regarding the last 24 hours

"We honor ALL of these feelings and opinions"... too bad you didn't bother checking with your members and associate groups about this before making such a blunder

After years of support to NARAL and years of work that has tried to make a better place for my daughter to grow up in how can you so blatently disregard the misogynistic political activity we see happening everyday and targeting one of the most respected and capable women of our times, Hillary Clinton. It is mind boggling that you have not even had the courtesy to withhold your endorsement until everyone has had a chance to vote. I never thought I would feel this way about NARAL--but you no longer have my support. Your actions have hurt me personally, a betrayal of my rights as a woman. Don't misunderstand me, I support Hillary Clinton not because she is a women, but because I am a woman. I call about women's issues--all of them, as does Hillary Clinton. Shame on the NARAL leadership!

How dare you write a lecturing email to us telling us to be "respectful of other's opinions". You don't HAVE an opinion as you are an organization supported by OUR DOLLARS!

How dare you take our hard-earned dollars to support your income when you do NOT support women.

You did NOT have to do this on the day that you did this - so, what I want to know is . . . what is the politics and who is behind this??

I was on the front lines fighting for women's rights with Ann Richards, Geraldine Ferraro, and Pat Schroeder and so many other strong women - just to have you do this. Ann is probably turning in her grave. Actually, I rather believe Ann is on the other side doing something to help make this right and I hope that means that Hillary will finish out the primary so she has built a base in EVERY state in this union so she can get petitions signed and RUN as AN INDEPENDENT!

She sure a hell does not owe the Democratic Party or organizations like this one ANYTHING!

Run Hillary Run as an Independent! Real women and not those that steal our money under the disguise of an organization for women's rights - have your back!!

NARAL NOT ANOTHER DIME FROM ANYONE that I have talked with or have emailed me today.

I am going to be spending my time FIGHTING for the person that is fighting for me and the rights of women!

I am extremely disappointed. Not sure if your organization will make it after this blunder.

You state that "honor" all these feelings and opinions. What on earth does that mean? You still haven't bothered to explain why NARAL took this idiotic step in the first place or why you didn't consult your local organizations or your membership, or why you would mistake your mission that we fund to be choosing between two pro-choice candidates. But perhaps that is your mission now, whatever I no longer care because I will no longer be funding it.

Bravo NARAL for your endorsement of Obama. I commend your decision both to recognize the realities of the Democratic primary race and to communicate in no uncertain terms that the single most important priority for NARAL and pro-choice Americans is the election of the Democratic nominee for President in November, regardless of whether that nominee is a woman or a man.

The responses from Hillary supporters have been very sad. I know that you are very upset that Hillary will not get the nomination but you all are acting like children having a temper tantrum. I blame Senator Clinton for a lot of the hatred that's occured between the two camps. She has made a lot of mistakes that her supporters will not own up to. 1. She ran as the inevitable candidate. 2. She has run a poor campaign. Her strategy in going for only the "big states" or not having a plan after Super Tuesday. 3. Mismanaging campaign finance. By relying on lobbists and a small group of donors that maxed out early..now she's in 20 million + debt. 4. Keeping up this charade the she has a chance of winning. 5. Using the race and gender card.

Is this how Hillary plans to run the Country?

I don't see what the big deal of NARAL supporting Obama. SHE CAN'T WIN...DO THE MATH. Granted, the could have waited but 6 in one hand, 1/2 dozen in the other.

Now what Clinton was leading by every measure, do you think the DEMs would steal the nomination from her? I don't think so.

Thank you, NARAL, for making this important endorsement. I am a supporter of both Senator Barack Obama and of NARAL. On reason I support Obama is his ability to bring people together to move forward and make real changes happen. I believe that just as Obama has showed leadership and vision in reaching out to unite people, NARAL is showing leadership by helping to unite the pro-choice majority. This fall, we will face a critical choice: a vote for Obama will be a vote to preserve women's reproductive freedom. A vote for Senator McCain (or any candidate other than the Democratic nominee) will be a vote to allow the appointment of another anti-choice Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. To preserve reproductive freedom, we must unite behind the Democratic nominee to defeat Senator McCain. I look forward to working again with NARAL to elect a Democratic, pro-choice president. I believe that Senator Obama is the presumptive nominee, and I welcome NARAL's leadership in this historic election.

THANK YOU NARAL FOR SUPPORTING SENATOR OBAMA!

I look forward to working and donating to your organization to protect women's rights. It's time for the adults in the room to begin healing the wounds and start bring the party together.

I want to thank you, as a woman, a feminist, a passionate believer in what you do and an Obama supporter, for throwing your endorsement to him under what must be an EXTREME amount of discontent. I want to thank you for your recognition that just because someone is a woman, does not mean they would make a capable president. And finally, I want to thank you for taking this step, which will hopefully lead to the coming together of the democratic party behind our nominee, so that we can concentrate not on our in-fighting, but on the true enemy to the cause - John McCain.

I know many people on here have threatened to or actually gone through with pulling their support. However, because of your choice, I am making my first donation to NARAL.

Thank you.

I am so very disappointed that you have turned on HILLARY -- such a horrendous thing to do to a fellow woman! Jumpin' on the bandwagon, are you? I am pulling my support -- believe it! I am not alone and SHAME on you!

The people using this blog to condemn Hillary supporters for their outrage are MISSING THE POINT. This organization is largely funded by Hillary supporters who were given no say in the endorsement, (which was timed to overshadow Hillary's win in West Virginia and was a slap in the face). A few people on the board made a decision without anyone's input, as if they were czarinas. It's an insult to the membership, and most of the Obama followers shouldn't even be here because they were never part of NARAL to begin with. Obama is hardly the women's issues candidate. Let's see what happens to NARAL's numbers after the dust settles. Then maybe you'll get it. An organization can't exist without it's backers, and these new Obama enthusiasts aren't likely to stick around.

As an avid pro choice supporter, I commend your endorsement of Senator Obama.

As a more "mature" woman, I have always upheld a woman's right to choose what to do.

Thank you.

I think the Obama camp sent out a blanket email to write in and thank NARAL. If you will notice from the Obama supporters writing in - their is NO SUBSTANCE behind what they are writing.

Those of us that have literally given money, time, and had to standup for women's rights against all odds for years and years - we are writing with real passion and with stories and fierce feelings.

The contrast between the two different groups writing in falls right in line with the substance and experience behind the two candidates; Hillary and Obama.

SPREAD THE WORD! Encourage Hillary to take all of our names and numbers that she has gathered from across the nation and get her petitions signed to be on the ballot in all 50-states running as an INDEPENDENT!

