NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Sen. Barack Obama for President

I have never been so disgusted. How dare you claim to represent pro-choice women and then turn your back on one of the most influential women's right advocates in recent history? I am a lifelong activist and I will never, never forgive you for this.

Hillary has been a champion for women's rights. Remember ICPD? Remember VAWA? What has Obama done that can hold a candle to her record? Nothing. He has not one comparable achievement.

History will not treat you kindly. You'll be remembered as part of the howling mob who tried to tear apart the woman who dared reach for the highest office in the land.

And for what? You know Obama is wishy-washy on choice. He never mentions women's issues. He clearly will not be a leader for us.

Shame on you. Shame shame shame.

One more thing - I suppose you are familiar with Obama's statements at last month's Compassion Forum in Pennsylvania? Check the transcript.

"Those of us, like myself, who believe that in this difficult situation it is a woman's responsibility and choice to make in consultation with her doctor and her pastor and her family.

I think we will continue to suggest that that's the right legal framework to deal with the issue. But at least we can start focusing on how to move in a better direction than the one we've been in the past."

So "we will continue to suggest that that's the right framework" counts as standing up for choice?

How about this, from the RH Reality Check candidate questionnaire:

Question: Does (the candidate) support any restrictions on abortion, or does s/he believe it should be entirely up to women?

Obama's answer: Obama supports those restrictions that are consistent with the legal framework outlined by the Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade."

Well, every restriction we have on the books has been considered by the Supreme Court to be consistent within Roe's framework.

Again, not a leader. Not a champion.

I am outraged. This is absolutely ridiculous. I will never give money or support to NARAL again. Shame on you, NARAL, for selling out to the left wing of the Democratic Party.

Hillary Clinton has worked her entire life for women's rights and to keep abortion legal in America. This is insulting and a slap in a face to her career and to all women. Shame on you.

I am insulted, as all pro-choice Democratic women should be, that Naral would endorse Senator Obama.

Hillary Clinton has been standing for women's rights for over 30 years while Obama has voted "present" a record 7 times for pro-choice votes in the Illinois State Senate.

There are no words to explain how disappointed and angry I am at your organization.

I am extremely disappointed in NARAL. You waited this long, why would you not wait another two weeks until we have a nominee? You are counting Hillary out before everyone has spoken. You announce this endorsement the morning after she swept EVERY SINGLE county in WV. The morning after she defeated Obama by 41 points! The morning after the possibility of her winning the popular vote was raised. I can't believe that you actually think Obama would be a stronger advocate of choice, so I must assume you are simply trying to jump the gun and get on board with the Democratic nominee. Again, if you've waited this long, why endorse now? You are counting her out like so many groups and media have done time and time again. It is that attitude that has left us with such little hope of her becoming the nominee. It is a self-fulfilling prophecy. I could write an essay on the many reasons she would obviously be the better advocate for choice, all aside from the fact that she is a woman. But you all know her many accomplishments, so that would be a waste of time. I just cannot express how disappointed I am that NARAL did not wait two weeks for an official nominee. For every woman that felt she needed to support Obama so she didn't seem to be supporting Hillary soley for her gender, for every group jumping ship, for everyone trying to prove something, for everyone counting her out, shame on you.

Shame on NARAL. Hillary Clinton has an unequivocal, strong and unquestioned position on choice. Obama has been trying to be "in the middle" on this issue as on every other issue. For you to turn your back on the most viable woman candidate before the primary season is over is an outrage. You are joining too many men in the Democratic party who would rather lose an election than nominate a woman.

What timing. What a terrible endorsement. What a grave disappointment. I have been working for many years in the the US Women's Movement and this just makes me so upset. If you had/have issues - you should have just waited to endorse the final nominee.
What do you think you are saying to Senator Clinton? Is this your response to her life long work for women, mothers, children? Do you need to see her speech in Beijing?
Maybe you need to look at Senator Obama's record on choice in Illinois, his position on the ERA. Did he talk about Ledbetter v Goodyear when it was in the Supreme court? And has he made a commitment to put women on the court?
I could go on pages, suffice it to say, women support women - you know that. I know you know that.

I am disappointed that NARAL, whom I have supported for years, is endorsing Obama prematurely. You are dividing your critical supporters by taking this stand. We are all needed in California to fight more propositions aimed at limiting a young woman's access to abortion and we will have a huge fight against McCain. Hillary has been a champion for women's reproductive rights all her life and the primary election is NOT OVER! The need to do this endorsement now escapes me. This is a sexist position to deny Hillary the right, as we have afforded male candidates in the past, to run to the finish line in a primary. NARAL has been getting the word out on McCain and there is time to really reveal his stand on the issues. This urgency is a false argument. Who managed to push your organization to this untimely act?
You have bought into the media hype that the race is over and are denying Hillary the right to finish this process for all the voters who support her.

A dual endorsement earlier would have been a great way to point out the differences....what were you thinking at this point? Please reconsider your position and make a statement about both candidates' support of choice and reproductive freedom. It takes a big organization to admit a mistake.

Mary Jane Casper
California

You could have waited until after the Oregon primary.

And I repeat Shameful's, note that "Hillary Clinton has been standing for women's rights for over 30 years while Obama has voted "present" a record 7 times for pro-choice votes in the Illinois State Senate."

Sad.

I join the others in condemning NARAL for its shortsighted betrayal of a woman who has for decades championed the causes of women. Obama's weak-kneed health plan should have been all you needed to say that he is NOT READY to be president.

When you really look at Obama's record, you will see that he is a media creation. Yes, he gave an inspirational speech at the Democratic convention in 2004. That made him a media darling and got him launched into the presidential campaign over the men and one woman who have worked for women's issues much harder than Obama ever did (Chris Dodd and Joe Biden especially). The media elevated Fred Thompson, also--another man with no real record but a lot of name recognition. The key difference between Thompson and Obama is that Obama is charming on the talk circuit. His time may come--he's young and educable--but he has never really put himself on the line. Naral should be beyond getting charmed, looking past the seduction of "change" to see who has really done the work.

The timing of this endorsement, coming after Hillary Clinton's overwhelming win in West Virginia will add to the media frenzy over Obama's "inevitability." Well, count me out.

Shame, shame, shame.

Shame on you NARAL. I have supported NARAL since 1974 when I was a 21 year old college student. I was so impressed with NARAL and their recognition that a woman's right to choose would continue to be jeopardized, despite the Supreme Court decision. Hillary Clinton has never waivered in her support of a woman's right to choose. She has been unbowed in her support and advocacy of issues affecting women and children. I suspect that NARAL is concerned with an aging membership and see endorsement of Obama an opening to appeal to a potentially younger audience. It's a cynical move and will most likely backfire. I have no problem with NARAL endorsing a candidate who has a record of supporting a woman's right to choose. But you have two candidates who support choice, and one of them has a decades long record of support. So what is the justification for endorsing one over the other. Cynicism. Again, shame on you.

Thank you NARAL for seeing that this is not just a womens issue. It's an issue that concerns men and women. To think that Hillary Clinton is the only voice for women is sexist. I am voting for the candidate that believes in bringing people together, not segregating them by sex, race or religion.

Why settle for thirty years of fighting for women's rights when you can have 'present' votes and obscure statements of 'support' from Obama?

To say this is a low point for NARAL is an understatement. I will need to consider alternative vehicles for my contributions toward women's reproductive rights.

I am so disappointed as a woman that you endorsed Obama before the Democratic primary is even over! You have thrown all of the progressive men and women who have fought for reproductive rights and are fighting for the first women nominee under the bus. Particularly for a man who votes "present" on tough reproductive issues. I am blown away.

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

What a grave grave GRAVE mistake on NARAL's behalf. Not only are not endorsing a fantastic pro-choice FEMALE candidate, but you're only going to lose support. Nothing about this endorsement makes sense. What do you have to gain? Let's think about this for a minute logically. Women over 50 have been Hillary's base. Who are the majority of pro-choice voters, or women who care the most about choice in this country? Women over 50. What is this going to do for NARAL? Piss off your base, lose you money, lose you support, thus LOSE US VOTES IN CONGRESS.

At the very least, if you felt strongly enough about Obama you could have waited until the party decided it's candidate. You said you wanted to "heal the rift" in Democrats. Heal the rift? By endorsing one of them?? And endorsing the MALE who voted PRESENT on SEVEN choice votes in the Illinois senate and snubbing the first viable female candidate after her tireless work for choice and women's rights. You know perfectly well that EC wouldn't be over the counter if it wasn't for Hillary. You know of her work for Prevention first. You know VERY WELL what her presidency would have meant for preserving reproductive justice in this country.

I'm extremely upset, and ashamed. You just lost all my support, membership, and donations.

Kayla, who is 22.

I just wish to add my voice to the growing chorus of women who feel betrayed by your actions. Senator Obama has NEVER been a leader or taken a difficult stand to support a women's right to choose the way Hillary Clinton has FOR YEARS!!!

He has been very clear that he is willing to compromise our democratic ideals to achieve unity.
When a politician starts talking about compromise....our rights are the first to become a bargining chip.

What a sellout

NARAL has completely lost my support. You have confirmed my long-held contention that feminism in this country is truly dead. I hope your organization can continue to operate with Obama's new coalition...you're gonna need it.

To say I am appalled, disappointed, disgusted, frustrated and outraged would be a complete understatement.

PS - How can we get removed from future mailings? How can I have contributions refunded?

I agree with those above me: a colossally unfortunate decision, with an extraordinary pro-choice woman (with a far longer record of fighting for women than her opponent) still very much in the race. This smacks of the worst sort of political calculation, and is hugely disappointing. Bad show.

I just wish I never wrote NARAL a check! I will never support NARAL again. Now, my money will go to EMILYs list or Planned Parenthood.
Shame on you.
Why wouldn't NARAL wait 3 weeks? Why didn't NARAL consult their state chapters? Why didn't NARAL at least ASK those who have financially supported them what their views are?

Actually, after reading Shelley's comment...I would love to get a refund for my check as well. Thanks for the idea Shelley. I will email them directly instead of on the blog.

Quite a disappointment. I thought Naral would of known better. They should of at least waited until we had a nominee.

You, and a handful of young girls under the Obama "ether". Get real. Never a dime more from me. Obama is an empty suit speechmaker who appeals to the young crowd because he looks like he's 30, has a booming voice, and can articulate our problems. He's 47 and what has he really ever done. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, and for supporting the candidate who is strongest to fight ALL of our ills (so many, so critical.) We have no time for a green pea. Hillary is smart, tough, tested, and has been crucified, first in the White House, recently by the media (continuously), and now by you.

Actually...instead of a direct refund, I'm asking them to transfer my check directly to EMILYs List, or to refund me directly so that I can then write that check to EMILYs List!

The day after 70% of women in west virginia voted for Hillary Clinton, NARAL decides to tell women voters in west virginia and all across this nation that their voice on who best represents their interests simply doesn't matter to NARAL. With today's action, your organization and leadership is shown to be both craven and opportunistic. I would join my sisters in saying shame on you, but I'm not convinced you actually care what women think of you or your organization.

I am furious at this. This is ridiculous. Senator Clinton has been a leader in woman's reproductive and general human rights since she was a young woman. Are you crazy? I will NEVER EVER donate to this organization, and I am forwarding this disgusting information to the 100 plus people on my Hillary email list in Maine. By not supporting Senator Clinton you might as well be endorsing Senator McCain. You should wait til Senator Clinton says it's over to jump on the Obama bandwagon. What kind of feminists are you??! And Senator Obama had some very wishy washy rep.rights votes in the state senate in order to further his career, and you know it. You call yourself a women's organization? Let me tell you something, not only has she advocated for woman's reproductive rights, but when reproductive rights aren't upheld, and unwanted children are born, it's been Senator Clinton's work that helps them, not Senator Obama's. Trust me, I know, I'm a social worker. There's a before, during, and after to this discussion, and your endorsement leaves out a lot of the spectrum. How better to advocate for women across the globe than to show, by electing a president, that women can and will be world leaders? That's when women's reproductive rights and other rights will really be upheld. You should be ashamed of yourself. Truly disgusting!!! You need to retract that, or fully endorse Senator Clinton as well. I will never support your work, ever, unless you do, and nor will the many women I know. This is a mistake and you need to undo it. How about endorsing someone who can reproduce, for starters??????? Shame on you!!!!!!! I am apalled!!!!! Senator Clinton deserves your endorsement and you know it! Undo this!

I cannot express how disheartening it is to see this. This is not about blindly supporting a woman just because she is a woman. Though that fact certainly makes her run all the more exciting and important, she is the best candidate, male or female, for the job. This is so clear, especially when it comes to the issue of reproductive rights, that I am completely baffled as to why NARAL is doing this, and why now. If NARAL believes that Obama will be the nominee, and thus should be endorsed, then wait two weeks until the primaries have ended. Seeing NARAL join the groups who insist that Hillary cannot win and should drop out is shocking! Why are you announcing this the morning after a landslide victory?! You are going to take what little media attention she might have gained away from her. What does it say to the men and women across this country that even NARAL Pro-Choice America chooses Obama over Hillary?
I worked 7 long months on the Hillary campaign, from 80-100 hours a week, traveling across four states to elect the first woman president of the United States, to elect the candidate with the experience to best represent people all across this nation. I had doors slammed in my face, phones slammed down, and heard that "that bitch could never win" countless times. If NARAL wishes to support Obama, should he be the nominee, over McCain, that is fantastic. But why did you have to join the ranks counting Hillary out? You really could not wait two weeks to stand with the Democrats over the Republicans, instead of with Obama over Hillary? I don't buy that. This was unnecessary and sends a frightening message to the women of this country.

I'm very impressed that NARAL went on a limb for the candidate that is ahead in the primary. With so much to lose in the general, it's time for pro-choice people to get behind Senator Obama.

Thanks for all of your hard work!

Et tu Brute! That's quite a blow to your gender and delivered at a prime time in the campaign, too. The most rabid woman haters could not have done more damage.

It's not enough that I've endured months of witnessing "Hillary hate" in the media, on the Internet, etc., and had to listen to calls of "F----g whore" and "bitch" and "c---t" hurled at the candidate I support. Now, at a crucial moment in this tremendously important race, you choose to betray the interests of the women of America by endorsing a man who has inspired slogans like "Bros before Ho's" and who, in appearances made after his Pennsylvania debate with Clinton, "flipped off" his opponent and her whole gender. You expect him to defend our rights?

I very much doubt that your choice will win the presidency if he is the candidate. He is no match for McCain and Huckabee (the Republicans' probable vice presidential nominee). Unlike Hillary, your guy does not connect with and cannot win over the bulk of mainstream working people in America. Huckabee, who is rooted in the religious right and sees women as the "servants of men" is perceived as a "populist" who can "talk the talk" with everyday working people. We need Hillary, with her proven ability to connect with working Americans, in the race to avoid defeat in November.

Congratulate yourselves on helping the Democrats once again fulfill their historic mission by seizing defeat from the jaws of victory once again.

VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!
Naral jumped on the Barrack bandwagon like the other knee jerkers! At least you could have waited until the voters had their say rather than following the Hillary-Hatering media!

Obama is an airbag full of rhetoric, with no substance, no detailed plan.
Fools! Kiss your donation goodbye!

you'll never see another penny from me.

Disappointing is an understatement...

As a young woman in today's society, I daily, no hourly, no CONSTANTLY witness the effects of poor leadership in the arena of women's reproductive health. In particular, I work with high school and college age women who are constantly seeking access to sex information, education, and protection, so I see what the future of the nation experiences when we actually look at the effect of our country's policies, as I believed NARAL had.

If Obama cannot stand for protecting women in Illinois, how can we have faith that he will stand to protect the women of the entire country?

To endorse a candidate that is a lesser advocate for women, a lesser proponent for women's health & safety, a less qualified leader for women overall, shows that you choose to participate in and support leadership of a world the offers LESS for women.

NARAL has acknowledged Senator Clinton's 100% pro-choice voting record. How can you turn your back on her now?

I am proud to be a member of two organizations - NOW & NWPC - that have chosen to endorse the ONLY candidate committed to the rights of women in this current race - Senator Hillary Clinton.

And I now understand why I'm NOT a member of your organization.

Let me add my voice to the chorus of those who are disappointed with this endorsement. I find the timing suspect - did the Obama people pressure you all in the wake of last night's shellacking he took in WV?

I find this "endorsement" disrespectful to all of the hardworking women who have supported NARAL over the years - you know, the ones like Hillary Clinton. Obama has not been with us.

Shame on NARAL.

Thank you for endorsing Obama today. As a progressive, I am happy to see that you didn't just endorse a candidate BECAUSE of gender. I made another donation today to try and help counter what I'm sure will be a backlash from people who think you should have endorsed HRC because she is a woman. Thank you for standing up for the many pro-choice women who do support Obama!

Peace,
Natalie

The only thing I can hope is that this is a publicity stunt—that you will be bombarded with e-mails from outraged women and will reverse your decision. That would be the only thing that could possibly make sense with regard to this endorsement.

Did you really think your supporters would be thrilled? Or is your organization run by the same giggling group of women who were so enthralled by Obama in jeans on the press plane last week?

Women (especially young women): We get what we deserve if we continue this trend of competition instead of sisterhood.

Thank you, NARAL. You made the right decision, hands-down.

Seriously, people. Are you really going to quit NARAL in disgust because they endorsed a progressive with 100% voting record on choice over another progressive with a great record, too? Especially when the NY Times called Obama, as of this morning, the "almost nominee"? And with no one disputing that he's a hundred times better on the issues than McCain?

I'm also a bit surprised that the reason for the timing isn't obvious - it's a political calculation that could have an immensely positive impact on the organization if the math is right. In other words, when Obama's sitting in the White House, who does he remember and think of most? The organization that was one of many to get behind him after his nomination? Or the group that took a bold and courageous stand before the nomination was in the bag?

Easy math to me... With Obama pulling ahead in every aspect of the race that matters, and Hillary's only hope being rewriting the rules after the fact to seat MI & FL delegates (which ain't gonna happen), this is one hell of a smart move by NARAL which could pay dividends for years.

I, too, am a NARAL member - and this kind of smart political thinking is exactly why I respect this organization so much.

Next stop for me: surfing on over to step up to the next membership level.

Sen. Clinton has a strong record and has been a thoughtful advocate in support of reproductive issues, so I am at a loss to understand why NARAL would choose to endorse her opponent this late in the primary process. Unfortunately, it seems that this action will only divide us rather than unite us in defeating the anti-choice Republican candidate in the fall. I have to echo the above posters in saying that this endorsement at this time really is a shame.

Have you gone mad? Let's see.. he votes "present" on women's issues in the IL senate, and that earns him NARAL's endorsement? I'm a NARAL member and a NOW member. I will take the money that I have used for NARAL and re-direct it to NOW. I encourage all disappointed NARAL members to the the same. This "endorsement" rings hollow to me. NOW was the first group to endorse HILLARY and continues to actively support her.

Beth

I'm ashamed to say I ever served on the NARAL board in PA. Take me off all of your lists... emails / phone calls begging for money

you are OUT

if I get one call or harrassment / I'll take legal action.

you made your bed - now go sleep in it with B Hussein O.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Given how incredibly strong both Democratic candidates are on this issue, it's nice to have at least one group starting to work on behalf of the most likely democratic candidate, and against the incredibly anti-choice McCain. I live in a swing state, where the most socially conservative democrats are anti abortion and also anti-Obama for racial reasons. (I heard Obama called a "crypto-Muslim" by one Democratic committee person, and a "monkey man--is he really human?" by his friend.) We count on independents and Rockefeller-style progressive republicans to balance out the neanderthal wing of our own party. NARAL is an essential part of that process. (P.S. the conservatives were glad to vote for Hillary because they "knew" that she's just "window dressing" and that Bill Clinton would be the real president. Very disgusting.) As far as I can tell, you have never done any Hilary hating; you seem to have tallied the delegates, checked what a lead McCain was taking in organizing his support, and decided to fill an important gap. Again, thanks for an unusual and courageous stance.

Wow, I'm shocked at the backlash. I, for one, would like to commend you on an excellent choice. It is time to forget about race, gender and politics and try to come together for what it is we all have in common and I truly believe Obama will do his best to accomplish that. I have been his supporter since the beginning. As much as I would LOVE to see a woman president, I cannot bring myself to support Clinton simply because she is female. She is a politician and tied to special interests. I will send a donation in support of your brave and wonderful decision.

There is only one candidate in this race who has been a champion for reproductive rights. As an attorney, a First Lady and a Senator, Hillary Clinton has fought for our rights. She's even stuck her neck out on issues like working to defeat California's parental notification initiative - something a Senator from New York didn't have to do.

If you weren't going to wait until there was a nominee, then you should have endorsed the candidate with the strongest record on women's reproductive rights - and we all know that is Hillary Clinton.

Your timing and decision are an insult to those of us who have always fought with every last breath for justice.

I cannot believe how socially irresponsible this organization is. How can you possibley think that your advocating for women when you make a decision that could divide the women’s movement for years to come? I am so fundamentally repulsed by your decision. I am absolutely stunned at how thoughtless and irresponsible your decision making is regarding this matter. The founders of the women’s movement everywhere suffer a serious set back today when their own sisters attempt to destroy them. If you think that this is going to help our cause, you are clueless. I can’t believe you’ll cut your throats and those of all the women out there who have supported you, including Senator Clinton, just to get on the bandwagon of the male candidate who has no personal insight whatsoever what it feels like to have the federal government regulate his body. How dare you attempt to destroy what so many of us have worked so hard to create. The founders of the women's movement roll in their graves today. I never thought I would see the day when an organization, founded by women for women, actually had the chance to support the most qualified candidate for president and SHE happened to be a women and yet, they chose the male for no justifiable reason whatsoever. I'm speechless. This has already been a rough week for women in that Obama supporter Steven Cohen assaulted Hillary with his violent rhetoric and then this. Wow, what a sad week for women in this country.

I am very disturbed that NARAL would choose this moment to endorse a candidate; why not choose at the beginning of the race? Why not wait till it's over? This seems a strange move at a strange time... unless your intent is to sway voters in the remaining primaries, which seems very immoral.

Additionally, the "Pro-choice, Pro-Obama" ad implies that if you're pro-choice you can't be pro-Clinton, which is obviously, patently untrue. Endorse whomever you'd like, but do it at the appropriate times and don't imply that the other candidate isn't pro-choice.

I am surprised and truly disappointed that NARAL would endorse Senator Obama before the primary race is over, turning its back on a woman who has worked for decades for women's civil and reproductive rights, and whohas spoken out consistently and strongly for women throughout this campaign.

I am further disappointed that your announcement completely avoided answering the most obvious question of why a pro-choice organization would turn its back on the strongest pro-choice candidate. From a strategic perspective, there should be nothing keeping NARAL from fighting McCain now, when there is no Democratic candidate. To me it speaks of choosing political opportunism over a firm commitment to the issues.

You owe your supporters, many of whom you know to support Senator Clinton, a much better explanation than the anemic one offered above.

I have just unsubscribed myself from your email lists...I want nothing to do with anyone that can support Obama. Senator Clinton is a woman for pete's sake...No, I can not be a part of your organization with a slap in the face like that...with an Obama endorsement you will lose half if not all your female subscribers...dumb move!

I am disturbed that your organization would endorse a candidate in this highly contested nomination.

You have just alienated millions of people. What the hell were you thinking?

How could you risk such an important mission?

Obviously, you are not as committed to your mission as I believed. My family is canceling our support immediately.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. PERHAPS YOU DON'T WATCH THE NEWS OR READ THE PAPERS. SENATOR CLINTON IS STILL IN THE RACE. SHE IS ALSO UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR VIDE-PRESIDENTIAL POSITION BY MANY WITHIN THE PARTY.SOMETIMES ITS BEST TO JUST KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT...OR JUST WAIT A WHILE. NOW, YOU ARE LOOKING LIKE A BUNCH OF BACK-STABBING FEEBLE-MINDED NITWITS. YOU WILL NEVER GET ANOTHER PENNY OUT OF ME. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU! YOU HAVE PROBABLY CUT YOUR SUPPORT IN HALF AND DIMINISHED WOMEN EVERYWHERE!!!!

THANK YOU NARAL!!! I am so proud to be a member of an organization who has the bigger picture in mind - we NEED A PRO-CHOICE PRESIDENT! and Hillary is not going to get there, nor would she be a unifying force in the white house. We need a unifying leader who represents the majority of Americans who believe in some form of reproductive choice.

