The Political Voices of Women

We have a guest blogger today, and her name is Penny Ronning. You can read more from Penny at her blog The NonSilent Majority. This post is cross-posted to The Care2 Election Blog.

(If you would like to be a guest blogger on this site, please join our community)

I am and have always been a believer that our right to vote as an [eligible to vote] American citizen is something that should never be tampered with on a state or federal level.

From day one of the DNC’s [and GOP's] decision to strip the voters of Michigan and/or Florida of their right to have their vote count, I have actively voiced my opposition.

Good for those voters who went to the polls in the MILLIONS and voted anyway!! Good for you!!

This debacle with Michigan and Florida is a lesson to be learned…on many levels.

When leadership of a political party has the power to strip eligible American citizens of their right to have their vote count in an election — through absolutely no fault of the voters — then those leaders have WAAAAY to much power and the rules need to be changed.

Through the passed few months, we have witnessed the irresponsible and reprehensible power playing by certain members of the elected Democratic and Republican leadership in their call for presidential candidates to drop out of the race. According to these “leaders” in their infinite wisdom, more than one candidate in a race is bad for their respective party.

I’ve heard on more than one occasion by members of both the Democratic and Republican parties that the candidates with the lesser number of delegates should drop out of the presidential race for the good of their respective party.

REALLY???

When did becoming an elected official be about what’s good for the party OVER what’s good for the country?

When did striping eligible American citizens of their right to have their vote count become something good for our country?

Shame, shame, shame on the elected officials pushing to have the votes of eligible American citizens disenfranchised, voided, and meaningless.

And

Shame, shame, shame on the elected officials remaining silent on this issue.

The following is a letter from Senator Hillary Clinton to Senator Barack Obama I received yesterday via email:

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Hillary Clinton Victory Speech in Indiana (1 of 2)



(2 of 2)

Here is a guest post by Pamela Lyn at Pam’s Coffee Conversation.

(If you would like to be a guest blogger on this site, please join our community)

As expected, Barack Obama won the North Carolina Democratic Primary Election decisively while Hillary Clinton won an extremely close contest in Indiana.

The chief issue was the economy, of course. People think with their pocketbooks.

Has this changed anything in the democratic race to the nomination? Not really. This is still boiling down to a decision by the super-delegates.

Can either Clinton or Obama win either of these solidly red states in November? Now that’s the real question, isn’t it?

Just a reminder to anyone who has forgotten the 2004 Presidential Election here’s a copy of that wonderful red state/blue state map courtesy of Michael Gastner, Cosma Shalizi, and Mark Newman of the University of Michigan

Note that both North Carolina and Indiana are red (Republican) states. In fact, look at just how many states were red states in 2004. Of course, as Gastner, Shalizi and Newman point out, the above map is slightly deceiving. The state count is not as significant as the state’s populations.

“The cartogram (above) reveals what we know already from the news: that the country was actually very evenly divided by the vote, rather than being dominated by one side or the other.

The presidential election is not decided on the basis of the number of people who vote each way, however, but on the basis of the electoral college. Each state contributes a certain number of electors to the electoral college, who vote according to the majority in their state. The candidate receiving a majority of the votes in the electoral college wins the election. The electoral votes are apportioned roughly according to states’ populations, as measured by the census, but with a small but deliberate bias in favor of smaller states.

We can represent the effects of the electoral college by scaling the sizes of states to be proportional to their number of electoral votes, which gives a map that looks like this:

This was the political world ( circa Nov. 2004) based on population. Stunningly, different to say the least.

Why drag out these maps?

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Scalia on Bush v. Gore – “Get Over It” — by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at the Care2 Election Blog)

(sorry for the ad – it is the only video clip available at the moment)

This is absolutely unbelievable. Scalia really has some nerve. But I guess when you are given a job for life, that can never be taken from you, it’s easy to be glib. Here is what other bloggers are saying about the Scalia comments…

From Think Progress…

This Sunday, CBS’s 60 Minutes will air an interview with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who discards his usual disdain for the press to hawks his new book, “Making Your Case: The Art of Persuading Judges.” When reporter Leslie Stahl asks about the infamous Bush v. Gore decision, Scalia lashes out, “Get over it. It’s so old by now.”