And, for all you women writing in saying you don't get it that we are upset - you are either not telling the truth or you are too young to have experienced what it is like to be a woman in this country. After all - no one can make ANY kind of commment about a segment of the votes coming in being white votes or they are accused of being racist. But, work your heart out as Hillary has for her entire life for women and children and less advantaged - and if some organization like NARAL decides to throw her under the bus - well, 'that's alright because after all - she is just a woman.'

THE ELECTION IS NOT OVER YET! If you are interested in drafting Hillary to run as an Independent then let's get it done!!

We can still have a female president in our lifetime but, we have to take Hillary's wonderful example and stand up strong and NEVER give up - no matter what!

Email me and I will be the first to do something about collecting a petition to draft Hillary to run as an Independent.
nanalovesmyjrck@yahoo.com

STAND STRONG SISTERS and for ONCE let us not be our own worse enemy.

NANCY KEENAN MUST BE REPLACED!!! YOU NO LONGER HAVE ANY MEANING! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE IRRELEVANT!!

So, way to go Naral. Make a decision to endorse one pro-choice candidate over another and choose the one who has a lukewarm record at best over the one who has been a leader in the pro-choice area for decades. You should note that your endorsee Obama is so "grateful" that there is not one mention of this endorsement on his website -- although later ones are certainly there. Moreover, there is not one word about reproductive choice on the website -- what a pro-choice leader. All those Obama supporters who say get over it to those who object -- good luck when this man is President. Say bye to Roe v. Wade all signs indicate that he will not protect it.

I know this may not be the right moment in time to come together, but this is not the time to flirt with a pro-life Republican.

You have seen the last penny from me, I will no longer support NARAL. For you to endorse a candidate with no track record (voting present doesn't count) over a women who has stood up for women's reproductive rights for her entire life - shame on you. I've already called my local chapter and they are insisting that they were not consulted in this decision. When the dust settles, we'll see how much financial support the NARAL pac has.

I am so disappointed in NARAL's endorsement and the timing of the announcement. Hillary Clinton has been fighting for women's rights, including our right to choose for decades. If we compare Clinton to Obama just using the information listed on NARAL's own wesite, it is clear that Hillary is the more substantive candidate on the issue of choice. She has been an ally to NARAL during her seven years in the Senate and while she was a state and national first lady. Shame on NARAL for not endorsing Senator Clinton's presidential candidacy months ago.

Ms. Keenan,

Respect is not a gift, it need to be earned and you have most definitely not earned it. We would like to know how you can endorse Obama when Clinton is still in the race. How can you ignore her when she is the strongest voice on Women's rights and women's choice? I wonder if you are able to look at yourself in the mirror after this endorsement.
Shame on you..

Hillary 'O8
She must run as independent candidate and I know she will win.

Your organization no longer has my support or respect.

Thank you for your endorsement of Sen. Obama. In spite of the many comments I've read here from disheartened Clinton supporters, please know that there are also thousands of pro-choice women who support Barack Obama. Clearly, he will be our nominee, and I hope others can set aside their bitterness and disappointment to work together to put him in the White House. Thank you for your courage - in case it makes up for the grief in some small way, I'm sending you a check.

As a new member of NARAL I applaud the endorsement of the next president of the United States. I look forward to his appointments of the Supreme Court.

I'm so glad you have so many new members. God knows if they'll stick around with money and volunteer hours after their leader Sen. Obama is gone.

The most disturbing part is that so many of the Obama supporters think this was leadership and compare this endorsement to that of EMILY's List. I will explain the difference - EMILY's list is there to get PRO-CHOICE WOMEN elected. NARAL is here to protect a woman's reproductive rights. See the difference? Apples and oranges. One specifically supports women in politics the other supports pro choice candidates. HMMM - that, according to NARAL, means BOTH.

NARAL wanted to be the first to endorse and jump on the bandwagon before the general election. You knew that if you waited to endorse after June 3rd you'd be just another left organization for Obama. Wow! You showed your cards and those of us who have phone banked and put together fundraisers, attended auctions and galas, spent countless hours and dollars - well we will remember this.

What a disgrace.

I have been an active advocate for women's rights my entire life.

I marched on Washington DC, attended Jesse Jackson rallies for choice. Organized bus trips to attend.

I have been a past contributor to NARAL.

NARAL should have remained neutral, as both candidates are pro-choice.

It is a disgrace and I will never send a nickel to NARAL ever again.

Barack Hussein Obama = washington politics as usual, with a twist of racism and hatred towards women!

Nice call NARAL

Thank you Naral for endorsing our next president of the United States of America. As a proud pro-choice activitist I certainly support a candidate who understands and values women's rights. I'm also proud to have my very own Senator Claire McCaskill from Missouri and Senator Kathleen Sebelius from Kansas endorsement for Obama. It is clear that Naral and many others are aware of the positive and unified steps many Americans are wanting to move forward. I look forward in continuing to support this organization in years to come.

Naral, pro-choice made the BEST CHOICE!!!!! Way to go!!!!!

If Clinton still had a chance to win the nomination, I would agree that endorsing with three weeks to go might be a mistake.

Thing is, I don't see how she can win at this point. Even IF enough undeclared superdelegates prefered Clinton to get her the nomination, they wouldn't dare. They know how many people would feel that the "will of the people" was overturned by party insiders and how many voters, particularly younger ones, would lose all enthusiasm for the general election.

The bottom line is there was no reason for this endorsement at this time and if there was a reason it was politicaly motivated. I give $500 a year to NARAL, plan to deduct that from your budget.

I have heard both of them speak, Obama does not even address woman's rights....shame on you!

Don't tell us to be respectful of everyone's opinion when you didn't even consider your organization's opinion as a whole. NARAL you have made a terrible decision and you should replace your political department they may have sunk NARAL as an organization. My money goes o Emily's List from now on...

Respect everyone's opinion! Please how about you respect the people that our in your organization. Shame on you!

I would like to address Thorn's point that Clinton can't win the nomination.

Clinton may not win the nomination in 2008 but she can walk away from this race with a whole lot of political power. Senate Majority Leader is what I'm hoping for, way better than VP, btw. If she goes out after several big wins a row (WV, KY, PR) it underscores her popularity with a large part of the population and helps her political and legislative agenda. She has always been solidly pro-reproductive rights, which is allegedly also NARAL's agenda. NARAL's ill-timed announcement (aimed at drawing attention away from her overwhelming win in WV) was a slap in the face and may have affected her ability to push their agenda in the future. (well, except that NARAL's just not that powerful to begin with)

Also, if she goes out on a high note (and remember, we're not talking about Ron Paul her with 2% support), her base -- also largely NARAL's base -- is more likely to act favorably toward throwing their support behind Obama if that's what she asks of them. It also facilitates her ability make pro-choice political gains.