What kind of donation did you receive from the Obama camp that led to this endorsement? Can’t you see the bigger picture? He is buying everyone – new kind of politics?

Stand by those who stand by you.

I am so disappointed, this is beyond betrayal.

Thank you, NARAL, for choosing Sen. Obama: the most viable candidate. I'm a long-time donor to several pro-choice causes, NARAL included.

I don't only support Sen. Obama because of his views, but also because of how he's run his race. The two candidates' records, in terms of choice, are both excellent. It's really a matter of how the candidate relates to the public and how they conduct themselves within their campaigns.

Again, thank you, NARAL, for your insight.

Sincerely,

Elise MacDonald
New Ipswich, NH

NARAL could not wait 3 weeks, nor could you consult your members? This is an ill-considered decision. Obama touted his endorsement by Laurence Tribe (yes, the anti-ERA warhorse) in his first commercials here in Texas. The best anyone can say of Obama is that he is insensitive or uneducated about feminist issues; clearly he is uninvolved. And, to borrow a phrase from the Civil Rights era: "If he isn't part of the solution --- he's part of the problem!" NARAL does not speak for me on this issue. I am deeply offended.

This was my letter to OBAMA supporter Congressman Steven Cohen who earlier this week compared Hillary to a murderous psychopath for staying in the Democratic race. Wow, NARAL, what are you thinking?

Mr. Cohen,

I am writing you in response to your comments about Hillary Clinton. I feel compelled to write you regarding the situation. I am truly shocked that any elected official would use such an offensive and violent analogy to describe Senator Clinton’s willingness to allow all the voters to have a say in this election. Please note that there are almost 16 million voters who have said via their vote that they would prefer that Senator Clinton win the primary election. There is no way that she can win unless she continues to run the race. Sixteen million of us support her decision to do so. She owes it to us to continue this race until it’s over.

That said, when you make derogatory comments like the ones you made yesterday about Senator Clinton, you are essentially making those comments about all of her supporters. Your statements were completely out of line and inexcusable. There is no justification for your violent analogy. I am reminded of a comment made by Trent Lott a few years ago and the response that ensued. I would say that your comments were equally, if not more offensive considering the circumstances in which both were delivered. Senator Clinton deserves more respect. I believe you issued an apology because you knew you had to do so in order to avoid further consequence. Yet, the violent undertone of your comments would suggest that you certainly do not feel respectful or even tolerant of Senator Clinton. I do not feel that your apology addresses the larger underlying issue of violence against women, which your comments so clearly reflect. Comments like those serve to perpetuate the prevalent, albeit often unacknowledged belief that violence against women is not only acceptable, but somehow solicited and accordingly justified. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns.

Sincerely,

Keisha Long

You've been added to the list of organizations to which I will never give another dime. We need real change from real people, not empty rhetoric and nothingness. Shame on you for acting solely based on fear. Goodbye.

UNBELIEVABLE! How could you? How could you put your support behind someone that has minimal experience versus 30 years!!! Count me out as a member of your organization. It's not about gender (although this is a woman's issue) it's about who can really stand up for us? SHAME SHAME SHAME You should have stood behind someone that has stood behind you for so many decades!!!

Like the many women who have written in this comment space, I too am deeply disappointed by this decision to endorse Obama rather than Clinton. Democrats lose more often than needed because of complete lack of strategic thinking. Clinton, not Obama, has won virtually all of the GENERAL ELECTION "must have" and swing states by considerable margins. North Carolina, Georgia, Idaho, etc. are very likely to vote Republican in the general election...he hasn't come through where it has mattered most. SHE HAS. And, of course, how abysmal that this organization has turned its back on such a highly qualified, brilliant, dedicated woman. When do you think this is going to happen again? Not any time soon. How pathetic. It's very difficult to understand the rationale behind this. It's as if you've been listening to Republican propaganda rather than making thoughtful decisions. The more Clinton and Obamas names remain in the media spotlight, the more attention Democrats receive -- it's not a bad thing and it won't hurt the party. We all know things will be hugs and kisses at the convention and unity will be the theme. Again, how deeply disappointing. It matters that she's a woman. It matters that a woman speak out and represent the naral viewpoint. It matters that the president be a woman.

I am shocked that NARAL chose this moment to endorse anyone. Assuming that NARAL can decide who will be the Democratic nominee is a political novice faux pas. This type of ammo will be used by McCain.
I will no longer financially support NARAL.

"Big News"? I'll say. The only "news" here is that NARAL has completely lost its credibility and stands to lose considerable financial support from people like me who are outraged that NARAL would turn its back Senator Clinton, particularly before the nomination process is finished. Ingrates. What on earth is Obama's position on abortion and women's issues anyway? I have NEVER heard him talk about the subject. I strongly encourage NARAL to rescind its endorsement of Obama.

I am very disappointed in the choice NARAL has made. I will not only not support Obama in a general election, I won't support NARAL in the future either. For my money, if Obama is the Democratic candidate, I'll be voting for McCain. At least we know where he stands. I don't trust Obama, never have, never will. His words have not matched his actions or those of the people he supports.

Please remove me from any future mailings or requests for money or support.

Also adding my voice to the "absolutely disgusted" pile.

My own personal interest in Womens Reproductive Freedom ad protecting the fundamental right of people to choose if, when and how to create their own families extends to the issue of Infertility. My twin sons are the product of IVF/FET (frozen embryos). One only needs to look to Italy to see what happens to infertile couples when Government starts to legislate about "embryo rights".

Obama is no champion when it comes to these issues. He either votes the party line (or votes "present" when the issues get too politically divisive as part of a strategy).

This is a sad, sad, sad day for Women's Rights and Reproductive Freedom when we have to cast aside the true champion and replace her with a hollow suit of rhetoric and equivocation.

He doesn't even deem these issues important enough to list them as "Issues" on his campaign website. Half the population has been relegated to the "People / Women" section.

We deserve better than Barack Obama. What a cop-out NARAL.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=n3iHr1IYWUk&feature=related

"On one hand, we have Sen. Obama—who has been a fully pro-choice ally from day one and whom women can trust." GOOD GRIEF.

Day One was only 36 months ago...you have a short memory! Hillary has supported this cause for Decades.

NO MORE DONATIONS FROM ME!!!

I agree with the last poster.

Most of you woman seem to have forgotten this is about Women's reproductive rights... NOT about Hilary getting in the white House. At this point Obama looks to be the stonger choice and we shouls stand behind him strongly and make sure that out rights stay in place!

How dare you say you want to get off the mailing list and get your money back? This ISN'T about you. It's about the woman that will be coming after you.

I cannot believe it! This endorsement of a candidate who has done nothing to very little for a woman's right to chose tells me that there are other forces at work in this decision, and these are forces that I do not trust. I have been a long time supporter and contributor. Never Again! Isn't that your motto? Well now it applies to NARAL. This thoughtless and poorly made decision tells me that NARAL is an organization that makes poor judgements and does not stand on principle. By endorsing Obama NARAL is participating in promoting this manufactured candidate that is all about image without any substance. He is the Democrats' version of George Bush complete with the Karl Rove campaign dirty tricks. He has no record to rely on on abortion rights matters. What's more Obama will not be able to beat John McCain. So much for our hope for a decent Supreme Court appointee by the next president. Shame on NARAL. You are no longer one of us.

"On one hand, we have Sen. Obama—who has been a fully pro-choice ally from day one and whom women can trust." GOOD GRIEF.

Day One was only 36 months ago...you have a short memory! Hillary has supported this cause for Decades.

NO MORE DONATIONS FROM ME!!!

I have been a long-time supporter of NARAL and just last week attended a fundraiser for Washington NARAL. However, I can no longer support your group since you have made the move to support Obama.

I'll simply echo the feedback from the other posts you've received - I'm disturbed and appalled that you have sold-out so soon and turned your back on Hillary Clinton who has been one of your strongest supporters.

Why are you selling out so soon? It seems like a very strange decision and one that saddens me deeply. As one of the posters said, this is indeed a sad week for women.

Good Luck! You now have a long and hard road to climb.

Not another DIME from me or my house hold.... we are two mature gay men who support women's rights totally.... and for your organization to turn on a woman is unforgiveable ! I'm 65 and my partner is 76, and in our life time... we've never seen a Candidate so qualified and so destined to be our President.... unlike the person you've chosen to endorse, who is obviously not ready and much too inexperienced !

Check your comment section... 95% of them are against this descision !

I simply can't believe this.... talk about jumping on the band wagon and believing all the crap the media dishes out....

Hillary will be our next President.... and she'll continue to stand for equal rights for women, gays etc. I wonder how she'll feel about your organization now... ? Disgusted

I'm really shocked by the vitriol here. McCain is steadfastly anti-choice. The sooner the party unites behind Obmama's candidacy, the better our chances of ensuring McCain's defeat. Most people in the country mistakenly believe McCain is pro-choice. Correcting that erroneous belief is the real battle here, not hysterically soldiering on for Hillary in spite of insurmountable odds. If Obama loses in November, we ALL lose. Think about having to demand your rights back from a McCain stacked Supreme Court before you demand your money back from NARAL.

NARAL has lost my support with this choice. Obama's record on women's issues is unimpressive, and undeserving when compared with Clinton's impressive stance and experience. Yet, the most appalling aspect of this endorsement is that you have completely failed to recognize how many democrats have been engaged by these primaries--we are NOT failing to solidify our party, we are DRAWING DEMOCRATS OUT IN DROVES AND ENGAGING NEW DEMOCRATIC VOTERS IN THE PROCESS. I am thoroughly disappointed that NARAL has taken the status quo position of siding with Obama when practical experience tells us this extended primary is reaching out to more "new" democrats than ever before. Has NARAL lost the ability to question norms and demand independent thought and action?

ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGED! NARAL IS A BIG LOSER!

I am beyond shocked by your endorsement of Barack Obama—and cannot even begin to comprehend how your organization would not support a woman for President.

You will no longer be able to count on me for any future donations—ever.

I cannot believe that NARAL jumped the gun and turned its back on one of the most pro choice and pro women's issues candidates there has ever been, Hillary Clinton. What is wrong with you? You should have waited. Shame on you!!!! What happened did some big donation sway good judgement?

I am stunned and saddened.

This is the worst news of the day. Thank you for that, NARAL. The only reason I am not discontinuing my local (WA) membership is because I was told that the local bodies were not consulted.

After I write this I am quickly going to find the two little words" unsubscribe me" and click on them fast. As a non profit organization that counts on the contributions of many different people it is pure folly to choose one political candidate to support. You should have had the good sense to wait until after the democratic convention. Dummy! Too dumb to get another penny from me!

How could you? I am shocked and outraged. This is very dissapointing. How did NARAL come up with this? Was there a committee? If so, who was on that committee. As a "Single-Catholic-Mother-for-Choice" preparing to march in front of the White House during the March for Womens' Lives, in April 2004, who was it that inspired the marchers? It was Hillary Clinton! I was there and she was the one I saw. Shame on you for not consulting your supports.

I do not think NARAL should have endorsed anyone at this stage in the game.

Not Clinton and not Obama.

Let the people speak - talk about political pandering. Are you posturing to become the next "Super D's ("super delegates"). Right now, you guys look like "Super D's" alright -super dummies-for pulling this outrageous over the top stunt.

NARAL, you have really lost your way.

Peace,
Mary

correction: Like the many women and men.., I too am deeply disappointed.. And, as several said, betrayed. And, yes, I agree with them. Why give you money? You have utterly betrayed the cause.

I too am thoroughly disgusted with NARAL for announcing their support for Obama. Has not Hillary always been a strong supporter for choice, an issue Obama barely mentions. This action was totally unnecessary and very divisive. Why in the world do you want to offend much of your base who support Hillary?

I for one will never forgive NARAL, and have asked to be removed from their mailing lists. I will have to find another outlet for supporting women's rights.

You can take me off your e-mail list....how dare you endorse Obama over Hillary....you just set women back 20 years!! Congratulations.

too soon! I am also outrated

After working with this constitutional issue as a college student and professional for over 20 years, I am very upset to learn that NARAL may be endorsing Obama this afternoon. As a man, a conservative Democrat, a Catholic, and an activist, your decision to support Obama over Hillary Clinton is both insulting to me and damaging to the cause we have endured over the last 40 years.

NARAL's behavior (after the NH primary, the NY letter, the non-objection over Obama's record as a state legislator) over the last 6 months has been sloppy, at best. And your reckless endorsement will further irritate activists who questioned Obama for repeatedly not taking a stand while in the IL legislature. Side-stepping Hillary--who is unquestionably your most loyal and consistent advocate--for a candidate who can more easily be qualified as the media/blog/far-left liberal pundit's cat-nip is just horrible.

Shame on all of you. I'll never lift a finger for NARAL again. I'll just write letters on my own to US Senators.

You have really disappointed many, including myself. I sincerely hope you will reconsider. NOT FAIR! Isn't that what NARAL stands for? Fairness towards women!!!! Hillary is still in the fight just like many women who are fighting for their rights. PLEASE think about your decision and listen to what we are saying! Why couldn't you wait until the 'lady in the pant suit says it's over'?

I can't believe you wouldn't wait to endorse a Democratic candidate until he or she is chosen-- especially if both are pro-choice! Another couple months aren't going to make any difference to people who are dedicated to the pro-choice movement. Truly outrageous.

You will never ever get my support again. I can't believe you aren't endorsing a women for President are you a bunch of stupid ignorant women who prefer to be told what to do by a man. He is so Republican in his leanings and plans to go across the aisle to make friends with the Republicans which in I my book means he isn't pro-choice at all. I don't even think he is truly a democrat. I think this he is absolutely the worse candidate - he's not a presidential candidate he thinks he's a rock star for goodness sake. I hope this doesn't nothing to deter the strong woman that Hilary Clinton is and I can only assume you are a bunch of rich bitches.

Sincerely,

Antoinette L. Cook

I am heartbroken by this inexplicable rush to support Obama, even before the Democratic party has selected its nominee. Hillary Clinton has been a lifelong advocate for women, children, and families -- why were you unwilling to allow her the courtesy of waiting until after the nominating convention to throw NARAL's support behind Obama?

When the general election comes round, I'll vote for the pro-choice nominee (NOT McCain). But that doesn't mean I've already given up on Hillary Clinton. Shame on you for abandoning so many NARAL members who feel exactly the same way I do.

It is a shame that you would not endorse Ms. Hillary. I will not longer support NARAL. For NARAL to turn it's back on Ms. Hillary is shamefull as she has supported you for years. Keep in mind that the nomination process is not finished yet and now you have backed a loser and lost many of your supporters.

EJECT, EJECT, EJECT

Kudos for NARAL reaching across the X/Y chromosome aisle and endorsing the obvious Democratic standard-bearer, Barack Obama. Let's work hard to defeat McCain and his anti-choice ideas in November!

I was so disappointed to see this email in my in box that you have endorsed Obama. While I will support either candidate, I do not believe that an endorsement now for Obama does anything but act as a slap in the face to Hilary Clinton who has worked tirelessly for her entire life for women and pro choice. This endorsement should not have been made until a candidate was chosen and you should be working against MCCain on behalf of both candidates at this time. Shame on you for this endorsement at this time. I will remove myself from your mailing list. I strongly resent NARAL taking this action at this time! It was a bad executive decision and only serves to alienate women! Hello, is anyone home?

If NARAL is basing its decision to endorse Obama based on his ability to win the general election, think again.

Progressive people have terrible memories. Obama has the same coalition of voters that supported McGovern, Mondale, Dukakis, Gore, and Kerry. He will lose just as badly or much worse than they did.

Furthermore, Obama is not progressive. He has aligned himself with anti-gay and anti-choice forces throughout his campaign.

Hillary is the only pro-choice candidate that can beat McCain, and has a long history of fighting for women and women's reproductive rights.

NARAL has completely lost my support, and I am disgusted with this endorsement.

It's clear that I can now cross NARAL off the list of causes I will support. I am beyond disgusted at this endorsement, which makes no sense in terms of timing, or in terms of the candidates' records. What a sad precedent for what future pro-choice candidates might expect from NARAL, to be sloughed off if a shiny new candidate comes along with better PR.

Please remove me from your mailing lists.

I too am shocked that you would turn your back on a woman who has fought this battle her entire life. Do not expect to see another dime from me. My pro-choice dollars will find another home.

I am extemely disappointed with this announcement. I cannot believe you are ignoring the best person to be our next President. We have a chance to change history and you have blown it in your endorsement of obama and yes the non capitalization of the name is deliberate. I will support Hillary till the bitter end !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i believe for naral , the usa and the world hillary is a far superior choice. amazing to me you cant figure that out. who did you consult with???

I cannot believe you have endorsed anyone before the primaries are finished. What was the point? Nothing was gained except you slighting a person who has worked harder than any of the good ole boys to get where she is today. Nothing would have been lost by your having held off until there is a declared nominee. As women, I think we all know that the standards we are held to are higher than for the men in equal positions. I never thought that a group like NARAL that purports to be for women's rights would follow that same route. I am very dissappointed and will seriously reconsider my support for NARAL.

Thank you for your enlightened endorsement of Senator Obama. I always perceived NARAL as only representing the interest of white women of a certain class. I suppose this proves me wrong. How do I make a contribution?

As a long-time supporter of abortion rights, including various marches on Washington, including teaching about choice at a Catholic university, I cannot believe what I have just heard on CNN--that NARAL has endorsed Obama. What treachery, what perfidy! Hillary has always stood with pro-choice forces; Obama voted present, thus avoiding a vote on choice, in the Illinois Senate. I never want to hear from NARAL again--not asking for money, not asking me to attend an event. If McCain gets elected you can forget about Roe v. Wade and NARAL will have helped make that happen.

Please take me off your list. I will never contribute to NARAL again. This was a betrayal of so many pro-choice women who have worked so hard for Hillary Clinton and a very stupid move on the part of the leaders of NARAL. Where was the great pro-choice leader Obama in 2004 when we marched on Washington in great numbers? I was there and Senator Clinton was there. He was not.

Wow!

I am so sorry you folks are taking so much heat from those you have provided support for. There are no words to describe the comments of many people here - not least of whom is Deanna above - which do not cause further grief, so I will leave my statement as is.

You have my family's thanks for realizing this issue is more than a gender thing. My son is no less involved in the rights and responsbilities of parenthood than my daughters, I am no less concerned with their welfare and freedoms than my wife. To "gender-fy" the issue of parental responsibility beyond the immutable (so far, let's see what science brings...) facts of biology is to distance men from their shared duty to protect the rights of their sisters, daughters, wives and mothers - and their responsibility to their own choices about bringing children into the world.

Senator Obama is a strong advocate of Choice and will protect Roe v. Wade through his actions and appointments to the Supreme Court in ways we cannot depend on a Republican administration to do.

You have done the right thing.

-best

-chris

Thank you, NARAL.

I am a woman, a Southerner. I'm sixty years old, with three daughters and three granddaughters I adore. I grew up in the back-alley, cheap motel abortion, when women died or found themselves damaged, unable to have children due to sepsis or botched procedures. I want my girls safe; I want them to have the freedom to choose when to have children and to determine how many children they want to have. I do not want my government which, under GOP leaderhsip says they'll "get government off our backs", invading my uterus. Or anyone else's.

I also want a president who doesn't view the Oval Office as the front in an unfinished war from the '90s. As much as I liked the Clintons, that fight has been fought--and it cost us a clear, indisputable win in 2000. I want change. I want a statesman in the White House--and one who's pro-choice.

You've endorsed him.

I notice a lot of heated comments about Obama being bad on women's issues. I thought this might be of help. I have used it for a while, and unlike information sent out by ANY campaign, it's low on spin.

http://www.votesmart.org/election_president.php

One thing that it doesn't include is a primer on how voting works. For most bills, pro- an contra- sides have their votes counted up. They know if they need a vote badly, in which case people will run, drive, fly in to vote...or if there's a safe pad of votes, in which case they don't call people in.

As a result, someone can vote "present" (or not vote) and still be doing EXACTLY what they need to be doing. That's why groups select a subset of bills and rate elected officials on those bills.

Otherwise, people would introduce bills just to tie someone down by introducing legislation full of buzz-words, so they had to vote on it ("No gay marriage between illegal alien abortion-providers"-type bills.)

Again, cut through the hype and recognize that Obama has shown a long-term commitment to women's issues in general, and to birth control and abortion access in specific.

I am disappointed and disgusted at the endorsement. Hillary Clinton has worked all her life for women and reproductive choice. If NARAL was not going to endorse her, it should have shut up until there is a nominee. After all, either of them would work against McCain, and NARAL has no business getting in there trying to force this quality candidate, Hillary Clinton, out of the race. It also is wholly against NARAL's self-interest to alienate all the Clinton supporters that NARAL needs. What a stupid move!
I'll be in there working for the Democratic nominee, but I'm out of NARAL as of now. PLEASE REMOVE ME FROM YOUR E-MAIL AND MAILING LISTS.

NARAL you have abandoned one of your most basic functions - to stand with those that FIGHT for Women's Rights and Reproductive Freedom. While Senator Obama votes the right way - he has never taken a leadership role. This makes me incredibly sad.

Are you women nuts? I am a single mom and work my butt off everyday to get where I'm at, and certainly want NO one like Obama representing me!!!!

I am appalled that the leadership of NARAL has decided to turn it's back on Senator Clinton for Senator Obama. NARAL has a responsibility to stand up for the reproductive rights of women and yet the leadership has chosen an inexperienced, untested candidate who has never stood for or with this organization and it's goals. I am absolutely disgusted with NARAL, and will NEVER donate, march, or do anything to support it again. No wonder reproductive rights are in such peril!

Thank you, NARAL, for your courage. I am sure this was a difficult decision, because both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama fully support a woman's right to choose. It appears that those who have posted negative comments are, sadly, thinking that only a woman should represent them. On the contrary, what is needed at this point is to put our support behind the candidate who can unite the country, and can reach across ideological divides to convince more Americans of the essential justice inherent in reproductive rights. That candidate is clearly Barack Obama. I am very proud to be a member of NARAL and I am sending you (another) check to show my support at this time.

As a 40-something feminist I salute and thank you for this endorsement of Barack Obama! With all due respect to Hillary Clinton, this race is over and it is time to rally around the Democratic nominee and focus on defeating John McCain. Thanks again!

Well, you've lost me as a supporter. How short sighted can you be? Remove me from your lists!
Obama may be a decent person...I don't know...but Hillary stands up for women and is by far the better candidate. You've been blinded by the light.

First I was shocked, then disappointed, and now I'm angry ... how could you choose to back Obama over Hillary? Are you as out of touch with the women/issues in America as McCain is with the population at large?!!!

As a Pro-Choice woman who has volunteered significant time to acting as an Escort at our local clinic, I am devastated with your decision.

You can take me off your list. You should be ashamed.

I am disappointed indeed that you've bailed out on the first viable woman candidate for the U.S. Presidency, one who has been standing up for women's rights for many years. As I read the comments above, I think you may have made a bad strategic mistake here.

Well, I came to the website to add what I expected to be a minority opinion lambasting your decision, only to find that there are still plenty of right-minded, progressive feminists who have already expressed their outrage at what can only be described as a betrayal to the community.

I don't believe that Sen. Clinton should have been endorsed because she's a woman. I believe she should have been endorsed because she's been a life-long advocate for the very issues you claim to advocate. I'm disturbed when I hear a candidate (particularly a straight male candidate) refer to issues like gender equality, abortion and family planning rights, and sexual orientation issues as "distractions from the REAL issues facing Americans." Yet, this is who you chose to throw your hat in the ring for?

I hope that your board of directors thought through this decision and can afford the money that you will be losing by issuing such a poorly timed, anti-woman endorsement. And I hope that Obama has written you a huge check to make up for it. Next time I get a mailer asking for money, I'll simply return it with a vote of "present" to note my disassociation with Naral.

I am stunned. You too? Of all the organizations I have ever supported, I would not have believed that you would abandon Hillary this way. I will NEVER send you another dime.

