

That would be bad. Very bad.

HUGE response to people writing in to sign a petition to draft Hillary to run as an Independent.

How wonderful would it be for all of us strong women to come together with the wonderful men that support us - to have a victory for Hillary for President up against TWO men in November!

We can do it!

Email nanalovesmyjrck@yahoo.com if you support this idea and want to sign a petition and help.

NO UGLY messages from Obama supporters PLEASE. We are NOT talking bad about Obama and we have had some really ugly messages from those of you that claim you are supporting Obama and a new kind of politics that is positive. Let's have a fair and clean campaign.

May the best PERSON win!

Mark, there are many of us who are fed up with the Democratic Party and particularly the four horsemen -- Kennedy, Kerry, Daschle and Bradley. You may call us bitter; if you do, so be it. I don't care if the Democrats gets slaughtered in the general election. If you think Clinton supporters are bad, read the thousands of insulting Obama bloggers on Common Dreams or other progressive sites. I used to think I was progressive, but I now I am sad, disheartened and disillusioned with the sexism that has floated through the press and in so-called progressive blogs. It is about time we stick up for Hillary Clinton. You can slight her for some things, but not for her pro-choice stand. It has been clear for years and for Naral to endorse Mr. Obama is an insult to all of us who have spent years working for women's rights.

Aloha `ino!

Next time you expect a donation from me, I'll respond "Present," since that seems to be good enough to NARAL.

Kupono!

I have been asked by male friends and even presumed by female friends that I am a Hillary supporter. I admit that i started out as a strong Hillary supporter in January of 2007. I gave Hillary my presumptive support, in fact, I had lined up in the same camp as the mayor of my city, Antonio Villaraigosa who was one of the early supporters of Hillary. And the plus are so obvious then on her side: a proven track record of serving in the Senate, not to mention being an effective First Lady and a staunch first advocate of universal health care. If Senator Barack Obama was not running, she would still have my vote.

But, something I always heard in volunteering in political campaigns, one of which is our local mayor, he always told his constituents, that he would govern the way he campaigned. And he campaigned without exhaustion and created a massive army of volunteers, over 6,000 in the city of Los Angeles. I thought that was so impressive that his campaign had good organization and was quite inclusive.

And his theme of "I would govern the way I campaigned" has been a very compelling factor for me. So, I started to contrast the candidates: I earlier observed how Hillary faltered in her campaign, firing her national campaign manager and replacing key staffers of her campaign, one after the other. Then, I also observed how she has lent her own campaign personal funds and her campaign debts accumulating such that her campaign staffers were not getting paid.

I then observed how she changed her messages so many times to the electorate and these messages started with defending her stance for why she voted for the war in Iraq, to now she is convinced we must have an orderly withdrawal of troops in Iraq. While I am glad she is now getting persuaded to the will of the people, I am disturbed that she has not inquired deeply enough nor discerned who has the political credibility to be believed when the current Administration made their case for war appropriations in Congress.

But that is not what drew me to be in her opponent's camp. It is how Hillary has lost any sense of true feminism in how she runs her campaign. For me, her campaign is run like an out of control bull or a raging bull that has gone wacko in a china shop and she has thrown the most foul campaign messages folks have seen, even pandering to the worst fears, fanning the flames of racial tensions by suggesting her opponent is severely flawed by the associations he kept and not electable by white voters, insinuating that folks would put race first before their conscience, and searing folks to vote reminiscent of Jim Crow. And if she is running her campaign pedalling backwards to our past, locking us in the headlines of the 1950s, then, I believe she will be governing as if we are still locked in the cold war against Russia! And for that, America will be at its worst instead of at its best! Even Dr. Phil says that the best indicator of future and present conduct is past conduct, and Hillary's past campaign conduct is at the gutter lowest and for the first woman who run a presidential campaign, it is a campaign to be studied for all its negatives, and not its positives, something not to emulate for the next woman presidential candidate!

Feminists' roles in history is such that they put forward the progressive vision, moving the world to be more humane than before. It is why they go out to support for a woman to choose how she might use her body, to procreate a life or not. It is also why feminists choose to equalize working conditions for all and to seek comparative wages to men. But, aside from just equalizing conditions to men or equalizing conditions for all in the workplace, feminists are also for evolving our collective humanity. And since Senator Barack Obama represents the best of our presidential choices in how evolved his vision is, in moving our democracy to be more participatory and to include more and more young people and previously uninvolved, that to me is also why I must vote for him. Yes, feminism offers us a choice, but where feminist ideals intersect in a male candidate, more than a woman candidate, I am willing to say that my feminist ideals lead me to Senator Barack Obama. And for that, I do understand why Naral picked Obama and not Hillary. Obama is the feminist candidate much more than war-mongering Hillary who wants to show her strength by the force of violence rather the might of peace!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Prosy Delacruz,

"Sweetie" I am glad you have decided to switch from Hillary to OB because you want "true feminism" working for you.

Anyone woman that calls another woman "wacko" - WE DO NOT want around us.

Have fun making "change" without a plan.

Disgusted with all these women that think voting for a man that has spoken NOTHING about rights for women - actually he doesn't say how he is going to do any of these big CHANGES for anyone.

But, I am sure he will get some strong and hard-working women behind him to show him what to do -that is if he could get elected.

And, you young women better believe that WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH and when we say we are not going to 'fall in line' and be good little women being told what to do and who to vote for - it REALLY is NOT going to happen this time.

A vote for McCain over OB will go to a man that we know something about.

We know NOTHING about OB other than his wife hates Hillary. And, why does she hate Hillary? For the same reason she is going to hate you Ms. Delacruz.

YES WE CAN have our own voice and speak independently of what we are being told to do by a Party establishment.

And, one word to John Edwards and his perfect $1,000 hair cut - do not say another nice word about Hillary. Women are sick to death of nice words with no action behind it.

Boys - we have carried you long enough! Hillary run as an Independent and then we all truly can come back together because we are true blue in doing good for all and we will do it with action and not empty promises.

Just dropped in to read comments
But don't want to linger.
Just wanted to remind you that
The guy you endorsed did give us the finger.

After the Pennsylvania debate
He was so very, very irate
That he made a little show of Hillary hate
Letting us know just how we rate.

I saw it in a video on YouTube.
Didn't you see?
He was there dissing Ms. Hillary
Along with my gender and me.

He's Mr. "High Road" who inspired "Bros before Hos"
On a t-shirt and then looked down his nose
To call me "sweetie," but I suppose
That's not something you oppose.

Well. Here's the news
And I won't linger.
Endorsement or not,
No one gets my vote
After giving me the finger.

(To quote the Queen of Soul--R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
Find out what it means to me.)

Change? What kind of "change" is it when this nomination is bought and paid for by Sweetie and his entourage of left wing money bags? Seriously, who are you folks kidding?

Has anyone read this stuff? The GOP is chomping at the bit to go after Sweetie, but they are waiting until the nomination is over and there's no chance for Hillary to save the day.

Obama Helped Supporters Get Millions in Illinois State Business
John Rogers, Whose Business Obama Helped as a State Senator, Is Now One of Obama's Chief Fundraisers
By AVNI PATEL, JUSTIN ROOD and BRIAN ROSS
May 15, 2008
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/Story?id=4861699&page=1

More on Illinois Teachers' Retirement System:
http://www.opednews.com/author/author58.html

Google these people for yourself. The media is only doing favors to the GOP by not reporting on any of this stuff:

http://www.barackobamaassociates.info/

For the first time in my life I am ashamed to be a woman.

