L.A. NOW President Endorses a Woman Candidate
October 5, 2008
by Amy Siskind
In a move that should hardly be an eyebrow-raiser, the head of the Los Angeles Chapter of the National Organization for Women has endorsed a female candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin.
Shelly Mandell, who describes herself as a lifelong Democrat, delivered her endorsement at a rally in California, where she introduced Gov. Palin to a crowd of 20,000.
The reason this story is catching so much attention is because Kim Gandy, President of NOW, endorsed the all-male ticket of Obama and Biden. For many of us who were at one time members of NOW, or consider ourselves feminists, Gandy’s endorsement seemed puzzling. The New Agenda was the first women’s organization to speak out about Gandy’s endorsement, issuing a press release in which we noted, “This precedent-setting move marks the first time in NOW’s 42-year history that it has endorsed an all-male ticket.” The Washington Post covered our reaction in a story that received so many hits it was moved to the front page of the online paper.
The New Agenda is NOT endorsing any candidate in this election. Rather, we ARE promoting platform of women’s rights issues to all parties in a non-partisan fashion.
At the rally in California, Shelly Mandell introduced Palin with these words: “I know Sarah Palin cares about women’s rights. As vice president, she will fight for you. She cares about our children and she cares about women’s lives.”
And then, as she handed over the microphone to Sarah Palin, Mandell said, “This is what a feminist looks like.”
That may or may not be the case; but it seems Kim Gandy has lost track of what a feminist looks like.
[...] of L.A. NOW endorses Palin From The New Agenda blog: At the rally in California, Shelly Mandell introduced Palin with these words: “I know Sarah [...]
[...] 5, 2008 · No Comments The New Agenda: At the rally in California, Shelly Mandell introduced Palin with these words: “I know Sarah [...]
California NOW has issued a statement reaffirming support for Obama/Biden and repudiating Shelly Mandell’s support of Palin.
Perhaps a name change for your organization should be considered? DOF?
It is hardly fair or proper for use National anymore as so many women around the country were/are puzzled and in some cases upset that your organization endorsing the ONLY all male ticket. Not sure Women is appropriate anymore either – maybe Females.
I am glad sisters are standing with sisters. The NOW women have also bashed Tammy Bruce too. We will not be kept in anyone’s kitchen, wether it be by a group who says they support us…if we all think like they want us to think. I have been so disappointed in NOW for the past few years. Why were they not their for Hillary? They did bothing to fight against the media hate back then! They are just another fund raising arm for the DNC!!! they would give POWER TO HOWARD DEAN!!! No more hard earned money of mine is going to NOW!!!
Kudos to Shelly for braving the wrath of her organization and deciding enough is enough.
NOW is a dinosaur. If the name no longer fits, lots of women will call it quits.
“Both have long records of service, fighting to improve the rights of women,” says NOW press release.
I don’t know if this is true or not. I have read many feminist sites slamming Biden for his horrible treatment of Anita Hill, back then.
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