Political Punch

lilypotter: I defy you to name one reason besides racism that you would refer to Barack Obama as a pimp. You should be ashamed. Comments like yours reveal the true colors of the McCain/Palin crowd.

...I find it hard to believe that a whole organization that is supposed to be based on the premise of women's rights, can ban together and oppose Sarah Palin as V.P.
I also think that there are many, many more like Ms. Mandell, many women who understand Gov. Palin's point of view even thought they may not completely share all her opinions. If anything, those of us who support Palin might question our own tendency to let her courageously voice a difficult position for us, and to let Shelley Mandell do this for us as well.
There is much to the abortion issue, including that it is being misused, that young women and men are smart enough to know that it is not the answer to many situations it is now being used for. Mother Theresa raised a valid question when she observed that a society was in trouble when its women started killing their own children.
I am proud of Sarah Palin, whose life has differed from my own in many ways, and proud also of Shelley Mandell, who brought tears to my eyes when she introduced Gov. Palin in Carson.
I just received an email from my employer, who is a woman, expecting me to forward it around about NOW opposing Sarah Palin and her candidacy, and supporting Obama. Of course I will not do that. I believe there are many women, in NOW and otherwise, who love Sarah Palin and will defend her right to participate in our democratic system and applaud Shelley Mandell for coming forward. No matter what the election result, I will always be inspired that I was able to be there to watch a historic moment. Thank you for this place to add my comments to a vital subject.

This in fighting of yours is disgusting and makes me want to not be a woman. You think that Palin is the answer because she has breasts and a uterus? Think again. You might do well to research HER policies in her own state. To research how she has led her state to become a "state of fear". She's not a feminist, she's a Christian zealot who thinks that your soldiers in Iraq are fighting a HOLY WAR. OMG how is that in any way different than a Muslim?
As for the Canadian Health Care system. Yes it has its problems, but at least if you can't afford to pay for a doctor you still GET a doctor. If you can't afford a room at the hospital you can still GET one. Don't diss the Canadian system that at least TRIES to make sure everyone has access to a doctor, when so many families in your country go broke trying to get a diagnosis.

The Gods know I'm not a feminist all the way type of woman, but I still believe that things should be fair and equal FOR women. To stand up there and endorse a woman who wants to see women basically going backwards in time, is frightning. Everyone who knows Palin KNOWS that she does not represent any woman let alone the American women. My heart is pounding for you American women who could be led back to the stone age if you don't stop McCain/Palin right now!

If ever anybody doubted there's a right-wing conspiracy going on, these pro-Palin posts should settle that question. These pro-Palin posts are absolutely nothing else but "plants" in the women's movement, right-wing ideologues pretending to be feminists. It's Alice in Wonderland writ large: NOTHING Is what it seems to be.

kdk..you have got it so right so obvious transparently right on the $$$$

How can anyone associated with NOW think that this insipid, power-hungry, twangy, uninformed and classless lady be such a heroine to women. How do you think she will support women when she actually has rape victims in her state pay for their OWN RAPE KITS !!! And do people think it is somehow NOBEL that she has kept her Down's Syndrome child and accepted the pregnancy of her daughter. That's what any decent mother would do -- that is not out of the ordinary. How sad that the woman who support her would think that she is somebdy for them. How fooled they are and how angry they must be to accept her devisive, and cruel comments of those who disagree with her.

Please, please, please, educate yourselves about Obama. It is all IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN. This man is not honest, and not really in favor of women or individual rights for ANYONE. He is as close to a Marxist as I have ever seen in a presidential race.

Since when did feminism equal socialism? I believe in the individual. So does Sara Palin. I believe in Choice. That means I have to give the pro-life people a choice to be pro-life, while I fight to keep my own right to choose. It is ALL about education. Make your own informed decision. Do not believe any "single " source. There are a lot of facts available to you, Find them!

For the first time in my life, I am proud of feminists (or at least, one feminist: Shelly Mandell!)

I am a woman, and I support Palin because she is a conservative, pro-life woman! Finally we will have someone to represent US in the White House!

kd state in her posting: His only association with him was an involvement in a volunteer committee that Ayers happened to be on.
Oh my dear you have been misinformed Palin is hitting it on the head! They served on the Woods Fund board together for 3 years. They have appeared together on joint academic panels and Obama was appointed co-chair with Ayers of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which by the way was a disaster. Oh, let's not forget Mike Klonsky. Research and read and you will learn so much about Obama. Personally, his politics scare me and his socialistic views of how the government will take care of me are down right wrong.

