The Whole Story
As you know, WomenCount officially launched yesterday with a big reception featuring Senator Hillary Clinton and more than 700 supporters. The size of the audience and passion displayed across those who gathered showed the level of commitment that exists for making sure the issues most important to women are being addressed in this election season.
Unfortunately, the mainstream press seems bent on promoting a storyline that doesn't exist. The headline on one newspaper blog, for example, noted "Hillary Clinton skips mentioning Obama in a speech to supporters" making an issue out of her comments, rather than focusing on the true purpose of the event -- to rally support for WomenCount and our mission.
Read a little deeper into the articles that try to make hay of the Senator's comments (or lack thereof) and you will find the true meaning behind her remarks. For example:
- The LA Times Blog noted that Senator Clinton previewed her dramatic headlining speech at the Convention saying, “I believe with all my heart that the Democratic Party represents a much better future for everything we believe in and care about and I will be making a very strong case tonight that we stand behind our nominees in order to keep pushing progress forward.’’ A post on Salon.com grabbed the same quote.
- The reporter at the Hill actually talked to our communications director, Rosemary Camposano, quoting her saying: "She was specifically trying not to focus on the campaign," but rather on "what women need to focus on from here on out," in terms of issues of importance to them. At least one person was paying attention.
I wouldn't normally comment on the work by the media, or in this case the lack of effort they seemed to show in only reporting part of the story from the event. But when it impacts our ability to get the message of WomenCount to the public, it further reinforces the need for us to exist and continue to fight.
The whole story is this: The event was terrific and WomenCount is off to a strong start. Senator Clinton and a full slate of excellent speakers wowed the crowd yesterday. And, we are committed to pushing an agenda that recognizes the lessons of the 2008 primary election and makes sure that women's issues are addressed appropriately during the remaining days of this Election cycle, and beyond.
Print that, reporters.
Unfortunately, the mainstream press seems bent on promoting a storyline that doesn't exist. The headline on one newspaper blog, for example, noted "Hillary Clinton skips mentioning Obama in a speech to supporters" making an issue out of her comments, rather than focusing on the true purpose of the event -- to rally support for WomenCount and our mission.
Read a little deeper into the articles that try to make hay of the Senator's comments (or lack thereof) and you will find the true meaning behind her remarks. For example:
- The LA Times Blog noted that Senator Clinton previewed her dramatic headlining speech at the Convention saying, “I believe with all my heart that the Democratic Party represents a much better future for everything we believe in and care about and I will be making a very strong case tonight that we stand behind our nominees in order to keep pushing progress forward.’’ A post on Salon.com grabbed the same quote.
- The reporter at the Hill actually talked to our communications director, Rosemary Camposano, quoting her saying: "She was specifically trying not to focus on the campaign," but rather on "what women need to focus on from here on out," in terms of issues of importance to them. At least one person was paying attention.
I wouldn't normally comment on the work by the media, or in this case the lack of effort they seemed to show in only reporting part of the story from the event. But when it impacts our ability to get the message of WomenCount to the public, it further reinforces the need for us to exist and continue to fight.
The whole story is this: The event was terrific and WomenCount is off to a strong start. Senator Clinton and a full slate of excellent speakers wowed the crowd yesterday. And, we are committed to pushing an agenda that recognizes the lessons of the 2008 primary election and makes sure that women's issues are addressed appropriately during the remaining days of this Election cycle, and beyond.
Print that, reporters.
