From the Convention - Women's Events

I'm here in Denver, blogging from a hotel on 16th street at least in part as a respite from the heat.  I only had a few events out here, and by and large they're over with, so I'm heading back to DC tomorrow.  Since I'm on this hotel computer, I can't open new windows, which means I can't link or do research, so I'll come back and edit later this week.

Monday I started off at the Unconventional Women event, put on by a coalition of groups focused on getting women to vote, run for office, and get elected.  It was the first of two times I heard Shelia Johnson of BET and the Mystics speak.  Debbie Stabenow talked about fair pay and research on women's health.  Page Gardner, from Women's Voices, Women Vote, also spoke about the marriage gap.  She said that single women are 26% of the vote, and that married women vote differently than unmarried women.  For example, Kerry had a 25 point lead among unmarried women, while Bush had an 11 point lead among married women.  Right now, Obama has a 29 point lead among unmarried women, and McCain has a 4 point lead among married women.

I have been incredibly lucky to meet so many amazing women activists, including the ladies from WIN and NFPRHA.  Today I saw with some WINners at the Women's Caucus.  Andrea Wong, from Lifetime, pointed out that today is Women's Equality Day - it's the 88th anniversary of suffrage.  Then Rosario Dawson and Eva Longoria spoke about their work in trying to get Latinas registered to vote.  And oh my goodness was Donna Brazille unbelievable?!  She talked about our right to choose, affirmative action, hate crimes legislation, and said that all doors are open for everyone, regardless of sex, color, ethnicity or sexual orientation.  It was an amazing speech. 

A lot of women from the DNC spoke, and of course the overarching theme was getting women, especially Clinton supporters, behind Obama.  They did a great job of it.  Ellen Marcom, Shelia Johnson and Cecile Richards spoke as did Senator Stabenow. 

Mrs. Stabenow said that "John McCain is bad for women and families" and talked about the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and Roe. 

Cecile Richards said that "Five men in robes don't know better than women what's best for their health care" and that "women for McCain is like chickens for Col. Sanders." 

I can't do justice to their speeches, especially Donna and Shelia's, which were just amazing.  Shelia Johnson reminded us to focus on issues and stands, not color and sex.  I'm sure y'all are reading plenty about where the candidates stand on the issues that matter, like reproductive rights, fair pay, paid sick leave, health coverage, the war, and any other issues you find compelling.  Keep reading, and vote.  When I get back we'll do a normal news round up.

Comments

[Melissa]

I would have really enjoyed going to the Unconventional Women event. The support we give one another as woman is phenomenal. I know many woman who have empowered themselves, whether for political or personal gain, and it was purely through unconventional means. One suggestion that has helped so many is the inspiration given to woman from an author Dana Dorfman, of The Pink Forest. Sounds unconventional, but it works. The development and growth gained from this eye-opener has really helped many find more strength within themselves.

[Melissa]

I would have really enjoyed going to the Unconventional Women event. The support we give one another as woman is phenomenal. I know many woman who have empowered themselves, whether for political or personal gain, and it was purely through unconventional means. One suggestion that has helped so many is the inspiration given to woman from an author Dana Dorfman, of The Pink Forest. Sounds unconventional, but it works. The development and growth gained from this eye-opener has really helped many find more strength within themselves.

[Lynn]

I think a grassroots effort must be made to share with women throughout the US(possibly via email, chain-letter type correspondence) the difference between candidates and what the election of either would probably mean to a women's right to choose. Must be simple, straigt forward, short. Mass distribution...forward to "all the women you know" by each recipient. Many take it for granted. Even though many oppose wouldn't want it gone!

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