Sara Palin should not be endorsed by women just because she is a woman. She is a woman who will say whatever she is told to say. That was evidenced in her acceptance speech and her most recent accusations calling Obama, who is and has been a Christian and an American Citizen who has fought for other American citizens rights his entire life. He was 8 years old when Ayers was linked to any terrorists acts, Obama didn't know him. His only association with him was an involvement in a volunteer committee that Ayers happened to be on. Palin knows this, yet continues to intentionally mislead the American public. She is arrogant and dangerous and yes gal. That is all.

With additional thought, I see these actions of the group as purely political. I have said long ago when Hillary and Obama were bickering that the true motives and ideas of the party will surface. I believe the support for diversity and women’s rights has been nothing but a facade for the Democratic Party to gain control over diverse groups. This is evidenced, I believe, by the ridiculing and condemnation of Sarah in what really should be celebrated as a wonderful time in our nation’s history.

We need to break this glass ceiling NOW! You go girl (PALIN) for Vice President!

If you want to read and an original and intelligent take on the Sarah Palin phenomenon, check out Camille Paglia's several observations throughout this week's Q/A column of hers over at Salon.com. Camille is a strong Obama supporter who, nevertheless, admires Palin on several counts. Kool-Aid drinkers need not waste their time on this... It's tough to get that Kool-Aid down when your comfortably simplistic, Party-line thinking is being challenged.

To paraphrase Michelle Obama - For the First Time In My Life, I am proud of Feminists!

It took a HUGE amount of courage for Mandel to do this. Make no mistake. I salute her. She is a HERO)ine)

It is appalling that the president of an organization that professes to be for women's and human rights would endorse Palin, a woman who is against safe legal abortions, who had rape victims pay for the the rape kits used in the emergency room, who forces her teenage daughter into a marriage, and who is against even teaching about birth control and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

And to those that may think my objection is only about being PRO abortion - no- it is about supporting safe and legal abortions for women who choose to have one.. All birth control is not 100% reliable, and accidental pregnancies do happen. Deciding to have an abortion is a painful and personal issue.
If abortions are outlawed, women will be forced back to the dark ages of back rooms, infections, perforated uteruses, and even more unwanted children.
It is not pro abortion , it is called pro choice!

I think the comment that Palin is an "anti-feminist" candidate is very telling. Feminism used to mean women would strive to be the best they could be and work to help other women do the same.

Now it seems that feminism really means a woman is pro-abortion. When did that narrower definition became accepted? That's why I'm no longer a member of NOW or NARAL.

Shelly Mandell should be fired for endorsing and promoting an anti-feminist candidate and doing so while mentioning her position at NOW.

I am a member of LA NOW and I am completely disgusted.

My pastor's wife commented that it was sexist of me to support McCain/Palin simply because Palin is a woman. Since I had decided to back McCain, not Obama, long before I knew Palin would be on the ticket I could just laugh at that assumption.

Thank you Shelly Mandell for having the courage to make your own decision and not be warned off by women threatened by Palin. I'm pro-choice feminist who campaigned to make abortions legal in the 1970s, and I'm proud to be supporting McCain/Palin.

I am appalled that Shelly Mandell would endose Sarah Palin. Neither Sarah
Palin or John McCain embrace a woman's right to choose, he voted against equal pay for women, she is against abortion in the case of rape or incest. This duo
would set women back decades. Just because Sarah Palin is photogenic and "folksy" does not make her presidential material. We are not electing a prom queen! And for those of you who keep referring to Senator Obama by his middle name. Get a clue...he was named for his father. He is not a Muslim. Wake up and admit your racist inclinations.

Our prayers have been answered....more and more people are putting down the kool-aide! Thank you Ms. Mandel & thank you everyone who goes beyond the hype of Obama-mania & sees the truth behind the facade!

I am so surprised and pleased that an officer of NOW sees Sarah Palin for her qualities. She has been a relentless fighter in Alaska to break up the politically corrupt good old boys network. She's non-partisan. She fights for what is right, regardless of political party. The USA needs a lot more politicians like her in Washington.

Thank you, Shelly Mandell!!!

You liberal idiots would follow Obama to hell if it meant you didn't have to try and understand a women who can actually be a women and not feel bad about it! feminist bs is all you are about. good luck with that.