I am ashamed of Oprah
I am ashamed of Maria Shriver
I am ashamed of Caroline Kennedy
I am ashamed of Jane Fonda
I am ashamed of Barbara Walters
I am ashamed of NARAL

I am ashamed of these powerful women who refuse to stand by the first woman who has the experience to be President of the United States.

I am ashamed of these powerful women who stand by in silence as the media and others spout vial, sexist remarks.

I am proud of Senator Hillary Clinton.

I *will* vote for McCain.

Welcome to the bandwagon of convenience, NARAL.

Remember, your candidate considers pregnancy a "punishment". How convenient again, for him, since he is just a sperm donor. Punish the uterus and its bearer, because pregnancy is always the woman's fault...right?

NARAL, you are a disappointment to every woman, everywhere. You do not speak for me, and I will not use my voice or my pocketbook to support you in the future.

Thank you, NARAL, for taking this courageous and principled stand. I am a new member.

I don't know why some people believe Obama has not supported a woman's right to choose. In his book, "The Audacity of Hope," he writes of the vitriol he endured from a former opponent, Alan Keyes, for his pro-choice stance (pp. 210, 212), and of an encounter he had with an anti-abortion doctor at a rally, which led him to direct his staff to make his pro-choice position even clearer on his website (pp. 195-198).

Barack Obama is a new kind of candidate. He writes on p. 219: "Politics, like science, depends on our ability to persuade each other of common aims built on a common reality. Moreover, politics (unlike science) involves compromise, the art of the possible." Obama's ability to focus on common realities and speak to common aims will appeal to conservatives, independents, and liberals alike. He recognizes that change is a process, and we're not going to cure all the world's ills in one day, or even one term -- but what we can do is unite as a nation and start moving in a better direction. It's not about black or white, male or female, but about bringing our country together, because a house divided cannot stand.

There are many issues at stake in this election. As a white Christian woman, an Iraq combat veteran, an independent voter, and an environmentalist, among other things, I am proud to support Barack Obama for president, and proud to claim membership in an organization such as NARAL that recognizes the precious opportunity we have in this election to start moving forward. We can't afford to get it wrong this time, people -- please think long and hard about your choice before marking your ballot in November.

~~SSG Cheryl Kopec, Pierce County Veterans for Obama

Cheryl, normally I would agree with you. But...NO MORE! You've made your choice, I'VE MADE MINE!!! Anybody but Senator Obama. Micky Mouse. Gomer Pyle. Ralph Nadar. John McCain. YOU can't afford to get it wrong this time. Read my writing:

It's. Got. Nothing. To. Do. With. Me. Any. More.

What have YOU done to get the disenfranchised Florida and Michigan votes counted? Nothing? I see, your concerns only extend to what YOU want, not what's correct for ALL people.

America's women have carried this country on their backs long enough. You want Senator Obama, vote him in yourself. Have a Nice Day.

My VOTE! My Choice!
Dawn

Remember the Ladies: Since the Dum-o-crat party no longer needs the Ladies that brung 'em, here's an idea whose time may have come. From "Politico":

>>My colleague Beth Frerking reports on something we're likely to hear a lot more about in coming days: Grumblings from the almost-half of the party, disproportionately women, whose candidate is losing.

An Ohio-based group of Democratic Hillary Clinton supporters say they’ll work actively against Sen. Barack Obama if he becomes the nominee, arguing that Clinton has been the subject of “intense sexism” by party leaders and the media.

Led by Boomer-aged women, the group, Clinton Supporters Count Too, is holding a press conference in Columbus at noon to release this statement.

Organizers Cynthia Ruccia, 55, and Jamie Dixey, 57, both from the Columbus area, say they’re coordinating women, men, minorities, union members and others in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan – all important swing states next November – to impress upon Democratic party leaders what they think has been outright discrimination – and not of the racial kind.

“We have been vigilant against expressions of racism, and we are thrilled that the society has advanced that way” in accepting Obama as a serious candidate,” Ruccia said. “But it’s been open season on women, and we feel we need to stand up and make a statement about that, because it’s wrong.”

With growing calls for Clinton to leave the race, she said, women feel like “we’re being told to sit down, shut up, and get with the program.”

Hard to know what to make of any given group, but the sentiment is clearly out there, and putting the party back together will be Obama's, and Clinton's, challenge.>>

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO there!

My VOTE! My CHOICE!
Dawn

Dawn writes: "What have YOU done to get the disenfranchised Florida and Michigan votes counted? Nothing? I see, your concerns only extend to what YOU want, not what's correct for ALL people."

First, Dawn, since I am not a party leader or a member of the Rules Committee, there is little or nothing I can do about MI and FL. As I understand it, those states broke the rules -- rules that were AGREED upon by ALL candidates in advance. Most states abided by them -- these two, for whatever reason, chose not to, causing untold and unnecessary anguish for our party when we've got enough to deal with already. They need to find a way to seat the delegates without sending a message for next time that "anything goes." If they don't penalize them somehow, what's to keep utter chaos from ruling next time?

Second, I do believe that Obama is a candidate for ALL the people, not just me and my personal concerns. Question: So, on what basis are YOU voting? Do you really think a few more decades in Iraq would be better for ALL the people? Do you really think repealing the gas tax (an insult to our intelligence) while continuing to reward gluttonous Big Oil is good economic and energy policy?

Most of all, of vital concern to this crowd, is the McCain Supreme Court that would overturn Roe v. Wade. Are you really ready to cut off your noses to spite your face?

Again, I urge everybody to calm down and THINK: What does America need right now -- unity, or more division?

~~Cheryl

I'm post-menopausal. I've carried everybody on back since the 70s. It's your problem,kids. You want to change the world? Change it!

And if Senator Obama was disenfranchised? Riots in the streets.

Don't give me that bulsh*t that there is nothing that could have been done. I am sure that if Senator Obama was the winner in those two states, lots could have been done.

Though that is the perfect answer from an Obama supporter. I LOVE it. Losing your right to choose? Gee, there's nothing I can do either. I'm not on the Supreme court.

Buy more birth control.

Sincerely,
Dawn

Endorsing Obama is a great move. It may anger some old timers for Hillary or those who don't know she's not done much if anything for abortion rights. It is very meaningful to the "re-enforcements" for our movement - young women & men.
I have been involved in the women's movement since 1974; my first of many debates on abortion rights, first demostration of many was at the Papal Nuncio. I was Pres. of Va. Now, on the Board of National NOW, National NOW's sole staff person working on abortion rights from 1978-1982. I know Bill & Hilary Clinton never raised a finger for ERA or abortion rights while he was AG and Governor of Arkansas. And they haven't done much since then.
Hillary's NH mailing was over the top in questioning Obama's cred on abortion rights because of his Ill. Senate "present" votes on abortion to provide cover for Republic pro-choice Senators at the behest of Ill. Planned Parenthood

I finally figured it out. Dawn, you really are an early 20's Republican white male just trying to keep the turmoil boiling in hopes that your preferred candidate all along - McCain - will win in November. Right?

In a few months when we finally have a Democratic nominee, I'm sure that most people will vote in accordance to the issues they believe in and we'll finally bring an end to the Bush tyranny.