If Obama loses in Novemeber (which, sorry 'Bots, is a reasonable possibility), Clinton's in a better position for 2012.

By not waiting a lousy three weeks, NARAL has effected the exact opposite result of their stated aim (focus attention on McCain's anti-choice policies), lit a match to gas can of Clinton vs Obama contention, hurt Clinton's political power and pro-choice voice, and will cost them significant money and support.

It is, in fact, NARAL itself that should be criticized for not keeping its eyes on the prize, not Clinton supporters. I don't believe for a second that NARAL 'anticipated' quite these 'strong reactions' to their endorsement. What organization, when choosing between Option A -- tick off your base for a not great chance of acquiring new support or Option B -- wait a few weeks and make your base happy AND bring in new support, would conceivably in any universe or any situation choose Option A? It is inexplicable. It underscores either a radical misunderstanding of their supporters, a blatant disregard of their supporters, or a bewildering naivete of politics.

Reading the comments (and I've read over 400 of them), there are very, very few Clinton supporters who have been or could be swayed toward Obama based on their endorsement. Again, inexplicable.

Btw, does anyone know whether NARAL's board is elected by members or are they chosen some other way? Because if it's elected by members, I seriously encourage everyone who is appalled and disgusted by this action to either stick around or join just long enough to vote them out.

Nancy,

Please respect those of us who are so very disappointed in you and your authoritarian decision to act on your own accord and endorse Obama. I asked you last night to resign today, so that we will not have to take further action, but I sense from reading your patronizing letter to us that you truly don't get it.

I am asking you one more time to resign before you are seriously forced out. This decision will force NARAL into bankruptcy.

WOW.......this endorsement was so important to Obama that he has yet to mention it.

Have a nice retirement.

NARAL will not get a penny from me EVER again! How can an organization supporting women's right support a race-baiting male,fear mongering, spineless whimp who won't/can't debate the next president of the United States???

Your organization should be shunned since you can't figure out that you need to be neutral. BO is no presidential material. MO will never live in the White House.

SHAME ON YOU, NARAL!!! I used to think you were a valuable organization. Now I think you are a sell out to the women you claim to represent.SHAME ON YOU, NARAL!!!

I hope you're happy, because Obama doesn't even want to count Fla. where Hillary won 17% of the vote and in Mich. She would be leading in the popular vote and delegates. Keep on Hillary and run as an independent.What man talked you into endorsing the oily Obama. I will be a first time Republican voter in Nov. Hillary and womens rights activist Nancy Woodard

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

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

We can do it!

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

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

May the best PERSON win!

I will respect your opinion, but you lost my support for not asking my opinion. I was obviously wrong that this is an organization that respects the rights and opinions of women, since you obviously didn't care about ours.

Any donations I would have given to you, now go to Hillary, someone who has and will fight for women!

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING SENATOR OBAMA, NARAL! AND PLEASE EXCUSE HILLARY's "SUPPORTERS" FOR BEING SO OUTWARDLY NASTY.

It is unfortunate that Sentor Clinton's supporters seem to thrive on such hostility, and it only underscores the negativity that has become synonymous with that camp. This negativity will get you nowhere, ladies.

Cheers, NARAL!

Thank you for supporting Obama. I know that it was a tough decision for you but given the circumstances I think I understand. It is clear that Obama will be the Democratic nominee. If we wish to protect a woman's right to choose we need to make sure that McCain is not elected. While many would have preferred that Clinton was the nominee it is clear that she won't be. I hope that people will ultimately vote to protect woman's rights and not vote out of anger. Unfortunately, many will be angry at NARAL and stop supporting you financially. This is unfortunate. To make up the difference many of us have been actively soliciting contributions to NARAL to help you through these tough times.

Nancy, would you be a dear and explain to your readers how George Soros is a BIG NARAL donor. Be sure to explain that although George Soros is probably Obama's biggest donor since at least 2004, your triangle relationship is only coincidental and had absolutely nothing to do with your endorsement. Thanks sweetie!

I know NARAL sold out to Obama. Obama is controlling the cash and he is now controlling NARAL.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20080513/pl_politico/10315

It would not be so bad if NARAL just said, "Hey people we don't care about women, we just want money and power." But instead you pretend to care about women when you are only interested in money and power.

Kudos to NARAL for having the courage to endorse Senator Obama, a true and committed supporter of women's rights.

Need I remind all the Clinton supporters that as Oprah stated, we are not just women, but we are free women; free to choose with our minds and our hearts.

It is very sad to see men put women down and tell them they can not do something because it is a mans world. But, it is even sadder when a group of women tell a woman she can not do anything. Hillary Clinton has ALWAYS been about women right. You know what you don't have to support Hillary Clinton but I will and thousands of other women will. We will not be like you and bow down to any man we will stand strong and demand our rights. I am a 20 year old African American woman and I am a proud supporter of Hillary Clinton.

Thank you NARAL, for your many years of service, not just to women, but to all Americans who care about privacy and safe medical care.
I'm a one-issue voter, and this is my issue. I don't care who supports a woman's right to choose; I only care that it is protected. If Senator Clinton were to run as an independent, my one cause would be considerably weakened. Not only because it would open a door to Senator McCain's win in November, but because it would also cost Senator Clinton her standing in the Senate. She would give up ever being in charge of a committee, minimizing her influence. Influence we desperately need.
I would ask that we step back and see the whole forest. I know the tree in front of us is huge and exciting and has maybe been of intense interest and hope for years -- the Redwood of a woman in the Oval Office. But the entire forest of women's issues is crucial and threatened. I'm not going to allow my disappointment that there won't be a woman in the White House --this time -- set the women's movement back one hundred years. I respectfully ask that the rest of the women on this thread do the same.

As a strong feminist and Obama supporter, your decision to endorse Sen. Obama really impressed me! I am signing up for your email list and donating ASAP! Together with NARAL, Yes We Can! Gracias!

AnnaM,

You have stated that you care deeply about your one-issue and therefore, don't care who NARAL endorses as long your issue of a woman's right to choose is protected. THEN WHY WOULD YOU NOT CARE that the Democratic Party and this organization is trying to get rid of Hillary Clinton who has been a staunch supporter for your one-issue?

The ONLY power that Hillary and all of us are going to be assured to have for this issue and other issues that are good for women, children, and ALL - is to take the White House so we can REALLY clean house and make real changes.

Don't you see that Hillary is being expected to continue to take her place in the office where women work as the secretary that NEVER gets the promotion but is always training and mentoring the new young man that comes in to get the job we should have been promoted to take. And, then after we train this young man - he becomes our boss and we are fetching his coffee and making his tee times.

