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.