From Shakesville…

Of course a conservative Supreme Court Justice is going to tell us Gore v. Bush is old news. Roe v. Wade is old news too, but others aren’t “getting over it.”

From Wonkette…

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia would like all you Sad Sallies who are still sore over the 2000 election (which he personally decided, on a bet) to hike up your panties and get over it. “That was like so ten minutes ago,” he tells 60 Minutes’ Leslie Stahl in an interview to be aired this weekend. Scalia explains that he is great friends with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other known liberals whom he has had the graciousness not to murder or even jail in their many years on the Supreme Court. And then he lets loose with a shocking revelation!

From The Carpetbagger Report…

He said the notion that the decision was politically motivated is “nonsense,” and proceeded to blame Al Gore for filing suit in the first place. “It was Al Gore who made it a judicial question…. We didn’t go looking for trouble. It was he who said, ‘I want this to be decided by the courts,’” Scalia said.

Actually, as I recall, Gore didn’t have much of a choice — Florida was led by his opponent’s brother and a Secretary of State who was the co-chair of his opponent’s campaign, both of whom had decided to cut short the vote-counting process. Gore didn’t want to make it a “judicial question”; he needed to try to bring some integrity to the Florida system.

Regardless, I’m struck by this notion that Democrats should just “get over it.”

It’s become a fairly common refrain, hasn’t it? The right does something offensive, the left gets mad when there are no consequences, time elapses, and the right, annoyed by lingering resentment, tells the left to “get over it.”

That’s easier said than done.

It’s possible that I’m just petty. I have a hard time forgiving and forgetting. But every time I hear conservatives argue that we should “get over it,” I’m reminded of why I continue to harbor grudges.

Republicans threw the political world into turmoil in 1998 by launching an impeachment crusade against Bill Clinton. It was an absurd and painful exercise. Those of us who are still annoyed by the fight are supposed to “get over it.”

In 2000, Republicans orchestrated a massive fraud in Florida, and, with the help of the Supreme Court, delivered the presidency to the candidate who came in second. Those of us who harbor resentment are told we should “get over it.”

Bush failed to take the terrorist threat seriously before 9/11? “Get over it.” Bush launched a disastrous war? “Get over it.” Bush is rewarding Swiftboat liars who helped smear a war hero with a vicious lie? “Get over it.”

It’s not enough for the GOP and its allies to engage in offensive conduct; they also insist, after a short while, that we stop being bothered by it.

Here is what I think: After what that decision has cost this country over the last eight years…the destruction of our constitution, two wars, a failing economy, a healthcare crisis, and a gas crisis (just to mention a few)…I think it is going to take a lot more than a few rude words by Justice Scalia, for many Americans to just “get over it.”

What do you think?

Also See:

Crooks and Liars Has over 300 comments.

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More Political Voices of Women…

We now have over 400 women political bloggers on our list, here are the C’s…

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Not only is Hillary Clinton damned if she does and damned if she doesn’t. It seems many political bloggers who support Hillary are in the same boat…and are being forced out (or at least underground). Why can’t we just let all the voices be heard? Why can’t we just let all the votes be counted? We are still living in the United States of America…right?

This is from a post by PunditMom — Hillary Clinton: Damned If She Does and Damned if She Doesn’t

Politicos ruminate over how much more the Democratic party can “take.” Some voters — the one’s who’ve already cast their ballots — have primary fatigue and want to be done with the process. Some Hillary Clinton supporters have even stopped blogging about their positions because of the unrelenting attacks from those who back Barack.

And an ever-growing number of Obama supporters are demanding that the first viable woman candidate step down for the good of the party.

I’m not the only one wondering why so many feel the need to push out a candidate who has come so far. Is our system so weak? Is the Democratic party so inept that it can’t stand a debate between two qualified candidates?

Read Full Post at PunditMom

* Also See: Hillary…Don’t Quit!

