There is a meme out there that has been developing for some time now: that people who support Sen. Obama instead of Sen. Clinton are a bunch mysogynist pricks who just don't want to see a woman rise up. Furthermore, a lot Sen. Clinton's supporters suggest that women who support Sen. Obama are not only voting against their own interests, but are only doing so because they want to continue living in a male-dominated society. As a supporter of Sen. Obama, and a female, I am deeply outraged by this talking point.
On Huffingtonpost.com/blog, another highly regarded blogging community, Clinton supporters have gone out in full force in the past few days to guilt women into supporting Sen. Clinton. They argue that the Democratic Party is against women, citing Obama's latest primary victories as evidence. This is the biggest lie coming from the Clinton camp. I can't believe that this race is being reduced to a matter of identity politics. And the fact is: voting for Senator Obama doesn't mean you don't care about causes that are important to women. Obama was raised by a single mother. He is the father of two daughters, and the husband of a strong, working mother in Michelle Obama. The women in Obama's life have undoubtedly shaped his decisions. So I reject the notion that Obama is somehow hostile to the interests of women.
If you support Sen. Clinton, that's great. I also confronted the decision once and was torn, so it's understandable. But there is so much more at stake in this election than "If you don't support Clinton, you're stupid and sexist." I, too, would like to see a woman president someday. But her gender should not be the principle reason why she is voted into office, it should only be an added bonus.
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The worst part about having two such exciting potential nominees is that someone's dreams will get dashed in the process. I would prefer to have Sen. Clinton be the next president, but darned if I'll be upset if Sen. Obama is the nominee.
No woman is selling out by voting for Sen. Obama, they're just choosing who they think will be the best nominee. For that matter, no man is weak for thinking Hilary Clinton would make a better president, and I've heard plenty of that. I think the toughest situation is being a black woman and having to choose between two candidates that could equally represent what's most important to them.
Common sense is as rare as genius. ~Emerson
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OBAMA. I think a Black man will always have more appeal than a White woman. Our race has a greater effect on us than our gender. Most Black people just see a White woman as a counterpart to a White man, so there's really not much difference.
it's okay. I have a black gay friend.
Well, I think that conflict that comes into play is that Sen. Clinton sympathizes more with the plight of working class women and single mothers. Her background and policy ideas reflect that. Although I do understand that a black candidate like Obama would be more likely to concentrate on issues like unemployment, crime prevention, education in urban communities, and health issues that are pertinent to the black community.
Common sense is as rare as genius. ~Emerson
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I completely agree. It's insane that manaical Clinton followers should be trying to guilt people into voting. What kind of message does that send out to people? As an Obama supporter and a feminist, I find it digusting. It makes me alomst ashamed.
I don't think you should vote because of a nominees gender or race.
Put all that stuff aside and vote on what they will do for our contry.
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it's okay. I have a black gay friend.
Why shouldn't the Clinton campaign be excited about women young and old getting out and voting, participating? She would probably get more votes than turning this who election into an issue of identity politics.
Let's not forget that although Clinton isn't right, Obama isn't necessarily blameless either. Both have made non-issue-related remarks about the other. Two wrongs don't make a right by any means, but the fact is, elections are almost always dirty.
For me, they both have some positive qualities and they both have some negative qualities. I know for sure that both candidates have far better track records in regards to "womens issues" than any of the GOP nominees. I know for sure than both of them would represent ME much better than any of the GOP nominees. I know for sure that both of them will be breaking down walls and I know for sure that regardless of who actually gets the nomination, I will be incredibly proud to cast my vote. It's exciting. It's so exciting. I go back and forth on both candidates. It's like choosing which kitten is cuter -- they are both GOOD choices. Both have pros and both have cons but neither have cons that far outweigh the pros for me. And it's so nice to have a choice that isn't "Bush or Death". No matter who gets the nomination, both are making a path for future "non-traditional" candidates.
Both candidates have issues with their tactics regarding each other, though. I know it's a competition and things get dirty but I hope that both campaigns stop making digs at each other and start working on the moderate votes. A vote for either Dem is a vote in the right direction, as far as I'm concerned. And yes, this is based on looking at the issues and seeing how their position stacks up against my ideals, not just on blind anti-Bushism. But seriously, if Bush somehow rewrites the rules and gets himself an everlasting presidency before voting day, well, I wouldn't be surprised. He's always up to no good...
I think that there are still pockets of apparent, and not-so-apparent sexism that Clinton's campaign is probably encountering. However, for them to say that everyone who supports Obama is outright sexist, is ridiculous. I feel that Clinton is a "typical politician", whereas Obama is a captivating, charismatic, idealistic, and fresh-faced leader. I have respect for Clinton for what she's done, and for refusing to give up her fight, but I do not support her as a politician. Unfortunately, I do think that it will be a very long time before another woman gets so far. It's too bad Obama probably won't make Carol Moseley Braun a running mate...