Just want to point out something someone expressed on here that has been extremely frustrating to me- the idea that if women, women's groups, etc. endorse Hillary, they are doing so simply because she is a woman. "I am happy to see that you didn't just endorse a candidate BECAUSE of gender". Had NARAL endorsed Clinton, that certainly wouldn't have been the sole reason, but I'm sure they're keenly aware of the assumptions that would have been made. Now they have officialy "proven" that they considered other factors.
This is something I've encountered among many young women. They feel like Hillary is the obvious choice, that they'll look like some kind of crazy feminist if they support her. They feel they have to suprise everyone and prove something. The fact that this assumption is made when most women support her as simply a candidate is troubling. In addition, to acknowledge that she is a woman, that this is extremely exciting and significant, and that she can bring something new to the White House should not be a shameful thing. We shouldn't feel we have to pretend that we haven't noticed she is a woman, and that this is of no significance whatsoever. Fortunately she is a woman AND the best candidate, so we don't need to be torn. Most of us, myself included, would not support her over a man who was the better candidate. So why all the games?
I wish women would relax and stop trying to prove that they're not feminists. Why is it still a dirty word in 2008?

How dare you turn your back on Hillary. As a former Oregon NARAL Board member, I will never give you money again. You should know what Hillary has done to support our cause when no one for her as a US Senator. Thank you Hillary for emergency contraception. Where was Obama when Hillary's one person effort as US Senator finally brought emergency contraception to women, a cause those of us in the trenches have worked on for years, where was he? I don't know, I suspect having a smoke break.

I am outraged.

While I knew that all of the left leaning organizations would fall into line for the November elections, I count on the progressive voice of NARAL to NOT be a Obama-stamp-o-matic endorsement. You have turned your back on the most prochoice presidential candidate ever in Hillary Clinton. He might not veto the legislation, but he is not going to lead on this issue for us. Hell, he doesn't even lead on this issue on his website, much less the White House. I'm very unhappy with you over this one.

I'm supporting Hillary. I prefer to promote my own minority, not someone else's. Shame on Democratic Women!!!!!

At last, all the Obama supporters who were worried that their donations via Emily's list would be funneled back to the Clinton campaign have a place to donate here. And the people who are outraged here can go a donate via Emily's List (a massive political force for electing pro-choice women candidates). I hope ALL the ticked off people here will go DIRECTLY to EMILY's list, and donate there, to make up for the donations they've been missing, and that many of the people waiting to donate via Emily's List will put some of that money here ASAP, so you can start truth-telling on McCain.

You can take me off your mailing list, your e mail list and anything else you are involved with. I will not contribute to you again.
I feel betrayed.

I don't even know what to say other than I am disappointed in your lack of moral backbone to stand with our candidate the one who has always been there for women.

I'm done with you and the Democratic Party, once again the qualified women is stabbed in her back by other women to get to the "pretty guy"
It's been the story throughout time, I just thought I could count on you

I add my voice to the above. I am sadden that NARAL has endorsed Obama. I can't believe it. I am in shock and don't know what else to say right now.

Hmmm, I do not see the point in endorsing a candidate and I feel like your memo was downright dismissive to your NARAL readers, i.e. you admit that we're fortunate that both demoncratic candidates are pro-choice but simply say "Well, only one candidate can advance..." That is bottomline EVASIVE. I am insulted that you don't explain specifics... you then launch into a comparison b/n McCain and Obama... you insult the intelligence of your supporters, us, by not being CLEAR as to why Obama has now become NARAL's candidate.
I am disappointed that NARAL isn't going to support such a wonderful female candidate as Clinton... a woman who *honestly* I feel will win b/c she IS superior to Obama in her leadership abilities in so many ways, supporting/advocating for the right to choose is among them!

I am officially removing myself from NARAL's membership list. I regret ever giving money to this organization. For those of you out there who don't think it matters that an organization founded by women for women support the first female canddiate to run for president (and who happens to also be the most qualified), all I can say is that it's a good thing you weren't in charge back in 1920. If the women who plowed this trail before you thought like you do, then you wouldn't even have the opportunity to have an opinion about this...because we certainly wouldn't have a female running for president or even having the opportunity to vote for that matter. Come on NARAL, you are a ridiculous joke and I'll enjoy watching your organization crumble.

I am extremely disappointed that Naral has make a choice between two pro-choice candidates and that it is Obama. I am a Hillary Clinton supporter. I don't think it was an appropriate thing for your organization to do and I agree with Debra that you should have waited and supported the nominee after the convention. I am sure you will lose many Naral supporters after this poor decision. Naral is not the only pro-choice organization and we will be looking to put our support behind another one. The issue is pro-choice here and you should have stayed with that agenda.

I'm a NARAL supporter from way back and I am disgusted that you are not waiting until the primaries are over to announce your decision.

Making this announcement now has tarnished your political image in my book.

West Virginia clearly went for Hillary yesterday. Kentucky probably will too and hasn't voted yet.

Hillary Clinton has always been pro-Choice and has a solid record,
so doing it on the basis of record won't wash.

Maybe those of you who made this decision are too young to recognize continuing discrimination. She has faced discrimination from the media, from the party from day one, and now from an organization that should know better.

If this were two white guys fighting it out, we would let them fight it out until the end.

I will not be forwarding any of your pro-Obama messages to my friends. I will be re-evaluating any further contributions to you. Perhaps this move will do more to help John McCain by alienating
Hillary supporters before the Democratic Party has declared a nominee.

Angela Herring

There is nothing about not knowing who the nominee will be that prevents NARAL from making McCain's record known. This is a terrible decision and I am EXTREMELY disappointed in NARAL's leadership.

I am disgusted that you would join the "boys club" in such a manner. Hillary Clinton has been a supporter of women's rights from the beginning. What political motivation would cause you to come out now, before the contest is over, and support a man who was too arogant to pay his parking tickets until it benefited him? This is an individual I should trust with feminist issues and other areas of integrity? How could you demonstrate such a lack of female solidarity? I can only think you have momentarily lost your mind, and when you get it back, you will correct this mistake.

I am very disappointed to learn of the endorsement of Obama. I will not vote for a candidate I believe unqualified for the presidency. I believe Hillary Clinton is the best candidate (and with the best chance to win the election.) She supports reproductive rights, and women's rights in general (and she has supported these rights for many years.) I will no longer support NARAL.

I am truly disappointed by this announcement.

As a strong believer in women's rights, including the right to reproductive choice, I could never so easily dismiss a (pro-choice) female candidate for president.

Although it is most likely that Obama wil be the Democratic candidate, the primary elections are not yet over, and I think you have "jumped the gun" on this one.

:-(

I am appalled that you have decided not to wait another several weeks to endorse and to thereby turn your back on one of two strong choice supporters.
If Obama is the nominee, I will support him but my support for NARAL has been greatly diminished by this unnecessary action.
You can go after McCain without endorsing. Now you've undercut the support for your organization.

What is wrong with all these comments? Sell-out? Traitor? Are so many women here constrained by genitalia? That makes me, as a woman, ashamed of my own gender. I imagine these are many of the same women who thought Oprah Winfrey, easily one of the most powerful, influential and generous women in the U.S., if not the world, was equally traitorous. Or Maria Shriver. Or Caroline Kennedy. ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. Being a strong, progressive woman means NOT being limited by genitalia - come on now. NOW's premature, rash endorsement of Hillary Clinton just because she is a woman disgusted me. NOW's arguments were pitiful, backwards and ill-considered. How deep and thoughtful are women if we're not willing to delve deeper? So NOW would have endorsed Margaret Thatcher or Aquino? NARAL you are doing the right thing and it's time for all of us to come together and unify behind Obama - the nominee who has run his campaign with integrity and playing by the rules. You are the only pro-choice organization for me! OBAMA '08 and '12!!

You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Statement from Ellen R. Malcolm on NARAL Endorsement in the Democratic Presidential Primary

The following is a statement from EMILY’s List president Ellen R. Malcolm on NARAL’s endorsement in the Democratic presidential competition:

“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 THOUGHT THIS WAS A JOKE WHEN IT ARRIVED IN MY INBOX.
Someone, please tell me this is April Fool's day? Please?
There goes the donation I make every year to NARAL. I've never been so disappointed in an organization that I've activily supported with my time and money. What a sad day for women in America.
Next time I get a call from NARAL asking for money I'll simply say "present." Seems like that's good enough for you.

Have you lost your minds? In 2008 we still don't have equal rights because women don't support women: they support men. And you've proven it once again. Institutionalized misogyny among our own sex. Should Obama be elected, you are going to get a real shocker about where he stands and how he will and will not support the rights of those of us who remain "the other."

I just had to write one more time , after reading most off the comments that have been left on this web page. I agree with the majority of people that have responded on this web page. I am glad to see so many others are outraged and displeased with NARAL's poor decision and timing. If everyone puyts their money where there mouth is NARAL will feel the wrath of all of us that feel betrayed. How could an organization so devoted to womens's issues turn their back on a woman so qualified to lead our country. Shame on you.

Wow, I just got your e-mail and felt compelled to come over and leave a disappointed comment, but I see many others have beat me to the punch. That you chose to endorse "present" Barack Obama over ever-present and hard-working pro-choice Hillary Clinton is surprising and disappointing. Of course, we all want to defeat anti-choice McCain, but for NARAL to turn its back on a loud voice for choice before the nomination is final is really quite awful. I have to echo other writers before me: shame on you, Nancy Keenan, shame on you.

I am shocked and disappointed at NARAL for abandoning a long-standing voice for women's rights for some short-term political gain you perceive will come to you by endorsing Obama at this stage of the race. You could have had the grace to wait until after June 3 to make your decision. Count me out as a donor for the rest of this campaign season!

I'm really disappointed. I want a woman in the White House and now you've endorsed a man! Shame on you.

WAY TO GO NARAL!

I have to admit that I was losing faith in NARAL, thinking that you had become just another complascent, conservative organization for middle class, white, second wave feminists. I am glad to say that I am reinspired but this wonderful endorsement...too many feminists have been scared to speak out for fear of the vitriol they will get for daring to oppose Clinton, even though she is clearly not the feminist choice for president. Woman does not equal feminist. I am so sorry that NARAL has received such negative feedback from such narrowminded individuals on this brave choice.

For all you pro-Clinton posters, I would like to remind you of a quote from one of our matron saints here in the feminist movement, Alice Paul:

lead. follow. OR GET OUT OF THE WAY!

I was disapointed in reading that you are voting for a man instead of a woman. I think you are making a mistake in not voting for a woman who is the best at protecting womens rights.

2007 In 2007 NARAL Pro-Choice America gave Senator Obama a grade of 100.

2006 Senator Obama supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2006.

2006 Senator Obama supported the interests of the Planned Parenthood 100 percent in 2006.

2005-2006 Senator Obama supported the interests of the National Right to Life Committee 0 percent in 2005-2006.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the NARAL Pro-Choice America 100 percent in 2005.

NARAL has completely lost my support. You have confirmed my long-held contention that feminism in this country is truly dead. I hope your organization can continue to operate with Obama's new coalition...you're gonna need it.

To say I am appalled, disappointed, disgusted, frustrated and outraged would be a complete understatement

I am very disappointed in NARAL. The only reason Obama is winning is because or super delegates who have committed before the race has been run...just like NARAL. My bet is history will repeat itself. Let's just hope it's not another 50 years before we get a woman president. It probably will be another 50 years before we get a candidate as qualified as H. Clinton. I'm ready to walk away from NARAL too, this feels like a stab in the back.

You should have waited and you should have consulted the membership before taking this step. The campaign against Senator McCain could have - and should have - been waged without endorsing one of the Democratic candidates.

My NARAL card says I have been a member since 1981; I will not renew next year.

I am disappointed in NARAL for endorsing Sen. Obama at a time when the primaries are not finished. I do not buy the media hype that this election is over, nor do I think it is responsible journalism to unequivocally favor one candidate.

I respect Sen. Obama and his efforts, but I do not think that at this point, organizations such as NARAL, should be coming out in support of one candidate. I feel that the strong bias in the media for Sen. Obama has much to do with the fact that America has a difficult time coming to terms with a woman in the highest post in Office in this country.

I don't believe, substantively, that there is much of a difference in policy positions between Hillary Clinton and Obama. If anything, Krugman points out that Clinton's health plan may be relatively more progressive.

I fail to understand why NARAL would have taken this hasty step and not endorse a strong female candidate at this time.

I think you need to go back to the drawing board and reassess your position.

This endorsement makes absolutely no sense, from the rationale presented to its timing. I've unsuscribe from the listserve. Though I remain pro-choice as ever, you've lost a supporter.

I can barely find the words to describe how disappointed I am in your actions. Not only will I unsubscribe from your emails, you will not get any more of my money nationaly or in Massachusetts

Shame, Shame, Shame on you. I will support Hilary all the way even if I have to write her name in for President. How could you turn your back on her when she has been there for all women for so many years? My next mailing from you will be returned. I will not support a candiate that votes "present" on any issue and certainly not the right to choice.

I am beyond disgusted, disappointed and saddened by NARAL's endorsement of Obama. How can you even compare Hillary Clinton's record on women's issues with Obama's non-existent record. There is not much I can add to the eloquent blogs already protesting this endorsement. But I cannot fathom why now? Why couldn't you wait until the Democrats name a real nominee?? This endorsement is nothing less than a betrayal of all the women who have fought for and stood with your organization over the decades, and as the majority of the comments evidence, it looks like this could be the death knell for NARAL. I, for one, am finished with this organization. You have made this a dark day in women's history. Shame on you.

Please take me off your mailing list. I am disappointed with your endorsement, one which I consider to be an abandonment of a loyal public servant who deserves better from your organization.

Thanks for nothing. And yes you should be ashame endorsing anyone other than Hillary Clinton. After all she is a woman, right. And if we women don't stand together then we have nothing. You have let us down tremendously. Why not endorse her, what harm could that have been. By endorsing anyone else, especially a man, you have once again put women at the bottom of the totem pole. Men have run the country forever, and once again they will do it again. How sad is that. Unfortunately Hillary may not make the nomination and I will have to vote for Obama. My vote for him is only because he is a democrat, and thats what we need in the white house. Again you have made a horrible mistake, but of course you probably don't see it that way. You should've had a poll amongst all of us to find out our opinion before you make a endorsement of that kind. But the damage is done and as usual a woman will have to clean it up.

I am very unhappy to see this premature endorsement. I am considering skipping the NARAL fundraiser I was going to attend tonight.

Shame on you! Sellouts! Please remove my name from your fundmailing lists. NARAL may just as well disband because you have made it a joke. I never wish to hear from you Judas people again.

This is sad news. I will no longer be contributing to NARAL but will instead be sending those funds to the Clinton campaign.

She's done much more for Choice, and she can win in November!

Thank you NARAL!! It was the right choice.

ENDORSING BARACK OBAMA is a great idea! Right on Amanda Stevens lead. follow. or GET OUT OF THE WAY!!! YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!

NARAL just made deciding which political and advocacy organizations to give money to that much easier for me: you are now off my list. Like so many others who have posted today, I am outraged that you have needlessly written off Hillary Clinton at this stage of the primary process. She has been a lifetime advocate for women's rights and their right to reproductive freedom. Obama seems willing to allow further chipping away of these rights so long as Roe v Wade stands in name, if not reality. While I will vote for Obama over McCain, whose position on abortion is totally unacceptable, I continue to support Hillary until this process is over. NARAL could have and should have spent its money attacking McCain without endorsing Obama at this stage.

Well why don't you just kick a good woman when she's down? Future emails from you will be filtered directly into my junk folder to be discarded unread. Your decision will prove to help no one except McCain. What were you thinking?????

I am shocked and so let down by NARAL's endorsement of Obama. NARAL is an organization I have been a part of for so many years. I have donated, escorted, planned events, and staffed booths. I am no longer with you. In 2004, as all of us I was devastated by Bush's reelection. What kept me going and gave me hope was that 1/2 of the country was with me. Now that so many Democrats and sell-out organizations like NARAL are supporting this superficial candidate because of his highly paid PR image, I see that it is really 1/4 of the country with me. I feel less hope for our country now than I ever have in my life. Obama has a lot of money from the corporate billionnaires and millionnaires who have contributed and made their employees contribute. Did NARAL get some of this money! I hope so because I will never, never give to you again. I am working on Hillary Clinton's campaign in Oregon and have been for the last three months. It is a grass roots campaign with personal contact with each voter. Her HQ in Portland is full of people calling for her and canvassing. When I drive by Obama's Portland HQ, there is a handfull of people there. His campaign buys high cost media and mailings, not much personal contact. The difference between the depth of character between these two candidates is palpable, but not to NARAL. I am sending in my name and address to your organization to take me off your mailing list. I like the idea of instead giving to Emily's List. I just heard Ellen Malcolm, Emily's List founder, speak eloquently in Portland on behalf of Senator Clinton. I so appreciate women like her who maintain their integrity at times like this. NARAL has just demonstrated that these are hopeless times for women and progressive people I see now that NARAL is not an organization that cares about a woman's right to chose whether it is an abortion or a candidate!

I echo the words of so many above. NARAL's support of Obama at this time is unwise,unfathomable,and unscrupulous. I had understood that it was the NARAL's policy NOT to support one pro-choice candidate over another pro-choice candidate. What explanation can you possible provide for deserting Hillary at this crucial time? You owe it to your longtime supporters to issue a retraction, NOW.

I echo the words of so many above. NARAL's support of Obama at this time is unwise,unfathomable,and unscrupulous. I had understood that it was the NARAL's policy NOT to support one pro-choice candidate over another pro-choice candidate. What explanation can you possible provide for deserting Hillary at this crucial time? You owe it to your longtime supporters to issue a retraction, NOW.

As of today, Senator Clinton is ahead of Senator Obama in the popular vote. That means more actual people (not some delegate process that few understand or approve of) support her. So, congratulations, NARAL. In addition to making a choice for superficially strategic reasons (which is clear when you examine both candidates' records), you've made a choice that runs couter to the expressed wishes of the majority of your own supporters. I am one of them. Remove me from your mailing list. I, too, will never again donate to or otherwise support your organization.

This is not a he/she and who they are issue. It is a matter as to who is clearly a novice on the rise vs. someone who has a grip on things. Sen. Obama is a highly respected Senator and an accomplished attorney. Let him gather some moss under his feat before he makes a climb to the Zenith and the most important job in the country and world. I am truly disappointed in NARAL's choice of canditates. I believe that you were driven by hysterics not reason.
Respectfully
victoria

Great choice and great timing.

Traitors!!! I will never again support anything relating to NARAL. As such, remove me from your e-mail list and mailings!

Organizations like this are the reason why women will always remain 2nd class citizens.

Most peeved,

Dr. E F

I am absolutely shocked that you are endorsing Senator Obama, and it's making me rethink all of the support I have given your organization in the past.

Not only has Hillary Clinton always been a staunch pro-choice advocate, she has done more for women and children, hands down, than any other candidate in this race. Perhaps educating the voters on her history should be your focus, instead of a shallow Obama endorsement.

Being pro-choice is simply not enough anymore. You should be ashamed of yourselves and prepare for a serious backlash. It is not about her sex; it is about her record, dating back to when Obama was probably still potty training, of being a strong, pro-woman advocate.

The membership renewal I got in the mail yesterday from you will simply head to the recycling bin. I think I would rather send my money to NOW.

Wow. Am I glad I never wrote a check to your organization. Are you really that full of yourselves that you think your "endorsement" was going to change the outcome of the nominee? It's symbolic at best and a slap in the face of a person who has crusaded for womens rights her whole life. I used to think you people stood for something but now I realize that publicity is your only goal. You should be ashamed of yourselves. But, being so self-absorbed, I'm sure you won't be.

I feel sick to my stomach after having read NARAL's news flash. I don't know whether to cry or scream. I am truly disappointed in NARAL for bowing to the media hype and endorsing Senator Obama. There is nothing that would be more pro-woman than having a woman in the White House, and Hillary Clinton has always been a strong Pro-Choice advocate.

I have always strongly supported NARAL, and have encouraged my family and friends to do the same. I am sorry to say that I will no longer support this organization, and just as I have encouraged others in the past to support you, I will now be encouraging them to disregard anything your organization says as nothing more than corporate-media-supported spin.

It's been nice knowing you! I will be cancelling my subscription to your updates at this point. If you can't count on this group to hang in there for the long haul, then forget it!

Good luck with Obama ladies, make sure to help clean the egg off your faces when it's all said and done! He'll make you all look like idiots, not that in my eyes you don't already!!!!

Don't hurt yourselves climbing up on that band wagon!!!

After all this time, you endorse Obama. Why not remain neutral in a very polarizing race. How dare you!

Do not send me anything else. I want nothing to do with you. Do not ever ask me for another donation. I am done with you.

BTW, did you realize Obama approved the anti-choice judges, didn't even filibuster (Hillary did not vote for them and she did filibuster).

Sharin Bowers
California

This was the right move. It's time that we come together as a party. This race is over -- the math is not there. The party is bigger than any one person and his/her aspirations. We have to keep our eyes on the prize and realize that winning this election is critical and that will only happen if we unite around the nominee.

Great gutsy move, which I'm sure was difficult to do.

Congratulations on a courageous move at a crucial moment. McCain has just made it clear that he would put anti-choice justices on the Supreme Court. Sen. Obama's commitment to women and to reproductive choice is solid - so solid that it has earned him intense hostility from anti-choice forces on the Right. Sen. Obama is headed to the nomination and it makes sense for pro-choice Americans (and all progressive Americans) to do whatever they can to strengthen his candidacy against Sen. McCain. This is leadership!

I, too am saddened by the timing of NARAL to support Obama. If he receives the nomination there is no question that I will support his candidacy over McCain. But, the organization appears to have abandoned a real supporter of women's reproductive rights for the "band wagon" who will probably be supportive of women's repro rights, but has yet to prove himself. What have you to gain to speak out now when both will stand against McCain? I am truly feeling defeated and profoundly disappointed.

I must say that I am in complete agreement with the above comment by Joanne Pirrone, in fact she said exactly what I was going to say.

You can take me off your mailing list, your email list and anything else where my support has been offered these past years. I will not contribute to you again. I feel betrayed and do not want to associate with this org. in future. You can no longer count on my support.

All I can think of to say is I am disappointed in your lack of moral backbone to stand with our candidate; the one who has always been there for women. I am sending all of my friends this news of your Obama support and they too will write you off.

I'm done with you and the Democratic Party, once again the qualified women is stabbed in her back. I just thought I could count on you, but like all of the democrats, your jumping ship.

I DEMAND that you WITHDARAW your endorse of Obama IMMEDIATELY. WE are HILLARY and we are doing this for reproductive rights. Hillary is the most committed, experienced and proven candidate for reproductive rights. Please get the information for God's sakes.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY OF US EXHAUSTED FEMINSTS are furious with young women who are taking their hard earned (by the sweat of our brows) reproductive rights for granted?

PLEASE consider that MANY of us are no longer of child bearing age and ARE thinking about voting "present" for OBAMA if Hillary isn't given her chance. WE are NOT going to be slapped down.

Bad choice. Sorry you made it.
I'll be supporting Senator Clinton to the end.
Senator Obama doesn't have anything concrete to offer. I don't care if he's a he or a she or black or white; he's a useless, empty suit. He is full of BS rhetoric and I don't trust a word he says. He talks a good game but I'm amazed there are so many people in the USA that are falling for his inane speeches.
There's just no accounting for brains or choices.

And of course, I will always fight for a woman's right to choose.

NARAL - How could you do this as a pro-choice feminist organization? I have worked/and marched all my life to see a woman made President. Shame on your pandering and too boot, back a loser. Sen Obama will lose the General and we will have a Repub. Pres and a Democratic House & Senate. A Pox on your house. Take me off your e-mail list. Perhaps you'll get a job with the Obama campaign. Don't put out a press release about the NARAL backing - it does not reflect the wishes of your rank & file.

How utterly disapointing!!! I will no longer support NARAL-- To announce support for a Obama, when Hillary has been supporting you for DECADES......cross me off your list, remove me from your mailings and consider this my last message to NARAL.

Shame on you. Senator Obama has no record to speak of.

I am extremely disappointed in the timing of this endorsement. We all know that in the general election there is no question that we will have a pro choice candidate vs an anti choice candidate. Why couldn't you wait until we all have had the chance to vote and a candidate is chosen? There is no way you can convince me that Obama is more qualified than Hillary when it comes to women's issues. Take me off your email and mailing lists.

Boooooo!!!!!

There is only one way I can guaranty that my donations do not go to defeat pro-choice women, and that is to give the money to Emily's List rather than NARAL.