You know how when you have expereinced something in life you know when you see it in someone else if it is real or not? Well, I know Dawn is real and Kurt you are another paid Obama person.

It used to be that we felt so strong about an issue or a person - like choice for example and women's rights - that the majority of REALLY older women writing on here have expereinced - that we paid our own way and one of our less advantaged sister's way to travel the roads and print up the flyers and anything else that needed to be done.

I have been a yellow dog democrat my entire life. So has been my mother and two aunts and NON of us will EVER vote for the young man that took the promotion away from what he wants to be his new secretary fetching his coffee and making his tee times.

So, Kurt - go collect your pay from Obama and then "sit down and shut up"!

What happened to the other 3,000 plus emails that were here yesterday????

Kurt, you are totally clueless.

RE: Many thanks! I totally agree with y'all--and I've TOTALLY LIVED IT, too. Thanks forgetting my back--something we Hillary supporters understand only toooo well!

Jean,the Starbucks generation (are you a member? it seems you have no recollection of the Clinton years)who doesn't know history (like Kurt apparently doesn't remember Stonewall)suck up to Senator Obama, a man, and his no-record because it's too much work for them to get off their as*es and research and study. And abortion was legal in 1974, thanks to the Greatest Generation and Baby Boomer women who FOUGHT AND DIED FOR IT, unlike today's Crackberry counterparts who have everything handed to them by the MOMMIE party. A few older women? Honey, we run the world! Wait and see how the Dums crumble when we step aside and the kids run the party. Have fun. Don't forget the Koolaid.

Never Surrender! Hillary Forever!

MY VOTE! MY CHOICE!
Dawn

well, that did it. You'll be receiving a remove me from your list at your next mailing.

How in the world you could pick Obama over Hillary is beyone me?

you too will being paying a price because Obama is going to perform like McGovern in the fall...

but, maybe he'll call you sweetie and make it all better

nobama!

I was surprised NARAL came out early to endorse Obama, but I fully support your decision. I am not only a NARAL supporter but was an activist in CA the 90s.

Obama is truly a visionary person. He is our best chance to win the Nov. election and secure reproductive rights for all women.

I was especially pleased with Obama's solid support for Roe V. Wade when asked about abortion on CNN's Compassion Forum. He does not try to avoid the issue but speaks honestly about his support for reproductive rights. I was very displeased when Hillary's campaign distributed flyers in both IA & NH trying to cast doubt on Obama's record on Choice.

I will continue to support NARAL. Thank you for endorsing Obama.

I am making a donation today to NOW and Emily's List in memory of your betrayal of one of the most important supporters of women's rights. I hope she turns her back on you. If you think your endorsement will help Clinton supporters vote for Obama, you are crazy. I, for one, will vote for a third party candidate if he is nominated.

Sue, I've also been through periods of disgust with the Democratic party. Then the Bush/Cheney administration happened. As bad as Nixon and Reagan were, at least they had some sense of shame. A McCain administration would be as bad as or worse than Bush's. Having modeled himself after Resident Bush, whatever shred of Goldwater-like anti-theocratic libertarianism McCain may have had in 2000 is long gone. He sold his soul to the crotch police wing of the Republican party to get the nomination and presidency.

I agree that the acrimony in the progressive blogosphere, including misogyny directed against Hillary, is disheartening. Too many bloggers are getting in touch with their inner puerile boy.

One thing that sparked hope for me is Darcy Burner's call for "more and better Democrats". I think both components matter. I'll support a conservative Dem running against a fascist Republican, and I'll support a progressive Dem running against a Blue Dog Dem.

I've watched Clinton grow as a candidate over the past year. Although I strenuously object to her pandering to the imperialists in the Republican party over the past six years, I'd be happy to give her my vote, my money, and my time as the Democratic nominee. I just don't see it in the cards this time around.

After reading hundreds of comments on the "endorsement" threads here, I can understand some long-time supporters being upset with NARAL's politically expedient bet on the likely nominee. (I thought the Lieberman endorsement was just stupid, given Lieberman's attitude about Plan B for rape victims.) However, in November I hope we can shove all the primary crap to the side, and choose "not what I had hoped for" over "clearly evil".

Dawn, have you always been this hateful?

If only you had even a fraction of insight into the things I've done (like with my own sweat and determination) and supported to ensure equality for all people w/o anything "in it for me". And I'm only 28. I would likely put to shame most people twice my age. I not only speak with my actions and time but I've always been generous with whatever left over money I have for organizations I believe in.

And, I guess I'll just use that "Obama paycheck" to buy a latte - or better yet, send another donation to NARAL.

I read the transcript and frankly you explained absolutely nothing. There was no reason to dismiss Senator Clinton as though she is not still in this race. And with the obnoxious behavior of so many of Obama's supporters (the "bros before hoes" crowd) this action by NARAL will only be an incentive to thousands of women to stay home, vote for McCain or write in another candidate.
There are other issues besides choice - like basic respect for women and their views. What this blog has demonstrated very clearly is that the majority of Obama supporters don't believe Clinton supporters are entitled to that basic respect.
Thanks for creating a hostile atmosphere Obama supporters.
Thanks to the misogynistic leadership of the Democratic party for bringing us to this point.
And thanks for nothing NARAL. I note again that Obama is so "proud" of your support that it is not even headlined on his web site.
I - like so many other "sweeties" - cannot imagine voting for this man.

Just some information for the obviously ignorant Obama fans who have found this blog: Emily's List is an organization that supports WOMEN candidates for office. It does not support men. That is not its mission. So of course it endorsed Senator Clinton months ago because she is a WOMAN.
In contrast, NARAL is supposed to be an organization that protects abortion rights and that endorses candidates who champion that cause. In this race Senator Clinton is head and shoulders above Obama on that issue. To endorse "sweetie" Obama over Senator Clinton simply breaks the NARAL tradition and the "social compact" with its members, state organizations and donors.
It is not because he is a man (although some think that too should be relevant). It is because Sen. Clinton has done far more to protect choice than has Obama. I know you have all been told by the Obama campaign to come to this site and try to tilt these comments in another direction. That is obvious by the fact that so few of you have anything to say other than thanks. But that is because you do not fully understand the mission, focus and supporters of NARAL.
Senator Sweetie has not earned an endorsement from THIS organization over Senator Clinton. It is that simple, and if you cannot understand something that simple, get off of this site and go back to your own blogs.

Kurt, I am sure you are an admirable human being.

I must say, though, that everyday I count my blessings that I am not a part of your generation.

You want to support the sisters, support Hillary.

No one is stopping you from voting from Obama.

I have carried every cultural stereotype on my back since I've been old enough to vote. Now it's MY TURN to VOTE FOR MY BEST INTERESTS. My best interests do not happen to be yours...any more.

When the dust settles, I think the Dums will realize what a huge mistake they have made. But that is not my problem.

I would like to thank NARAL for it's blog and for allowing my comments to stand.

This is still America. Our votes are our voice (at least in 48 of its states.) My vote is for Hillary.

MY VOTE! MY CHOICE!

Sincerely,
Dawn

I have been a supporter of NARAL since its beginnings. I am also a supporter of my state NARAL organization. I would continue to support them if they had picked either Democratic candidate. Moreover, I voted for Hillary in my state primary.

I understand why many folks are upset, but the simple fact is that Hillary has lost the nomination. No matter how much you might wish it were not so, her nomination is not going to happen.

If you are angry about that fact do not take it out on NARAL.