Any man or woman who can't see right through Palin's sociopathic act is an idiot.

I'm pretty disturbed by Mandel's endorsement of Palin. Palin is an embarrassment for the women's rights movement. She is anti-choice and she is about as far right-winged as you can get. Sarah Palin is very full of herself and she is not qualified to be VP. McCain is a rich guy along with a rich wife who have no clue how the rest of us live. I'm disgusted with the way the media has portrayed Palin as a side show diversion. McCain seems to be riding on the coat tails of the Palin media frenzy. It further disturbs me when someone from a pro-choice organization would endorse such a person. For Palin to allow herself to get pregnant at 44 makes me question her decision-making abilities. Forget talking about ending a pregnancy of another handicapped child. She doesn't get any awards from me for those decisions. I'd be kind of embarrassed for the NOW organization with Mandel's endorsement. She certainly doesn't speak for the majority of women voters out there.

I was totally offended that the LA President of NOW would introduce Sarah Palin, knowing full well than an inevitable comparison would be made. People would automatically assume the NOW supported Sarah Palin. I wil never again contribute to or support NOW as I find Sarah Palin to be so anti everything that NOW stands for.

How exciting to FINALLY see an intellectually honest feminist! Way to go Shelley Mandell! As a feminist, small business owning, wife and mother I am in total agreement with this gal's support of Sarah Palin. I, among millions of other "real" women LOVE HER!
Go Palin/McCain! Let's get some real change in Washington from someone who has actually done something and not just talked about it!
With Alec Baldwin's recent ability to tell the truth about how Barney Frank and his gang of thugs in Washington and aat Fannie & Freddie are responsible in great part to this financial mess we are in; what is the world ccoming to? I applaud him his ability to see the truth despite of radical liberal stances on most things.

Charity says Response to earlier comments...Pro-choice is about having a CHOICE!! if you are Pro-life...good for you, but why can't you at least agree that others should have a CHOICE according to their situation. Get real. Having an abortion is not a fun option for anyone, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get to choose how they live. Why are pro-lifers so worried about controlling other peoples lives?

I say - you DO HAVE A CHOICE TO have protected sex or deal with what happens when you don't. That would be a baby. I mean, the choice should start when you decide to have sex. You decided to have sex unprotected you must have decided that if you get pregnant it's no big deal! GET REAL and wrap it before you tap it!

Response to earlier comments...Pro-choice is about having a CHOICE!! if you are Pro-life...good for you, but why can't you at least agree that others should have a CHOICE according to their situation. Get real. Having an abortion is not a fun option for anyone, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get to choose how they live. Why are pro-lifers so worried about controlling other peoples lives?

The wife of Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel plans to endorse Democrat Barack Obama.

Lilibet Hagel has scheduled a 10 a.m. news conference in Alexandria, Va., on Tuesday with Susan Eisenhower, the granddaughter of Republican President Eisenhower. Susan Eisenhower also is an Obama supporter.

The idea that women should support a woman, any woman, just because of her chromosome, regardless of her policy positions, is an absurdity and an offence to thinking people everywhere. People shouldn't support Palin because her policies are bad. Further, she is ignorant about the world and the most important issues on which she would be called upon to make decisions (economy; foreign policy, etc). And it is women in particular who should oppose Palin's candidacy, because (a) her policies would have disproportionately negative impacts on women, and (b) McCain's selection of her over other actually qualified and intelligent female candidates makes her nothing more than a token, which is at best insulting.

I'm getting of the Ayers accusations.
Here is some truth for you.
William Ayers is a professor of education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, with whom Barack served on the board of a charitable anti-poverty organization in the mid-1990s. According to the Associated Press, they are not close: “No evidence shows they were “pals” or even close when they worked on community boards years ago …”

Smear groups and the McCain campaign are trying to connect Obama to acts Ayers committed 40 years ago – when Barack was just eight years old. Here’s what the New York Times reported on the connection:

But the two men do not appear to have been close. Nor has Mr. Obama ever expressed sympathy for the radical views and actions of Mr. Ayers, whom he has called “somebody who engaged in detestable acts 40 years ago, when I was 8.”

Barack has publicly denounced Ayers’ radical actions from the 1960’s:

Senator Obama strongly condemns the violent actions of the Weathermen group, as he does all acts of violence. But he was an eight-year-old child when Ayers and the Weathermen were active, and any attempt to connect Obama with events of almost forty years ago is ridiculous.