Outrageous.

I unsubscribed to NARAL's action list today because you showed up late to the dance and then chose the most popular person instead of the one that has supported women the longest.

I would like to express my extreme disappointment by this NARAL endorsement. Hillary Clinton is the only current presidential candidate who is concerned with reproductive rights and women's rights in general. I am saddened and frustrated by the organization's decision. It is a damn shame.

I am disgusted with this decision. I am a Texas delegate, and I have not made my caucus vote heard yet.

I'll be in Austin, Texas on June 6th signing in with my continuing support to Hillary Clinton because she is the most qualified person to clean up Bush's mess.

She is also the one who I KNOW will stand up for women. I wish I could say the same for NARAL.

Just proves that this society is still more sexist than racist. People, including some women, have no hesitation keeping us down. Besides, the contest is not over. What happened to Hillary's rights? You wrote her off as if women are not worth it!

I suggest you research his state senate record before you wave this 100% flag. Convenient how you didn't list that. I would also suggest any Hillary supporters who object to this go to hillaryclinton.com and donate the money you might've donated to NARAL to her campaign-five, ten dollars, any amount. Show who you endorse with five bucks! As a man who supports women's rights, I am shocked that any women's organization would endorse Obama over Clinton, as is my wife. Get used to saying "President McCain", because I along with millions of other Hillary supporters, womena and men will never vote for Obama-he is not the one to heal the rift-he is responsible for it.

Thank you for making the right decision and endorsing Senator Barack Obama. Senator Obama is a tireless champion of women rights, and will make NARAL and its members proud once he wins the White House.

your orginzation disgust me, i have canceled your emails and cut ties for life

I'm as disappointed at NARAL as I have ever been at any organization in politics. Sen. Clinton deserved your support - the exact same way that she's supported your cause over all these years. My days supporting NARAL are over - I'll find other pro-choice organizations to back. Shamme on you!

This has nothing to do with race or gender or politics! Are you turning your back on the progress, hard work and fighting we had to undertake to preserve our rights to choose. Think of our daughters and the women of the future. ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS....
HILLARY HAS FOUGHT LONG AND HARD FOR WOMAN'S RIGHTS TO CHOOSE, HER RECORD SUPPORT IT. SHE PRACTICES WHAT SHE PREACHES, SHE STANDS UP AND IS WILLING TO MOVE DOWN PATHWAYS THAT AREN'T GOING TO PLEASE EVERYONE IF IT MEANS HELPING THOSE IN NEED!
You have sold out, why I don't know but it is not too late, endorse both of them, highlight what Hillary has done for this cause.

I worked for NARAL for 4 years and have been an active volunteer. I am disgusted with you. You just compromised the entire pro-choice movement by sending a message to Congressman and Legislators that if you are a leader on our issues, we will not stand with you---

Hopefully Senator Clinton understands that your endorsement in this race only means that you LOSE members, donors, volunteers, and political crediblity. Not only will I never volunteer for you again...but I will never TRUST your endorsments again-
Tess Fields, Portland Oregon

Please take me off your email list, your mailing list, expect no support and no contibutions. Everyone has said it already - I am disgusted. You turn your back on this wonderful woman for no reason at all. In a few weeks, the race will be over, you can support the nominee and call it a day. This undercuts Hillary at a time when she needs our support the most.

Well, unlike most of the commenters here, I'm thrilled with this endorsement. I feel that Senator Obama, while he may not have been on the national political scene as long as Senator Clinton, is a strong advocate for a woman's right to choose. He will represent NARAL well in this election.

What distresses me is seeing so many pro-choice people posting lies here about Senator Obama. He's earned his 100% ratings from NARAL.

I am disappointed by NARAL's choice to abandon Senator Clinton. I am sure I join numerous women who will no longer donate to NARAL.

Remove me from your mailing list. You have received my last dime ever. I am so disgusted I can't even see straight.

What ARe you crazy?? I am backing Hillary Clinton and please we do have the freedom to choose.
You are really something!

Kudos to NARAL for endorsing Barack Obama!! I applaud you all for endorsing a real proponent of change and someone who I know and believe will stand up for the rights of women. You don't have to be a woman to support our rights.

I am outraged that you are NOT endorsing Hillary Clinton.

I don't buy all your fancy promotional material. Obama does not have a strong record.

Clinton's record stands on it's own plus she happens to be - a woman.

What makes up your membership? Women who fight for these issues and can stand on their records too.

You are an advocacy group but you have acted like a political pundit to read the tea leaves and pick/create the winner.

Don't expect a donation and you will be losing this membership as well.

There are no words to express how shocked and angry I am. I am unsubscribing immediately, and will never give another penny to NARAL.

Your actions are disgraceful, and an abuse of the money and support that we have given. I never want to be associated with this organization again in any way, shape or form.

I am deeply shocked, disappointed and angry at this travesty. I am also deeply offended and actually repulsed that you have the gall to gush about how excited you are to tell us this news. I feel terribly hurt and betrayed and cannot believe that I am a part of an organization that would do this to Senator Clinton when she needs us the most and after all she has done for us. Where is your loyalty? Never mind, that's a dumb question - you have none - O'Bama has obviously done nothing to earn it. Why couldn't you have given her just 3 more weeks? I have been with NTARAL and NARAL since I was 20 years old - I am now 56. It was the very first organization I ever joined. Well, no more. I am ashamed, and I never thought this organization would be one that would turn and betray me and make me ashamed. I will continue to support reproductive freedom but not thru NARAL. I will support whoever the Democrat candidate is, but as for you, I will never be part of your organization of traitors and turncoats again. DO NOT send me any more e-mails or messages or expect any support from me.

I am withdrawing all support to NARAL. I am so angry that you left our sister Hillary down before the convention is even started. I will share my thoughts with all my sisters. Please take me off your mailing list. Carol King

I am very disappointed and disillusioned with NARAL's decision to endorse Mr Obama and his lovely wife, who has the audacity to state that finally everything is right with the United States of America, now that Barak is the "candidate for the Presidency. I have no problem with Barak running for President, but the treatment that Hillary has received from the press and the political programs, including Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann has been so disgusting that I no longer waste my time watching them. Barak will have his chance once he has a little time and experience under his belt. He and his wife need to realize that there needs to be more experience under his belt. I will not be supporting him an I hope that most of these stupid organizations and people in the government get real and work for the party not partisanship. OR...maybe we will be having old man John McCain for the next 4-8 years, alzheimers and all running our country.

I am very disappointed in NARAL.There was no compelling reason for you to make ANY endorsement at this late stage; you merely seem to believe obama will be the nominee and decided to jump on the bandwagon of your perceived winner. After all Hillary has done for decades, you turn your back on her when she needs our support the most. What did she ever do to deserve this? Talk like a politician while she is running for office ? I have lost all respect for NARAL. I will go back to your email and click 'unsubscribe' forthwith. You do not speak for me and there is nothing more i want to hear from you traitors.

Shame on you! Hillary Clinton has long been a leader on women's issues and reproductive rights. How dare you turn your back on her at this critical juncture? You can count on me not giving any financial donations to your organization this year.

I feel betrayed by an organization I've supported for years on behalf of the historic candidacy of Hillary Clinton who has consistently supported the reproductive rights of women.

It is especially the timing of your endorsement that seems so treacherous. You deserve the shame that is being heaped on you today.

It's fair to ask, what were you promised or given in exchange for this endorsement. The story will be revealed.

Well, I came on here to express my disappointment, however it looks like I am not alone. I rather would support a pro-choice woman than a pro-choice man. I no longer would like to hear from Naral either.

What a ridiculous choice, endorsing Obama. You really showed the kind of loyalty we usually expect from the idiots with placards outside abortion clinics...sad and disappointing. You have chosen the wrong candidate for this moment..Obama is no more prepared to be President now that my Uncle...and this rhetoric about 'new' kind of politics...absurd. There is NOTHING NEW about a MAN on the top of the ticket!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SOS!!! (Same old 'stuff) It doesn't matter what color he is, pink, polka-dotted, black, white or brown...this is the same good 'ole boy Kennedy network' and Obama is their newest toy...their newest puppet...their newest 'keep those 'ole gals down' person' in the party. And, we really want to listen to the same party leaders who gave us Kerry and Dukasis...this is just 'Kerry Noir' and not even as strong. Obama HAD a brilliant future for 2016...but YOU and the other uninformed will put him where he doesn't belong..with a dustpan and broom in his hands after the bushies leave. You can't change ANYTHING when EVERYTHING is broken!! That takes a 'real man' and the only candidate this year with cahones this year happens to be a woman! Sad. Your organization just lost my support and my contributions, because you have displayed damaging ignorance and no respect for either Obama or Clinton. You all are just tagalongs...more talking heads.
Judith Merrill

I agree with those who are disappointed and, in fact, outraged by this premature and ill conceived endorsement. That this organization could not either stand with Senator Clinton, or wait until she determined it was time to leave the race, is unforgivable. I have always been pro-choice, and a strong supporter. I will no longer support NARAL, I am signing off from this email list, and am withdrawing any future financial support.

Be a Hillary supporter - fine!

BUT, the divisiveness & destructive comments about NARAL and Obama is the LAST THING Pro-choice supports need!!!

SHAME ON ALL OF YOU!!!

What? I can't believe this....outrageous! How can you turn your back on Senator Clinton at this point? Do you think Sen. Obama has ever given birth? Shame on You and especially whoever made the final decision here.

TODAY you do this???? I will send more money to Hillary and my local PP but forget it NARAL. I am so shocked.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

I'M GLAD YOU ALL RECOGINZE, WHO TO ENDORSE AND WE AS WOMEN AND OBAMA SUPPORTERS GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.... GREATLY FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!

What betrayal! Hillary Clinton has worked for women's rights for 35 years! I am FURIOUS, NARAL.

I add my voice to the chorus of those apalled by your decision. Hillary has fought long and hard for women's rights and children's rights, for health care, and for family rights. How can you turn your back on her now and jump on the Obama bandwagon?! Don't you see that this is a betrayal of the very principles you stand on? It is Hillary's turn. SHE deserves the endorsement of NARAL. Bad, bad decision on your part. Very bad. I hope you will reconsider.

I am outraged that you are endorsing a guy who
voted "present" on critical abortion votes in his home state, and that the Illinios National Organization for Women REFUSED to endorse
him:

"Obama Was Present, But He Was Not There On Issues That Mattered to Illinois Women

During Senator Obama's 2004 senate campaign, the Illinois NOW PAC did not recommend the endorsement of Obama for U.S. Senate because he
refused to stand up for a woman's right to choose and repeatedly voted `present' on important legislation.

As a State Senator, Barack Obama voted `present' on seven abortion bills, including a ban on 'partial birth abortion,' two parental
notification laws and three 'born alive' bills. In each case, the right vote was clear, but Senator Obama chose political cover over
standing and fighting for his convictions.

"When we needed someone to take a stand, Senator Obama took a pass," said Grabenhofer. "He wasn't there for us then and we don't expect him to be now."

Thank you for your strong leadership. It is greatly appreciated, especially during a time when we need to unite and work to get America back on track. You are fabulous!

Wow. Judging from some of the comments here, I would think that being a feminist means one can only vote for or endorse a woman. Is that really what feminists want?

I applaud NARAL for making a stand now and for endorsing Barack Obama. John McCain is getting a free ride and it's time for it to stop. Obama has made it clear that he supports a woman's right to choose.

BTW, this is not just a "woman's" issue. Men are involved in producing a child as well and there are many men who want to see couples continue to have the right to choose.

I was a huge Hillary supporter before this election began. Let's just say I am not anymore.

Peace,
Brian

While I understand the anger, the reality is Senator Clinton will not be the nominee.

And feminists need to reach out to women with the clear message that John McCain is anti-choice and will appoint right wing judges.

There is far too much at stake. People need to give more money to NARAL both for the national campaign and for critical candidates on the local level.

Obama is strongly pro-choice. Attacks on him in NH resulted in support from feminist leaders including Kate Michelman

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kate-michelman/why-im-endorsing-barack-_b_84658.html

I hope we can all come together and focus on the most important task now, defeating John McCain.

I am very, very disappointed in NARAL. As a lifelong pro-choice feminist, I cannot believe that you endorsed Barack Obama, who is basically an unknown quantity as it relates to votes on women's issues, compared to Hillary Clinton, who has a proven track record and has stood with us.

At this point, I am reconsidering my long time membership with NARAL.

You have now officially lost me as a supporter- and my husband as well, and our friends and associates. If the Democratic Party is so criminally negligent as to nominate Obama, given the many, many questions as to his background, affiliations, and patriotism, we will leave the Democratic Party as well- and do EVERYTHING in our power to see that John McCain- a veteran and patriot- becomes President of the United States. Yes, we are Pro-Choice- and I had an abortion at 19, so I've definitely "walked the walk"- and we are also more than "one issue voters". Obama is patently NOT presidential mataerial on ANY level, and for you to make this decison after Hillary won West Virginia yesterday by a landslide is unfathomable.

NARAL has a new member & supporter in me!!

We are now only 1 Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v Wade. There has already been reduced protection of women's rights (& choice specifically) with the latest ruling. Even Ginsburg's dissent clearly states that the only thing that changed from the previous case was the court's makeup.

For this reason, it is absolutely VITAL to get behind the democratic nominee ASAP!! Thank you NARAL for seeing & responding to the URGENCY of this situation.

Time to get my checkbook out now,
Susan

I start to write this and sit at my computer, dumbfounded and at a complete loss for words. You have made a grave mistake and Senator Clinton deserved better from you. There is such a mean-spirited, irrational, hyped-up hate for Senator Clinton that has been allowed to do its dirty work. Shame on you for not seeing through it. I will not support your organization ever again. You have made an impulsive, stupid decision. I expected more from you.

I am totally dissappointed in your choice.......
Please delete me from any further information from your organization!!

I thorugh discuss,
Karen L. Creghan

I am also tremendously disappointed in NARAL. Senator Clinton has not withdrawn from the race so this endorsement is premature, at best. And it's insulting to NARAL supporters who count on this organization not to be taken in by the plastic charm and hollow pro-women voice of Senator Obama. Senator Clinton has championed women's rights for years and has been clear and open about her views. I cannot say the same about your endorsed candidate. I can not support your organization any longer.

What a shame. The woman bashing has been taken up by the hands of women themselves. I cannot support your decision to back "Nobama", the hollow man. He can't discuss real issues; all he knows is how to say "hope" and "change".

I think that it is a great choice...I think that Barack will be a great leader and supports the cause that we all believe in here. It is going to disappoint people when you don't select their candidate, but we all need to come together right now rather than go into a frantic rage for no reason. Its time for a change. YES WE CAN!!

THANK YOU for turning this around and giving Senator Obama the endorsement he deserves for his continued support of women's choice.

Its good to know that NARAL is consciously working towards unification of the Democratic Party and platform, and we look forward to a successful and victorious campaign against McCain and the right-wing of the Republican Party in November!

Go, NARAL!!!

I will no longer support NARAL due to this! NARAL should have stayed Neutral or CHOSE THE WOMAN NOT THE MAN does your organization think he cares about women’s rights? No he does not!!. I AM MALE AND EVEN I SEE THIS AS A VERY BAD MOVE YOU HAVE LOST ALLOT OF SUPPORTERS DUE TO YOUR ENDORCEMENT INCLUDING ME “A MALE”! I believe that women have the right to choose what to do with their bodies not men! REMOVE ME FROM YOUR E-MAIL AND MAILING LIST; I NO LONGER SUPPORT THIS ORGANIZATION! You women must be NUTS!

NO THANKS,
David S.

Wow....I'm disgusted. I wonder how much Obama's camp paid for this endorsement?

Congratulations! Obama '08!
We all have a CHOICE of who we get to vote for, why isn't that alright with you? isn't that what it's all about?

Thank you for your endorsement of Senator Barack Obama!! I am a supporter of his in North Carolina and I believe in his commitment to his policys and his progressive platform! I admire his courage and his genuine concerns for the country in general and womens rights in particular.

Why endore Obama? Clinton is a WOMAN and she is pro-choice?

Perfectly said, Jessie Pendergrass on May 14, 2008 3:41 PM.

KUDOS!!!

Terrible idea and very bad politics! I really resent an organization I give time and money to deciding to ignore my opinion and work against what I see as my interests and judgement about what is better for the country.
With the country split just about equally between supporting Obama and Hillary why would you take a stand and offend half the people before the race is over? Very Dumb! You should be for any and all candidates who are pro choice. If you are going to play politics you can do it without my money or support!
You have really shot yourself not in the foot but in the head with this. Take me off your lists! I am not a fan any longer!

I am dismayed by both the timing and the endorsement of Obama by NARAL. Jumping on that bandwagon may be the "politically correct" thing to do, but the vast majority of women I know who are educated and in the work force are not swayed by political correctness. They want action, not words. "Show me what you have done" is our mantra, not what you "claim" you might do. You do not speak for me and I will no longer be a part of NARAL.

Senator Obama was the best choice , Hillary is too unstable ask her husband.

Shame on you Nancy, you could have endorsed whoever was selected but how could you do this? I will not support you any more and I do not want to hear from you any more.

I too am OUTRAGED. Previous posters echo and articulate my disgust with you and your organization for making such an endorsement. SHAME ON YOU. How DARE you make this endorsement at all. Your rationale that an endorsement was required in order "to highlight Sen. McCain's anti-choice record". This does not make ANY sense. Please take me off of your list. I will no longer support NARAL and will find another mechanism to support Pro choice.

Thank you for endorsing Senator Obama for President today. I was a Family Planning counselor for six years, and my mother managed two Family Planning clinics and worked as a pregnancy counselor for 31 years. My mother also co-founded our county's NOW chapter in the early 70's. We are life-long Democrats, feminists, and active Obama supporters.

I understand why many people (it seems mostly women) on this page are upset: This was an historic opportunity to elect the first woman president. And of course, she would probably be my choice too in any other year -- she and Obama are extremely close on policy, including their stance on abortion. Hopefully Democrats will sort out whatever our differences are over then next few months and realize that we are all working towards the same goals.

While I think the timing of this endorsement was poorly chosen by NARAL, I do not think you are traitors. You have gone out on a limb, and I respect that. This is a complex issue, and a complex political race. Both candidates would be an amazing breath of fresh air after 8 years of Bush hell. I understand the anger many women feel about this endorsement, but we do not need to be focusing our anger on one another.

We need to focus our anger on the people who are truly anti-choice, and Barack Obama is not one of them. He will be a great president, and I believe he will defend women and our rights. And I have a lot at stake, because I am a doctor who provides abortions.

Let's fight the "bad guys", not one another! John McCain is the one we need to worry about.

There is nothing that could convince me to support Barack Obama - Hillary Clinton is just as pro-choice as BHO and that is where my support has been and will remain - I don't fall for the facade of an empty suit who simply says just what he wants people to hear.

I am shocked by the divisive comments on this page. As a young woman, a supporter, and a NARAL volunteer, I am proud that we can start moving pro-choice issues into the forefront of the general election, rather than leaving them to rest even longer to placate egos and a decidedly small subset of voters.

The majority has spoken, and chosen a democratic candidate we should all be proud of - with a strong record and a good likelihood of defeating John McCain in the fall. Let's get some perspective and direct our spiteful words where they should go - to defeating the anti-choice lobby and conservative moment that wants to take over our reproductive rights.

I applaud NARAL's formal endorsement of Senator Obama. It is now plainly obvious that he is the Democratic party nominee so I congratulate you on recognizing that and throwing your support behind him.

He is someone that will continue to support a woman's right to choose and place judges favorable to our cause if given the opportunity.

For those that have posted in outrage over the timing of your endorsement and have stated they would never vote for him... all I can say is you obviously do not really care about the issues that NARAL stands for. There is absolutely no way not voting or voting for McCain will serve your needs. As for timing, I do not understand your concern. It has been clear since May 6th that Obama is the nominee... each day cements that. The primary yesterday changed nothing.

SHAME ON YOU!! How can you endorse Senator Obama when the process isn't over yet? Why would you endorse a man over a woman who has championed women's issues for far longer than Obama has even been on the political scene??? I have long been a supporter of your organization but I will no longer be. If NARAL can't support a woman candidate than I fear there are few other organizations that will. Perhaps your organization should reconsider and recind your endorsement. I'm disgusted.

Why is this even an issue?

It's not like ANY of the three nominees are going reverse the trend towards increasing governmental intrusion into the private lives of citizens.

I don't recall either Hillary or Barack ever once saying anything about getting rid of the USA Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act, or any of the other measures that have been taken during the Bush/Cheney administration to concentrate all real power into the executive branch.

What good is reproductive freedom if we live in a police state under martial law, where the President, whoever he or she may be, is granted legal (if unconstitutional--but the constitution is no longer enforced, is it?)authority to name anyone at all as an unlawful enemy combatant, have them secretly imprisoned indefinitely without charges ever being filed? When the President has self-granted authority to subsume the legislative and judicial branches into the executive upon the occurence of any incident that the President deems a threat to public order?

My gods, people, wake up! We need to get rid of BOTH the Republicans AND the Democrats! We need to break the monopoly of these alleged factions over our government! Notice I said "alleged factions"---anyone who really looks closely can tell there is NO FUNCTIONAL DIFFERENCE between the two major political parties. Yes, the Repubs are traditionally anti-choice and the Dems pro. But you have to look at the WHOLE PICTURE, not just a single issue like reproductive rights, or marriage equality, or universal health care. These are all worthy causes but the REAL ISSUE IS THIS: THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRATIC PARTIES HAVE BEEN COLLUDING FOR DECADES TO FOOL THE PEOPLE INTO THINKING THEY ARE THE ONLY CHOICES, AND TO SLOWLY BUT INEXORABLY GUT THE CONSTITUTION AND BILL OF RIGHTS!

Ask yourself and answer honestly (and I apologize for creating a false dichotomy in this question, I do so for rhetorical purposes): Would you rather live in a free state that prohibits abortion, or a police state that forces it upon those it deems unfit to breed?

Understand: I believe strongly in reproductive freedom. But we need to have our priorities straight.

And understand this as well: BOTH Barack AND Hillary are bought and paid for by the same people who own Bush, McCain, Cheney, etc. A vote for any of them is a vote for destroying the constitution.

All I can ask is, what WERE you thinking?

The Obama supporters above who are trying to make this be about some sort of gender bias, or or about McCain, you are misunderstanding the outrage of (virtually all) the other commenters.

The timing here is bizarre. Naral would only have had to wait a few weeks, when their endorsement would have supported the Democratic candidate and NOT ticked off their base. It's bizarre to endorse the candidate with a wishy-washy record on choice over the candidate with the 100% record. If Naral's board (certainly this isn't the will of Naral's members) felt he was such a strong choice -- it's not as if his votes on choice have changed either way in the last 7 months or so -- why wait so long then not wait another few weeks?

Those of you who argue that withdrawing financial support from NARAL is tantamount to supporting McCain (btw, just where do you all get your reasoning skills?), you have also misunderstood. No one has said they will stop supporting pro-choice organizations. They will just stop supporting THIS one, as their money's obviously more effective elsewhere (Planned Parenthood or Emily's list, as mentioned above).

I'm appalled. But I will continue to support choice by giving $ to other organizations and work against McCain by doing the same. Naral has no entitlement to my support. They have failed me, not the other way around.

Personally, this was such a monumental blunder it's hard not to have grave doubts about the organization's leadership skills entirely separate from the actual decision to endorse Obama. What membership organization which so arrogantly, blithely and condescendingly ignored the wishes and opinions of its base could possibly expect its financial support in the future?

(note to DNC - are you paying attention?)

It is very sad to realize that some women are just as sexist as some men. They are both pro-choice so why should Clinton automatically get the support, because shes a woman?! That my friends would be the betrayal. We can not fight for EQUAL rights and then be prejudice ourselves. We are allowing those that stand against us to divide us. Enough with the bickering and arguing. In November if Obama is the nominee, will you stay home or vote for McCain, both options are basically the same. We can not let what only boils down to foolish pride and prejudice divide us and give them yet another presidential victory. The outrage is the fault of our opponents , not our would be allies. Just remember, we are on the same team.

Shame on you NARAL for endorsing a candidate without waiting a mere 3 weeks until this is all decided.

As a young Hillary supporter and also a proponent of a women's right to choose, I will be donating my money elsewhere and you will not receive another penny from me or my family.