Wake up Anna and stand strong for REAL rights of women by putting a women in the bosses chair. IT IS TIME!

I am an Obama supporter,middle aged,white woman...he has thousands and thousands of us! I am thrilled with your indorsement of the obvious candidate for the dem party. Hillary as an independant??? That shows how far removed from reality some of the irate members are. What will these members do when Hillary herself works hard to make sure Obama wins the general election. I understand the passion and disapointment but it sounds like many of the posts here are written by women who do not understand the political process. The United Steel Workers also endorsed Obama without asking its members. To say that Obama is a weaker candidate when it comes to WOMENS rights is an ignorant rant...LOOK at his record!!!!! the real record,not the rants of woman who have not done their homework.
My Gosh,we need to elect a democrat in Nov. ...mourn the loss,educate yourself on the REAL OBAMA,and join Hillary in supporting him! If she is your voice follow her ...she will be working to get Obama elected...watch and see!!
THANK YOU to NARAL,I am joining and making a donation!!!

Just remember that part of the reason for the second wave of feminism was that women had to take a second seat to men in practically all walks of life, even in the civil rights movement,as the famous Stokely Carmichael comment made clear ("the only position for women in SNCC is prone"). Therefore we all knew things weren't really going to change until women got in positions of power. So now, for the first time, a woman is a serious contender for President and a major feminist organization decides to endorse her opponent. Even if her chances are slim, symbolically it is a devastating move. What a message it sends to feminists. I'm beginning to think the one thing you can count on is that women, even women who call themselves feminists,can always be counted on to stand by...men.

....i am voicing my internal anger at your endorsement of senator obama....i
have and will always be a pro-choice female....i have worked and campaigned
for many of the pro-choice candidates throughout my 56 years....my
involvement with the presidential campaign this year has been
extraordinary...i have been on the "trial" in hew hampshire and in
pennsylvania with senator clinton....she is an extraordinary human
being...and she happens to be a woman....your organization is entitled to
endorse whomever they choose and at whatever time in the campaign they
choose to do so...but with that said your blatant manipulation of this
endorsement at this particular junction in the campaign is inexcusable and
will forever change my support of your organization....allowing the process
to complete itself is what the american democratic system is prized for and
you have "sabotaged the system and the values that your core constituency
hold most dear...shame on you and your not so "subtle" undermining from a
very important public "pulpit".....your politics have tainted your true
conviction and underlying mission.....barbara kobren

What a disgrace that NARAL has turned its back on the woman who has stood up for women's issues her whole life; made actual progress and changes in doing so and reached the level of power that Hillary Clinton has achieved. It is one thing for the Democratic party hierarchy to pat her on the head and tell her to sit down and be patient and be a nice little girl and wait her turn because we have a man who has come on the scene and although he hasn't really done anything for women, he speaks well. That's bad enough but it is what we have become accustomed to - certainly we can all play those tapes of our own experiences. But it is quite another thing for a national women's organization to join the misogynist ranks. What was the rush to judgment when the nomination process was not complete? Why squander any power at this point. I have had suspicions since Nancy Keegan took the helm and now I am more convinced that my misgivings were well founded. As a long time pro-choice activist and NARAL supporter for many years, I will now give my support to other organizations who truly believe in women gaining political power in order to achieve true equality of human rights in this country.

THE IRONY of this situation is incredibly disturbing! -

An authority figure makes a unilateral decision without regard for the opinions of those whose lives will be affected.

NOW you want to "chat"? I'm sorry, it's TOO LATE!

I'm writing here because my 15 year old daughter asked me why a woman's organization would endorse Hillary Clinton's opponent before the race was complete.

The claim that this race is over is propaganda. The fact that you accepted this misinformation demonstrates ignorance as to the purpose of the superdelegate system...and a complete lack of respect for our country's first viable woman candidate for the Presidency. I cannot believe I even need to say this to NARAL...but your premature endorsement of Senator Clinton's opponent hurts every young girl who is watching this race.

The purpose of the superdelegate system is to deal with any late-breaking information regarding the winning candidate. Their purpose is to choose the candidate that has the best chance of winning the general election.

SUPERDELEGATES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE UNTIL THE CONVENTION. Their endorsements mean nothing.

NARAL, you have embarrassed yourself; you made a political statement and thus lost my family's support. You've taught my daughter that the world does not respect women.

What's the matter with you? I would have thought your organization would be the last to stab Senator Clinton in the back.

NARAL, we thank you for being honest about your endorsement of Sen Obama. We understand that this was a tough issue for you to make. Don't take the remarks from the Clinton supporters to heart too much. Sen Obama was behind Sen Clinton by 100 superdelegates; and has not surpassed her. YOU were not the ONLY ones to endorse; many many people also feel that this race is over and it is VITAL that we do what's best for the Democratic Party. Femenist groups want to make this about just voting in a WOMAN - no matter what, no matter how. It's unrealistic. HRC had every opportunity possible to WIN this nomination - but didn't. That's not Obama's fault or yours.

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

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

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

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

I am proud of Senator Hillary Clinton.

I *will* vote for McCain.

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

http://www.barackobamaassociates.info/

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

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

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

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

It's amazing from reading these remarks, how HRC camp and supporters - jumped all over Obama's 'misquoted' bitter statement. Yet, in almost every post almost every one of them sound 'bitter'. These do not sound like the so nice and pleasent people that Clinton mentioned.

You fight for CHOICE - but won't stand behind another woman's right to choose. Yet call Obama a hypocrite. AMAZING! You cast your vote and let NARAL cast theirs! Isn't that what AMERICA is all about? Isn't that what NARAL - is all about????? THis is about he DEMOCRATIC PARTY and AMERICA! NOT Hilary Clinton - and not JUST women's rights only!

This message in response to "Mindy":

As in sports, it is disrespectful to proclaim victory until the competition is complete. Senator Clinton has not stopped her campaign. When she arrives at the convention, she will be the leader of the popular vote. She will make her case as to why she has a better chance of winning the general election. Then, the superdelegates will decide based on all the information available to them...including late breaking information about Senator Obama. Clinton's case is actually a very good one...for the good of the Party.

I am not a "feminist". I believe in showing respect to those who are brave enough to run for President of the United States.

Your obvious attempt to prematurely end this Primary race is sad and transparent. And NARAL's support of this behavior is a disgrace.

What is everyone trying to hide? Why won't you allow this race to continue for another few weeks?

to all of you hysterical clinton supporters:

1. the fact that the race is over is NOT propaganda, it is reality. i have been a feminist all my life, i was raised by a strong feminist and there is nothing i've ever wanted more than to see a woman running the country. but just because hillary clinton is a woman, does not mean she would make a good leader. regardless, it is over and it is time to start fighting john mccain. even your candidate has stopped saying this is a horserace, even she knows it's over.