It is time to get behind Obama to prevent a further free-ride of McCain's campaign with no opponent. The consequences of a McCain victory in November are much worse than any differences between the two Democratic candidates.

I have been a supporter of Reproductive choice and women's right to choose since my beginnings.

I understand why Obama supporters are upset, but the fact is Hillary's supporters will NOT support Obama.

If you are angry about this, do not take it out on Hillary's supporters.

It's time to get behind your own candidate to prevent a further exodus of people with a conscious who feel scr*wed and want it known.

The consequences of a McCain victory in November will show that WE ARE MAD AS HELL AND NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANY MORE.

Senator Obama, who never lifted a finger to help get the Florida and Michigan votes counted is, as I have predicted, going to those states and sucking up for votes. He will be in Florida next week where the Dums, of course, will say "Sc**w me harder" and follow him in st*rry-eyed wonder, not caring that he effectively robbed them of their voices in the Primary and the true Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton, of her nomination.

O, but I forget. He's "for the people"? Really? Can't prove it by me or several million other people. If he, of course, had been cheated out of two primaries, I can imagine his supporters' righteous indignation, and their anger, and their frustration, which would be recorded in upfront personal, lurid detail by the MSM who are all in the tank for Obama. PS: Those votes would have been counted IMMEDIATELY!

You want to support Obama as president, Ed? That is your choice. Rally your people and vote for him. As for me, it's my voice, my vote. Anybody else wants to suck up, that's on them. It's Hillary for me.

BTW, I know that most of you were not around (most likely,neither were your parents) during the Vietman era, but John McCain spent FIVE YEARS as a POW under the most appalling circumstances (Starbucks generation folk will interpret this as: without lattes and i-pod). My husband and I have the greatest respect for his service to our country and his integrity, even if we do not agree with him on many issues.

I already called my Voters' Registration office. I will be leaving the Dum-o-crat party and become non-party affiliated.

Have fun, Obama supporters, and remember: Buy More Birth Control!

Hillary FOREVER!
Obama NEVER!

Sincerely,
Dawn

'WomenCount' says it's too soon to count Clinton out
Buzz up!Like this story? Share it with Yahoo! Buzz
"Not so fast ..." the full-page ad in this morning's USA TODAY declares. "Hillary's voice is OUR voice, sand she's speaking for all of us."

"We want Hillary to stay in this race until every vote is cast, every vote is counted, and we know that our voices are heard," it concludes.

The ad was paid for by WomenCount PAC, which USA TODAY reporter Fredreka Schouten tells us is a newly formed political action committee that includes among its founders Susie Tompkins Buell, a major Democratic fundraiser and a supporter of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Buell, Fredreka reports, is based in northern California and is a co-founder of the Esprit clothing line. She's a "Hillraiser:" Clinton's designation for fundraisers who have collected at least $100,000 for her presidential campaign.

WomenCount says it was created "to ensure that the 51% of American citizens who are women have their values and votes counted in the political process and supports candidates in support of progressive, political values.

Posted by Mark Memmott at 11:13 AM/ET, May 16, 2008 in Ads, Democrats, Interest groups, Presidential race, 2008 | Permalink

How could you?

I am proud of NARAL. Thanks for standing up for what you believe will be best for my reproductive rights.

Sincerely,

Michelle
White, 30-something year old, liberal, feminist, college educated, Christian, health care professional, Texan, recently married female who will continue to support NARAL and Barack Obama

Very disappointed with NARAL. Will never vote for Obama. Back Hillary and will contiune to do so, and vote for McCain in the Gen. Thank you.

You are a pack of silly,kool-aid-drinking, back-stabbing, opportunists. Stupid, Stupid, Stupid!
You are a disgrace to your gender. Your "hero" will show what a zero he really is....in due time. Shame on you.

NARAL, when was the last time we heard of a man having to make "the choice"??? Pro-choice is clearly a women's issue, and the woman who has been the staunchest supporter of that cause is Hillary Clinton. You have betrayed all women of this country who have had to make that difficult decision, and you have chosen to support the men of this country who have tried to dictate and limit the choices that we have as women in this country. Your choice to support Obama is highly suspect, and many of us will be left with the feeling that even as important an issue as pro-choice can be bought in this campaign, just as he has bought the superdelegates. I fear you will now lose all female support, financial and otherwise, and that will set the cause back and provide the much sought after ammunition the opposition needs to reverse Roe v. Wade. SHAME on you all!!! We former supporters of NARAL would request that you immediately publish an entire listing of ALL board members, so that we can thoroughly explore their relationship to Barack Obama. We anxiously await your cooperation in this matter.

Next time you solicit donations, I will gladly remind you exactly why I do not support your current officers and board of directors. I only hope that the Obama campaign has donated enough to you to keep your organization going for a very long time (even if it was using Mr. Rezko's funds or that of his associates).

SISTERS -

Put your actions behind your words.

The nomination night of the Democratic Convention is Thursday, August 28, 2008 in Denver, CO.

Meet in Denver on Friday, August 29, 2008 to announce OUR female Independent candidate to the press.

Let's have the last word of the nominating process and then let the race begin!

If you want to be contacted to participate then email your hrcrunind@aol.com

I feel a new movement of women beginning and we are more financially secure, wiser, and more powerful from our experiences of the past in our movement. After all - behind every good man has ALWAYS been a GREAT woman. Are we going to allow to be put behind the scenes once again?

Don't let them steal the White House from us.

We can do it but, it has to be in one organized front. And, if Hillary won't run as the Independent - then we will have another female that we will put forth!

I read in here from someone that we only need 34% of the vote as an Independent candidate to win. WE HAVE that many women that will pull behind us and get this done.

Dear ACTION: I am in agreement! Hear, hear! But your email isn't working. Can you post the addy again?

Hillary Clinton had the election STOLEN from her by the DNC. She is the true candidate. I will not vote for Obama.

I was surprised and so disappointed in you for supporting Obama especially at this time before all the primaries are completed. I feel betrayed by your leadership and thinking. Hillary has been there for women all through her long political career. This is not a statement against Obama but rather a statement about how women sabotage women...but on this level as well? I am so embarrassed by what you did that I really feel ashame for YOU. I would never not support someone who has show loyality to me for YEARS. Maybe you can remember a time when what she stood for helped your issues...maybe there were many times when you knew she would be there for your campaigns. My point is not against Obama but rather to treat other's as you would want to be treated

I was surprised and so disappointed in you for supporting Obama especially at this time before all the primaries are completed. I feel betrayed by your leadership and thinking. Hillary has been there for women all through her long political career. This is not a statement against Obama but rather a statement about how women sabotage women...but on this level as well? I am so embarrassed by what you did that I really feel ashame for YOU. I would never not support someone who has show loyality to me for YEARS. Maybe you can remember a time when what she stood for helped your issues...maybe there were many times when you knew she would be there for your campaigns. My point is not against Obama but rather to treat other's as you would want to be treated

I was surprised and so disappointed in you for supporting Obama especially at this time before all the primaries are completed. I feel betrayed by your leadership and thinking. Hillary has been there for women all through her long political career. This is not a statement against Obama but rather a statement about how women sabotage women...but on this level as well? I am so embarrassed by what you did that I really feel ashame for YOU. I would never not support someone who has show loyality to me for YEARS. Maybe you can remember a time when what she stood for helped your issues...maybe there were many times when you knew she would be there for your campaigns. My point is not against Obama but rather to treat other's as you would want to be treated

I was surprised and so disappointed in you for supporting Obama especially at this time before all the primaries are completed. I feel betrayed by your leadership and thinking. Hillary has been there for women all through her long political career. This is not a statement against Obama but rather a statement about how women sabotage women...but on this level as well? I am so embarrassed by what you did that I really feel ashame for YOU. I would never not support someone who has show loyality to me for YEARS. Maybe you can remember a time when what she stood for helped your issues...maybe there were many times when you knew she would be there for your campaigns. My point is not against Obama but rather to treat other's as you would want to be treated

I posted the wrong email address.

