National Organization for Women Endorses Obama-Biden

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STATEMENT OF KIM GANDY

Chair, National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC)

September 16, 2008

It is with great enthusiasm that I announce today, on behalf of the nation's oldest and largest women's rights organization, that the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) proudly endorses Sen. Barack Obama for President of the United States.

It is no coincidence that I am joined in this announcement by so many allied organizations that collectively represent a broad and diverse cross-section of U.S. women. From teachers to social workers, from business owners to college students, women in this country are lining up behind the candidate who is out there every day standing up -- clearly and consistently -- for women. Women of all ages, races and ethnicities are coming together in support of Sen. Obama and his pledge to fulfill this country's promise of equal opportunity for our daughters as well as all our sons.

Although it is very unusual for us to endorse in a presidential election, this is an unprecedented candidate and an unprecedented time for our country. The NOW PAC reviewed Sen. Obama's record and public statements on issues that disproportionately affect the women of this nation, and I spoke with him at length about his commitment to women's equality. For example:

On pay equity. Sen. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act, legislation to end wage discrimination against women.

On reproductive rights. Sen. Obama is a co-sponsor of the Prevention First Act, to strengthen access to contraception and reproductive health care, and prevent unwanted pregnancies. He strongly supports Roe v. Wade and will oppose any efforts to overturn it.

On violence against women. Sen. Obama supports the continued reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act -- of which Sen. Joe Biden is the chief sponsor -- as well as the Security and Financial Empowerment (SAFE) Act, which is legislation to provide legal, medical and financial support to victims of domestic violence.

On the Supreme Court. Sen. Obama opposed the nominations of George Bush's extreme right-wing nominees to the Supreme Court, who have consistently ruled against women's rights,

For more than a decade, Barack Obama has said "yes" to women's rights, while John McCain has consistently said "no" - NO to pay equity, NO to contraceptive access and reproductive rights, NO to appointing Supreme Court judges who will uphold women's rights and civil rights, NO to funding shelters and other anti-violence programs, and NO to supporting working moms and dads with policies that support work/life balance.

NOW supported Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primary, and now we join with her in saying "NO" -- No Way, No How, No McCain! And we proudly stand arm-in-arm with her in putting our hopes and our dreams, our hard work and our hard-earned money, behind the next President of the United States -- Barack Obama, and his running mate, longtime friend and ally of women, Sen. Joe Biden.

http://www.now.org/press/09-08/09-16.html

[Jenn! 918]

I read the topic as National Organization for Women Endorses Osama Bin Laden. The actual title is less shocking.

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I read the topic as National Organization for Women Endorses Osama Bin Laden. The actual title is less shocking.

[IAMX 3,055]

Damn! And here I thought they'd be endorsing the pro-choice, pro gay marriage, pro women's rights Mike Huckabee. What are they thinking?!

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Oh my what a surprise

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

I was expecting them to endorse Bob Barr

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Or Ellen Degeneres.

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Ok, this is why this is news:

The National Organization for Women ... has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Ok, this is why this is news:

The National Organization for Women ... has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984.

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I wonder what Joyce had to do with this endorsement......

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Ok, this is why this is news:

The National Organization for Women ... has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984.

Interesting. Bill Clinton has probably done the most of recent presidents to preserve abortion rights. I would have thought it would have been just as imperative to make an endorsement in 2000 and 2004.

[Jenn! 918]

Ok, this is why this is news:

The National Organization for Women ... has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984.

Interesting. Bill Clinton has probably done the most of recent presidents to preserve abortion rights. I would have thought it would have been just as imperative to make an endorsement in 2000 and 2004.

Maybe it was his various "indiscretions" that disqualified him.

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[dalegg 143]

Ok, this is why this is news:

The National Organization for Women ... has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984.

Oh, that must have been why they did so good in the election.

[HAL 9000 96]

Would these be conservative pro-choice women in NOW? Or the ones that some of our Republican friends would have us believe as ugly hags? (A view I do not share, of course)