2. hillary clinton is not stupid enough to run as an independent. she would lose, obama would lose and she would go down in history as the person who destroyed the democrats chances of getting the white house back in a year when it was being handed to them on a silver platter. if that were to happen, her political credibility would somewhere around water commissioner, and she's smart enough to know that. what i find ironic is that many of you claim to be pro-women's rights and yet are so blinded by your loyalty to hillary clinton that you would vote for her as an independent (indirectly for john mccain) or directly for john mccain. you do realize that if that happens, we get two more ultra-conservative judges on the supreme court, right? you do realize that is sort of the opposite of what you're supposed to be for, right? and to think that one of your commenters called us (obama supporters) "'bots."

3. finally, to the person who said in an earlier comment that we obama supporters should not be so rude and nasty, please go back and read all the comments on this post. i think, if you have an open mind, you will see that WE are not the ones having a problem with being nasty. and as much as i get enraged reading your ignorant comments, i don't blame you. your candidate has lost and you're mad, it's completely understandable and if the shoe were on the other foot, i would feel the exact same way.

BUT it's time to start dealing with reality. and the reality is that you can be angry and disappointed forever that hillary clinton is not going to be president or you can ruminate on her political future, but right now it's 2008 and it's so very important that none of us have 4 more years of george bush light. i think that's something we can all agree we don't want, right?

PS. please save your breath telling me i'm a "'bot" or an idiot or whatever else. thank you.

In response to Peter:
"You fight for CHOICE - but won't stand behind another woman's right to choose. Yet call Obama a hypocrite."

Peter, you neglect to see that a women's right to choose is being violated by NARAL right now. Senator Hillary Clinton chooses to continue her campaign for 3 more weeks.

You have decided to take her right to choose away.

Sadly, I'm afraid that you are incapable of understanding why this is a gross violation.

Alm wrote:
"to all of you hysterical clinton supporters:"

Hi Alm,

Imagine if the NAACP endorsed Obama's opponent before Obama had withdrawn from the race.

I'm guessing you would be outraged, but would that make you a "hysterical Obama supporter"?

No, I guess it would not because you are refuse to see the world from anyone else's perspective.

Good luck with that.

Just wanted to let NARAL know I am making ANOTHER donation today, after reading the absurd comments from so many Hillary supporters.

I am a 48 year old feminist and I would have loved to see a female president, but Hillary was not going to be it.

Anyone who claims to care about women's rights would NEVER vote for McCain, so stop the ridiculous blustering.

If you do vote for McCain, or act to undermine Obama, I hope you stock up on latex gloves, because you will need them to help the poor women who will need emergency medical care after they resort to back alley abortions.

Pro-Choice Pro-Obama!!!

The race is *not* over:

popular vote popular vote
w/ MI FL w/o MI FL
Clinton 1713 16,691,639 15,492,344
Obama 1894 16,648,060 16,071,846

Remember that the General Election is NOT a caucus. One person, one vote.

source: http://abcnews.go.com/politics

HRC Supporters, I know this is hard for YOU. But HRC needs a minimum of 76% of the remaining votes to just catch up to Obama. Even though she won WV by a landslide - she STILL did not make it to 76%.

I'm sorry, HRC fought a good fight - but this race "IS" over!! In every likelyhood, Sen Obama will be the nominee and we should rally behind him and push every woman's issue we can, to make sure we are heard. But try to begin to embrace that HRC will not likely be the nominee. NARAL waited I'm sure as long as they could for HRC to catch up - but it just never happened. Give NARAL a break! Love HRC - and let's begin to embrace Obama.

I agree that there are some amazing remarks on this blog. To "Fletcher" who is ashamed of being a woman- I find your comments to be most shocking. It is appalling that your disagreement would cause you to support McCain. That really negates everything that women's rights are all about. Rather than being ashamed of being a woman, you should be ashamed of being willing to throw in the towel and risk setting women's issues back. Although I am an Obama supporter, I agree that NARAL should have waited a couple of weeks before announcing their support because it does come across as being somewhat politically motivated- especially after reading many of these comments. However, to say that NARAL is turning its back on women's issues is insane- only had NARAL been endorsing McCain would that have been the case. Even if Hillary instead of Obama was to win the nomination, I would not be so bitter as to forget the big picture- she would have my vote without any hesitation. Shame on many of you for being so narrow minded.

Hi Lisa,

Why are we talking about McCain?

What we are really talking about is 3 weeks. 3 stupid weeks!

Let's be honest here. The real reason there is uso much pressure on organizations like NARAL to prematurely end Senator Clinton's campaign is.......

Obama cannot win this primary as a vetted candidate. You folks are afraid of what may come out about him. You are afraid that the numbers will highlight his weaknesses.

Clinton will complete this process as the "people's choice"; she'll have the popular vote. Senator Obama is a "caucus candidate" only where the bully tactics of his campaign are so successful.

I've got news for you, Sweetie. The general election is no caucus.

To Reese above:

As a black american, yes, I would be hurt if the NAACP endorsed Clinton, you're right. But not if it looked HIGHLY HIGHLY likely that Clinton was the winner and they did what they felt was best to begin to unite the party to defeat McCain. I know with all of my heart the NAACP would have loved to endorse Obama (in this hypothetical situation) but understands that we must UNITE now. Just like NARAL.

I would be hurt Reese, but would be able to understand their FREE CHOICE. And I could also RESPECT their decision because I know it had to be a hard one to make.

But what you guys are doing is disgraceful, you are trying to humilate, demean, hurt, destroy - NARAL 'now' - because of their free choice. I don't think I would write off all the GOOD the NAACP has done for Black America - because of ONE decision they felt they had to make to bring unity,, for the GOOD of ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL America!

Yes, Hilary supporters are going TOOOO far. In the same way that you guys are writing off NARAL and now threatening to vote for McCain - it's all irrational. I do understand the hurt, but you guys are going too far.

Elizabeth Malcolm, the head of Emily's List, called the move "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."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/15/massive-blowback-to-naral_n_101889.html

NARAL, I know you have many WONDERFUL supporters and I pray God sends you tons more to futher your causes.

I hope the THREATS you are receiving to withdraw their funding and so forth, doesn't STOP your mission. I had never heard of NARAL, until your endorsement and I will be making a donation and spreading the news about your work to everyone in our circle.