Who is hurting the Democratic Party more? Obama? Clinton? Or the media? – by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at the Care2 Election Blog)

Why is the media trying to convince Democrats that if Hillary doesn’t drop out now, it’s the end of the Democratic Party as we know it? The Democratic Party has already, single handedly, ostracized all the voters in Florida and Michigan. Now they want to alienate even more voters, by suggesting that Clinton supporters don’t really matter, and later primary states aren’t relevant to the nomination. As far as I am concerned, the only people hurting the Democratic Party, are the people suggesting Hillary should drop out, as well as the media who are sacrificing their journalistic integrity for sensationalized stories and ratings.

This is from USA Today

Allowing the Democratic presidential race to continue several more weeks will not hurt the party’s chances in November, former president Bill Clinton said Sunday in San Jose, Calif. He urged people to “chill out” and let the balloting run its course.

This is from The Washington Post

THE GROWING chorus among some Democrats and other interested observers for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) to get out of the race for the Democratic Party‘s nomination for president is troubling. We’re not promoting Ms. Clinton over Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), or either of them over Republican Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), for that matter. A time may come when someone should gracefully bow out. But their extended contest informs the electorate and serves to battle-test them both.

From an Associated Press article…

Debra Starks has heard the calls for Hillary Rodham Clinton to quit the presidential race, and she’s not happy about it.
The 53-year old Wal-Mart clerk, so bedecked with Clinton campaign buttons most days that friends call her “Button Lady,” thinks sexism is playing a role in efforts to push the New York senator from the race. Starks wants Clinton to push back.
“The way I look at it, she’s a strong woman and she needs to stay in there. She needs to fight,” Starks said at a Clinton campaign rally. “If you want to be president, you have to fight for what you want. If she stays in there and does what she’s supposed to do, I think she’ll be on her way.”
Amid mounting calls from top Democrats for Clinton to step aside and clear the path for rival Barack Obama, strategists are warning of damage to the party’s chances in November if women — who make up the majority of Democratic voters nationwide, but especially the older, white working-class women who’ve long formed the former first lady’s base — sense a mostly male party establishment is unfairly muscling Clinton out of the race.

From Taylor Marsh

As to whether the Republicans could be picking our nominee, I’ve answered that question before.

It’s really simple. If Michigan and Florida are not counted before the nomination is complete, the Democratic nominee will not be fully legitimate. Obama is giving all Democratic voters, especially Hillary suppporters who are dug in against him, a reason to stay that way. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Boy’s Against The Girls?

Hate to bring up that gender thing again, but here they are:

Senator Patrick Leahy (Elected for life in the 80% Obama state of Vermont, his hemorrhoids are so bad he has to speak in a whisper lest he break out in a cold sweat.)

Senator John Kerry (The quintessential Momma’s boy, our worst candidate since Ohio Governor Cox lost to Warren G. Harding.)

Senator Ted Kennedy (”I knew John Kennedy, Ted, and you’re no John Kennedy.” Got drunk, murdered Mary Jo Kopechne, failed presidential candidate (twice), appointed to a lifetime sentence in the Senate. Everyone leaves when he gives his speeches. Resents the Clintons, especially Hillary.)

Bill Richardson (No more Mr. Nice Guy, Richardson has been viciously biting the hands — Bill’s and Hillary’s — that gave him a career in Washington in Bill Clinton’s Cabinet.)

Howard Dean — (Responsible for the Democratic primary mess that is leaving the voters of Florida and Michigan out in the dark (to Hillary’s disadvantage). Remember, also, that many of his former supporters from Blue State Digital now work for Obama, Kennedy, and Kerry. Remember that “1984″ anti-Hillary video? That came from Blue State Digital. Dean is doing “the right thing” and not letting Florida and Michigan count because it helps Obama. There’s no other reason. The only way those votes will count will be after Dean resigns.

So there you are: the chorus asking Hillary to quit are men with agendas of their own.

From Talk Left

On George Stepanopoulos’ show, Ed Rendell represented the Clinton campaign and John Kerry represented the Obama campaign. Here is the video.