Hillary '08.

-Adam

Is such a prestigious organization joining that dark forces of mafia with the candidacy of Barack Obama? I am afraid that any support to NARAL from Obama's conglomerate will come back to haunt you and you will have no choice but to surrender. May God protects you all !!

we need experience people in the white house.
one that has been in the sanate for many years and, knows the ropes, thank, you

Hey, way to go NARAL. Turn your back on the first woman who had a serious shot at making it to the White House. I'm absolutely disgusted.

I'm not anti-Obama by any means, and I will obviously support him if Senator Clinton drops out of the race. But I fail to recall the last time I heard him mention women's issues at all, much less the issue of a woman's right to choose. Senator Clinton, on the other hand, has for decades been vocal in her support of women and their right to choose.

I'll keep my lines of communication open for now to see what happens next with NARAL (based on the outrage I see here), but after that, count me among the many who choose (there it is, my right to choose!) to withdraw support and communication.

I am very disappointed in NARAL. Clearly you are bowing to political pressures from the Obama machine rather than supporting the most qualified candidate for President that this country has seen in over a decade.

I am deeply troubled by your premature actions in turning your back on Hillary Clinton before the primaries are over. I am disgusted.

I too will cease supporting NARAL financially. Please delete me from any future emails or mailings from your organization.

How hypocritical to choose a male over a female when they are both PRO-CHOICE???

REMOVE ME FROM THIS MAILING LIST!!!

Seriously. To all you pro-Hillary supporters out there: What is the point of electing a woman if she doesn't have the guts to stand up to someone like Bush? She rubber stamped his trillion dollar war that has thrown the country into deeper economic turmoil. What the hell is wrong with you all? Seriously. I won't a legitimate answer. How can you endorse Hillary just because she is a woman? How can you endorse Hillary despite the fact she aided in an enormous political blunder. And f--k your excuse about experience. The man has been an elected official longer than Hillary. He canvassed in some of the poorest, most dangerous parts of the country. Maybe if he moved to a random state and got elected because of his name a'la Hillary that would make him credible? Seriously, grow up you American jokes.

What were you thinking?

I will no longer support NARAL. Ever.

I was proud when Hilary joined the March for Women's Lives in 2004. I don't recall seeing Senator Obama there. Now, NARAL turns its back on the candidate who actually showed up, and spoke, for choice.

Pathetic.

You can't sell it because I won't buy it. There was no need to endorse ANY candidate at this point in time in order to fight McCain. It reeks of publicity-seeking and if your misbegotten intention was to draw more attention to pro-choice matters by grabbing some instant attention it was short-sighted. There was nothing else to be gained by jumping the gun on an endorsement but a lot to lose considering respecting those individuals who have yet to cast their vote; respecting the process; and respecting those who have fought long and hard for women's rights. If you want to use the Democratic candidate to further the pro-choice agenda then WAIT for the Democratic candidate to be selected.

I am VERY disappointed and wonder if you took the time to look at his voting record when he was in the Illinois Legislature. It's not hard to find. He voted "present" and/or "no" on several bills that would give women the right to choose.

Isn't that what this org is all about?

I was a baby when my mom took me to ERA rallies, and I remember meeting Geraldine Ferraro back in the day. My mom taught me to support pro-choice women who run for political office. Guess no one taught you the same.

Never again will I give you money or volunteer so stop wasting the postage.

I will no longer support NARAL. REMOVE ME FROM YOUR E-MAIL and MAILING LIST. You Ladies MUST BE CRAZY! You should have stayed out of it! Its as simple as that.

Never Again,
David

Thank you for endorsing Obama!

Nowhere in your release did you mention any reason for choosing Obama over Clinton. Every poll shows that Clinton has a much better chance of defeating McCain over Obama, and yet the only statement you give is that Obama will win.

Very bad judgement.

OUTRAGEOUS.

I suggest you conduct a poll of your membership to gauge the response to this endorsement.

The clearest example I can give you of my disappointment with Senator Obama's true conviction to reproductive justice is his deceptive pandering to maintain support from anti-choice voters. His goal is NOT to educate anti-choice voters, his goal is to garner their votes, often with subtle, veiled promises of supporting their views.

Your endorsement is both deeply troubling and UNACCEPTABLE.

Case in point, an investigation I did on my own, posted on my blog:
http://tinyurl.com/yuvzkb

Great job NARAL. Thank you for recognizing that only one of the candidates will be able to effectively move the pro-choice agenda forward.

The toxic response from some of the people here is so disappointing. It speaks volumes about their priorities. We need to come together and win in November or else you can kiss your pro-choice rights goodbye.

Unbelievable that NARAL can trash 30 years of Senator Clinton's pro-choice activism. She's been there when we've marched on Washington; she's been there with her Senate votes; most of all, she's been there with her heart. NARAL has decided to dance with the new and untested heart-throb coming through the door. My feeling of betrayal is second only to Hillary's. Shame on NARAL. And good-bye to you.

The vitriol in some of the earlier comments is disturbing. It apparently is not sufficiently feminist enough to endorse the sole remaining candidate who not only is a strong supporter of productive rights but who also opposed the war from the beginning. Much like the right to life movement, many who have posted seem to place issues concerning reproductive rights above anything, including the thousands of human beings killed in a war Mrs. Clinton voted for and supported until it became a political albatross. I have a son in the Marine Reserves and I applaud the political courage of the NARAL endorsement. I also know if more politicians on both sides of the aisle had chosen political courage over political expediency, the futures of my four sons, daughter and granddaughter would be exponentially better.

How shocking and disappointing for NARAL to endorse someone who doesn't even mention reproductive rights on his website (trying to keep it a secret from the conservative Christians he's trying to court, presumably). Obama nearly voted to confirm Justice Roberts and had to be told of the political implications of doing so before he changed his mind. While better than McCain, Obama can hardly be counted on to keep reproductive choice at the forefront. If you want to keep the focus on beating McCain, you could have waited until the democratic nominee was official before making your endorsement rather than make this absurd gesture. I am extremely disappointed.

I could not be more disappointed and angry! NARAL finally has a chance to endorse a strong, qualified, dignified, tenacious, lifelong fighter for women's rights, especially the right to choose and it does this? Her unwavering support of these rights is among the many reasons millions of us support her. I will never send another check or attend another function! This is completely indefensible!

I support this decision 100%. The timing is perfect. Guess some people don't agree.

I am a woman who is deeply concerned about reproductive rights, and I think it's nonesense that some people posting here are apparently angry you have chosen a man over a woman. Huh? It should be about choosing the candidate that's going to get the nomination, and win in November, and the fact that he is going to further the cause of reproductive issues should be great news.

News flash...Hillary cannot win, so why shouldn't NARAL back the PERSON who will. Let's not make this about man v. woman....

How utterly disappointing. You have an opportunity to endorse a woman and you call yourself a women's advocate? My support is withdrawn from NARAL.

How DARE you women slam this organization for the good work they do. I am sick of people condeming others for not supporting Clinton because they are women or back women's rights. Hillary, how graceful of her to send out false attack mailers in New Hampshire accusing Senator Obama of not being pro-choice. It's time to wake up and stop being so hard headed. Thank You NARAL for making this level headed decision when so many people can't at this time.

I absolutely disagree with your endorsement and with this organization failing to support a woman who has worked for her entire career for women and their reproductive rights. I want nothing to do with your organization again. Senator Obama has no record of support or achievement for women's rights.

I am very disappointed in your recent decision to back Mr. Obama,his now support of women's rights is a polotical move so that women will vote for him,I will definetely not vote for Mr. Obama, he tells the public what they want to hear and women's rights is an issue that we cann't take a will see attitude with an untried person.

NARAL can count me out for future donations. I'm extremely angry that NARAL felt it needed to make an endorsement when both candidates are equally supportive of abortion rights.

I applaud NARAL Pro-Choice America for their brave endorsement of Sen. Obama. Not only does this show that the organization is politically savvy, but NARAL is also THE political leader of the pro-choice movement. Women are fortunate to have NARAL standing behind them as well as Sen. Obama.
Thanks for all you do, and my thoughts and money are with you.

So disgusted! Obama instead of Hillary?? Hillary has proven herself time after time..It's easy for a man to be pro choice especially since he personally doesn't have to make the choice. I will never support this organization again. Vote for Hillary!

As a woman I am thrilled with NARAL's endorsement of Sen. Obama. As an Illinois resident I am pleased with his pro-choice stance. It's unfortunate that some women assume that only a woman can advocate for women. That has been a huge failing of the womens rights movement. I've watched that happen since 1968. Ignore the threats, you've done the right thing. Sometimes this canard of experience is not all it's cracked up to be and, for me, Sen. Clinton is all about enhancing herself and her resume, not women that will never have her privileges. While she's done good work, too much gets overshadowed by her arrogance. Sen. Obama will work for women for the future...of this I have no doubt and a new cadre of women will step forward to replace those that have threatened to stop supporting NARAL. Sour grapes does not look good.

I also want to make a point here - much has been made by some of Obama's "associations" with "social conservatives".

For those who have those concerns- are you practicing guilt by association? That's a VERY slippery slope... Yes, Obama has friends and associates who are anti-choice, anti-gay, and socially conservative in general. Many of them, in fact, are African-American evangelicals - who may be rather conservative on those points but be very progressive on, say, economic policy and the war.

Obama's "association" with them doesn't mean Obama shares all of their views - they are the views of *other people*, not himself.

Obama is the real deal on the old Dubya line: he's a uniter, not a divider.

He will "associate with" and talk to just about anyone - and work to find common ground with all of them. That doesn't make him squishy, soft, or untrustworthy - it just makes him a good organizer.

Permit me to echo the sentiments preceding - it is more than a little disheartening when a pro-choice organization states: "We have been so fortunate to have two fully pro-choice candidates running for the Democratic nomination, and we praised both Sen. Clinton and Sen. Obama for their leadership in standing up for women's reproductive rights," and then supports the male candidate. Hillary was there when Obama was not- she deserves our support and our VOTES! If it comes to a choice, I'll support a pro-choice woman candidate over NARAL or any other organization.Disappointing? I'm just a woman, but I'd say so!

Furthermore... would all you femi-nazi-fascists be up in arms if they prematurely endorsed Hillary? You're throwing away the Democratic party in the name of hypocrisy. I hope you all are happy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juy9NwI8_i0

Shame on you! You will regret this endorsement. I am now officially off your e-mail list.

I am thoroughly disgusted with NARAL. How could you? If NARAL was going to endorse at all since both candidates are pro choice, why would you pick one that hasn't a clue how to get Congressional support for his programs. The next female presidential candidate with the name recognition, the financial capacity, the intelligence and experience has not been born yet if we reject Hillary Clinton.
I hereby resign from NARAL. Do NOT call me or mail anything to me from now on.

I am more than disappointed. Both Clinton and Obama are pro-choice and to take this step now is a slap in the face to all women, who I believe NARAL is supposed to support. Silence until the actual nominee is decided was the least that could have been expected from NARAL.
I do not understand why you thought this was wise but I believe it will undermine NARAL's support among women and it is truly unfortunate that this decision has been made.

I am disgusted at Naral throwing in the towel on Hillary. I used to be a Naral member. Since when did Barack Obama get a uterus and ovaries???
NARAL SUCKS!! I will vote for McCain if Obama is nominated, we might as well get used to being barefoot and pregnant right away.
What a terrible decision on the part of what used to be a woman dedicated oraganization. DO NOT send me any more of your propaganda, you sold out!!

I feel betrayed and insulted. What would it have hurt to wait till the election results were in? I will never forgive your organization for this politically insensitive move. I will not be donating to your organization and will influence others to do the same.

I am so proud of NARAL thank you for taking a stand for women everywhere in your endorsement of Senator Obama. I have been a loyal monthly contributer to NARAL for over 10 years, and I will continue to contribute becausen of this endorsement. It is wonderful that because we are women we can continue to look at the issues and make an informed decision based on facts and not based on simply gender. Thank you for your stand.

I am VERY disappointed in your decision to endorse Barack Obama. I will NOT vote for him, and as a result of this endorsement I will no longer be participating in NARAL

I am absolutely beside myself that NARAL would choose a man to defend womens rights over A WOMAN. That being said, you should have stood beside Hillary Clinton (who has stood beside YOU and US) and at the VERY least waited. Barack may have ended up being endorsed regardless, but for you to make a premature decision is just irresponsible. I am asking to be IMMEDIATELY removed from this email distribution list.

You want my thoughts Nancy? I think this is ridiculous, and like many other commenters you're organization will never see another penny from me. This is a complete slap in the face to Hillary Clinton, who has been a HUGE supporter of NARAL in the past. I'm not upset because I feel you should have supported Hillary because she is a woman or because she is more pro-choice than Obama. I'm upset because it is premature and unnecessary. It makes no sense to do it now, and you really have not answered the question of WHY. You can easily get out there and start educating people on McCain without having endorsed a candidate, so that reasoning is a little silly. You are a sad excuse for a pro-choice organization, and I am ashamed to have ever donated to you.

Bravo NARAL for your support of the nominee of the Democratic Party.

Hillary supporters, I hope you will understand how important it is to our country for the Democratic Party to take back the White House.

I am an Obama supporter, but if the situation was different I would still vote for Hillary, because it is the only sane thing to do. I hope you will get over your disappointment and support your party's nominee.

Thankyou for joining the grass roots movement for change in america.. I dont really understand why there would be any outrage at this... you did not kick sand in HRC's face... however at this time she has lost relevance as a presidential candidate and endorsing Obama makes perfect sense... we are all in this together and the sooner everyone realizes that the better...

Thank you NARAL for endorsing Barack Obama for President! Those who have taken the time to learn the facts about Obama understand that this was the right choice to make. I believe that Obama has a fierce respect for women and would never threaten our reproductive rights.

I am really upset about this endorsement. I have been a member, board member, PAC members, and really involced with NARAL Pro-Choice America for years. I was hoping to do more for the organization this year. Now I won't. I feel disrespected as a supporter of Hillary. It really wouldn't be appropriate for me to put in writing what I yelled at my computer when I saw this endorsement. I'm just appalled.

I feel that this premature endorsement of Senator Obama shows complete disrespect for Senator Clinton.

I am stunned by the announcement of an endorsement of a candidate who cannot hold a candle to Hillary's record. Senator Clinton has an incomparable record of pro-choice accomplishments.

Why isn't NARAL naming ONE specific pro-choice accomplishment Obama has on his record? Again, he and his supporters use words and promises where a record of achievement should be. I thought NARAL knew better.

The hyprocrisy amongst Hillary supporters is amazing. It was fine for Emily's List to endorse Clinton back in January but it is wrong for NARAL to endorse at this late date? Or, as evidenced by your comments it is just wrong to support someone OTHER than Hillary? This idea that a woman or women's organization can ONLY support Hillary is exactly what is currently wrong with the feminist movement. And when your candidate is busy acting more like a "man" than the men it certainly doesn't do much to help with progress.

THANK YOU Naral for a well-reasoned decision and choice that can help ensure that women's reproductive rights remain protected in coming years. THAT is in fact what this organization is supposed to be about.

I think that everyone needs to take a deep breath. If you no longer wish to support NARAL, that is your perogative; however, refusing to vote for Obama if you are, as you say, passionately committed to a woman's right to choose is simply short-sighted.

I will take up the place of at least one of these former supporters of NARAL, and I will pledge to lend you my support now and in the future.

Thank you for understanding that we need to start unifying the party behind the presumptive nominee or face certain defeat in the fall.

Do you REALLY want McCain to fill the next Supreme Court vacancies? Really?

BUSH, CLINTON, BUSH, CLINTON -- What more do you need to know about supporting OBAMA for President. Who cares if Hillary is the first woman to run for President? I care that she is attached to Corporate America, that she has run a negative campaign and she would be one step closer to a dynasty. No thank you! I started off wanting John Edwards and when he dropped out I switched to OBAMA. I am a 70 year old white woman and don't want Hillary anywhere near the white house.

Disappointment doesn't begin to cover the way I feel about this endorsement. 4 years ago when I heard Hillary speak on behalf of your organization at the March for Women's Lives, I was inspired by her dedication to women's issues.

How can such a powerful women's organization turn their back on the best presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton?

It's a disgrace to women, and a disgrace to women's rights. Hillary Clinton has proven that she is the ONLY candidate qualified to take on McCain in November and the country agrees... thanks to your endorsement, we can kiss a democratic white house and reproductive freedom goodbye.

Shame on you!

Terrific!! You've closed your eyes, listened to the message, acknowledged the commitment, and endorsed the absolute best candidate for everyone in our great nation. This is why I am proud to be an American Veteran. My time was well spent and your choice was VERY well made.

Obama '08

I discontinue my membership in Naral. Obama? Once again, Hillary is screwed...by women. SHAME

I CANNOT BELIEVE THIS ENDORSEMENT!! So, NARAL is no different than the other "businesses" who want to jump on the "presumptive" bandwagon of favoritism!

How can you be supportive of pro-choice women and then turn your back on the MOST experienced, qualified woman in our country??!!

You will NEVER get another penny from me...my money is going to EMILY's List who TRULY supports pro-choice women!!

NARAL - good choice - now you are assured recognition in the White House, since Obama is the only one headed that way! The earlier, the better for you!!!

I am A FREE woman for Women's rights!!!!!!!

I am so disapointed in you. I can't believe you would endorse Obama over a woman who has worked her entire life to help women and children. She is the most viable candidate to win in November against McCain. Please take my name off any mailings lists. I will not be sending any more contributions your way.
I am deeply deeply offended.

hillary wasn't a champion of women's rights when she was sitting on that Board of Wallmart, fiercely fighting against those "women" having medical insurance. Inform yourselves, people. How is she gonna be standing around touting the promise that "Every American Will Have Healthcare..." and she's an speaking advocate laying out why these hard-working Americans, white Americans should NOT have health care. Youtube Hillary Clinton and Walmart and enjoy the education. She's a fake, self-serving hypocrite and NARAL (et al) know it.

Thank you for endorsing the next president of the United States of America.

The comments on this page are unbelievable. Thank you, NARAL for standing up and making the right & smart choice in the face of the HATEFUL Hillary supporters. Hillary Clinton is no more for women's rights than she is for anything else. What she is 'for' changes as the wind blows. If she thought that saying overturn Roe vs Wade would get her elected, she would say it without blinking an eye. She isn't for anything other than herself and her own ambitions. Thank you NARAL for endorsing President Obama!

DISAPPOINTED beyond words.Evidently NO research was done before your endorsment. Hillary has always been a champion for womens rights. With comments made elsewhere concerning our issues there is NO CHAMPION WITH OBAMA

Obama is a "leader on the issue"? Since when? Oh, we must be talking about all those times he was present in the senate with his immaculate voting record, taking a moral stand for what he believed in just like he voted BY ABSTENTION against the war...

Thank you NARAL for not being bullied by some of the Hillary supporters thank you for not supporting Hillary just b/c she is a women... just like we should not be using the race card we should not be using the gender card.. I just wish more women would wake up and really take notice of how Hillary is playing all of us...THANK YOU NARAL FOR NOT BEING AFRAID!

I can't believe this! I just got home from volunteering for the HILLIARY campaign to read this. You guys suck. Obama sucks. I'm so pissed off.

Very sad day indeed! So sorry that you have made such a HUGE MISTAKE in endorsing someone who is entirely unprepared to take on this very important job. At this time, when we finally have a chance for a smart, capable WOMAN to take the reins and make the drastic changes that this country needs, you choose instead to betray your gender. You will loose much support from this community no doubt!!! I'm happy to see that the posted comments are already flogging you appropriately.

I am incredibly disappointed that you would support a senator who has not fully supported choice. How can he possibly get his initiatives through congress with his lack of legislative experience. And where do you really think that choice will be on his lengthy agenda?

You have abandoned a dedicated, life long supporter of women's rights for no apparent reason or possible positive outcome except dividing your constituency.

I will no longer support NARAL.

Hillary just won by 41 points in WV.

She will win by a large margin in KY and PR.

She could pass Obama in the popular vote.

THE RACE IS NOT YET OVER. It is only this close because the media has been saying it's over for her since Iowa! Why are you joining them in counting her out?

You should have waited a few weeks.

I will never vote for a rookie, no matter what color they are. I am no longer interested in NARAL.

For those of you who can support an inexperienced candidate, that is your vote.

I will vote for the mature candidate, even if that means McCain.

The rest of my discretionary income will be given to Hillary. Take me off your list.

Without a doubt, you've thrown Hillary Clinton under the bus, she has supported you and ALL women in so many ways over the years and taken a LOT of criticism for it along the way. This decision was dispicable to say the least, you can eliminate my name from any support and I do not want any more Internet communications or mailings from your site!! This traitorist support is absolutely unbelievable.

I'm also very disappointed. I'll be taking my charitable donations elsewhere.

Good for you, NARAL. Yes, Hillary is a pro-choice champion, but she will NOT get the nomination, and it's time for people to realize that and start supporting Obama. Stop pretending that WV meant anything. She is behind in popular votes, delegates, superdelegates, and state contests. Do some reading- it's almost virtually impossible for her to reverse the math that's been against her since Super Tuesday. Barack is the Democratic nominee, and NARAL's endorsement reflects that and will encourage voters to see that it really is a done deal (and has been for some time- remember, she won Indiana by less than 1%, possibly due to "Operation Chaos.") When NARAL supports Barack, they have more influence with him. I see the disappointment that others have, and I admit that at 21, I don't have that historical admiration for Hillary that older generations of women have had for the past decade or two. I admire Clinton's strong pro-choice record, but her goose is cooked. Maybe an earlier endorsement might have helped her...?

Also, I echo Jessie Pendergrass's post.

How dare you make this endorsement to this man, someone who believes in taking a childs life should the fetus be aborted but still living...what is wrong with you people...I would be willing to bet you never took the time to read his record (what there is of it) over the years and see how he has voted...he could not hold a candle to Hillary Clinton and the record she has accumulated over the years.
Well, you made your choice....so won't we...good luck with this looser..
As for those thinging he will get the nomination in November, that might be true, but he will never win the presidency...

Why aren't you, as an organization, supporting Hillary? I can't believe it!!!

Congratulation NARAL! This is an excellent endorsement. And shame on those who assume that NARAL should endorse Hillary Clinton because she's a woman. If that were the case, NARAL should close its PAC now. We can't make a pro-choice consensus without reaching across gender, race, and socio-economic lines. It's very disturbing to see so many folks who don't "get" this basic fact posting here. NARAL made a choice to endorse the overwhelmingly prominent pro-choice candidate. Personally, I think Senator Clinton should step down as the on-going debate is tearing apart the Democratic party and making it more likely that McCain will be successful in November. But, this is not the place for that conversation. FWIW, the endorsement really should have come sooner.

HOW DARE YOU!!! HOW DARE YOU!!! I AM A 19 YEAR OLD FEMALE COLLEGE STUDENT WHO SAT IN THE AUDIENCE IN RALEIGH N.C. AND WITNESSED FOR MYSELF SENATOR OBAMA REFERENCE THE JAY Z SONG, WIPE HIS SHOULDERS, THEN SAY THE NAME "HILLARY CLINTON" AND WATCHED HIM RAISE HIS HAND AND SHOOT HER THE BIRD. EVERYONE AROUND ME BEGAN TO LAUGH AND SAY, "HELL YEAH BITCH", "FUCK THAT BITCH, YOU CUNT!" I HEARD THE ENTIRE AUDIENCE CLAP AND LAUGH AND APPLAUDE HIS GUTTERAL, OBSCENE GESTURE AND SAW HIM LOOK UP AT THE AUDIENCE, SCAN THE CROWD AND THEN SMIRK. I WITNESSED THIS FOR MYSELF FIRST HAND. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO ASHAMED TO WITNESS A POSSIBLE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ACT IN THIS MANNER AND TO WITNESS HIS "FOLLOWERS" CONDONE IT.

EVERY WOMAN IN AMERICA HAS EITHER SEEN OR HEARD MICHELLE OBAMA SAY ON YOUTUBE, "If you can't take care of your own house, you don't need to be running the White House!".