Also know, that many of the people that are threatening not to support you - wasn't supporting you to begin with. It's another FEAR tactic that is used A LOT these days. Keep up the great work! Be women enough to stand behind your decision and not let the HRC supporters bully you into 'regret'. As an Obama supporter, I applaud the strength it took for you to make this heart wrenching decision. We will stand with you, too.

Hi Cindy,

Thanks for the thoughtful reply; I really appreciate that.

Yes, it is a hypothetical, but I *know* the NAACP would not endorse Obama's opponent in this case. If you really understand the rules of the Primary contest, then you know that neither candidate will reach the finish line before the last vote is counted. So, the rules dictate that it goes into "overtime", and the Superdelegates make the call.

The NAACP would rightly continue to endorse Senator Obama because the organization believes he is a role model for all African Americans and white folks too!

I know it is hard to see beyond the media bias and your own desire to see your candidate win this Primary. But, if you rise above it and read the rules of the contest, this isn't over yet.

The only way to bring unity to the Party is to show respect to Democracy and allow the contest to reach it's natural conclusion.

I find it curious that Ted Kennedy took his contest to convention years ago when behind by many more delegates. But, then again, he *is* a man.

Obama's "brand" tells us that he will be the great "unifier". Everything that is going on here with this premature call to this contest is working against unity. This is a repeating theme with Obama: a conflict between the Obama brand and the behavior of the man.

To Rick Above:

Rick, believe me, this will not go to convention. I will come back here to talk with you on Jun 15th; so that we can verify at that time that Sen Obama is the nominee. No one is afraid of HRC or anyone esle. We have professional analysts from every camp that have flipped the numbers inside and out...and it's not impossible, but it is very unlikely that HRC will get over 76% of the vote in the next 5 contests. Rick, there is NO WAY in GOD's green earth that the superdelegates are going to get to the CONVENTION and TAKE the nomination from Sen Obama after he has won more votes, more delegates, more superdelegates - now THAT is NOT going to happen. That would demean everything that the democratic party stood for. The nominee is chosen based on DELEGATES! If Obama has the MOST delegates - the DNC would have to BREAK the RULES at the convention to "GIVE" Sen Clinton the nomination. If she doesn't get the 76% by JUNE 3rd (delegates) - Sen Obama will be the democratic nominee. That's not fear. That's FACTS. It's sad to me that you guys won't allow Sen Clinton to get off the fence Jun 3 with her dignity in tack. Good champions can accept defeat.

TO: Obama supporters who are trying to misconstrue the issue
FROM: A Pro-Choice Democrat

Please stop accusing Clinton supporters and the real NARAL supporters of working against choice.

The backlash against NARAL's mistimed, ill-thought-out action is based on its timing and its disregard for the opinions and thoughts of its members.

There are plenty of other organizations out there which work for reproductive rights and which do not ignore their supporters just to get their names in the media, or make a power grab. Most posters are going to move their support to those other organizations. Stop insulting them by trying to depict THEM as traitors to the cause.

NARAL could have timed their endorsement differently and easily NOT caused a rift among their supporters, NOT slapped Sen. Clinton in the face, and actually ENHANCED the campaign of the DNC nominee. They chose not to.

It is NARAL that put its own interests above the interests of their mission, not its supporters.

And calling Clinton's supporters stupid, disloyal, or fill-in-the-blank-from-Obama's-campaign-literature will not garner support for your candidate, it will only drive them futher away. Personally, I would far better disposed toward him if his supporters practiced some of the 'unity' they preach.

NARAL knew, or should have known had they been the least bit interested in the opinions of their supporters, that this decision would drive much of that support away. NARAL is not entitled to my support or my money or my favorable opinion. They are not the IRS. They are a nonprofit organization supported by financial and volunteer support in the furtherance of a particular political mission. When such an organization disregards its mission it's perfectly legitimate for supporters to look elsewhere for an organization which will further their goals.

Hi Mindy,

The point I think you are missing is that is Obama has not yet reached the finish line either. That would define a victory. Personally, I do not think he'll reach that number. And that means it goes to convention where the superdelegates will vote. Those are the rules.

Any chance we can show some respect to the process, to Democracy and to Clinton supporters?
If the tables were turned, I suspect you would be asking the same question. Actually, I know you would.

Once Senator Obama reaches the magic number of delegates as specified by the rules committee who will meet on May 31, then we can rally behind him.

Until then, it's not over. These are facts. I'm sorry if you need to believe otherwise.

Here's an great article that explains the superdelegate system:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/26/AR2008022602649.html

They don't vote until the convention. Period...case closed...that's a fact.

For either candidate to reach the finish line (to win), they need votes of the superdelegates.

This contest is not over, and NARAL should not have turned on the candidate with a long history of support of the organization's mission.

Reese:

If it had been so abundantly clear that Obama was going to lose and his opponent was just as strong on black rights as he was, I would of course be upset, but I would also understand. You seem to forget that I had to live for over a YEAR with pretty much everyone saying Hillary was "inevitable." Perhaps it is you who should open your mind.

Further, to support your own point, what exactly happened to the Democrats chances of winning the white house when Ted Kennedy took his fight all the way to the convention?

Finally, a point about this all being sexist from firstread:

The Boston Globe’s Lehigh writes, "[T]he notion that sexism is primarily to blame for Clinton's woes doesn't pass logical muster. Consider: Last fall, Clinton was widely judged the prohibitive front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination. In early October, she led Obama by a staggering 53 percent to 20 percent in the Washington Post/ABC News poll. At that point, her average lead in national polls was 20 percentage points. Therefore, if gender bias really were the cause of her primary problem, one would have to posit that a epidemic of resurgent sexism suddenly infected the country late last year."

Respectfully,
alm

To Bill Above:

It's too funny, you guys sound JUST LIKE HRC! :-) Adding Michigan and FL in your popular vote count! Too funny. Since OBama wasn't on the ballet in Michigan and didn't campaign in FL.

Now tell me Bill where is that FAIR/right/ JUST?
Especially when HRC was winning - she signed OFF on MI & FL NOT counting - HRC even went on TV and said with her own mouth they would NOT count. Then ONLY changed and called it a travesty when she began to take 2nd place, thus NEEDING FL & MI. Come on Bill - where is that fair? How could you guys declare yourselves the winner by popular vote - when the Nominee has always been won by Delegate Count? How many times are you guys going to change the rules - then say we're scared. ?? Come on!!! (haha)

Don't just quote everything you hear HRC say - get online and do your own research. Ask yourself why did HRC sign off on FL & MI in the first place and WHEN exactly did she change her mind. Look at how many ways HRC said she was leading - big states, small states don't count, white vote, uneducated vote, MI & FL, caucus' don't count etc etc. That to me is sad. She's a GOOD woman, who I truly did like before all of this. I believe she will do GREAT things and will probably run again in 4 years and may just win... but THIS ONE IS A WRAP Bill. It's like Lakers and Spurs - Game 7, 1:20 on the clock; Lakers up by 45 points. No, NOTHING is impossible....but in alllll likelihood, the Lakers will win, right? We don't hate HRC. We love her too. It's just over. So leave NARAL alone, please Bill. :-)

I'm starting to think these posts by the "strong feminist Obama supporters" are being made by some of the paid bloggers from the Obama camp. They're eerily similar, as if taken from a script. Also the ones by the elderly women Obama supporters. If you take the time to read through these posts, you'll see what I mean.