Wow!! Somebody said that people should have listened to the entire speech instead of listening to internet rumors in regards to statements made by Palin.

That is hilarious considering everything that people have against Obama has come from internet rumors or not listening to the entire statement(Rev.Wright).

I can't believe the Repubs started this guilty by association thing especially when Palin and McCain have a much greater link to crazy pastors, questionable anti-american groups, and character flaws.

I believe in uplifting women but there are too many highly educated, well-informed, women who don't have to flirt with the camera to get there point across in the Republican Party. How do I respect a women that can't provide facts and figures or list of periodicals(some journalism degree that was) and who is rude and mean-spritied? Just because she is a smiling working mom doesn't make her cruel remarks any better. Obama supported her when clearly she did not teach abstinence to her daughter which is one of her biggest political stances besides oil.

Mandell should not be praised because she is doing something different by supporting Palin, because when people support Obama they are considered just followers not different.

The only difference is Obama supporters actually know and like his politics. Most "regular" women voting for Palin like her because she is a working mom not for her politics. Remember Mandell does not agree wholeheartedly with Palin.

Dear sweet little adorable Sarah...

Since we're talking about guilt by association, I am sure that you will not be upset when the Democrats start airing ads showing that your husband was a member of a group that favored Alaskan secession from the United States.

People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones......

Let not forget Sarah Palin association's with the radical Alaska Independence Party that wants to secede from this great country, the United States of America.

And here is a quote from Alaskan Independence Party founder Joe Voegler:
“The fires of Hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government, and I won’t be buried under their damn flag!”

I wonder how Palin explains her husband''s verified membership in the "ALASKIAN INDEPENDENCE PARTY?" Seems she doesn''t believe in the UNITED States of America, does she??

and also don't forget McCain's pastor(s) the one who said New Orleans desrved what it got, it was punishment from God....

hey Sarah, go ahead and bring up Obama's pastor...
I'll take an angry marine pastor over some witch doctor...

----

Are you kidding me. You are comparing this to all of the fithly associations Obama has in his life? Especailly with an adimitted TERRORIST that has set off bombs in our country????? Please get some credibility will you.

ok, can we all make a deal? when obama loses. with all the extra money, all the media on his side. all the meters pointing dem. when he loses.....can the dems just disband? can they just go away? talk about a gang that can't shoot straight. these guys, the dems, are hilarious. in a year they CAN'T lose. they nominate someone who CAN'T WIN. and they want to run anything? ya gotta admit, they are funny as hell. when they aren'ty spewing hate and venom and spewing old outdated (not new or change) 1970's failed big government claptrap. peace. but please, dems, in november....please....take your meds the day after...please. for your sakes.

You Go Shelly! THANK YOU for not being afraid to exercise your First Amendment rights. I'm a supporter of Roe vs. Wade which states CLEARLY that a fetus' viability is the time limit for which a woman can choose what to do with a pregnancy. When Democrats vehemently defend partial birth abortion and now Obama would have infanticide included in abortion rights, I have to draw the line and say no more. Roe vs. Wade didn't create a right to destroy viable life. For those that would argue Obama's talking point defending his vote against protecting babies that survive abortion....I researched the laws on the book in Illinois...Obama lied.

Isn't this the same NOW that rallied around Bill Clinton when he was credibly accused of rape, convicted of what anyone else would call sexual harassment, and had a track record of serial sexual exploitation of women?

Break this down:
Taxes, why is it acceptable policy to “take” tax dollars and give them to people who have no tax liability, Obama says that under his plan 95% will get tax cuts. Of that 95% of tax breaks 35% pay no taxes in the first place so why are they getting a “refund” (which should be called a hand out). Higher taxes on business aren’t the answer. The only thing that does is cause business owners to not hire or expand because they have to pay taxes. Lower taxes on business and they grow and hire.

Health Care: Please tell me why it would be a good thing to have Government run Health Care, look at Canada, not a good thing. Think about it, do you trust that Government does well with what we have given them to be in charge of? I don’t. McCain’s health care plan may not be perfect few things are, but one thing it does that Obama’s doesn’t is to give the people a choice, to allow us to make our own decision instead of the Government doing it. Wake up people, Government is not the answer.