SOME OF HIS OWN FOLLOWERS EVEN WROTE ON A PRO-OBAMA WEBSITE ABOUT SLITTING HILLARY'S THROAT AND THROWING HER IN A RIVER - THAT HAS BEEN RECORDED FOR POSTERITY. THE MSM HAS MADE INFERENCES OF VIOLENCE TO GET HER OUT OF THE RACE, TAKING HER INTO A ROOM WHERE SHE IS UNABLE TO WALK OUT,SHOWS ABOUT PLANTING BOMBS IN HER VAGINA - WRITERS TALKING ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT SHE GIVES ORAL SEX...

LET ME ASK YOU THIS - WITH ALL THE PROFOUND SEXISM THAT YOU HAVE SEEN IN THIS ELECTION - WHERE HAS THE GREAT, VISIONARY LEADER OBAMA BEEN IN STANDING UP FOR THE DIGNITY OF WOMEN???!!!

FOR THAT MATTER WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU, NARAL BEEN?

I GUESS WE'VE FINALLY FOUND OUT THE REASON YOU HAVE BEEN SO PROFOUNDLY SILENT WHILE ALLOWING A FELLOW WOMAN TO BE CRUCIFIED DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY AFTER DAY.

YOUR ORGANIZATION NEVER ONCE STOOD UP FOR HILLARY CLINTON. YOU NEVER ONCE STOOD UP AGAINST THE ABUSE AND SEXISM. YOU, NARAL, ARE THE ANTITHESIS OF WHAT YOU PURPORT TO FIGHT FOR AND AGAINST. YOU ARE A LIAR & YOU ARE ENDORSING A LIAR...I GUESS YOU TWO DO GO TOGETHER, BUT YOU CAN COUNT ME OUT AND I WILL SPREAD MY DISTAIN FOR YOU FAR AND WIDE AND FOREVER.

AND YES, THE CAPITAL LETTERS ARE VERY PURPOSEFUL.!!!!!!!!!

I agree with Eric.

Hillary Clinton has, is, and will always be a vanguard and potent politician and ally in the fight for the right of every woman to choose what she does with her body. Even if, as it now looks likely, she is not the Democratic nominee, she will be an incredibly valuable and committed proponent for the Pro-Choice cause, no matter what her future is. I can understand the anger expressed by a lot of the comments here. At the same time, NARAL did not go out and endorse John McCain. Perhaps they could have waited until June 4th; they didn't. In the end, we need to get a Democrat into the White House asap. If it looks like Barack Obama is our nominee, then to protect our women, our environment, our civil liberties, our international relations, and the future of our children, we need to take the time to reach back across the Democratic Divide, repair ourselves and our feelings of betrayal and hurt, and come together to beat John McCain.

Because as hurt and angry as we are now, just imagine how hurt and angry we'll be on November 5th if our next president is the same as our last president.

Here come the angry vagina posters, all worked up at the idea that a man cannot possibly represent choice.

Shame on Naral! How are we ever going to be equivalent if we continue the cycle! No more support!
As for one of your supporters, do you think Obama does not support corporate america? Don't you think Obama has been negative...This whole campaign has been negative to Hillary, media and everyone else.
GO HILLARY CLINTON!

Why not support a woman - Sen. Hillary Clinton. I have been a supporter for years. This is not right. I do not agree with your choice!

I'm very very disappointed in this decision. Many of you have written my exact thoughts on the topic; but basically this seems like a decisions just to support who's in the lead as opposed to who has been a leader's in the women's rights movement for years. Barack never says anything about women's rights, yet this is the candidate you support. Wow, this is a shocking and disappointing decision. I'll choose to find a different way to support what I consider a major issue in this country, I'm taking my name off the NARAL mailing list.

I have notified NARAl to remove me from their contributor and mail lists. What an appalling decision to endorse Senator Obama. Senator Clinton should have received your endorsement --not because she is a woman and Senator Obama is a man but because of their respective records. In the future, my money will be given to Planned Parenthood and other organizations that show respect for women.

Diane Fahey

I am also gravely disappointed in your position NARAL!! How could you turn your back on such a viable female candidate for president? Hillary Clinton has been a champion for choice and is the best candidate for the job, period. I'm sorry to say that I will no longer financially support NARAL and in fact I will be voting for McCain over Obama, should he get the nomination. I think Obama will be the biggest mistake this country could make as a leader. I can't vote for a charlatan based on his position on one issue. Roe v. Wade survived the Bush administration, I'm sure it'll survive McCain's.

ONLY ONE OF THE MAJOR PARTY CANDIDATES FOR PRESIDENT ACTUALLY DISCUSSES REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE ON THEIR CAMPAIGN WEB SITE.

IT IS NOT THE CANDIDATE NARAL JUST ENDORSED.

This discussion has really disheartened me. I am a democrat because I am a feminist, and I will support the democrat who wins because McCain has pledged to appoint conservative pro-life judges, and has said that women don't deserve the same opportunities as men because they "need more training, more education."

I believe that Senator Obama will be our nominee, no matter what we pray and wish for, and that NARAL supporting him now is a signal for women, and pro-choice supporters to begin to heal the rift within the democratic party. It is a bold step and I am grateful somebody has made it.

I am disheartened by supporters on both sides who forget what the real issues are and so vehemently hate the other democrat.

If Obama is the nominee I will support him whole heartedly, and if Hillary is the nominee, well, it's a foregone conclusion, but I understand Naral's endorsement, and realize it is a way of showing that pro-choice is not just a women's issue, and that women stand behind the democratic party, because it is the one party that stands up for women.

I voted for Senator Clinton, but have accepted the fact that she won't be our nominee. It is time to battle anti-choice McCain. I give you credit for taking a stand on this. - Wanda

As a pro-choice woman I am disappointed in your choice. This issue is entirely to important to taint with choosing sides. You should have remained on the sideline until a nominee was chosen.

This is a heinous action. Look at the outpouring of anger, disappointment and sense of betrayal from the vast majority of your supporters. Why would you do something like this? You have gone out on a limb for a candidate who HAS NEVER PROVEN HIMSELF in the area of reproductive rights. Oh, he says he's supportive, but right now he says he's supportive of everything and everyone. Where in his voting record or in his actions has he backed up his position? And how could you have deserted one of the greatest champions of women's rights at the most crucial time in her campaign. Who made this stupid decision? The membership of Naral was never consulted. Don't you dare speak in our names. I join the many outraged ex-supporters of Naral who will never give energy or money to this organization again. And you must know that if, God forbid, Obama gets the nomination, it will insure the anti-choice McCain of winning. What an incredibly dumb move.

Dear Nancy Keenan,

As a supporter of NARAL, I am unhappy that the organization is not supporting Democrats’ right to choose their own pro-choice candidate. I believe the organization should refrain from taking sides until a Democratic nominee has been declared.

The campaign that NARAL has been waging against McCain’s record has been effective thus far. Informing Americans about McCain’s anti-choice record is not contingent upon deciding who the Democratic nominee should be.

I find it unfortunate that NARAL is now in the business of taking away “choice” from its supporters by choosing their candidate for them.

Chantal Tetreault

Wow - you women really need to get over it. Why does NARAL have to support the femal pro-choice candidate over the male pro-choice candidate? What a bunch of hypocrits - crying about sexism when you are making your decisions based on sex.

If the only reason you are supporting HRC is because she is woman, and if the only reason you think women and women's organizations should support HRC is becauase she is women then you are utilizing a highly flawed methodology to make your choice - and guess what - you are bein sexist.

HRC did not automatically get this woman's vote -she needed to earn it and she did not. She also did not earn the vote/support of the millions of women that support Sen. Obama.

you have my COMPLETE SUPPORT, NARAL!

don't let the sore losers get you down.
you endorsed the RIGHT candidate.

it's just a dirty shame that after putting a lot of thought into who to endorse, you have to put up with THIS kind of ridiculous abuse!

hang tough!

Most of the comments I read seemed to only be interested in voting for Hillary because she is a woman. A very few of the comments were positive for NARAL based upon intelligent reasoning for Obama. You will continue to receive my money.!!! Thank you, NARAL for your smart, unbiased decision making. hFranklin

This is one giant step for NARAL and the pro-choice movement. Obama's pro-choice stance is steadfast and easily comparable to Sen. Clinton. The old politics of division and partisanship has failed our movement. It's failed the fading feminist movement. Obama is a forward looking leader who surrounds himself with competent policy makers sympathetic to our cause. I implore each of you angry with NARAL's decision (or timing) to step back and remove your "Clinton is the messiah" lenses and try and appreciate the gravity of this election. McCain is our opponent...not Obama. The sooner those that support NARAL embrace him, the better our chances are in the fall.

OUTRAGE

I will never support NARAL again.

Hillary is the right person - Obama is all wrong.

Disappointed in you!

Gonna have to delete the subscription to your newsletter after endorsing Obama.
So long.

NARAL, you have disappointed me for the last time.

This decision is inexcusable and frankly, politically stupid. WHY WOULD YOU ENDORSE IN A PRIMARY WHEN BOTH CANDIDATES ARE PRO-CHOICE??

I will never be associated with NARAL again.

How can a women's organization turn its back on the only woman to get so far along in a presidential election? We can say that it's not about gender or race, but who knows women's issues better than a woman? And especially a woman who has fought so hard to support women and children! I am shocked and appalled that NARAL has chosen Obama over Clinton. Even if he does get the democratic nomination- you could have waited until that actually happens before choosing him over Clinton.

Please repent before it is too late - how can you endorse someone who is for murdering babies in and out of the womb and whose first act as President would be to have the Freedom of Choice Act enacted into law? Please vote for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party, who will make all abortion illegal upon his inauguration!

Thank you NARAL. I agree that endorsing Obama is the right move. We should all remember who the real opposition here is -- McCain and his anti-choice supporters. HRC and Obama have both campaigned vigorously for many many months, and I respect HRC's supporters' disappointment. We are all very passionate about protecting our freedoms. But there can be one one Dem candidate for pres. Now its time for us to unite together for one goal, one vision.

Thank you for endorsing Senator Obama, who has shown through his campaign what I believe are true feminist values: inclusivity and respect for all. We cannot hope to transform government if we keep playing the same political games. I was outraged in January when I learned that Senator Clinton's campaign sought to tarnish Senator Obama's record on women's issues--especially choice, an issue that one should never play politics with. Here, Karen Mulhauser, former NARAL director explains Obama's strong record on choice:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/karen-mulhauser/a-womans-right-to-choose_b_84186.html
I do hope that the many women who are angry that Senator Clinton has not been winning her campaign will come to see that Senator Obama is not their enemy. And that neither is NARAL.

I want to commend NARAL on their recognition of Senator Obama's strong support of a woman's right to choose (check your facts - the 7 "present" votes in IL were a strategic, procedural move fully supported by IL abortion rights groups). Senator Obama has great potential for helping to bring people with different opinions on this and other issues closer together. I deeply admire Senator Clinton's commitment and leadership on women's issues. But I believe that Senator Obama will bring a more transformational kind of leadership that Senator Clinton would not. She is too entrenched in the more polarized, divisive kind of politics that I and many other Americans are simply sick of.

I'm sorry to see so many other women reacting to your endorsement as if you had insulted all women everywhere. Just because Senator Clinton is a woman is not reason enough to support her candidacy for president, and I commend NARAL for recognizing that. Unlike other people who have posted here, I am now MORE likely to contribute to NARAL in the future.

You really blew it. I can't believe you blew HIllary off and are supporting Obama. I will not support him and I'm certainly not going to donate anymore to your cause.

Thank you NARAL. I just donated $20 online to your organization.

Wow!!!!! You people are truly amazing. i suspect Hillary has alot to do with this hostility. Just be thankful you have a candidate welling to come forth and do something for our country. Just think if the Republicans get in office. Would you like it if the Senate/House of Rep's made that choice for you like in the past????? And tell me exactly what Hillary has done for you????? I am a 64 year old white female and I gave not heard anything

As a Democrat and a strong believer in reproductive freedom, I applaud your decision to endorse Senator Obama. He has a 100% pro-choice rating and it is imperative that we unite around a candidate to maximize our chances of taking back the White House. Justice Stevens turned 88 last month, and if we don't take back the White House we are looking at a Supreme Court that could overturn Roe v. Wade. I understand why some Clinton supporters are upset, but we need a president of any gender who will appoint pro-choice justices to the Supreme Court, and at this point, I don't see any way Clinton can become the nominee without fracturing the party to the point of making a win in November impossible.

Et tu, Brute?

Shame on you. There was no need for you to choose at this time; I'm sure you had your reasons for this announcement, but the responses here suggest they might have been ill-considered ones.

I don't think Obama is a terrible candidate; I just think Hillary is a better one. I don't know why the press and, apparently, the liberal leadership has decided to game this primary in favor of Obama; I don't know how Clinton has earned such venom (other than that she supported the Iraq incursion and funding like practically every other senator, INCLUDING Obama, once he actually took office). She deserved a little more loyalty from those she has been championing, often at some personal cost, for years.

I suspect we will have another viable black presidential candidate long before we have another viable woman candidate. I have unsubscribed from NARAL's mailing list.

I am absolutely furious that NARAL has not endorsed Hillary but instead thrown its support to an untested (young) man who has NEVER been a champion of women's rights. I fought for our right to have abortions (i.e. Choice) in the '70s and started the ACLU's Reproductive Freedom Rights Project, an offshoot of the Women's Rights Project that I directed with (now Justice) Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I knew Hillary back then when she was with the Children's Defense Fund. I am a feminist. So is Hillary. You have lost my support. Do not send me any mailings, ask for money or any other favors. I have no respect whatsoever for NARAL.

Brenda Feigen, Esq.

Nancy, you and NARAL make me sick. You have proven to me that you don't give a flying crap about women's rights. Hillary Clinton has stood up, with, and for everything related to women's reproductive, civil, employment, and family rights. Imagine - a DEMOCRAT voting "PRESENT" 7 times over issues related to Roe vs. Wade, and a leading reproductive rights organization headed by a WOMAN backs him! What - are you going to be the Health & Human Services Secretary if Obama gets elected?

I never want to hear from your organization again, but just keep in mind that Obama was in favor of the marriage protection act as well. And stop calling yourself a woman. Shame on you, shame on your group, and I can't remember when I have ever felt so disgusted. How many superdelegates does NARAL have, and how much did Obama pay you?

Oh yeah... an afterthought... Hillary is beating McCain handily in every swing state. People who are truly pro-choice champions will vote for the pro-choice champion candidate -- and the only one among the three is Hillary Rodham Clinton.

I am extremely disappointed in NARAL and will also give my charitable donations elsewhere.

I'm a supporter of NARAL but think this move was uncalled for. Why not wait until the nomination is definite before you endorse a pro-choice candidate?

What's going on, NARAL? I feel betrayed--I am a supporter of Cynthia McKinney.

I could understand your endorsing the Dem nomination, but why get involved in this now?

The vitriol in some of the earlier comments is disturbing. It apparently is not sufficiently feminist enough to endorse the sole remaining candidate who not only is a strong supporter of productive rights but who also opposed the war from the beginning. Much like the right to life movement, many who have posted seem to place issues concerning reproductive rights above anything, including the thousands of human beings killed in a war Mrs. Clinton voted for and supported until it became a political albatross. I have a son in the Marine Reserves and I applaud the political courage of the NARAL endorsement. I also know if more politicians on both sides of the aisle had chosen political courage over political expediency, the futures of my four sons, daughter and granddaughter would be exponentially better. I would also hope that supporters of Mrs. Clinton would unlike her do the politically courageous act and support Barack Obama in the fall. Alas, given the tenor of many of the comments already posted, they would rather play the role of martyr, not citizen. This race is about the future of our children and grandchildren, not some sort of redress of past sleights and discrimination. All those who fail to turn out this November or who vote for John McCain because of a manufactured idea that Hilary Clinton was treated unfairly will have every drop of blood spilled in Iraq on their hands just as surely as it stains the hand of this Administration and all who voted for the war, including Hilary Clinton.

I would think twice about this endorsement. An local astrologer did a current-trend chart for Obama & it was very similar to HITLER'S chart. This is scary! I am very dissapointed in your decision. I would rather vote for McCain, then this arrogant, unamerican individual who may even take away Men's rights at well. If you really believe that Obama is the correct choice, shame on you! Remember what they said about Hitler, he mesmerized the people & I see Obama is doing the same. You need to understand that I have been supporting your organization for many years & it just stopped! SHAME ON YOU!

Naral,

I'm an Indiana mom and I'm so happy that you've endorsed Barack Obama. I believe that Barack Obama will change politics, change the world, and bring our nation to a better and higher place.

We need to improve our image around the world, get out of Iraq, find solutions to the job and mortgage crises and also build a new stronger and more positive nation.

Barack Obama can bring our government the vision to change.

Thanks so much,
Lynne

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE

NARAL's unilateral decision to endorse Obama makes it loose my support.
Senator Hillary Clinton is the candidate with the proven experience and dedication to women's rights, including reproductive rights worldwide.
NARAL does not represent women's rights when it supports Obama, a person with absolutely no track record supporting women and families.

such a pity. perhaps you fell down and bumped your little head. but rest assured, when clinton is president i am sure she will still support you. fortnately some people are not as single minded as others.

In response to Aubrey Miller, I was there. I appreciate how, surprise surprise, a Hillary supporter exaggerates details.

Also, speaking of threats, I'm sure a black man campaigning heavily in the south and across the United States, especially in Indiana (home of the KKK headquarters) has gotten more threats than the divisive little Senator "from" New York ever will.

Terrible judgement and even worst timing. No wonder Hillary is facing such an uphill battle. Even our own can accept a woman rising to the top.

NARAL's unilateral decision to endorse Obama makes it loose my support.
Senator Hillary Clinton is the candidate with the proven experience and dedication to women's rights, including reproductive rights worldwide.
NARAL does not represent women's rights when it supports Obama, a person with absolutely no track record supporting women and families.

As a young feminist, I am shamed by many of these comments. Are you really going to cut ties with an organization that has worked for decades to improve our rights because they saw the way that the tide was going and are working to make sure that we end up with a pro-choice candidate?

I understand that many of you are angry, frustrated, and disappointed. But are you really angry with NARAL or are you upset that Obama is likely going to be the nominee? Some of the comments (ex: "you made your bed - now go sleep in it with B Hussein O.") indicate the latter. Are you going to divide us further or are you going to realize, as many of us did too late in 2004, that we need to unite behind the presumptive nominee?

How long would you have NARAL wait to endorse?

Naral,

I'm an Indiana mom and I'm so happy that you've endorsed Barack Obama. I believe that Barack Obama will change politics, change the world, and bring our nation to a better and higher place.

We need to improve our image around the world, get out of Iraq, find solutions to the job and mortgage crises and also build a new stronger and more positive nation.

Barack Obama can bring our government the vision to change.

Thanks so much,
Lynne

http://youtube.com/watch?v=7s9ubMQX7WE

NARAL's unilateral decision to endorse Obama makes it loose my support.
Senator Hillary Clinton is the candidate with the proven experience and dedication to women's rights, including reproductive rights worldwide.
NARAL does not represent women's rights when it supports Obama, a person with absolutely no track record supporting women and families.

PS- I will never vote for Obama. Not now. Not ever. HIS people are the bullies. A bunch of bullies that feel entitled. Not playing the race card? Give me a break. The liar is not even black! He's half black. Hillary is not half woman! So for her to mention that she IS IN FACT a woman is palying some card? All you Obama sheep make me sick. He's no different than all of them. "Hope and change"? I HOPE you CHANGE your minds before it's too late. Whay don't you just vote for his twin, Ron Paul, who happens to be publically anti- choice. Yuck yuck yuck. I'm more ashamed of being an American now than I was 4 & 8 years ago. Way to go American public... you Always seem to end up with the WORSE choice of all.

What's sad about most of these comments is that it seems that many women have not made as much progress as I thought. So instead of having men think for women, many women now want other women to think for them? Why should a woman support a candidate simply because she's a woman? What about women thinking for themselves and making their decision based on what they think is right--And have other women simply respect that decision? Thank you NARAL!

If you aren't going to be supporting Hillary, the one candidate than actually has a chance to stop the Republicans, then you can stop asking me for donations! I am done with supporting you.

SMART. COURAGEOUS. THANK YOU.

What is sad is the racism on this page by women who profess to be feminists. And the short sightedness by women who think they are politically savvy. the race is essentially over. lets start getting it together women. and why would you let the fight for reproductive rights suffer because "your" candidate didnt win. Its like saying you are going to vote for McCain because Hillary didnt win. it sounds petulant and whiney and gives feminists and women a bad name. Thank you NARAL. I have not given you money in some time. I will now.

When I received an e-mail informing me that the supposed leader of the pro-choice revolution is endorsing Obama I was furious. For too long now both the Republicans and the Democrats have overlooked the issue of choice as well as many other important human rights and social justice issues. NARAL should look beyond this "two party" system and look towards third party or independent candidates i.e. Cynthia McKinney and Ralph Nader who have proven their commitment to these issues, not just promised to consider them. I feel I can no longer support this organization because of their refusal to take a real stand to ensure women's reproductive freedom.

I can remeber when few national figures were standing up for women's rights. Hilary Clinton was. There is no reason to endorse either Clinton or Obama before the general election. This endorsement at this time states a preference that has nothing to do with the choice issues. They are both pro choice candidates.
This is disappointing and I will look to other choice organizations for my support in the future

I am really disappointed that NARAL is voting with the male press who have proven over and over in the race, they are much more sexist than anything. As it has been said before...you have lost my support. However, I will continue to support NOW - who is behind her all the way.

Thank you for your endorsement of Obama. I personally think that Hillary has sent a negative image of women and her behavior during this campaign is disgusting to say the least. She really lost me when I saw the picture of her throwing back shots and I had to explain that to my daughter. We want rights for ALL women, not just the "blue collar/white/less educated" women she deems important.

You will never get a penny in contribution from me ever again for making such a reckless and thoughtless endorsement of Barack Obama who voted "present" six times on key choice issues in the Illinois Senate. Are you completely mad in not endorsing Hillary Rodham Clinton who has stood up for women's rights her entire career.
What were you thinking! How disappointing and discouraging. You just send women back to the back alley.

Congratulations on your selection. I consider this an honor to Obama and, even more, his Mother who worked for women decades ago.

It is absolutely WRONG for NARAL to endorse Obama a mere THREE WEEKS before the end of the primary season. Timing is everything, and you have BLOWN IT for your organization.

Instead - why didn't you just get a group together to walk up to Hillary Clinton - a veteran champion of women's reproductive rights - and slap her in the face and stab her in the back? That would have been about the same thing as your early endorsement of Obama.

NARAL's endrosement disgusts me, and I will never donate to your organization.

EVERYONE - GIVE YOUR NARAL MONEY TO EMILY'S LIST.

I find it interesting that a male wrote, "Thank-you for making the right decision..." Who made this decision? Did you ask all of your members to participate in the decision-making process? I think not! Everything that has been said about Hillary and her work for women's rights is true. She should be praised, rather than abandoned? Yours is just another case of "Jumping on the band wagon." I find it fascinating that Obama touts he is going to change Washington, and yet it is the "Good old Boy" Machine that is supporting him. I am convinced they think he will be easily controlled. I'm sure they will have a rude awakening. We have no idea what his true convictions are concerning any of the issues...he says only what will get him elected.

NARAL missed a golden opportunity to show the women of the world, and our daughters, that women's views and rights ARE important, that intelligent, well-intended, and unbelievably hard-working women DO DESERVE to be in positions of power and to have their voices heard.

I do NOT get where you are coming from on this. Follow the male leader? Listen to the right-wing female bashing media? (Have they served NARAL? You owe them nothing!) Hillary is a better match-up to McCain in all the big states and can command an electoral-vote victory over him. Barack cannot.

If you want 4 more years of business as usual, nominate Obama and get McCain.

One thing for sure, you DO NOT HAVE MY VOTE!

Hillary Clinton does NOT represent all women or all women's issues. She does not speak for all women. She is not women's last great hope. She is one of two very talented democratic candidates.

This 45 year old woman chooses Barack Obama. I admire his honesty, commitment, and believe he will be a champion of women's issues. Does that make me less of a feminist? No. It means I am choosing someone because of their character, not because of their gender or race.

The pro-Hillary nasty comments posted on this board are shameful, and are an example of the bias that we have been fighting all our lives and serve as an example why many feminists will not support her campaign.

I am so disappointed to receive this email from you. I understand that only one candidate can advance to the general electin, but you have chosen the wrong one.

This was sent to me by a state NARAL office....this ridiculous organization doesn't even have the support of its state offices.