HERE IT IS:
hrcrunind@yahoo.com

I fortunately will not be voting for Obama.If Clinton is not the nominee I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN.And so will everone I know I have fought long and hard for Hillary and don't care about someone who has never been proud of being an American or thinks I am bitter because I am poor.You are crazy and I am THROUGH WITH THE NARAL.

After reading through many of these posts I am astonishd by two things.

Firstly I am amazed that there seem to still be so many people who believe that, in order to care about reproductive rights, one must be a woman. This is not just a woman's issue, this is a human rights issue--as Senator Clinton herself has stated. You do not have to be a woman to care about, and fight for, reproductive rights--you just have to be a person who believes that we all have the fundamantal right to determine what happens to our bodies.

Obama has proven himself to stand behind reproductive rights, he has a 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and from NARAL. Voting "present" was a voting tactic, Planned Parenthood has already stated that this was something they asked him to do. So, please, stop the lies and mis-information.

Secondly, if you truly consider yourself to be a feminist than you cannot vote for McCain. He has proven time and again that he not only does not support the issues that we care about but that he has no respect for women. How can a feminist even consider voting for someone who calls his own wife a demeaning and vile name?

If you, as feminists, are willing to sell the future of our children down the river by voting for a misogynist and a war monger, or by quietly giving your support to him by sitting out the election, than you cannot care than much about feminsim. How will you justify to your daughters voting for someone who will gladly and gleefully take away their legal rights to make decisions about their bodies? How will you justify to the women who fought so hard, and made so many sacrifices, your vote for someone you knew to be a misogynist and a war monger?

We've got to let go of this division and anger and do what women have always done so well--embrace the beliefs that bind us together and move forward. There is too much at stake to do anything else.

To bells, it is deeply offensive of you to lump all Obama supporters together as people who would wear a "bros before hoes" t-shirt. Never, in a million years, would I think that wearing a t-shirt like that is acceptable. Certainly, it does not represent Obama's candidacy or 99.999 . . .% of people who support him.

It is also offensive for people to assume that, because someone supports a different candidate, they are ignorant or a sheep. I have 3 young children. My most important job, my highest priority, is protecting them. I take my right to vote very, very seriously. I consider myself to be very well-informed, I get my news and information from a great variety of resources (except from cable news, which I do not watch). I decided to support Obama after a great deal of research, I believe I made the right decision.

We have got to stop demonizing each other, we've got to stop assuming the worst about someone else because they support a different candidate. We can disagree without the nasty name-calling and mass generalizations.

Clinton supporters should continue to fight for her, to speak for her, to donate money to her. And, no, I don't think you need my permission to do so, I'm just trying to tell you that I will fight for your right to back your candidate. But, please, please stop making mean-spirited, blanket statements about other people because they support Obama.

Heather--and, for the record, I am 37, a former professional animal rights activist, mother-of-three and will always, always be an active and die-hard feminist. My husband and I are raising the next generation of feminists, I'd like to always be able to tell them that I fought hard for what I believe in, but that I fought in a civil and respectful manner.

PS: Heather--my response is to your first response, not to your second. Under normal circumstances you and I would have a lot in common. You will note that I will Never vote for Obama, and I respect your choice to do so.

Perseverance is my mantra.

Hillary Forever,
Dawn

Endorse Obama!! How could you? This is the most TREASONIST action that could have happened to the progress of women's place in this world. It is the women who have always understood women's rights, discrimination and issues. It has always been women who have fought for the rights of women since 1848 - that's 160 years!!! Where would we women be today if the male mentality continues to be deferred to?

For the first time in 160 years there has never been an opportunity, via Hillary Clinton, so close for a women to make history and gain the highest office in the country. Small minds have been hijacked from this goal so hard fought by so many women over so many years. What is the percentage of women, vs men, who serve in the Congress and the Senate? A very small number because when it comes down to the time of being counted there are women, and supposedly women's organizations, who just won't stand up and take the right action.

We can do better without such backward endorsement of a man and letting this opportunity slip by because of people in NARL who claim to support women's issues. This is the selling out of every woman in the USA.

Shame! Shame! Shame!

I will no longer receive NARL e-mails or support NARL's promotions - what a SHAM!

To All the Faithful Feminist Obama Supporters Out There:

As you may know, both Michigan and Florida were penalized for moving up their primaries. Though the citizens were allowed to vote, their votes have little to no weight at the conventions. The Democrat convention will not allow the delegates from Michigan and Florida to be seated, and will not allow their votes to be counted.

This means that the millions of voters in these two states: male/female/transgendered,gay/straight, black, white, Hispanic, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, differently-abled, Chirstian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Wiccan, Evangilical, Fundamentialist, Bahi, and every combination of all of the above, who voted legally and in good faith have had their voices SILENCED.

Tell me, Obama supporters, what have you and your candidate done to to stop this travesty?

Would the anwser be "Nothing. They broke the rules. Rules matter. Rules count. "?

If you say yes, and I am sure you will, YOU HAVE JUST CONFIRMED WHY MILLIONS OF US WILL NEVER VOTE FOR SENATOR OBAMA.

Everyday millions of us watch, appalled, as the race card is cunningly played against Hillary Clinton and her supporters.

Everyday, millions of us watch as Obama supporters chuckle at the thought of sexism having anything to do with this election.

And yet, Senator Obama and his supporters are party to the greatest racist and sexist event yet to happen in the history of our GREAT country and that is this:
Suppression of MILLIONS of Votes of every color, race, creed, and soci-economic background.

Abortion and Reproductive Freedoms were against the rules. People fought courageously to change the rules. Women not allowed to vote was the rule, and people gave their lives to change that rule. The rules were changed to give ALL people equity and their voice in their country.

So today, I ask you, Obama supporters:

Where's YOUR Outrage????

Sincerely,
Dawn

I'm outraged and I agree with Dawn's post. It's the sickest form of sexism I've seen in a longtime. I say...Right On, Write In Hillary for 2008!

I vote and I give. Endorsements do not influence for whom I vote, but they do influence to whom I give.

Your premature decision to endorse a candidate before the primary season is over seems opportunistic and cavalier.

I will no longer be giving.

Dawn, I posted this a while ago but am re-posting because it seems not to be going through, so I apologize if the first shows up--but I wanted to respond to you before I go out for the evening.

I think a little perspective is called for.

1. All candidates agreed to the rules, including Senator Clinton. She said the MI primary would be meaningless, but kept her name on the ballot anyway. All other candiates took their names off the ballot. Why, now, is Senator Clinton so outspoken about the unfairness of disenfranchising millions of voters? Why, if she truly believes that the DNC ruling was unfair and wrong, did she not speak out about it when it was happening? This is a valid question and certainly gives the appearance that her outrage is politically motivated--it has less to do with her sense of right and wrong and more to do with the fact that she is losing.