Social Reform: why is it acceptable and good to give a hand out instead of a hand up! Why does the democratic leadership think that America “needs” to be taken care of by Government? And why is it a bad thing to teach people to be self sufficient. The Hispanic population gets it and that’s why the majority of the time they do not vote democratic. They see how African Americans have been used and belittled by the liberals who claim to want to “help”. What help is to make someone believe the government can “save” them.
National Security: When Obama wants to set down with Terrorists such as Ahmadinejad (leader of Iran) that is DANGEROUS. In case you haven’t heard about the Iranian ship off the coast of Africa that was captured by pirates who began to die because of a “mysterious” chemical on board, then you need to read up! How can he think we can talk to people who want us wiped off the face of the earth, gone, dead, non existent? I don’t want a nation of do gooders who think we can talk our way out of nuclear war by being diplomatic with killers.
Oh and I also don’t think live birth abortion, late term abortion and saline abortion should be legal… just thought I’d throw that in for good measure because the democratic party thinks it should all be legal.

I am applauded with the differences in the responses of Obama supporters and McCain supporters. How come people could have so much hate and disgusts with other people's choices. I thought you Obama supporters are pro-choice? Or, you are just pro-choices when the choices are the same as yours?

In the mist of financial meltdown, we need a mature leader with track records. Ask yourself calmly, when and what Obama has done for this country. Obama divided his own party into slices from the primary election. He did not choose Hillary even though Hillary is the strongest among the other choices. He motivated millions to form a coalition (PUMA) to oppose him. Obama cannot even work within the aisle, how can you convince yourself that he would work across the aisle to get the job done when unity is of the most important for the country now? How about John McCain, how many democrats need to come out and specify their support before you are convinced he is the one who can unify this country?

It's interesting that women who promote equal rights for women are aggravated at a women who wants to make her own choice and pursue a political career. Palin's choice is to not abort her child with special needs. And now Mandell made a choice to endorse a certain candidate; but because she's not the 'right' one, Mandell is suddenly discredited and uneducated.

Additionally, Obama is a mystery and, maybe McCain doesn't "question his patriotism", but I do! I simply can't vote for someone with so many shady companions and advisers.

I am applauded with the differences in the responses of Obama supporters and McCain supporters. How come people could have so much hate and disgusts with other people's choices. I thought you Obama supporters are pro-choice? Or, you are just pro-choices when the choices are the same as yours?

In the mist of financial meltdown, we need a mature leader with track records. Ask yourself calmly, when and what Obama has done for this country. Obama divided his own party into slices from the primary election. He did not choose Hillary even though Hillary is the strongest among the other choices. He motivated millions to form a coalition (PUMA) to oppose him. Obama cannot even work within the aisle, how can you convince yourself that he would work across the aisle to get the job done when unity is of the most important for the country now? How about John McCain, how many democrats need to come out and specify their support before you are convinced he is the one who can unify this country?

Shelly, like Gov Palin, is free to be herself...and she is walking the walk...not just whinning. How funny that NOW would have to put out a statement denying one of their top members. What a stab-in-the-back...I guess it is not okay to think for yourselves. NOW tends to hate men...Sarah Palin is no man-hater...Shelly loves the freedom!

Shelly Mandell represents a TRUE modern feminist far, far more than the other NOW leaders ever will. By standing up as a free-thinking woman and taking a personal stand, and by exercising her right to speak up in a true personal voice, she showed what feminism is SUPPOSED to be about.

Then again, that's why Sarah Palin scares the establishment of NOW so much. Because Heaven forbid women should start thinking for themselves as opposed to immediately following any and all marching orders that the old-time leaders want to give out...

I don't agree with NOW, but I think they're right to say that she is speaking for herself as a private citizen and that her views do not represent their organization. That it is misleading and unfair to say they do.

Where they get a tad annoying is turning it into a harangue about Pro-Choice and Obama-love. I mean I think everyone knows that NOW always supports the Democratic candidate for President and pretty much never supports a Republican at any level. You don't need to beat Mandell on the head for her unorthodoxy. (Or even for being a fool if one feels that)

NOW needs to wake up NOW! WOMEN IN AMERICA ARE FREE THINKING INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE OUR OWN CHOICES AND DESTINIES. We will not let party leaders or NOW talking heads deter our members and activists from freedom and equality for all women, putting our hopes and our dreams, our hard work and our hard-earned money, behind a proven team for women, their children and ALL AMERICA: the next President of the United States SENATOR McCAIN 2008

Mandall has true courage and convictions, both qualities of a true feminist. WHAT A WOMAN!!!!!