------------------------------------------------
I have registered my disappointment about this with our National office
in a
conference call when I learned of this decision about an hour ago. I
had no
input, and affiliates had no input, in this decision. This decision was
made
by NARAL Pro-Choice America PAC. As you may know, we do not have a
joint
membership structure for purposes of fundraising and general governance
with
our National office. Our National office has a federal PAC; our own
PAC in
Missouri endorses only Missouri candidates for local office. Please do
let
your friends and contacts know that they should contact the national
office,
and not the Missouri office, which has already registered the opinion
with
our National office that we would have rather it not make an
endorsement at
this juncture. It is not that Barack Obama is not pro-choice; it is
that we
respect Senator Clinton as a strong pro-choice candidate and we respect
Senator Clinton's supporters--many of whom are our loyal Missouri
members.
Some of our own staff members are strong supporters of Senator Clinton
and
believe that it honors her, and honors the democratic process, simply
to
respect the entire primary process as it plays out and then go from
there.

I applaud your endorsement. It is very wise of NARAL to support the next president of the United States, rather than make a gratuituous gesture to the losing candidate.

What a display of sour grapes in the previous comments!

Barack Obama has consistently supported women's rights, as has Michelle Obama---a strong successful woman, wife, and mother to two young daughters.

This is an appalling endorsement to be taken at this point in time when Senator Clinton is still competing in this contest, at least you could have had enough respect for all she has done for women to wait it out a little longer; completely disrespectful and unnecessary. My support for this organization is hereby withdrawn.

Naral
As a Husband of a Naral Supporter (former) I am appalled by your actions. After all Hilary Clinton has done for the rights of women in this country you have the nerve to treat her in such a disrepectful way. You have set Women kind back years in this country. Hilary is truly a fine and brave Lady. I cannot say as much for the board members that took part in this lower than low decision.

Et Too Naral

Please take me off your list NARAL - I will no longer support this organization. As a feminist and an advocate in the field of women's health, I am deeply disturbed by your choice to support Obama and not Clinton after the decades of work, advocacy and attention she has given to the women's rights movement. Through national and international leadership and efforts Hillary has prioritized women's health, women's choices and women's lives in a way that no other politician before her has done - and I believe that she will continue to do so when she is elected President of the United States. In a time where rates of violence against women and their bodies are at epidemic levels, both nationally and globally, we must have someone who has the wisdom, courage and strength to say that women's lives are a priority for all of humankind and who represents the possibility for other women and girls that they too will live an empowered life. After supporting NARAL for years and spreading the word about the work you do, I am deeply disappointed and mostly shocked by your choice. Its heartbreaking really.

This organization has lost me forever. My disgust and dismay are profound. Other than completely angering your constutuency, what did you hope to accomplish? Women are there own worst enemies. Thanks for affirming that women's liberation is dead.

I am shocked, appalled and DISGUSTED and am removing myself from your mailing list IMMEDIATELY. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Please take me off of your distribution list. I CHOOSE not to subscribe or support the pro-choice group who turned its back on the champion of women's reproductive rights to choose the candidate with questionable commitment to a woman's right to choose.

You will never get another dime from me, and I will campaign against you from here on out. Remember that these are difficult economic times, and people must make decisions about which groups and causes to support. I will work hard for pro choice, but not with NARAL.
Good riddance.

NARAL has lost my support! You endorse a man that voted "present" on pro-choice issues while a state senator? You endorse a man to represent a woman's right to choose? This is disgusting.

I share the disgust expressed by many other women in this feedback column! Since both candidates are pro choice, what is the point of endorsing one of them before the process is complete? In addition, I support Hillary and am incredibly disappointed that you would turn your backs on her.

I am horrified by what NARAL has done. At the very least, if you felt you could not support the feminist in the race, you might simply have let it play out on the sidelines.

For over twenty years I have supported NARAL financially, and have always let the Colorado chapter auction off my mountain home at its annual dinner.

I am done. You don't represent me and I can no longer support you.

Thank you! I am extremely grateful that you decided to endorse Obama. I am disgusted by the posters above who are withdrawing their support of a worthy organization simply because it did not endorse their candidate. That is petty. Obama is the one who will unite people and has a chance to change this country. I know of several women who will donate now in support of your decision. (Anyone who would vote for someone simply because she is a woman is equally as bad as someone who would refuse to vote for her simply because she is a woman).

I cannot believe NARAL pulled out on Hillary. I suppose I should have seen coming: more straight women who still think a man can lead us better. I am so weary of men running our lives--aren't you?

Women have a candidate for President for the first time ever in our history and you jump on Obamas bandwagon. You have lost alot of respect in my view. We could have a woman for President, a woman who has always championed causes for women. Sure Obama is pro-choice but what else has he done for women in this country.
You could have remained neutral until the convention, there was no big rush to support Obama.
I won't even read why you chose Obama because for me there is no way he would be better than Hillary. He votes the same as she does on every issue. You made a bad choice and let down all young girls everywhere. Since you think a man would do a better job than a woman take me off your email list.

I'm clueless, totally supid and clueless though to don't listen to me

Good work, NARAL. My husband and I are both pro-choice, and contribute regularly through paycheck deductions to Planned Parenthood of North Carolina. I think your endorsement of Barack Obama now, as the voting is winding down and his position as the Democratic Party's Nominee is being solidified, makes an important statement about his commitment to women across this nation. I appreciate that you, unlike some of the posters to this blog, recognize the value of Obama's "present" votes as part of a strategy worked out with Planned Parenthood to combat a series of extreme anti-choice measures designed to paint pro-choice legislators into a corner. Not only Obama, but numerous other state senators voted “present” on these bills in order to protest the politicization of the health and safety of Illinois women. Also recognizing this, every major women's rights group in Illinois (including Personal PAC, NARAL of Illinois PAC, the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council, and Illinois NOW) endorsed Obama during is 1998 and 2002 elections, recognizing that he is an unwavering supporter of a woman's right to choose. Obama is as strong as Hillary Clinton on Women's Rights Issues, and only those who refuse to believe a man can share a woman's view on these issues could possibly distort his record so as to suggest that he is anything but pro-choice. Thank you for being able to look behind the false argument that you have to be a woman to support women, and for validating the many, many men in this country who understand the importance of choice and support a woman's right to choose.

KarenM

I want to thank you for your endorsement for Sen. Obama. I am a woman who supports Obama which goes against what all polls claim I should be doing and supporting.
I am glad for the endorsement and anyone who really reads the issues will see clearly why the choice was made for Obama.

Thank you again for your support as well as your wonderful NARAL organization.

Do you all really think Hillary can win the nomination? Do you watch the news, or read ANYTHING other than Hillary blogs?

She CANNOT WIN. The math proves it. Go ahead and stop supporting NARAL, there are plenty of rational, realistic people to pick up the slack.

Wouldn't it be ironic if, in endorsing Obama (to unite the Democratic Party), NARAL has split and destroyed the pro-choice movement? NARAL is clearly a staff-dominated organization with no respect for its grass-roots members.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. To those of us who have been stuck in the sixties (or nineties for that matter) GET OVER IT! As a pro-choice woman, I could not be happier that my favorite organization is in tune with the highly educated voters of this country, and also realizes that gender issues are more than just having female genitals.

Many thanks again from the bottom of my heart.

Happy pro-choice voter.

I am disgusted that you and the organization would endorse Obama. It would have been appropriate to endorse the democratic candidate once the required number of delegates is reached and the nominee is decided. This pre-emptive endorsement is inappropriate and is apparently an opportunity to grab headlines for Naral. Unbelievable!

I will not donate to Naral in the future. This is just wrong. Your presumption that you speak on our behalf is mistaken.Very bad decision.

I'm stupid, too, just a stupid girl with no clue.

Wow. And another one bites the dust. Wonder if your coffers will dry up...

Shame on you NARAL.

I recall hearing how those older Reagan Democrats used to say, "I didn't leave the party, the party left me." I am feeling that way these days. The party is losing a large amount of women who do a lot of the work in elections.

Welcome President McCain.

I am exited about this and think it is great!

I am surprised that so many are so upset about this decision. I feel this endorsement is not about who the members support as the democratic nominee but it is about endorsing the canidate that will most likely win the nomination and face McCain in the run for president...

Someone said "How can you be supportive of pro-choice women and then turn your back on the MOST experienced, qualified woman in our country??!!"

It's not about which candidate we support, get over yourself! It is about picking the most likely candidate who will obtain the nomination. Both Hillary and Obama are prochoice, but the time has come to zero in on one of them and begin building awareness about McCain's views so that we can preserve the rights of women by keeping McCain out.

How can so many people be so short sighted? Well, I support this nomination and am excited!

I agree 100% with the voters that will not vote for Obama. Unfortunately, if it does come down to that then I will be forced to vote for McCain as well. I think alot of people are missing the point that Obama's supporters WOULD vote for Clinton, but not many vice versa. There are just too many question marks with Obama. Too many things that make me question his beliefs. I find it very insulting that NARAL would not give Hillary (along with Obama) a chance to finish this thing. How can the NARAL expect US to support them when they are not supporting BOTH of their supporters....you should have waited. Please remove me from ALL future emails.

Hutch.. What does Obama being black have to do with this endorsement? You are outraged at the endorsement but yet you like many of Hillary supporters would rather vote McCain in November and really set Women's right back to back-alley abortions. There is no logic is your comment.

I'm disappointed and find your 11th hour backing tactless and toothless. Certainly, you never should have backed Clinton simply because she is a woman, but to wait until now, and to do so for such flimsy reasons (ones that will not stand under scrutiny) is pathetic.

I had truly believed that NARAL was a political organization, not a pandering one. It's a sad day.

I'm really surprised and disappointed that you've chosen to endorse Senator Obama, a man who has voted "present" on issues of reproductive health. In fact, I'm quite confused at this point. As a father of two young daughters I've been so excited to illustrate to them that yes, they can do anything they want, including being President someday.
I'm curious how NARAL feels about Obama's recent demand that donors are not to give money to independent groups such as NARAL?
This is just such a slap in the face to the women in America, NARAL you should really be ashamed of yourselves today.
Mike

One final comment about this "strong" candidate. She refused a shoot with Vogue, which was to be about powerful women, because she didn't want to look feminine. So, basically what Hillary is saying is for a woman to succeed in politics she has to be homely and afraid to show her lighter side? I think going along with Bush's war for 3 and a half years is a little more weak than having cameras follow you around on the job.

Europe is laughing at the ridiculous hypocrisy of the United States, and I hope you all are proud to be laughing stocks around the world.

Big mistake. Shocking. You have ignored a woman who has been with you for a lifetime in favor of a johnny-come-lately who has not EVER been a leader in the abortion rights debate. I guess liberal white guilt finally got to you. Fortunately, I do not believe that your position will sway anyone as both Democratic candidates are pro-choice. Nonetheless, my contributions to your political action arm are hereby suspended until the election is over.

Shame on you!

THANK YOU for "doing the right thing" and voicing your support for the person who will do the most to save our country and our world! Included in that is the issue we all (NARAL members) care about deeply. It's incredibly naive for anyone to think that Obama won't work to preserve abortion rights - and meanwhile, we need to simultaneously consider the overall picture. My financial situation has declined, but I will now make a contribution to offset those who go in the other direction.

Yes, Peg, this does make you less than a feminist, if you want to hear the truth. I hope you can sleep at night. Character! I hope you are happy that you have picked a candidate that is dishonest, a woman hating jerk.

"On one hand, we have Sen. Obama—who has been a fully pro-choice ally from day one and whom women can trust."

Day one? Day one! Do you refer to Day One of his FIRST TERM as US Senator? Or Day One of his CAMPAIGN???

I am a woman. I have been an active supporter of Planned Parenthood and NARAL since 1981. I live in Illinois. I do not trust Obama!!!! Not on this issue. Not at ALL, in fact...And he is MY senator!

I am dumbfounded and disgusted by this endorsement.

Outrageous. Turn your back on a woman who has been there for you just when she needs you the most. It's one thing when the guys pile on Hillary but, when a woman's organization does it. You're a member organization. Your power is in your members. Why would you weaken yourself by alienating the majority of your members? It's sad to see such an important organization set up its own demise. Perhaps those of us who are disgusted by your actions can start a new organization?

Thank you for having the courage and wisdom to support Barack Obama.

For those posting the similarly-worded messages of outrage, I urge you to step back and do some research, or at least listen to these two videos.

Look at Lorna Brett Howard's comment on you tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVLzbBcs8A&NR=1

"Senator Obama was the only senator to help in this effort (SD)

and this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RhL7jTy-cM&NR=1

Barack Obama is being unfairly attacked, all over again!!

Et tu, Brute? What a traitorous, murderous thing you have done! For those of us who are pro-choice and pro-woman, for those of us who have hope in Hillary despite these long odds right now, you have ripped the heart out of us all. I would like to be removed from all NARAL e-mails and mailings.

Just one question:

WHAT WAS NARAL PROMISED (MORE HOPEFUND PAC MONEY, PERHAPS?) IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS ENDORSEMENT? A BONUS FOR DOING IT RIGHT AFTER A STUNNING OBAMA PRIMARY LOSS?

CORRECTION, THAT WAS TWO QUESTIONS.

I am dismayed, disgusted, and disappointed with NARAL. I expected much more out of the organization. Take me off your mailing list because while I will, of course, continue to defend reproductive health choices I would rather not be affiliated with an organization that has become so shallow, politically opportunistic, and downright disloyal to its friends.

Hillary is a lying, opportunistic, non-credible mean-spirited, double-talking, pandering woman who ONLY thinks of herself. Obama's supporters (like me) will send donations...so keep yours and help the Hill pay her Bills.

NARAL, YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!!!!

This is a disgusting disgrace. You can be CERTAIN you will never get another penny from me.

I am very dismayed by this announcement, and I am confused as to its purpose. As a supporter of reproductive freedom, I will be voting for the Democratic nominee in Novemeber, whomever that should be. To endorse either of the candidates now, before the voting has finished, serves to only divide the sides further, rather than causing them to unite. It also serves as a completely unnecessary slap in the face to an honorable woman who has fought tirelessly for women's rights. I am a long time donor to NARAL, as well as a volunteer, however they have seen their last check from me and the last of my time; both will now go to Emily's List.

Unprecedented. Hillary has supported NARAL 150% before she ever asked for a vote. I wish Sen. Obama could say the same.

Unprecedented to endorse a primary candidate when the votes are so close. The media (and NARAL) has never asked Sen. Kennedy or Sen. Hart to "step aside."

What a poor sign for the general election.

I am overjoyed that NARAL has recognized what Hillary's supporters fail to understand - every attack on Obama is a vote to outlaw abortion when McCain rides into the White House. Obama is a strong women's rights supporter and supports a woman's right to choose. He also realizes that Democrats lose elections by shouting non-stop that they support abortion, so all other issues disappear. Purity is great until you lose the election and get another 8 years of GOP-Nazi suppression of everything great in America. Do you imagine that women were treated well at Abu Ghraib? That is what we will get with McCain.

I hope this is a joke. I too am very disappointed that you are turining your backs on the best chance we have to see a women in the whitehouse.
Hillary Clinton is highly qualified, prochoice cnadidiate and it does matter to me that she is a woman and shares the concerns that other women face.
We need a woman in the whitehouse to represent the 53% of the electorate that is female.
Who the hell are we waiting for?

Dear NARL
Thank you, for your brave decision. As a pro-choice advocate I feel encouraged that you made this choice. Because Hillary Clinton is a woman does not mean that she is the better choice of the two candidates. Obama is married to a bright self made woman. She is an will be a voice for all women. Let's give him a chance. We already know what we have with the Clintons. For those of you not willing to support the decision there are many women like myself that will!!

MMP

Dear NARAL,

Thanks so much for having the courage to support Senator Obama. I've always felt that Obama was the right choice for the Democratic nomination and believe that he will work hard for women and for abortion rights as well as a whole host of social justice issues connected to gender, class and race. Women's issues can never be separated from gender, race, class and other issues of power. Now we all need to work hard to bring our Clinton-supporting sisters on board Obama's campaign and help them feel as excited as we are about Obama's inspiring leadership. I've just made a donation to show my support. Let's unite around a great candidate.

Best, Jennifer Jones
Women and Gender Studies Professor,
Rutgers University

I had appointed NARAL as sole beneficiary to my trust. I cannot get to an attorney fast enough. How disgusting and misogynistic that you would back Obama in favor of a woman who has stood up for women for decades. A woman who has taken the heat for all of us. A woman who has not backed down from her stand. I am beyond disppointed. Obama is a candidate for the under 30 set of women who have not been in the workforce long enough to realize how deep our hatred of women is in this country. For an organization - such as yours to suport him and say aloud - "Hey, U.S., it's okay...we hate women too! " is beyond anything I thought I would ever see in my lifetime. How could you not see what a short sighted decison this is. Please take me off your mailing list. I cannot support a woman hating organization that masks itself as pro-women. I hope you realize the divde you have created. Shame on all of you.

Wow. I'm not sure whether to be more outraged by the short sightedness of this endorsement or by the outrageous and unsupported comments of the Obama supporters here. It simply is not credible to suggest that Obama's record on this issue is stronger than Clinton's. She has a record of defending reproductive rights. HE DOES NOT... More to the point, all the Obama people here screaming about supporting Hillary "just because she is a woman" need to go back and re-read the criticisms and comments in this thread and probably study up on their candidate a little more. Obama is the likely nominee and clearly as between him and McCain we who support reproductive freedom need to get behind Obama. But the endorsement was ill timed and unwarranted. Unfortunately for NARAL, it likely will result in a reduction of financial support from your previously loyal followers. Ah well, perhaps the new gen x'rs who think feminism is just alot of old hooey will dig into their pockets and support you from now on...

I am so happy to hear of this endorsement. Thank you so much for making this choice. I am saddened that there are so many women out there who are clouded by their personal disappointment and who do not recognize this decision as right and necessary. Keep up the good work and good choices.

Thank you for your brave leadership. I'm sure given Hillary's historic bid for the White House this was a difficult decision for you. She has been a positive role model for young girls and boys (my son is a bit in love with her).

I believe you made the right choice and appreciate your courage! As a Chicago girl I have been so impressed with Obama's strength and leadership. He will be a huge advocate for womens rights. (And after all, isn't the whole point of the feminist movement that we can make gender free decisions?)

Thanks!

Since,you found it necessary to endorse Obama,Iam cutting all support from you.No, more action or donations.I'll just give what I give you to the Clinton campaign.

I'll will not contact my Georgia Senators or my 4th Congressional Representative Hank Johnson on your behalf.

I, hope when Obama loses you can live with your decision under a McCain as President.

Jeffrey Meeks

I don't understand the rush to an endorsement when there are two STRONG pro-choice candidates.

There are many pro-choice organizations out there and my support will probably now go to one of the others...and I have been a contributor to your organization since 1987.

I am really disappointed in NARAL. There are other things to consider before you back Obama.

Frankly, I am shocked and disappointed at this early endorsement. This is really a mistake on NARAL's behalf. The better decision would have been to wait until the democratic nomination shored up before the endorsement was granted.

How disturbing for your staff in New York. I can only imagine.

I am deeply disappointed in NARAL and will be canceling my subscription. NARAL's endorsement of Obama doesn't speak for women's rights, it shows that NARAL just wants to be on the "popular" media wagon.

What has Obama done for women? What has his wife done for women? Has anyone at NARAL watched Michelle Obabma's interviews? She always talks before she thinks and ends up back tracking to say what she really means. Why would I want a president whose wife by his own admission has to keep him "humble."

Hillary Clinton has proved that she is a gracious, intelligent woman who doesn't lose sight of her priorities under fire.

Who cares if her last name is Clinton - she is truly the better half.

I admire her for her committment to her marriage after HIS problems. Hillary has proved that she is proactive about facing difficulty and succeeding against seemingly insurmountable odds.

An Obama Democratic nominee will guarentee a McCain presidency and a pro-life Republican Supreme Court in years to come.

I don't understand the rush to an endorsement when there are two STRONG pro-choice candidates.

There are many pro-choice organizations out there and my support will probably now go to one of the others...and I have been a contributor to your organization since 1987.

Disgusted.... You were NEVER really for Women's rights if you vote for McCain. You do have that right thought, just hope it makes you sleep better tonight. The world won't end if Obama loses in November but what will we as women lose? Your comment is probably one of the main reason why NARAL endorsed Obama. Hillary supporters seem to be a bunch of school-yard bullies!

Shame on you for not supporting Hillary Clinton. She is one of the strongest spokespersons in the world today for women's rights. You definitely will lose my support in the future. I will use my money in the future to support individual candidates rather than give a donation to NARAL.

I am deeply sadened and disturbed by the number of negative comments on this post. Instead of women feeling excited and exhilerated that the hard work that women have done over the years for womens civil liberties and rights, that have truly given their daughters, and their daughters, daughters the ability to be able to vote for a candidate, not based on gender, but based on strong beliefs and core values, that women can put away the gender issue, and look at the complexity of a person, in order to make a good decision should be a day of enlightenment.

I am 50 and white, sad that I should have to say that, but I know without a shadow of a doubt, the NARAL has made the best decision today, to endorse Barack Obama. He will truly unite this country and heal the wounds of this nation.

I hope the women that have posted such angry words will take some time to reflect. I am sorry that your candidate was not honest with you about the rules of the contest, and that she has given you false hope and promises. I hope that over time you will understand that Barack Obama will truly be a great President, and as a father with two young girls, he knows of the decisions that will affect them and he will stand by them and their decisions.

How dare you turn your back on Hillary Clinton - someone who has always been such a strong supporter of reproductive rights and freedoms, and endorse such a cynical, hypocritical syncophant! I have supported NARAL for over 25 years, but will never again give your organization one red penny. You have just outraged and alienated millions of American women. Good luck with any future fundraising - you will need it. Shame on you.

Thank you, NARAL. It was the right choice. You will take a beating from the Clinton supporters, as you knew you would, but it was The Right Choice. He is exactly whom we want to represent us--thoughtful, strong, and capable of bringing people TOGETHER.
Thank you. True feminism is alive and well.

Bravo NARAL!

I must commend you for making a brave endorsement in spite of the hateful things being said by people who don't give a damn about their country. Barack Obama is pro choice and will continue to be pro choice. The same so-called Hillary supporters knocking NARAL for supporting Obama kept quiet when Hillary was trying to have it both ways when she said, “We can all recognize that abortion in many ways represents a sad, even tragic choice to many, many women.”

My God. Clinton supporters are like spoiled children tantruming in the check-out lane of Walmart.

Seriously. I'm officially giving you all One month to finish pouting and then you really have to over it.

It's enough with your nonsense. Grow up.

Thank you, NARAL, for your endorsement of the painfully obvious democratic nominee for president.

Endorsing Obama was a very weak choice. Didn't he walk away without voting on a partial birth abortion bill in the Illinois legislature? Hillary has been a much stronger supporter of women's reproductive rights than Obama. You should have waited until there's an official nominee before jumping in as a matter of principle. Nobody who's prochoice is going to vote for McCain.

I have worked with, given money to and supported NARAL in pro-choice work for nearly 20 years. I am embarassed to ever have been associated with the group. You are demonstrating the worst of what inside the beltway lobbying groups are about: foresaking principle to go where you think the winner is -- even if he has done little to advance the causes you and your supporters hold dear.

Shame on you. The only good thing is that now, when NARAL comes calling for support, I don't have to bother answering.

I am delighted that NARAL looked beyond the candidate's sex to endorse Obama, the best defender of a woman's right to choose and women's rights in general.
You can count on my continued support.
THANK YOU!!

You have made a wise choice, and one that I doubt was easy. The only thing disgusting and disappointing here, is that anyone would stop supporting such a wonderful organization over a political endorsement. How sad for the people spewing such venom on this blog...it helps no one. You can count on my support now, and in the years to come. Thank you.

Shame on all of you at NARAL! How dare you speak for American Women. Obama is just a front for Male egos around America. He can't beat McCain. We women will not vote for him. Your choice is a disgrace and and insult to every woman in America. How do you think Susan B Anthony, Eleanor Rosevelt and all the other historical American women would think about you?
Hillary Clinton has given her life to make it better for Women, men and children of America.

I too am not happy with your supporting Obama! I TOTALLY SUPPORT PRO-CHOICE! And I will continue SUPPORTING HILLARY!