2. All concerned parties--the Obama campaign, the Clinton campaign, the DNC, and local govt's-- have put forth proposals to try to solve the problem, nobody can seem to agree and come to a compromise. So please do not put all the blame on the Obama campaign. There is plenty of blame to go around.

3. Again I ask that you and other Clinton supporters not lump "all" Obama supporters together. I never "chuckle" at sexism--ever. To put forth the idea that because I support Obama means that I sit there giggling everytime Chris Matthews says something sexist, or everytime some ignorant person makes a sexist comment, or everytime I see another example of the deep-seated misogyny in our culture, is insulting to me as a woman and as the mother of a young girl, and as the mother of 2 young boys.

4. To deny that racism has played a part in this campaign belittles the support you have for your candidate. I have heard the most hateful, nasty things said about Obama from Clinton supporters--and many of them center around his race. He is not "really" American, he is a closet Muslim (because his father was from Kenya and he is African-American), he can't love this country the way a "real" American does, white people won't support him because he doesn't understand white people, etc, etc. Such hatred has no place in our political dialogue. To deny that racism has played a part in this campaign, simply because others who are ignorant deny that sexism has played a part, is demeaning to feminist values. When did we, as feminists, start buying in to the right wing tactic of divide and conquer? The more you deny the racism that is rampant in our culture, the more you pit women against African-Americans, the more some Clinton supporters use below the belt tactics like constantly using Obama's middle name to feed into the fearmongering, the easier we--as progressives--will be to divide and bring down. If we keep treating each other with no respect and keep making mass, negative generlizations about each other the Republicans won't have to do a darn thing besides sit back, smile, and let the power roll in.

Hi,Heather: according to Debbie Dingall, Democrat delegate from Michigan, Senator Obama personally CHOSE to remove his name the Michigan ballot. All the candidates agreed not to campaign there, that is all. Hillary Clinton CHOSE to leave her name on the ballot (there's that word again, choice.)

Perhaps you are unaware of this fact, as I notice you did not mention that in your comments.

No one in the tank for Senator Obama on the MSM discusses it, either. But I do not want to lump you in with them, as you have taken the time and courtesy to reply to me.

I respect your passion for your candidate.

Hillary Forever!

Sincerely,
Dawn

PS: Please feel free to contact Ms. Dingell yourself or FOX news for verification of my post. She was on their Sunday news show in March '08.

By jess on May 20, 2008 1:34 PM
“Here is the list of superdelegates.
lobbysuperdelegates.com
Also We are marching in DC on May 31st because Donna Brazile, Howard Dean and Barack Obama have ensured that 2.3million people's votes do not count. That's over 1 million women who's votes will not count so that they can put Obama into office.
Riverdaughter's blog has the info, google search for it.
Operation turn down is in effect. many of us who don't want this 1/2 term senator in office will not vote for him. And we don't have to fall in line with the dem party ticket just because organizations like this think he's there for women. Ask his backer Rep. Cohen why he likened Senator Hillary Clinton to Glenn Close from fatal attraction and said she should have stayed dead in the bathtub. “

Jess,

Thanks for super delegates list ABOVE and info about the march on May 31st in DC - above! GREAT idea. Where do we get details on the march?

Who is organizing the march?

GREAT INFO, Jess!

http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2008/05/19/operation-turn-down-continues/

Hi Dawn, all major Democatic candidates decided to remove their names from the MI ballot, with the exception of Senator Clinton (she wasn't the only one who decided to stay on, just the only "major" one). According to the NY Times the decision of Obama and the other candidates to remove their names was a "good faith" gesture to the other early voting states who had followed the rules. I can't imagine that anyone would dispute this fact and say that he and the other candidates were required to do so, because, you are right, it was a choice.

I think the greater issue is that all the candidates agreed to follow the rules, not one said that it was wrong to disenfranchise MI and FL and the time that the ruling was made. I do find it more than a little insincere that Senator Clinton agreed to the rules at the time of the primaries and is now saying that it never should have happened that way. I don't know what to think of this about-face other than to say that she believed she would not need the voters in those states to give her the nomination, now that she does she is fighting for them. I'm not trying to be snotty or combative, I just question the sincerity of her outrage.

I do hope that there can be some agreement made to bring the voters there back in, it isn't good for our democracy to have so many voters disenfranchised.

Best,
Heather

Sisters!

Our comments are making an impact as we were on CNN today as far as this blog.

WE ARE MAKING our voices heard. We are strong, we are experienced, and we do this with love for our fellow human being and that is what makes this so important.

Hillary in the White House would spread help and love around the WORLD and give us a platform that we have never had before!

I personally want to thank everyone for all the work through the decades and standing up ONCE AGAIN - to go another round!

Today, Governor McCaskill of MO said on the piece on CNN about the comments from us on this blog "we would come around". SHE IS WRONG and her and KS Governor and others are going to regret abandoning a fellow sister for the highest office in the land! We will take care of Hillary now - as she has taken care of us and our causes for soooooo many years - and, then I suggest we turn our efforts toward defeating every woman that fought against Hillary (women) in this race.

Just another sister doing her part to keep this alive and show my mutual support!

Hi Heather, Thanks for your response.

I wish you the best in all your political endeavors.

Sincerely,
Dawn

Dawn, same to you.

Best,
Heather

I am standing with the woman who supported us and has fought for our rights her WHOLE career and has a real record showing support...HILARY.
Your endorsemment is not only disrespectful of Senator Clinton, a long,time pro-Choice advocate, it is disrespectful of your membership....I hope you and the DNC are prepared to go on without all us middle age women you apparantly take for granted.

To All Obama Supporters: Today Hillary Clinton Spoke in Florida. Here is a copy of her speech. I have copied it UNEDITED and left off, at the end, several paragraphs. The entire context of the speech, as it appears here, was EXACTLY as she delivered it, as I watched her and heard her deliver it. Also, to Heather (Hi!) Your remarks regarding how all the candidates agreed to remove their names from the MI ballot, as reported by TNTY sounded inaccurately reported. If you read Paragraph 18 of Senator Clinton's speech below, you will read what really happened, and it is as I expressed it on 5/20 and I as heard Debbie Dingell express it in March of 08 on FOX News.--Respectfully, Dawn, Hillary FOREVER

Hillary's Remarks on Counting Every Vote at a "Solutions for America" event in Boca Raton, FL

It’s exciting to be with some wonderful supporters and friends. I thank your senator and my friend, Ted Deutch, he’s a real leader. He and I have talked about the issues that matter to you over many years, and I’m so grateful to have his support. Commissioner Burt Aaronson, who has also led the way in so many important things here in Palm Beach County. I want to thank Jean Enright, one of your port commissioners. I want to thank Anne Gannon, the tax collector who is here, Representative Kelly Skidmore. And I am especially pleased to be accompanied today by a longtime friend of mine, Congresswoman Corrine Brown, who is a real fighter and a champion. She has a tremendously important position in the House of Representatives, where she does work on behalf of veterans and the needs, not only of her constituents in the Jacksonville area, but indeed all of Florida and America.

Now, this year’s presidential election is like none other in history. And we have had more people engaging and volunteering, casting their ballots, than ever before. Everywhere I go, people tell me, "I’ve never given money to a campaign in my life; this year is different. I’ve never followed an election before; this time I can’t stop watching." And there’s a reason for that. With our economy in crisis, and with two wars and our children’s future in the balance, more people than ever before are taking politics seriously.