This election has exposed NOW for what they really are all about - a liberal agenda that has nothing to do with women's rights. Shame on NOW for not celebrating Palin being picked as a future VP.

There is more to being feminist than rights. I've quit my association with NOW, to me Sarah Palin has worked her way up, she walks the walk. I feel very strongly she represents me.

Senator Obama has taken note of and appreciates California's NOW President, Patty Bellasalma's support.

''Thanks, Sweetie!''

I have always been pro-choice. I am sick and tired of the importance placed on reproductive rights by both sides. The left uses the potential loss of the right to instill fear and back alley abortions. The right uses the whole baby killing argument. Both sides are playing on the stupidity and emotions of women.

I totally concur with Mandell. I am offended by the National Leader of NOW. As a mother of a girl, I cannot believe that Sarah Palin does not advocate women's rights with the exception of the abortion issue. Sarah has 4 daughters are they trying to tell us she doesn't want equal opportunities for her daughters?

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICANS MAKING PACTS WITH SATAN.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICANS USING RELIGION AS A VOTING TOOL.

ENOUGH OF REPUBLICAN LIES AND MANIPULATIONS.

ENOUGH OF PALIN PRETENDING TO CARE FOR WOMEN WHEN SHE IS WILL SEND ALL WOMEN WHO OPT TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT TO CHOOSE TO JAIL.

Yes, I pray for the Obama campaign myself....

I PRAY TO GOD BHO IS NOT THE NEXT POTUS!!!

From what I can gather, there are millions doing likewise.

Shelly will surely be made to pay by the elite feminist establishment. True feminist should do what Shelly did and embrace Palin. Palin is indeed what feminists looks like: a real woman, from the real world and not in a cloistered ideological cocoon. Yet, she empowered herself and benefited from feminist liberation. We should all embrace Sarah Palin. It is disgusting that so many national leaders and educated women are doing the dirty work for a man that pushed into the ground the most qualified candidate for president and used intimidation to browbeat her and push her from the campaign and then asked her to campaign for him. All the while he himself is utterly unqualified. Sarah and I don't agree on many things, but she has shown that she puts her country's interest first and she has guts and we need to support her .I will do so. I am glad Shelly did this and hopefully it encourages other women to do the same.

49,000,000 abortions performed in the U.S. since Roe v Wade passed in 1973.
What percentage would have been done by "back-alley" abortionists, back in the so-called day?

I am so sad to hear this news - for those wondering why it wasn't reported as widely in the mainstream media (although I just heard of it on CNN 3 times today, so I'm not sure what that comment was all about?) it was because Shelley supported Sarah Palin as an individual not as part of NOW -

I'm really saddened to see women being attracted to a woman who doesn't represent equal pay for equal work, who is running with a candidate who degraded Hillary Clinton and her daughter in public, opposed the Violence Against Women Act and basically has never shown a regard for women until he saw them as a viable voting block he should go after.
I know many of us are supporting Sarah Palin because "she's just like me" but please be advised women are ever so diversity and what McCain/Palin represent will be detrimental for so many of us..unlike what you like to think Sarah Palin is more a ploy than the real deal. Very, very sad.

I wish we all accepted our differences and worked together as women - I'm not sure why we let these politicians divide us.

Good for Shelly M for speaking her mind. I'm sure she'll be ostracized for her decision. Sarah Palin is an outstanding role model for young women all across the country. I am very proud that my daughter can see such a fine example. I for one believe that your personal choice to spend time with radical losers does reflect your judgement. We all lead busy lives and barely have time for the people we love and care about much less "radical people we really don't know all that well." Give me a break. Obama can you answer a question with an answer and not your handlers prepared answers. Why don't you ask Hillary about Obama's treatment of women!! Obama NOT ready to lead.

Of course, none of the NOW gals bring up that there isn't even pay parity among the women in the Obama campaign! Obama is a total fraud when it comes to women's issues.

I really hope McCain/Palin takes this phony empty suit to the cleaners on election day.

Disgusting. Sarah Palin doesn't care about women's rights. Mandell is wrong that Sarah Palin will break up the old boy network. Sarah Palin is no feminist.