ALM Wrote:
"You seem to forget that I had to live for over a YEAR with pretty much everyone saying Hillary was "inevitable." Perhaps it is you who should open your mind."

I'm sorry, but I have no idea what this has to do with the rules of this process. The process is not over until one of the candidates reach the delegate threshold (superdelegate "endorsements" mean nothing).

I'm sorry if you found this roller coaster contest difficult. But that gives you no right to prematurely end this competition.

And...it's not over yet. If the tables were turned, and Obama was being told to get out of the race prematurely...I promise you that I would be outraged! I would have to agree that racism would be a possible explanation. We didn't force Kennedy (a white man) out when he went to convention under more dismal circumstances. Why Obama? What's different about this situation?

Some people believe that Obama cannot win the general election. Those people have to right to voice that opinion at the convention. Welcome to Democracy!

Stunning. Piling on by a women's organization. Not supporting the first viable female presidential candidate in our nation's history.

How much real work over 35 years has Senator Clinton done to support women's causes globally? How much has Obama done? What message does this send.....don't bother putting your neck on the line for organizations like NARAL, they won't have your back when needed.

I will never send another dime to this organization. You have proven yourselves to be opportunistic to an extreme and not committed to those who have shown real commitment (meaning hard work, not just platitudes) to causes important to women.

I have heard a quote but do not know to whom attribute.....there is a special place in h@ll for women who do not support other women. That is where NARAL stands.

NARAL will NEVER see another dollar of my money ...and I might add that we have been supporters and generous donors for more than 14 years! I urge every women to spurn NARAL and their fundraising efforts! Rita Bennett

To Valhalla-

I am an Obama supporter, and I found your post to be refreshing. However, too bad many of the HRC supporters on this post do not appear to mirror your views. Or at least they are letting their bitterness cloud their better judgment- willing to support McCain out of anger. That is reckless and what I find most appalling about some of the posts here. Although I appreciate NARAL's endorsement, I have to agree that they should have considered their members. Disagreeing with NARAL's endorsement and even pulling your financial support and putting it elsewhere is understandable but many comments go well beyond that.

Ann wrote:
"I have heard a quote but do not know to whom attribute.....there is a special place in h@ll for women who do not support other women. That is where NARAL stands."

Agreed. It was Madeleine Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State

“There is a special place in h*ll for women who don’t help other women.”

I applaud your courage and foresight endorsing the pro-choice Democratic candidate, Barack Obama. He is our future, our children's future, and he is the most optimistic progressive voice I have ever seen in national politics. (And I speak this as a 55 y.o. Southern woman.) Keep your eye on the prize - preventing another Bush/Cheney/McCain term of tearing down the fabric of our great society. Barack will win in the Fall with our support. That Obama chooses not to focus this process on himself - or his races - or his gender - but on our citizens is a refreshing change. We don't need more fighting - we need collaborating. Thank you for leading by example.

PS RE: Maddie Albright's comment: I don't vote for ANYONE because of "their equipment." How positively chauvinistic and cynical!

Nance,
Please.....BO has played the race card (generally through surrogates) whenever it was advantageous while simultaneously using gender stereotypes to bash Senator Clinton. Would you like examples....here's just a few....

how about his "bamboozle, hoodwink" speech in SC.

how about saying that Clinton gets "periodically down" - tell me what he really meant by that?

how about Samantha power calling HRC a "monster"

How about that memo written by BO staffers leaked to the press re: how to accuse the Clinton's of being racists.

How about BO saying ..... "whenever you challenge the status quo, the CLAWS come out...."

How about General McPeak saying.....BO "doesn't go on television and have crying fits; he isn't discovering his voice at the age of 60" -- references to Clinton's much-publicized show of emotion during the New Hampshire primary campaign and her speech after winning the contest in which she declared that she had "found my voice."

Who has been playing to stereotypes to create advantage.....BO. It is the most cynical thing I have ever seen.

Sorry you don't want more fighting but that is what you've got.....we are not going to sit quietly aside like nice little ladies anymore. We are finally mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore.

Here's an article I shared with my daughters a few montha ago:

http://www.womenco.com/benefits/308-the-special-place-in-hell

Not looking for blind support for the female candidate. May the best candidate win! Only looking for fair treatment as suggested in many posts above.

If you feel that forcing Clinton out of the race is fair, please read the many posts above that document why this contest is not yet over.

here is the truth of things for me......

Many of us have been deeply wounded as we watched many members of the democratic establishment work actively - some overtly, some covertly - to undermine the first viable female candidate for President of the United States. We have been watching closely. We have seen how she has been treated. We identified her struggles as our own. Every blow they landed on her, has blackened our eye. Every snide comment she has endured has drawn our blood.

These wounds will not heal quickly or in knee-jerk response to the tired old rhetoric about the Supreme Court and reproductive rights.

Many in the democratic party have been cowed by threasts of African Americans rioting in the streets of Denver. Well, democratic women may just have their own riots if Clinton is not the nominee. Only our riot will be quieter. And more lethal. Our riot will be at the polls in November when we pull that lever for John McCain. The party (or organizations like NARAL) hasn't stood with us, why should we stand with the party?

I am a 54 year old woman, a long time supporter of women's rights and an Obama supporter.

It is with great sadness that I read the venomous posts on this website against my candidate. Apparently, as was Hillary's intention, her supporters have forgotten that at the end of the day, we all have the same goal, and those of you who say that you won't vote for Obama will have the blood of those women who are not allowed to have safe and legal abortions on your hands, once you help to elect President McCain and his anti-choice judges.

I find it extremely offensive and demeaning that you assume that we should support Hillary Clinton just because she's another woman. I didn't much like her to begin with, and was extremely disappointed by her vote in favor of the war in Iraq. I've grown to like her even less as I've watched with a sick stomach as she employed her so-called "kitchen sink" strategy in an effort to beat Obama at any cost. He never attacked her personally, as she did. There were many ugly episodes in the Clinton administration that people could have been reminded of, but he chose not to do that to a fellow Democrat. Which is more than we can say for her.