I happen to welcome that because this is a democracy, and we’ve all got to participate. In fact, we want more democracy, not less democracy. We want more people taking a part in the selection of their president.

Here in Florida, more than 1.7 million people cast their vote, the highest primary turnout in the history of Florida. And nearly 600,000 voters in Michigan did the same. And not a day goes by that I don’t meet someone who grabs my hand or holds up a sign, no matter where I am, in Kentucky or anywhere else, and says, "Please, make my vote count."

I receive dozens and dozens of letters and emails and phone calls, every couple of hours it seems like, all making the same urgent request: please count my vote. We used to be worried about voter apathy, didn’t we? We worried why Americans didn’t participate. Now, people are worried that their participation won’t matter.

I believe the Democratic Party must count these votes. They should count them exactly as they were cast. Democracy demands no less.

I am here today because I believe that the decision our party faces is not just about the fate of these votes and the outcome of these primaries. It is about whether we will uphold our most fundamental values as Democrats and Americans. It is about whether we will move forward, united, to win this state and take back the White House this November. That has to be the prize that we keep in mind.

Because here in America, unlike in many other nations, we are bound together, not by a single shared religion or cultural heritage, but by a shared set of ideas and ideals, a shared civic faith, that we are entitled to speak and worship freely, that we deserve equal justice under the law, that we have certain core rights that no government can abridge and these rights are rooted in and sustained by the principle that our founders set forth in the Declaration of Independence. That a just government derives its power from the consent of the governed, that each of us should have an equal voice in determining the destiny of our nation. A generation of patriots risked and sacrificed lives on the battlefield for that ideal.

The union they ultimately formed was far from perfect. It excluded many of our citizens; people like Congresswoman Brown, me, my daughter. But it was an ideal that set forth a goal that we have consistently worked for.

Fortunately, in each successive generation, this nation was blessed by men and women who refused to accept their assigned place as second-class citizens. Men and women who saw America not as it was, but as it could and should be, and committed themselves to extending the frontiers of our democracy. The abolitionists and all who fought to end slavery and ensure freedom came with the full right of citizenship. The tenacious women and a few brave men who gathered at the Seneca Falls convention back in 1848 to demand the right to vote.

It took more than 70 years of struggle, setbacks, and grinding hard work and only one of those original suffragists lived to see women cast their ballots. There are women here today – as with my own mother – who were born before the Constitution granted us the right to vote. This is not something lost in the mists of memory and history; this is real. The generations here in this room have seen change. The men and women who knew their Constitutional right to vote meant little when poll taxes and literacy tests, violence, and intimidation made it impossible to exercise their right, so they marched and protested, faced dogs and tear gas, knelt down on that bridge in Selma to pray and were beaten within an inch of their lives.

Some gave their lives to the struggle for a more perfect union. There is a reason why so many have fought so hard and sacrificed so much. It is because they knew that to be a citizen of this country is to have the right and responsibility to help shape its future, not just to make your voice heard, but to have it count. People have fought hard because they knew their vote was at stake and so was their children’s future. Because of those who have come before, Senator Obama and I and so many of you have this precious right today. Because of all that has been done, we are in this historic presidential election. I believe that both Senator Obama and myself have an obligation as potential Democratic nominees - in fact, we all have an obligation as Democrats - to carry on this legacy and ensure that in our nominating process every voice is heard and every single vote is counted.

This work to extend the franchise to all of our citizens is a core mission of the modern Democratic Party, from signing the voting rights act and fighting racial discrimination at the ballot box, to lowering the voting age so those old enough to fight and die in war would have the right to choose their Commander-in-Chief, to fighting for multi-lingual ballots so you can make your voice heard no matter what language you speak. I am proud of our work today. We are fighting the redistricting initiatives that would dilute African American and Latino votes. We are fighting efforts to purge voters from the rolls here in Florida and elsewhere. We are fighting voter identification laws that could wrongly keep tens of thousands of voters from casting their ballots this November.

We carry on this cause for a simple reason, because we believe the outcome of our elections should be determined by the will of the people - nothing more, nothing less.

We believe the popular vote is the truest expression of your will. We believe it today, just as we believed it back in 2000 when right here in Florida, you learned the hard way what happens when your votes aren’t counted and the candidate with fewer votes is declared the winner. The lesson of 2000 here in Florida is crystal clear. If any votes aren’t counted, the will of the people is not realized and our democracy is diminished. That is what I have always believed.

My first job in politics was on the 1972 presidential campaign registering African-American and Hispanic voters in Texas. That work took me from home to home in neighborhood after neighborhood. I was determined to knock on every door and sign up every voter I could find. While we may not have won that election, I have never given up the fight. It is a fight I continue to this day.

Because I think it is appalling that in the 21st century, voters are still being wrongly turned away from the polls, ballots are still mysteriously lost in state after state, African-American and Hispanic voters still wait in line for hours while voters in the same state, even in the same county can wait just minutes to cast their votes. That’s why I’ve been working since 2004 with my dear friend Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones to pass the Count Every Vote Act; comprehensive voting rights legislation designed to end these deplorable violations. It will ensure that every eligible voter can vote, every vote is counted, and every vote can verify his or her vote before it is finally cast.

I will continue to fight for that same principle every day in this campaign. The fact is, the people of Florida voted back in January. You did your part. You showed up in record numbers and you made informed choices. But today, some months later, you still do not know if these votes will help determine our party's nominee. You still don't know if this great state will be represented at our convention in August. It is time you knew, because the more than 2.3 million people who voted in Florida and Michigan exercised their fundamental American right in good faith. You watched the news. You went to the candidates' web sites, you talked to your friends and neighbors, you learned about our records and policies so you could make informed voting decisions. You didn't break a single rule, and you should not be punished for matters beyond your control.

Now, I know that Senator Obama chose to remove his name from the ballot in Michigan, and that was his right. But his choice does not negate the votes of all those who turned out to cast their ballots, and we should not let our process rob them and all of you of your voices. To do so would undermine the very purpose of the nominating process. To ensure that as many Democrats as possible can cast their votes. To ensure that the party selects a nominee who truly represents the will of the voters and to ensure that the Democrats take back the White House to rebuild America.

Now, I’ve heard some say that counting Florida and Michigan would be changing the rules. I say that not counting Florida and Michigan is changing a central governing rule of this country - that whenever we can understand the clear intent of the voters, their votes should be counted. I remember very well back in 2000, there were those who argued that people's votes should be discounted over technicalities. For the people of Florida who voted in this primary, the notion of discounting their votes sounds way too much of the same.

The votes of 1.7 million people should not be cast aside because of a technicality. The people who voted did nothing wrong, and it would be wrong to punish you. As the Florida Supreme Court said back in 2000, before the United States Supreme Court took the case away from them, as your Supreme Court said, it's not about the technicalities or about the contestants. It’s about the will of the people. And whenever you can understand their intent, it should govern. It’s very clear what 1.7 million people intended here in Florida. Playing a role in the nominating process in a two-party system is just as important as having a vote in the presidential election on Election Day count.

