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Obama Warms up to Women on the Trail

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June 23, 2008 9:29 PM

ABC News' Jennifer Duck reports: Sen. Barack Obama made a strong appeal to women in Albuquerque, N.M., today, just days before hitting the trail with Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The one-time Democratic rivals will join forces on Thursday in Washington, D.C., at a fundraiser and appear publicly on Friday stumping in the appropriately named Unity, N.H.

In New Mexico today, Obama was introduced by New Mexico Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who admitted she was a Clinton supporter before Obama officially clinched the nomination three weeks ago. Obama praised Clinton as an "extraordinary woman" and spoke of an America full of equal opportunities for men and women.

"Standing here today, I know that we have drawn closer to making this America because of extraordinary women like the lieutenant governor and the first lady [of New Mexico, Barbara Richardson] and the extraordinary woman who I shared a stage with so many times throughout this campaign –- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton," Obama said to the small roomful of women. "In the months and years ahead, I look forward to working with her and women across the country to make progress on the issues that matter to American women and to all American families -– health care, education, support for working parents and an insistence on equality."

He criticized Sen. John McCain, his likely opponent in the presidential campaign, who he said does not support a number of policies that are important for women's rights.

Obama also talked about his "rock" -- his wife Michelle, and being raised by his single mother and "Rose the Riveter" grandmother.

But not all women were a quick sell on an Obama presidency. Tough questions were tossed to the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee on healthcare, Pell grants and taxes. One woman asked bluntly if the senator would follow through on his political talking points and get things done.

Obama responded that it is his family who grounds him and explained he wouldn't run for commander-in-chief unless he knew it was worthwhile.

"I'm always comparing is what I'm doing, running for president, or even being president, worth the sacrifice of not being with my family. And the only way it makes it worthwhile is if I'm actually getting something done. Because if you're not getting something done then it's all just vanity," Obama explained.

He launched into his run-ins with fame, saying he'd be OK without the limelight.

"You know, I've gotten more than enough attention to last me a lifetime now. I mean if I just kind of pulled back I'd be OK. I've done Letterman, I've done the 'Daily Show,' been on the cover of Rolling Stone."

Transitioning to what he says matters, Obama reached into his pocket and pulled out a number of lucky charms given to him by voters who he said have been "investing their hope" in him.

"This side I usually don't show in these town hall meetings, but I carry around all these -- I have all these things that people give me ... all these different little good luck charms that I get handed," Obama said, turning a handful of shiny objects toward the semi-circle of seated women.

Among the charms was an eagle given to him by a Native American woman and a lucky poker chip given to him by another voter who met him on the campaign trail.

Obama explained, "They'll hand it to you and they'll say I want you to be well but I want you to fight for me. And they'll talk about not having healthcare for their family. Or they'll talk about being laid off of a job after working for 20 years."

June 23, 2008 in Kucinich, Dennis | Permalink | User Comments (43)

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Most women are too smart to be fooled by the Republicans' phony promises to women. Women know there's only one candidate running in Nov that will really help improve their lives, protect their reproductive rights, fight for a level playing field, and that's the DEMOCRAT, Sen Obama. It's was amusing while it lasted, McCain, but trust me, WOMEN are for OBAMA. Case closed.

Posted by: dem in chicago | Jun 23, 2008 9:45:31 PM

Don't be fooled by the dirty Chicago-style hype! Go to www.womenamericans.com for all the facts. Just Say No Deal!!!

Posted by: gaypastor | Jun 23, 2008 9:50:17 PM

Does obama still address women as "sweetie?" He's coming to Carnegie Mellion University in Pgh. I guess he's looking for more white people.

Posted by: Russ | Jun 23, 2008 9:55:00 PM

It will take more than a little smooth talking to get this Sweetie's vote. I am thoroughly disgusted with the Democratic Party and having Obama stuffed down my throat. This time I feel free to vote Green!

Posted by: Kasha | Jun 23, 2008 9:59:29 PM

Russ,

Many women don't mind being called "sweetie". It's more of the tone being used that counts.
You're a man you could never know.
Obama has the women vote.

It's really disgracful when John McCain says he cares for women issues and votes against equal pay citing women need "training".

Women work just as hard if not harder then men. Especially working mothers.

Obama has a wife and two daughters. I'm positive he'll fight for women issues.

Posted by: Vanessa | Jun 23, 2008 10:01:39 PM

Why can't I find ONE reason to vote for this man. So far, I have found 100 reason not to vote for him. And in this speech to women, he is pandering again. Ladies, don't believe him. He is just a corrupt politican from Chicago.

