Truemors
Those were the final words spoken by Shelly Mandel, president of the Los Angeles chapter of National Organization of Woman, in her introduction and endorsement of Sarah Palin in Carson, California. As a long time democrat this move was a bold and brave one for Shelly Mandel to endorse a republican candidate. The NOW Pac has officially endorsed Obama so you can imagine the internal stir this has caused. There are many members of the feminist group that are absolutely disgusted that Shelly Mandell spoke her own mind instead of denouncing Gov. Palin because she happens to both a strong, accomplished woman who just so happens to be a democrat. If this is a problem for NOW, perhaps they should change their name to the National Organization for DEMOCRATIC Women, as they certainly do not speak for all women. Following is an “unofficial” transcript of Shelly Mandell’s introduction/endorsement of Governor Sarah Palin
I want to thank you, and I want to reiterate that I am Shelly Mandell, the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women. Now I'm happy to be here, and I'm here today speaking not on behalf of NOW, but speaking as an individual, as a women's rights activist for thirty years who has worked for all those years to see this day.
Let me share with you where I've been and why I'm here. I was there in 1977 for IWY, that was the International Women's Year, in Texas. I was there in 1978 when we campaigned hard all over the west for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, working right alongside my dear friend Maureen Reagan. I was there in 1984 when we worked so hard to get Geraldine Ferraro on the ticket, and then to support her historical place in that election.
And I'm here today proud to support Sarah Palin, a woman who will fight for women's rights, a woman who will fight for the middle class, a woman who will--Lord knows--shake things up.
Now, make no mistake. I'm a life-long Democrat. I don't agree, I've got to tell you, I don't agree with Governor Palin on several issues. Hey, she's going to work on persuading John McCain on ANWR; well I'm going to try persuading her on things of my own.
But... But I know Sarah Palin cares about women's rights, she cares about equality, she cares about equal pay, and as Vice President she will fight for it.
She cares about our children and she cares about women's lives. She's an athlete and she knows what Title IX did for girls like her.
Change must come to Washington, and Sarah Palin has what it takes to lead that charge. I believe she is courageous, I believe she has integrity, and I know that Sarah Palin is a reformer who will break up the old boy network, buck the system, and get Washington back on our side.
It is an honor to call her sister.
America, this is what a feminist looks like: Governor Sarah Palin.
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (3)
at 12:47 on October 8th, 2008
Way to go Shelly...It takes guts to do what you did for a Republican woman. You are a leader and Sarah Palin is a leader also who has guts, grit, smarts and an unbelievable capacity to connect to the American voter. I am a women, wife, mother, athlete and business owner who also realized the American dream by the opportunities of title 9. I was the firtst girl out of my high school to ever get a full scholarship to play volleyball in college. I relate to Sarah Palin in many ways. She is the only one in this race who truly understands women's issues and cares about them. Sarah proves that you can be a strong, proud Republican with values and still care about women's rights. It is really sad to me that more women's groups aren't supporting her. In my opinion women's groups should at least give her some level of respect for what she has accomplished. For Gods sake she was a mayor, head of the Alaska oil and gas commision and a great Governor. She is the most popular Governor in the country right now, that says a lot. It is bad when I see women's groups tearing her apart. I think women right now should band together in support for women in politics no matter if you agree with everything about them or not. Instead women's groups and organizations are bragging about their hate, lies and press they get for their dislike for Governor Palin. This is sad. Women lets have some class. Margaret Hofmann, Owner of Female Athletes First, Columbus Ohio
at 21:08 on October 9th, 2008
Single issue voters are dangerous. Single gender voters are even more so. It's not brave to support Sarah Palin, it's stupid and self-destructive. Identity politics are dying. It's about time you dinosaurs realized that.
at 21:12 on October 9th, 2008
Sarah Palin voted so that rape victims in Wasilla, AK had to pay up to $1000 in order to have a forensics "rape kit" used in their case. Sarah Palin voted against a home for pregnant teens. How is this supporting women's rights?