>>>California's NOW President, Patty Bellasalma, issued a statement saying that the "National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW

This lady will probably get blasted for doing this. She's right about Palin. I cannot see Sarah pushing an agenda against women. A mother of 5 children and a career that she worked for on her own. I think Sarah's awesome and fresh. Sometimes, a regular joe/ jane citizen from the outside can have a better impact towards society and government than a seasoned politican because many of them do not want to give up their jobs and or dirty. Are they for term limits? I doubt that.

>>>Palin is the best thing that has happened to this election cycle. I hope she can help clean out the Augean Congress and return it to the people.

Me too. I can't see Obama changing anything with a left wing controlled Congress and the bias media on their side. We all will be so had. God bless McCain/Palin.

But no mention in the story that NOW's endorsed candidate, Obama, has virtually no women in his senior staff and he pays them a fraction of what he pays men. But he's all for women. Sure he is.

I PRAY FOR OBAMA AND HIS CAMPAIGN

The simple fact of her being a pro-life married mother of five with a thriving political career was--before anything else about her was known--enough for the left and its outliers to target her for destruction. She could not be allowed to contradict symbolically one of the central narratives of the left. How galling it will be to Sarah Palin's many new enemies if she survives this assault and prevails. If she does, her success may be an important moment in the struggle to shape not just America's politics but its culture.

I just wanted to say thank you to NOW and all the organization has done for women. I also want to say thank you to Shelly Mandell for reaching out to Palin. I love what NOW does, I may not agree with everything, but I am certainly proud of all the women who embrace women's rights - thank you to all of you. It was just refreshing to witness Shelly Mandell put aside some of the differnces to support Palin.

Good for Shelly Mandell for being an individual. I know many many Hillary supporters who are now voting for McCain/Palin. You do not have to agree with all of the issues to support a ticket. Furthermore, I do not believe the current polls. Things will start shifting in the next few days. Hillary waited to long to go after Obama because she did not want to come across as a racist. Obama and his campaign can not handle anyone questioning his past associations. What will Obama do when Evil Dictators from other countries start pushing him around. He has slid through the campaign and now we will see what Obama is really made of !

Who should pay for the "Rape Kit"? Small business owners? Those who have done well for themselves? Or the "poor" rape victim. If you get shot (clearly the victim of a crime), you or your insurance must pay for your ER visit. If there is a civil case and you win, you may get this money back? Why should rape be any different than another domestic crime such as attempted murder or robery in which a "victim" is injured?

It's so refreshing to see the NOW organization President acknowledging Sarah and endorsing the ticket. The organization should embrace all women, not just the ones who are embarrassed about their past abortions and have to insult those who choose not to have them. Sarah says she'll never shove her personal views not to have an abortion on other women. She says she has no plans to push for these views on anyone if elected. It seems the left has grabbed onto this one thing and blown it out of proportion when Sarah has the right to exercise HER OWN CHOICE. One choice is as valid as the other. If the left criticizes her for having her choice to be life, they are nothing but empty windbag hypocrits.

So what! - Rosie O'Donnell & Whoopee Goldberg support Obama!

wow, i was undecided, but with first joe lieberman and now Shelly Mandell going for McCain, it just seems simple, he just seems to be the one everyone can agree on

I can't wait to see Tina Fey use William Ayers in her Palin comedy skit.

I'm a Pro-Choice Republican.

I'm pleased with the L.A. NOW endorsement Of Palin.

It is time for women to support other competent women. Please.

I don't agree with Palin's personal views on choice, I am comfortable with her being assertive enough to get the job done.

We all can't agree on all social issues.

It is about time we had a lady in the White House. My husband and I would be happy if Palin were President.

Thanks. Go competent Women. Go NOW.

Governor Palin didn't advocate charging women the cost of the rape kits when she was the mayor of Wasilla. It was a practice across Alaska in many towns and cities and when it was called to the attention of the state a law was passed to make sure it didn't happen any longer. Shelly Mandell is right - Sarah Palin is the embodiment of feminism. The real feminism, not that hijacked, bastardized form that has been promoted by the left.

Not a bad public endorsement for McCain/ Palin!

Palin is the best thing that has happened to this election cycle. I hope she can help clean out the Augean Congress and return it to the people.

Actually Palin misquoted Albright and Albright is not too happy about it

On another note I do remember reading that 200 former diplomats support Obama. That is an endorsement I can respect