Proof positive: women count
This historic election continues to be noted for its "firsts," and now here's another one: the first woman to be on a Republican presidential ticket. The choice of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be John McCain's running mate sends a clear message - women voters are the most coveted demographic in this election. The selection is a deliberate effort to reach out to women in this election. After all, women make up more than half of the electorate, and recent polls show that women comprise a majority of undecided voters.
Much will be said and written in the days ahead about Gov. Palin's views on issues, and we urge you to consider these positions with depth and thoughtfulness - she is anti-choice, pro-gun, and pro-big oil.
Much will also be written about Gov. Palin's years on the PTA, that she describes herself as a "hockey mom," and how she juggles her professional life with the demands of her five children. Gov. Palin herself has already referred to Hillary's "18 million cracks" in the glass ceiling and her own new place in history. But we want to hear from you.
It is good for the political process that woman politicians will continue to play such a central role on the campaign trail. Gov. Palin's selection also means the media has another chance to get it right when it comes to covering a serious woman candidate in a presidential election. Just as with Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain, we'll be watching closely to see how she is treated when it comes to gender bias. We need you to be our eyes and ears on the campaign trail. If it happens, WomenCount will be right there.
Already on CNN this morning there was discussion about whether it was appropriate for Gov. Palin to take on this role given that she has a four-month-old baby with Down's Syndrome. Dana Bash, the CNN reporter who is covering McCain's campaign, quite rightly asked whether the same question would be asked of a male candidate who is the father of a newborn with Down's. Exactly.
Already on CNN this morning there was discussion about whether it was appropriate for Gov. Palin to take on this role given that she has a four-month-old baby with Down's Syndrome. Dana Bash, the CNN reporter who is covering McCain's campaign, quite rightly asked whether the same question would be asked of a male candidate who is the father of a newborn with Down's. Exactly.
Let us know if you see signs of sexism in this election.
Remember, it's time to stop the silence.
Remember, it's time to stop the silence.
Posted by: Fletch @ 08:49AM on July 16 2009
Comment:
I am very interested in this topic.
Posted by: versetty @ 10:22AM on July 12 2009
Comment:
Thank you. I am pleased to read your article.
Posted by: Palomaro @ 07:00AM on July 11 2009
Comment:
I added your blog to Google Reader.
Posted by: Derekp @ 02:13PM on June 26 2009
Comment:
I think i've seen this somewhere before…but it's not bad at all