And then, after she had what was supposed to be an insurmountable 30 pt. lead, she starts crying "sexism" when she starts losing. This is the kind of stuff that gives feminism a bad name.

I am proud to support Senator Obama and am proud of NARAL in their decision to recognize that we need to come together sooner rather than later.

I am making my first donation to NARAL today in thanks.

Barack will win in the Fall with our support.

Maybe your support, Nance in Atlanta, but not my support. I would not vote for him if you paid me. . .You need to work real hard because there are many in the most important states who will pull the lever for John McCain. Go to Real Clear Politics and look at John McCain's leads in Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, etc., over Barack Obama. Remember those are key states in any election. And if you think Obama winning small caucases in Republican states is proof that he can win those states, think otherwise. During the last election I worked very hard for John Kerry and learned my lesson when the four horsemen -- Kerry, Kennedy, Bradley and Dashle -- old men riding their horses in to defeat Hillary for their guy, Barack. Some Hillary supporters will hold their noses and vote for Barack Obama because they so want the Republicans out of office, but many will either stay home or vote for a third party candidate. Myself, I am leaving the Democratic party with my donations and will be registering independent. And I would never give a dime to Naral. I agree with Boston Whaler who said: The party (or organizations like NARAL) hasn't stood with us, why should we stand with the party?

Sue,

You are just the kind of Clinton supporter I was referring to in my post just above yours. You'll cut off your nose to spite your face. Abortion rights be damned - your candidate didn't win. (I'm going to take my toys and go home.) Have fun being an Independent. We will be registering lots of young new voters to take your place.

Vote for Obama! He is a real "sweetie". Good job Naral!

Alane,

Your fear tactics will not work. McCain is not going to overturn Roe vs Wade. He's a moderate.

Nice try though.

You know, you still have time. Instead of attacking Sue and others like her, perhaps you could work to "change" (great word, huh?) the way your candidate's campaign is pressuring the female candidate to leave this competition just as we're entering overtime?

This endorsement was a mean slap in the face of Hillary supporters; just as a premature NAACP endorsement of Clinton would deeply hurt African Americans who support Barack Obama.

But, instead of trying to build bridges, Obama supporters continue to agitate Clinton supporters. The Alynsky method isn't going to work this time.

my previous comment was addressed to Marzies instead of "Alane".
Thank you

I have to say that what I find most disheartening is all of the people that STAND FOR CHOICE on this website who are BASHING all the people that are upset about people "CHOOSING" Obama OR Clinton.

The main point here is ALL of us standing together to support each other. I agree that NARAL should have not stopped supporting Hillary OR Obama, because that is our job, to support those that support the cause.

Bashing each other for who we prefer plays directly into the hands of what we ALL "claim" to want to change (it sound like alot of you are saying "my way is the only way").

This has NOTHING to do with who you would like to see in office and everything to do with supporting EACH OTHER.

This division of democrats and bashing each other like you are on opposite teams is ridiculous, just like this endorsement.

It has nothing to do with Hillary being a women or Barack a man and everything to do with supporting THEM BOTH because THEY BOTH support this cause.

If we turn our back on ANYONE who supports this, isn't that just wrong?

The ones who are insulting each other for expressing their opinion one way or another, really should not be in a pro choice group anyway, it is APPARANT that is not truly how you feel.

John,
I was not "attacking" Sue. For gosh sakes.

And you are wrong about McCain. People have bought into his "maverick, moderate" schtick, but he said the other day, very clearly, that he will appoint judges in the mold of Alito and Roberts. See Huffington Post article:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/06/mccain-woos-conservatives_n_100339.html

So go ahead and vote for him if you can do so in good conscience. I suspect that if people like you do vote for McCain and defeat Obama, you will be the same ones wringing your hands about the mess our country is in, just as many who voted for Bush are doing now.

Well, I wasn't paid by Obama to write this: THANK YOU NARAL!!

McCain is not a moderate on issues of choice. He is against Roe, he is anti-sex education, and on and on. If McCain gets elected, Roe gets overturned, and the days of the back alley abortion return.

Hmm. No matter who it comes from the "I understand you're angry, and you have every right to your feelings" speech is just damn infuriating, isn't it? Of course it's also an admission that the national officers knew exactly how many people the endorsement would upset and decided we didn't much matter. Fair enough.

Maybe NARAL really can muster up a few gullible souls who believe this has anything to do with getting the word out on John McCain. But it's clear to me that it was about getting the word out about NARAL. And hey, it worked! As more than one poster has said, now they've not only seen those funny letters but they know what they stand for ...

With any luck, their pockets will get deeper with time, and their devotion to the cause will at least last long enough to get them to the polls in November. I hope they make the insult to the rest of us worthwhile.

I, for one, have had it with the way women and women voters have been treated this election season. I know the party line now is to blame Hillary for the "rift" among us, but way back when Hillary was the "presumptive nominee," I don't remember anyone telling Obama he had to run. If he and the Ted Kennedys and John Kerrys and John Edwardses had truly been all about party unity, they could have gotten behind her then--and frankly, no one will ever convince me that they wouldn't have done just that gladly if she were a man.

But too many men, and even more sadly, too many women, hold female candidates up to an impossible standard they wouldn't dream of subjecting male candidates to.

I mean, the litany is just too long. Hillary "lies;" Obama "misspeaks" and uses the wrong words. Hillary's the doyenne of special interests; Obama's ties to questionable financiers and racist ministers are irrelevent at best, at worst, honest mistakes only "negative campaigners" would mention. Hillary's an arrogant politician who'll do or say anything to get elected; Obama's simply running out of the goodness of his heart.

I mean, seriously, Hillary gets chastisted for playing "identity politics" and practicing "triangulation" when Obama's "We are the change we've been waiting for" offers nothing BUT his identity as the entire basis of his candidacy!?

I would love to believe that he can make our nation purple by virtue of his very being. But somehow I don't see conservatives lining up to annoint him king. When he reaches across the aisle, I fear the issues that are important to me will be the ones that fall by the wayside.

Jodi Lustig

Words cannot adequately express my extreme disappointment in, and disenchantment with, NARAL after its unbelievable endorsement of Barack Hussein Obama--an unqualified, racist, empty suit with a closet full of skeletons. Shame on you.

You have turned your back on not only the most QUALIFIED Democratic candidate, but also the one who has been a champion of women's rights--ALL of them, not just reproductive--for 30+ years, and also the one who is a woman. Shame.

You've hopped on the Obama bandwagon, mindlessly swallowing the Kool-Aid and, apparently, buying into the idea that he will be the Democratic nominee, even though this race is far from over. Shame.