I recently received an email from a friend bemoaning the fact the many "feminists" are "drifting in ever-greater numbers away from Clinton" toward Barack. The people quoted in the email don't seem to understand why this is happening and offer shallow reasons (i.e., they are moving toward the "rock star" and the "momentum") as if any woman who doesn't support Hillary's candidacy is not thinking clearly about the consequences. Personally, I find it interesting that so many of the feminists who support Hillary seem to have blinders on when it comes to considering what her election would actually mean to our country (other than making history by electing the first woman to the White House.). As I've stated in many discussions I've had with people on this topic: I doubt there is anyone who would like to see a woman elected president of the United States more than I do. However I'm not in favor of electing a woman JUST BECAUSE she is a woman. There are many reasons I don't support Hillary and right at the top of the list is that I truly feel if she is the Democratic nominee it will light a fire under the Republicans and bring them out of the woodwork en-mass to make sure she is not elected (and God forbid we get McCain in the White House!!). And if she happened to actually get elected, we would have another four years of political business as usual EXCEPT there would be MORE polarization than already exists in this country. We will get another four years of attacks much more vicious than those that made Bill Clinton impotent as a president in the last years of his presidency. Instead of "being ready on Day One," she would spend her presidency fending off those who really hate her and what she stands for -- NOT because she is a woman but because she is a Clinton thus diminishing her effectiveness as a president! Also, there's no denying that if she were elected president we would we get Bill in the package who will once again be rich fodder for the Right Wing attack machine detracting even more from the effectiveness of a Hillary presidency. Also, and probably more important, Bill won't be bound, as the president is, to "play by the rules." We may find that he becomes a loose cannon, using his powerful influence as a past president and now husband of the current president, to wheel and deal with foreign heads of state while not being bound by Congressional oversight (or presidential oversight). As a country, do we want to have to endure a possible marital power struggle in the White House? I would like to see this country get off of the Bush-Clinton-Bush-Clinton seesaw and head in a new direction that gives voice to the people, strengthens our democracy and unifies our country. I support Obama because he represents a break from the divisive "business as usual" politics we've all been subjected to over the past decade. I truly believe Obama has the ability to steer this country in the direction of unity. Also, he is attracting young voters like no one in recent history has been able to do and we need to engage the youth if we are to save and strengthen our democracy. Obama, himself, is young, energetic, extremely intelligent and doesn't come with years of Washington baggage (that some might mistakenly equate with "experience"). Barack is also, I believe, a true feminist -- he is comfortable around powerful women and I feel he will do more to advance the cause of the women's movement in this country than will Hillary's polarizing energy. He is lighting a fire in the hearts of those of us who have been disillusioned with our political leaders and inspiring us to get involved like no other since JFK. I was a high school student when JFK was running against Nixon and I remember the enthusiasm that we, as young people, felt when he was elected. For the first time since those early years when I initially became aware of the political process, I once again feel that type of political enthusiasm (and yes, HOPE) that our country can once again be put on a track of truth, integrity and transparency (what a concept!). Click here for a list of public figures who have
endorsed Obama
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FEMINISTS & OBAMA SUPPORT