Unlike other comments that state "they can't believe you are supporting Obama", I am NOT surprised.

Think about this, perhaps NARAL Pro-Choice has an ulterior motive for chosing him. People can be swayed into anything IF they allow themselves to be. NOT THIS VOTER!

By Not this voter on May 14, 2008 4:16 PM

I expect to see this posted right here with the other comments, I'll be watching for it.

I, for one, deeply appreciate this endorsement. I don't think I'm any less of a feminist for supporting Obama, a candidate who bridges divides and moves us all forward together. It's essential that we come together and elect the strongest, most uniting candidate who will ensure that the next supreme court appointments protect our right to choose.

I'm tired of people and media playing identity politics, automatically assuming that women want to support the woman, whites want to support whites, and blacks want to support blacks. It's time to progress beyond these simple labels and embrace the true complexity of our times. Barack Obama is the candidate to do just that.

To all the women who have expressed outrage on this page (and have threatened to cancel their membership) l ask you these questions.

1) How will Hilary (given the math) be able to overtake Obama in the delegate / super delegate and popular vote?

Maybe you know more about the rules of primary elections than all the analysts, journalists and the DNC.

Obama will be the nominee unless something devastating happens to his campaign. So you have a choice and not much time in which to make it.

2) Will you vote for Obama or risk abortion being made illegal? (by voting for McCain or staying at home) Are you willing to do that to spite Obama?

If you are then that flies in the face of everything you claim to believe in. Why? Because you will become an advocate choosing to make the lives of countless pregnant women - under difficult circumstances - more traumatic.

All the girls too young to be mothers, those that were raped and abused or have medical problems. Are you really just going to stand by and let McCain into the White house or even worse, vote for him?

Well if you do then you don't love and respect other women or their choice as much as you claim you do. It would be interesting to see what excuse you come up with IF your daughters, sisters, cousins, friends etc end up in that difficult situation and are running around looking for a back street doctor.

I have removed myself from your mailing list. 100% disrespectful - no wonder the choice movement and women lose ground every day. A short term call with long term consequences, and so ridiculously unnecessary at this point in the campaign.

This is why I do my own choice work and support - you guys really don't have a clue and have lost your way, this latest debacle being just one example.

I am utterly outraged and shocked by the decision to endorse Senator Obama at this stage in the nominating process. The contest is not over and the nominee is not chosen yet. It does not make sense to waste resources or to alienate a large chunk of your supporters by choosing one candidate over the other. Why couldn't you just wait until the nominee is chosen?

In addition, I consider your choice to be a slap in the face of Senator Clinton not because she is a woman but because she has been such a staunch advocate for reproductive rights for decades. The list of battles she has fought on these issues is too long to recite here. However, how can we forget who fought so ferociously to ensure that Plan B is available over the counter and who sponsored the Prevention First Act and who introduced the CARE Act? This endorsement is outrageous and I am ashamed to be a member of NARAL at this point.

Please consider rescinding this shameful endorsement and wait until the nominee is chosen!

Toot! Toot! All aboard the Obama bandwagon. I echo everyone else on here when I wonder why NARAL wouldn't at least WAIT to let it play out in the primaries, instead of poking holes in Hillary's ship. It's not like NARAL's endorsement makes them the vanguard of Obama supporters. You've let a lot of women down.

I am so disappointed in your endorsement...and so early. I cannot understand why everyone is turning away from Senator Clinton before the primary is over... This is the closest primary
that I can remember ----

There is a law that states that if no one gets the number of delegates the first time around,
the delegates can change their vote and not vote
with their constituants.

Hillary would still have a chance. It's not
that I would switch and even think about voting for McCain or not voting - I will vote for
Obama should he win the nomination....but I will be so frustrated. I haven't been so moved about a candidate since John F. Kennedy and
then Bobby Kennedy in the primaries.

Let Hillary have her fighting chance.

Don't give up Hillary .....

I have to say that I'm surprised at your recent endorsement. Why with 3 weeks left in the nominating process would you not let the process finish? Especially when HRC has done so much for Reproductive Rights in America. If nothing else you have no political sense or backbone.
I hope you get your act together soon.
I wont be attending any more of your affiliate events for sure!

And for all those women who think all women should support Hillary. My mom though my honesty, and dignity, I will not vote for a woman who acts like a man, will say anything and do anything to win. That is not the kind of role model I want for my daughter.

Ms. Keenan,

I have been a long-time supporter of NARAL. With this endorsement, you have ensured that I will no longer support this organization. Endorsing a candidate when they are the only remaining one in the field who supports NARAL’s position is understandable and desirable. Doing so when another viable candidate remains is flexing a political muscle in an inappropriate and potentially destructive way.

I believe that you have hurt this cause with your endorsement, and will ignore all future communications, especially requests for donations, that I receive from NARAL.

I am extraordinarily disappointed.

Shame on you. You've lost my support. If you wanted to humiliate Hillary Clinton, elected women (I was a Mayor for 20 years), and the entire gender--you've just done it! Oh, yes--and set back "feminism" at least another decade. Please don't e-mail me anymore.

Thank you NARAL - You made the right choice in endorsing Senator Obama, he is the best choice. Your decision is welcome for another, as important reason, it's a refreshing affirmation of the fact that being a feminist is not solely determined by your gender or your race. I am a feminist, and just because I am a Black woman that does not make me ineligible to claim that incredible title - no matter what Senator Clinton and her supporters might say. What Senator Clinton and her cronies do not understand is that this is a new day, a new time. We feminists of the 21st century may be hurt and dissapointed that some our "sisters" have, once again, thrown large numbers of us darker hued sistas under the bus for their own purposes - but we will not be ignored nor will we remain silent. Our voices are just as important as theirs (if not as strident) and I thank NARAL for making a choice based on deep understanding - not blind, single-minded, hype.

I applaud your decision. As a 50-year-old white woman I am deeply distrubed by the infighting that could threaten our right to choose if it divides us to a point where McCain is elected.

What a relief it would be to have a constitutional law professor in the White House! Thanks for showing courage and leadership.

I am a 57 year old woman who is pro-choice, and am very happy for your endorsement of Senator Obama. I have always welcomed Mrs. Clintons advocacy for women's decisions on these issues. I think her "experience" is more from an "intellectual" level. However, I believe despite Senator Obama's gender, he is most familiar with the pain and heart that ordinary women go through.

He is a compassionate person, who could have worked on Wall Street, but instead worked in a modest job as a civil rights attorney in one of the poor districts of Chicago and helped single mothers. (He was raised by a teenage single mother, and understands intimately the issues women face on all levels.)

Please read the TIMES article on Senator Obama's mother, who was before her time! Women should start a foundation in her name.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1729524-1,00.html

Whoa, lots of negative reaction here! Personally I believe it's a smart endorsement. At this point the nominating process is all but complete, and short of something tragic happening, Obama will be the nominee. It is time for those of us for whom women's reproductive rights matter to stand behind the only candidate that can take our values to the Whitehouse. Making this endorsement takes nothing away from Hillary, but it does send the important message that Obama can represent us just as well. Time to come together people!

Ugh! So disappointed Naral has endorsed Obama. A shakey stance on pro-choice does not a president make. Seems like Naral has followed the "what's cool" thing to do rather than reading voting records of this candidate. Obama IS NOT QUALIFED TO RUN THE COUNTRY. Wake up! Way too many things going on here and I am frightened at the thought that someone as unprepared as Obama could be the guy making the decisions on such extremely important issues.

Dear NARAL,

I am appalled by your betrayal and poor judgment. I am now withdrawing my membership to your shameful organization and hereby pledge never to return. I shall encourage each and every friend, family member, neighbor and fellow feminist to do the same.

Thanks to your misguided hallucinations, McCain will almost certainly be president, as Obama, my law school classmate, will never win the general.

Shame on you and I hope I never hear from you again.

Thank you Nancy and NARAL for recognizing the harm that this extended primary is doing to our real task which is to defeat anti-choice John McCain in November.

It is time to lead and NARAL is doing that.

I really hope that all the pro-choice women making comments here really examine whether their anger at NARAL and yes at Sen. Obama for defeating a woman candidate doesn't need to be put aside in the interest of preseerving choice for another generation of women.

I have a lifetime of work behind me for choice. Please sisters, keep your priorities before you. Don't reject a candidate out of anger. He won the race and he needs your support.

I think it is a shame that so many women are against Obama and the NARAL's support of his bid for the nod. Why would they react that way when they could have been proactive and voicing their expectation of who NARAL should have pulled for. Also, Obama is a friend of the movement. Hillary is for you until she is against you. If she would place the Dem's chances in this sort of peral she does not deserve the nod and that is what the leadership is thinking.

I am appalled at NARAL's endorsement at this moment in time. There can be no justification for choosing Obama over Hillary. She has the longest record of supporting pro-choice (before it was trendy) to say nothing of the fact that she is the strongest candidate to beat McCain. What a shameful decision you have made and a kick in the face to me and any supporter of women's struggles to be taken seriously in a male dominated society. It makes me question who promised you what, inside that beltway, to betray womankind. I guess this is just "old politics as usual" for you Washingtonians. I will support other organizations working for women's rights because it is obvious yours is not one of them.

SO THE NARAL BOARD IN WASHINGTON, D.C. MADE THE ENDORSEMENT DECISION WITHOUT CONSULTING NARAL STATE AFFILIATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

A UNILATERAL DECISION MADE BY THE WASHINGTON BODY IN POWER WITHOUT CONSULTING CONSTITUENTS

HOW IS THIS NOT THE OLD WASHINGTON POLITICS THAT SENATOR OBAMA CLAIMS TO WANT TO TRANSCEND?!?!

SHAME ON YOU!! I will never support this organization again. There was actually an opportnity to elect someone who not only has fought all her life for women's issues and abortion rights but who is the only candidate ever to be in a position to actually make this decision herself. Amazing, Obama just has abortion rights on his platform SHAMEFUL BEYOND BELIEF.

For those claiming this was ill-timed, consider:

1. Obama IS and WILL CONTINUE to be the presumptive nominee in everything but name.
2. Clinton WILL drop out, sometime in early June, after she has expired her debt.
3. McCain IS a war mongering, extremely anti-choice candidate.

To me, it seems like perfect timing - especially in an effort to consolidate support around the one candidate who can protect Roe v. Wade.

Hillary has lost, deal with it.

Never have I ever been embarassed to be a woman until today and this endorsement.

Remove me immediately from your communications. We CLEARLY no longer share common views on what is and is not important to women, and who will, and will not make better choices.

To say I am horrified, appalled and disgusted is a gross understatement.

In response to JESSE PENDERGRASS -

I WAS AN OBAMA SUPPORTER until that day in Raleigh when I witnessed Senator Obama flip Hillary the bird and heard all the laughing and obscene comments around me.

I don't need you, or Senator Obama to tell me that I did not see and hear what I DID see and hear with my own eyes and ears.

I'm fed up with his smokescreen of lies.

As an Obama supporter who has repeatedly informed women voters, about Barack Obama's excellent, brave pro-choice record, it's great to see his commitment to women honored.

For those who are upset about this endorsement, I can understand, but I do ask that you watch these videos by Lorna Brett Howard, as the Clinton campaign has unfortunately not been fully honest about just how good Barack Obama's record is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILVLzbBcs8A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVuMYKs8iJs

He will protect our rights and make us proud to support him.

HUH? Is this REALLY the argument I am seeing made over and over again on this blog?
1. I used to support NARAL, because I believe in a woman's right to choose.

2. But then NARAL didn't endorse Clinton, who supports a woman's right to choose.

3. Instead, they endorsed Obama, who also supports a woman's right to choose.

4. I am so outraged that NARAL would back a man, that I am now pulling my support away from NARAL.

5. Now, I won't get my woman president, or the assurance that there is an organization out there fighting to keep my right to choose.

6. So.......... TAKE THAT NARAL!

OK, ladies. Good move!

Oh, for crying out loud. Is it all about gender? Really? Pro-choicers, if you don't want any more conservatives on the Supreme Court, you, and all of the power organizations, and the superdelegates, and, yes, Hillary Clinton herself, must get behind Barack Obama and we must present ourselves as a united front. Otherwise, we lose it all. Don't you get it? Sen. Clinton is hurting our chance to keep McCain out of office by creating divisions among Democrats. Some of the comments here are dripping with contempt for Sen. Obama, due, no doubt, to her dubious -- and I'm being kind -- tactics of the past few weeks.

I commend NARAL on its endorsement of Barack Obama. I just wish it had come sooner.

NARAL and women owe NOTHING to HRC. Wow- this 41 year old woman is embarrassed by the comments some women are leaving on this blog.

Why do some of you think we OWE anything to HRC. She is a politician and needs to earn our votes and she has not earned the right to represent all women. She does not represent this one.

Again - good move by NARAL to get behing the Democratic Nominee and dont worry about your donations - the young women that have been mobilized and engaged by the Obama campaign and many of us not so young ones support you.

It is a sad day for women and girls when NARAL does this to Hillary Clinton. What were you thinking? Thanks to the National Organization for Women PAC who has shown the way for me.
A 59 year old Pro-Choice Activist from Tacoma WA
Co-Founder of Planned Parenthood of Pierce County

Yay! I am delighted that NARAL has chosen to endorse Barack Obama. He will make a great president and will protect women's right to choose.

This was a brave and correct move. It is time to come together as a group to promote our common concerns. Obama deserves our support!!!!!

NARAL THANK FOR THE ENDORSEMENT, "YES WE CAN AND YES WE WILL"!!! DO YOU NOTICE ALL THE HATEMONGERS FROM BILLARY'S GROUP! THEY SHOULD BE ABORTED!!!!
YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN!!

Naral made the right choice. It may be hard to accept, but Hillary lost. It is time to come together and oppose McCain.
JT

Stay strong NARAL! I know the angry Hillary supporters are after you, Carville will probably call you "Judas" because Hillary supposedly had some sort of entitlement to your endorsement, but you did the right thing, and there are MANY who support your decision, even if they are grossly underrepresented on here.

Obama is indeed a strong and consistent supporter of reproductive rights, and I would go as far as to say that he is a stronger supporter than Hillary, because while their legislative records are equal, in 2006 South Dakota conservatives tried to pass an abortion ban, and pro-choice groups sent out a call for help to pro-choice senators, and only one came to their aid, and that was Barack Obama, NOT Hillary Clinton.

But why can't we agree that they are both committed? Why such anger and outrage? Why so many mean comments and accusations of betrayal when we all support the same cause and when Obama is every bit as deserving of this endorsement as Hillary? This just shows the fundamental difference between Hillary supporters and Obama supporters, and the candidate's themselves. It is the overwhelming negativity of Hillary's side that is so appalling, the overwhelming sense of entitlement, as if every woman MUST support her or risk being a "gender traitor". Oprah faced the exact same attacks, as did Ted Kennedy and Bill Richardson and countless others who have dared to support who they believe is the best candidate. It is disgusting. Everyone on here attacking NARAL should be ASHAMED!

Oh, and I should also say that for you who say you won't vote for Obama or will vote for McCain, you don't deserve to be members of NARAL or to call yourselves pro-choice, because you obviously care NOTHING about reproductive rights, and you'd be willing to sell Roe v Wade down the river for your vindictiveness. How sad...

Women, I understand why you can be mad on this endorsement on a feminist side but why be mad on a party side? Why are you mad when Barack is basically going to win the Democratic nomination. Just look how backwards they would be if they endorsed someone that has no mathematically way possible to win this nomination? I'm sure this decision twisted at the hearts of their board members but in this business you don't wear your emotions on your sleeves. They made the decision that will heal the rift between these two campaigns. When will WE ever wake-up and realize that this isn't about Sen. Clinton or Sen. Obama??? Come on yall let's rally around who will be out Democratic candidate.

I must add my voice to the many NARAL supporters who are offended by your endorsement of Senator Obama. NARAL should not be inserting itself in the political process in this manner - choosing Senator Obama is like choosing which of your children you will back, and which you will abandon. Both Senators Obama and Clinton have been supporters of choice (Senator Clinton more consistently and for a much longer time than Senator Obama) and to select one over the other does not do NARAL credit. You would be wise to withdraw your endorsement and remain on the sidelines.

Thank you for your courageous endorsement of Barack Obama. I see, from the above posts, just how courageous this choice really is. It seems ironic that those who would fight so hard for a woman's right to choose, would then attack and promise to do everything they can to destroy you for that very choice.

I am so proud of you Naral!!! You made a smart reasoned endorsement! I am sending you a check today!

I think it's ridiculous that so many people would push an organization aside because of an endorsement that's not going to make a difference anyway. I have not paid much attention to politics until this year and now I almost wish I hadn't because now I see how we let politics bring out the worst in us. All of the Obama supporters that say they wouldn't vote for Hillary and all of the Hillary supporters that say they wouldn't for for Obama. I'm voting for whoever the democratic nominee. Because when you don't vote you have no right to complain. I'm not going to let McCain appoint more conservative justices to the supreme court to overturn Roe v Wade. Let's not lose our minds here.

I've never been so upset with a member of the Pro Choice Community. Count me out on any further donations. I am almost speechless at this patently dumb move. You've proven once again that women are their own worst enemies sometimes. Disgust with your decision barely covers how I feel about this. Have you forgotten how many things Hillary Clinton and President Clinton have done for the pro choice movement? I haven't. I also won't forget what Naral has done.

I have been a proud Feminist since 1970, when my mother took me out of Jr. High School to go hear Gloria Steinem.

One of the many issues we have fought against so long, and so hard, is gender-based ideology. Therefore, I have NEVER found the reasoning "you must vote for Hillary Clinton simply because she is a woman" to be logical or in the best interests of the cause. Quite the contrary, in fact. If one takes this reasoning to its "logical" conclusion, one might just as well say, "Vote for the vagina."

How, then, would one be able to justifiably argue AGAINST the old, tired, sexist arguments that we--as Feminists--have fought against--men have certain inalienable rights based solely on their gender--without appearing hypocritical?

Given my stance on this conundrum, I've been proud to support Barack Obama for almost a year, now! He has a very nearly identical rating on Choice issues as does Clinton, and he's a vastly superior candidate in many other respects.

Therefore, this NARAL contributer is DELIGHTED with their courageous endorsement, today.

I am extremely disappointed that you are short circuiting the process. Your organization should not have endorsed anyone until the selection process was completed. This is absolutely shameful to undercut the other candidate by this action.

Dirty politics as usual. Shame! Shame! Shame!

I think you made a big mistake. I find Obama is not much more than a used car salesman trying to get me to buy his bill of goods.

So, Hillary has been pro choice as long as I can remember, but you decided to support someone else. Why????

Ok, this is a strange endorsement but nothing surprises me with this election. I did recently hear that Obama is against gay marriage... which really shocked me. So... if that's true, then where does he really stand on this issue? I mean, do we really know any of these candidates? This endorsement does smell fishy though, probably some big time money behind it. That's the only thing that makes sense to me.

NARAL, thank you for doing the right thing and helping to unite this party. As a woman, I am embarassed by the comments some women are leaving on your blog. I am a woman, and I appreciate all you do to help us women be able to have a right to choose what we do with our bodies.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. And thank you for your endorsement of Senator Obama and helping to unite Democrats!

Thank you for having the courage to stand up for what is right and not falling for what is easy. You represent what a true woman should be.

May God bless the NARAL family Thank you for making the right choice Obama "08" Please forgive the ungodly comments from hillarys supporters. They don't understand that picking the next president is not about gender. It's about doing whats best for the country. We need real change Obama "08" represents that. Her supporters represent the type of negativity we don't need in the White House

I am also disappointed in NARAL. Take me off mailing list too.

Disrespect starts at home I guess. Take me off your lists.

All this crap about how good he is IS COMPLETLY IRRELEVANT.

I lived in Arkansas in the day and this woman never deserved this from a woman's organization.

Disgusting.

I for one commend NARAL for their choice today. As a woman, I am extremely proud of their decision. After the dust settles, most logical women, (I cannot emphasize logical strongly enough) will ask themselves exactly what is it that HRC has done for women? I am from NY and voted for her in the last 2 senate elections - should she lose and she will, I will never ever ever vote for her again. She has done absolutely NOTHING for women and children in New York. And while she cozies up her pandering box along with the most conservative of our society (ie. borderline racist evangelical blowhards) are we to believe she is saying one thing to get elected. I am not going to take my chances. Good job NARAL.

Women. Where was your outrage when Hillary smiled while it was mentioned that she has "testicular fortitude"? Where was your and her outrage when James Carville said that she had three balls? Hillary didn't stand up for herself so why are you guys so angry? Where are you now when her campaign is in debt? Do the right thing and turn your anger into contributions today!

This is a betrayal!

While I am not angry, but I am shocked and disappointed and I don't think this represents an appropriate or effective choice by NARAL. I want to share a few thoughts:
-- I agree with the previous poster that this idea that we need to unite behind one candidate before the primaries are over, is false. The contest is inspiring and activating people! And whether it ended today or after the primaries are complete, it's the nominee's job to appeal to and bring in those who were supporting the other candidate. I think that is a very healthy part of the process.
-- I can imagine you thinking that your endorsement could tip the race to an earlier close for Obama, so you can start a few weeks sooner drawing distinctions through comparison with McCain, but I think that overstates your organizational power.
-- Plus, there is nothing stopping NARAL from very effectively and clearly calling out McCain's record and values without an endorsement in the Democratic primary.
-- It does matter that Hillary Clinton is woman, that for the first time in history a woman become President. It matters that Barack Obama is African American and that for the first time in history an African American become President. We still have affirmative action and equal opportunity because we haven't reach racial or gender equality yet. And we need to get beyond the rights, to actually attaining significant leadership positions on both fronts.
-- Importantly, Clinton has been a champion for women's reproductive rights. While Obama is strong too, Clinton is stronger on this one. It behooves NARAL - a women's reproductive rights organization - to recognize this leadership from Clinton (despite her being behind in the race for delegates) and get behind her both as a leader and as a woman, not turn your back on her in the final stages of the race unnecessarily.

As I said, I am very disappointed in NARAL's decision. I don't think there is value in shaming NARAL, but I do think NARAL should recognize and adequately respond to the very real feelings and concerns from your constituents.

I hope all of you outraged women vote for John McCain so he can put some more conservative judges on the Supreme Court. As a white male of better than average education and resources I have done quite well under repulican rule. I have, however, always voted for democrats as I believe they look out for women and minorities more. You will have a choice of Obama or McCain - if you chose McCain out of spite - it is your own kind you will be punishing.

Thank you NARAL!
I see that you are getting alot of heat about endorsing Obama from the comments above. But, I think you have made the right choice. Please keep up the fight for women everywhere. With Obama as President you will undoubtedly have a strong ally in your work.

Tina Wyatt
North Carolina

Dear NARAL,

Until recently, women didn't have even right to vote..... remember?

Isn't pro-choice is 'really' all about 'women men equality' in decision making. (don't just think USA, this is about reality of our whole 'world' today)

What if men had to go through pregnancy & delivery.....

HOPE you reconsider your endorsement for the sake of the 'big picture'

Women (around the world) need all the women support they can get plus strong support of good men to make this world a better place.

Obama might be one of the 'good men'. But right now what WE(Women Everywhere) need is a BIG SYMBOLIC GESTURE.... just like what Rosa Parks did..... The whole world is watching Hillary's fight right now.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE RECONSIDER YOUR SUPPORT!!

Hope you will support Hillary to make her 'statement' turn into reality.....

At the United Nations Conference in Beijing in 1995.....
Hillary said "women's rights are human rights"

Thank You. God Bless.

I am a mother of 4 and a stong advocate for women's rights. I support groups dedicated to women and giving us the power and choice.
I am VERY disappointed with NARAL for endorsing Obama. I can't believe you'd give up this soon!
I am excited at the thought of a woman as president and I refuse to give that dream up yet!
If Obama is the nominee then give your support at that time, but don't turn your back on Hilary yet!
Shame on you!!!!!
Women need to stand strong and united and no man will ever look out for us the way another woman will...regardless of what he says!
Haven't we had enough of men making our decisions and choices for us??? Isn't it about time to look out for ourselves and support a strong female who deserves to be the next president of the United States?
In response to your poor and premature choice, I refuse to support this organization..let me know when you get real!

Thank you, NARAL.

We need to elect a Democrat this time to prevent further eroding of rights by Republican-appointed Supreme Court justices.

It's time to focus on the general election.

Wrong choice