Dear Readers,
In the past two weeks, newspapers across America have begun endorsing the Obama/Biden ticket in unprecedented numbers. From the Houston Chronicle and the Austin American-Statesman in Texas to Cleveland's Plain Dealer and the Akron Beacon-Journal in Ohio, and including newspapers like the Denver Post, the Salt Lake Tribune, New Mexico’s Las Cruces Sun-News, Raleigh's News & Observer, the Orlando Sentinel, Alabama's Tuscaloosa News, Kentucky's Lexington Herald-Leader, the Chicago Tribune, and the Idaho Statesman, the call for the Democratic candidates has been resounding and clear.
Like some of you, many of these newspapers endorsed Bush/Cheney in 2000 and 2004. And like you, they have had enough. Eight years of the Republican Party's disastrous domestic and foreign policies—including a debilitating disregard of the needs of the working and the middle class, the very Americans who elected them twice, and where so many of us reside—have caused them to say: Enough.
So with their ringing endorsements of the Obama/Biden ticket, we are going to add your own. Below are your voices, the voices of American women who have written to us—passionately and conclusively—about not just why they say NO to Sarah Palin, but why they will say YES to Barack Obama and Joe Biden in less than two weeks.
VIVA!
Sincerely,
Lyra & Quinn
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Your letter brilliantly spells out why we MUST vote for Obama. Kudos to McCain for picking a partner that is deflecting all attention away from him and his hideous proposals on the war in Iraq, environment, women’s and gay rights, etc ad nauseum. A vote for Palin is a vote against a future for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.
-Louise C., Media, PA
My name is Sheri Adams, and I will support the Obama/Biden ticket. In the name of Hillary Clinton, Claire McCaskil, Kay Barnes, Kathleen Sebelius and other strong and intelligent women politicians, I would encourage all women to support Obama/Biden!
-Sheri A., Blue Springs, MO
First and foremost…Sarah Palin does not represent women! After watching the Vice-Presidential debate it made me even more adamant in my decision to vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Biden is very clear on his position and in past tenure’s the vice-president has not done anything outstanding for our country. I firmly believe that Joe Biden will do a lot for this country.
-Amanda C., 21, Woonsocket, RI
I am truly appalled by the campaign tactics of John McCain and Sarah Palin. I think the approach they're taking shows the weakness of their platform and ultimately, of their characters. That said, I don't think Sarah Palin and John McCain as a team are progressive or humane enough to heal our country. I do think this country needs a thoughtful, empathetic, eloquent and dignified statesman as president, and that person would be Barack Obama.
-Donna P.
Sara Palin does not represent me, a mother, grandmother and activist for environmental causes, civil liberties, and equal rights for over 40 years. Let's continue to say "yes" to the individuals who will really go to bat for us, i.e., Obama and Biden. For once, we have two men who understand and respect and appreciate women.
Venita V., Ashland, OR
I think Palin is a shrewd politician who has simply jumped on the evangelical train, if you will. But I won't reward the Republicans with my vote because they don't deserve it, as the last eight years has demonstrated. Go Obama!
-Brenda L., 62, Raleigh, NC
I believe Sarah Palin is the absolute WORST person anyone could have picked to run our country. I am appalled at the audacity to think that just because she is a woman that most women would vote for McCain/Palin. Anyone thinking she is a viable candidate should have their head examined, let alone be running for the presidency. Obama all the way!
-Laura B., 51, Valley Forge, PA
Sarah Palin's actions in office, to date, show her disrespect for her state and for the rule of law. Is this whom Republicans think can backstop McCain, and if worst comes to worst, can guide and support this country? Think Supreme Court nominations, foreign policy efforts to relieve worldwide tensions, not to mention this country's descent into the abyss of recession/depression. Dear God, save us from this cynical selection to be vice president under a Republican administration. What better reason to vote for the Democratic nominee, Barack Obama!
-Ellen J., 81, Vancouver, WA
It's rather easy to articulate why I think Sarah Palin is a bad choice for the second-most-important office in our country. She is arrogant and egomaniacal, and I find her demeanor to be heartless. Of course, I don't know her personally, so I can't really say who she is or what is in her heart, but her demeanor seems to be ego-centered. I suppose that is a pre-requisite for a politician in some ways, but I don't get that with Barack Obama at all. When I see Obama speak and read what he has written in his books, I find him to be compassionate and deeply spiritual with a heart of gold. A vote for Obama is a vote FOR America!
-Tonya F., Seattle, WA.
No to Sarah Palin, Ya to Obama!
-Diane K., 57, Richton Park, IL
I have closely listened to and watch Sarah Palin during the past few weeks to evaluate her as the possible Vice President candidate - and the eventual successor to John McCain after he completes his Presidency. I have now made the determination that I cannot and will not support Sarah Palin under any circumstances. I have now decided to vote for Barack Obama. I think that he and Joe Biden have infinitely more qualified and capable of assuming the White House and this economy - and I also have decided that I much prefer Michelle Obama to Cindy McCain as the First Lady of our land. I am 64 years old and was a strong supporter of Hillary Clinton. I believe the Clinton years were our best years - and I look forward to getting back to a Democratic Presidency - and a Presidency that does not include Sarah Palin as the Vice President.
-Jeanne G., 64
I am an American woman, age 54, living and working abroad in Italy. I have already cast my absentee ballot for Obama/Biden. Sarah Palin has accomplished some things in her life for which she should proud. Although, I am a single mom and raised 2 children, Ms. Palin in NO way represents me either as an American or as a woman. I find her too inexperienced in the capacity of vice president, plus I feel she projects a very narrow minded political and life view point to the rest of the world. One thing for sure, folks in Italy find it difficult to believe there is a chance that the McCain/Palin ticket can win this election. They often ask me, why American voters would even consider voting for them.
-Holly, 54