Posted by: Mary | Jun 23, 2008 10:06:57 PM

You just have to vote Obama. He is black and so tall and sexy. Even in Milan they are dressing their people like Obama. Politics are second hand to the change that we need. Please lets all go this way for a better America. We cannot stand one ore white man to lead our coutry.
Deb

Posted by: Deb | Jun 23, 2008 10:17:42 PM

Mary - John McCain wouldn't p*ss on fire to put you out. He's a republican. The Republican party run by and run for white men. They believe women, like minorities, have their place and it sure as heck isn't in positions of power or influence.

Posted by: JimmyTMac | Jun 23, 2008 10:18:34 PM

The economy and Iraq are not just men's issues. I'm getting a bit insulted that candidate's seem to think all women base their decision on Roe vs. Wade. We are mother's with children in Iraq; we are paying $4 a gallon to put gas in our cars to get to our own jobs; we are single homeowner's looking at foreclosure; we are nearing retirement and wondering if Social Security and Medicare will still be there for us - we have more on our plate then just "women's issues". I'd like to think we put more thought in to our vote then " Hillary lost so I'll vote McCain" or "the Republicans all stink so I'll vote Obama" or " Obama is hot" or "I just want change and I won't bother to looks and see what that change will be". I'd like to think we can sift through both candidate's positions, records, experience, our assessment of their character and anything else we deem important, and will then make an intelligent decision whether that leads to Obama or McCain.
As Obama has pointed out on several occasions the Dems don't have a monopoly on good ideas and the same would apply the other way around. This nonsense that McCain supporters are all racists, war mongers and old farts and that Obama supporters are barely out of high school, living off their parent's credit cards and naive and too idealistic is ludicrous.

Posted by: alpaig | Jun 23, 2008 10:21:30 PM

Obama just shows what a pathetic panderer he is. PUMA!

Posted by: SadStateOfAffairs | Jun 23, 2008 10:22:59 PM

No no no He is a proud man that will change America for the better. We can't take no more white people. We need to give the black people a chance through diversity.

Posted by: Deb | Jun 23, 2008 10:28:32 PM

JimmyMac What about Condoleeza Rice? Actually you need to check your facts. I'm not a George W supporter in the least but Bush has the dubious distinction of having appointed more women and minorities to high-level positions within his administration than any other US President.

Posted by: alpaig | Jun 23, 2008 10:28:58 PM

Obama's "get over it" comment says it all. As a woman I feel like saying the same every time he pulls out his race card.

Posted by: Not4Obama | Jun 23, 2008 10:37:39 PM

alpaig,

I know he has but Obama will change more. He will appoint more black people to cabinet position and the court. Everthting will be more brown, which we need. Black people know how to do politics. Do your history. I love Obama the man and god bless Michael.

Posted by: Deb | Jun 23, 2008 10:37:58 PM

Yes and if John McCain said the same thing would you call it "pandering"?
Obama has stood up for women rights and issues. Not John McCain.

Posted by: PUMA (Poor uneducated miserable adults) | Jun 23, 2008 10:40:02 PM

"He will appoint more black people to cabinet position and the court. Everthting will be more brown, which we need. Black people know how to do politics. " Deb, that's called racism. Your statement is full of bigotry and prejudice. Your bigotry is disgusting.

Posted by: Jeff | Jun 23, 2008 10:43:58 PM

alpaig - A few "token" appointments are hardly enough to mask the true rotten racist and sexist history of the GOP. They may appease women and minorities from time to time but we know they'd really rather we stayed in our place. You can bet that GOP will never nominate a woman or minority for president.

Posted by: JimmyTMac | Jun 23, 2008 10:52:27 PM

Deb is either a McCain supporter or a Clinton supporter

Posted by: Vanessa | Jun 23, 2008 10:56:50 PM

Rose,
I see your last name is Polish. All of Poland is WHITE. You even threw bananas at the black Arficas that played on the National Team. We need more black people to lead the world. The arts, economic systems and harmony are so much better in black controlled governments. Just look at Africa and the Islands of the Carib. Would not you like to live in these paridises? I just like the fun.

Posted by: Deb | Jun 23, 2008 10:57:45 PM

Vanessa, I am an American supporter. My parody is for thought and not blind dumb support for shallow and inexperinced media propoganda. When my capital gains dry up as Obama wants to suck up, is when I will stop investing in America. It is ironic that I will be pusuing business with our current American Allie in Poland. However I better hurry that could change with an Obama election. The Poles will once again be against all odds. Rose Szymanski - lets talk!

Posted by: deb | Jun 23, 2008 11:08:36 PM

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