It seems clear that the Obama camp has completely backed down from the “Hillary should quit” campaign. That’s good. Now they are engaging the the winning metrics. Especially the Michigan and Florida issues. Frankly, I think Kerry did as well as he could with a tough hand. Rendell has become quite adept at this though and he talked “popular vote,” the will of the people and MI/FL. For me the Clinton argument is better than the Obama argument.

What do you think? Who is hurting the Democratic Party more? Obama? Clinton? Or the media?

This is from a post by Kay at Covering Florida.

I told a relative yesterday as we talked about the U.S. presidential election I figured Sen. Hillary Clinton had to scratch, claw and bite her way to the top. She’s the first viable female candidate for a top executive position in American politics. As a female, I have to admire her for that. So what is it about some media outlets who come up with silly hooks for stories? Start with the Associated Press story about where Sen. Clinton was when her husband had trysts with Monica Lewinsky. Then segue to a discussion of Clinton’s clothes in The Guardian. Why should Clinton be the only candidate subjected to this kind of silliness? Have you seen stories about Sen. Barack Obama’s clothes or Sen. John McCain’s clothes?

Respond to this post and see more from Kay at Covering Florida

No Re-Vote For Florida Primary — by Catherine Morgan (cross-posted at Care2 Election Blog)

As a Florida resident and a registered Democrat, I have blogged several times on my annoyance as well as outrage I am feeling over Florida delegates not being counted. My most recent post was – Should Florida and Michigan Have Do-Over Primaries? (there are actually 68 comments ranging from – why people think we should have revote to why they think we should just shut-up and take our punishment for breaking the rules).

I was really holding out hope that the Florida legislator would find a way to at least have a mail-in revote. It seems to me this would have been the best solution, but it apparently doesn’t seem that way to the Florida Democratic Party officials.

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Here is a guest post by Pam at Pam’s Coffee Conversation.

It’s looks like the Democratic Party has simply given up on Floridians. Maybe I’m thinking like a pessimist but it looks like Florida will remain “red” in November.

Florida Will Not Redo Its Primary

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Facing strong opposition, Florida Democrats on Monday abandoned plans to hold a do-over presidential primary with a mail-in vote and threw the delegate dispute into the lap of the national party.

While the decision by Florida Democrats left the state’s 210 delegates in limbo, Democrats in Michigan moved closer to holding another contest on June 3. Legislative leaders reviewed a measure Monday that would set up a privately funded, state administered do-over primary, The Associated Press learned.Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen L. Thurman sent a letter announcing the decision.

“A party-run primary or caucus has been ruled out, and it’s simply not possible for the state to hold another election, even if the party were to pay for it,” Ms. Thurman said. “.. This doesn’t mean that Democrats are giving up on Florida voters. It means that a solution will have to come from the DNC Rules & Bylaws Committee, which is scheduled to meet again in April.”
Members of Florida’s congressional delegation unanimously opposed the plan, and Barack Obama expressed concern about the security of a mail-in vote organized so quickly.

Just a reminder:

Florida is the 8th largest state in the United States.

For those of you who were worried about rigged voting machines, caging and other forms of election fraud I would suggest you also focus your attention on the Florida Democratic Party.

As for me, I’m changing my party registration to Independent.

Thanks Jill for contributing this guest post to the Political Voices of Women Community.

Howard Metzenbaum died last night at his home in Florida. Metzenbaum was Ohio’s first Jewish U.S. Senator (and a Democrat). His reputation was of a real firebrand and, depending on which side of an issue you preferred, might be loved or hated. Even John Glenn, the astronaut who became a Democratic Senator from Ohio after he defeated Metzenbaum (though eventually they served side by side) refused to speak to Metzenbaum for 10 years .
Two excellent sources for more on Metzenbaum:

The Plain Dealer’s collection of memories by others

In-depth obit by The Plain Dealer

One of his sons-in-law is Joel Hyatt of Hyatt Legal Services. If you are a person of a certain age, you may recall his television ads from the…80s or 90s. I forget – I must be of that age!

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