We know it was wrong to penalize voters for the decisions of state officials back in the 2000 presidential election. It would be wrong to do so for decisions made in our nominating process. Democrats argued passionately. We are still arguing, aren't we, for counting all the votes back in 2000, and we should be just as passionately arguing for that principle today, here in Florida and in Michigan. It is well within the Democratic Party rules to take this stand. The rules clearly state that we can count all of these votes and seat all of these delegates, pledged and unpledged, if we so choose. And the rules lay out a clear process for doing so.>>snip---

If anyone would like to read the speech in its entirty/would like to verity the quoted speech here, please go to HillaryClinton.com

Hi Dawn,

Here is the link to the NY Times story that I read about the MI vote, it should work but I'm not always great with links so please let me know if it doesn't work and you are interested in reading it.

I honestly don't think my take on it was wrong but it does seem, with high emotions, we all sometimes have different takes on the same words!

Best,
Heather

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/us/politics/12cnd-delegates.html?hp

I have READ AND READ AND READ for days now and NOT said a word!

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH from the women that have said hurtful things about Hillary Clinton and the women that support her.

I am watching Iron Jawed Angels right now. I suggest that EVERY WOMAN do the same! It is so funny how much history REALLY does repeat itself and how women continue to be our own worse enemies!

It does not matter if this is Elizabeth Dole running or Kay Bailey Hutchinson or Hillary Clinton. GET A CLUE all of your women that claim to be feminists!

And, give the woman (Hillary Clinton) some credit for fighting the fight for ALL OF US. She is human. She gets tired. She makes mistakes. She is not perfect.

But, all of YOU - that sit on the sidelines and do nothing more than BITCH - SHAME ON YOU!

And, for the men on here that have nothing better to do than make their ugly remarks. You do NOT have a dog in this fight!

The wisest writing and the most heart-felt writing that I have seen on here was written by an elderly lady that is with a women's group that she was writing on behalf of. Her name is Gladys Perkins and I have copied her writing below.

I read that writing to my own mother this morning that does not use the internet either. We cried together.

PLEASE read the following and give respect to our elderly women that have been so shook up by all of this because they have worked so hard, prayed so faithfully, and put so much on the line from a very early age so that we women could have more rights.

I fully expect to see something written by HEATHER and a couple of others including LEO that seem to not have anything better to do. But, I ask the rest of you that can be objective to PLEASE have an open-heart and sharpen your mind as to what this all REALLY means for our country – NOT JUST FOR WOMEN – to continue to have men run every aspect of our lives. And, when politics is ruled by men – then everything is ruled by men. I love my father and my brothers and my grandsons and want EQUAL rights for them as much as I do for all races and everyone. This is what strong women in office will be sure to do.

STAND STRONG – WOMEN or at the very least – quit being our own worst enemy!

I am copying what Gladys Perkins wrote yesterday. Gladys – I love you and your group and I for one want to thank all of you for your heart and soul!

By Gladys Perkins on May 23, 2008 9:56 AM
Dear Ms. Keenan & NARAL,

There are a lot of angry people here. I am here on behalf a group of mature women who can't use a computer. It's unfathomable to us how an organization based on a woman's right to choose could deal such a selfish blow to a woman who has spent her entire life standing up for women.
We cannot understand this - nor will we ever.
I was going to go into detail and lay out our arguments, but it's perfectly clear that your decision was made unilaterally and no defense of it will be forthcoming.

What defense is there?

We find your silence indicative of someone who knows they did the wrong thing and chose to put personal notoriety ahead of the greater good -- someone who doesn't have the moral fiber to stand up and admit to it. What one doesn't say is more telling than what one does.

In the end it is always a woman who has to take down a woman. Men can't do it alone. Senator Clinton has been impervious to men's childish envy and discontent. You haven't destroyed Senator Clinton, externally, but on the inside this has to have hurt her in ways we cannot articulate. Twenty years of the media tormenting her and you did more than any misogynist could do: You her hurt her feminine soul. We cry over this every meeting. We sit and cry and wonder what our struggles were for and for whom.

Our group is fifty-five women strong--not all able-bodied or clear of mind--but none of us will be voting for Mr Obama. We will be writing Senator Clinton in on the ballot. With pride.
Senator Clinton is the champion of and for our generation. Our hopes and dreams rest in her heart. She has done what we did not have the strength or fortitude to do. She has outlasted many men and has gotten further than any woman has before only to be disregarded and cast aside by a supposed woman's advocacy committee.

Senator Clinton is an amazing woman whose worth will not be acknowledged until we are long gone. We want her to know that we love her and appreciate her years of struggle. She represents how one woman can change the world and you represent how one woman can destroy it.

Those of you who write those despicable comments about a woman whose shoes you have not walked in and could never fill need to look at Miss Chelsea Clinton. Watch how she comports herself and you will know what a loving woman and mother Senator Clinton is. Watch the love that passes between them when they look at each other and imagine how Chelsea views your sacred betrayal of her mother. Ask yourself how Chelsea will explain this to Senator Clinton's granddaughter.
You have undone a lifetime of struggle with a selfish decision that no woman of class would have ever thought of - let alone carried out.

You are not of the younger generation, Ms Keenan, which makes your betrayal even more loathsome.

In closing, we would like an apology and we would like to hear the answers to the posed questions in this area. Thank you for listening and for providing a forum in which to be heard.

May God have Mercy on your soul.
Gladys Perkins for The Women of Wisdom

http://www.newstatesman.com/north-america/2008/05/obama-clinton-vote-usa-media

SHAME ON YOU NARAL! SHAME ON YOU! You endorsement was not only poorly timed, but completely unreasoned. With so many organizations to donate, I hope the women posting on this blog do more than comment and retire any financial contributions to your organization and give instead to another organization who also supports women's rights to choose but will also show some loyalty to those that have stood by them.

To those young Obama supporters claiming that true feminism is exercised by voting for him over Mrs. Clinton: Get a Clue! It is not that I don't think you are smart enough to know what you really want (I would never presume such a thing). My observation is that your decision is more based on what is 'cool' at the moment and have not taken the time to reflect on what a vote for Obama really means. If gender were taken out of the picture, would you still vote for someone with such a thin resume? Particularly with such a thin resume on reproductive rights? If you had to choose based on resume alone, my gut feeling tells me Mrs. Clinton would overwhelmingly win. In addition to his thin resume, Obama could not possibly exercise the passion on women's issues as Mrs. Clinton has already demonstrated not only because she's lived during the time when such rights had to be fought over but also by the mere fact that unlike Obama she knows what is like to face such a choice by the mere fact that she is a woman. I am afraid you are being naive if you think that voting for Obama is the ultimate feminist action. Unfortunately, we are not there yet!

One last comment to ["By Derek on May 15, 2008 12:15 PM who quoted Mrs. Clinton as saying that abortion "represents a sad, even tragic choice to many, many women."]

when did you meet a woman who felt oh so very happy about her abortion that she threw a party to celebrate it???

No matter the circumstances, abortion is sad and tragic. Being pro-choice does not mean we ignore the effects of abortion. That is why abortion should be made legal but rare!

Why the timing? That shows you had an ulterior motive. I hope it was worth it.

Obama on choice:

"I have repeatedly said that I think it’s entirely appropriate for states to restrict or even prohibit late-term abortions as long as there is a strict, well-defined exception for the health of the mother. Now, I don’t think that “mental distress” qualifies as the health of the mother. I think it has to be a serious physical issue that arises in pregnancy, where there are real, significant problems to the mother carrying that child to term. Otherwise, as long as there is such a medical exception in place, I think we can prohibit late-term abortions."

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