Women and Politics

Here’s the scene: I’m one of two progressive women sitting across the table from two conservative gals. We’re taping for PBS’ To the Contrary with Bonnie Erbe. Despite our differences, this episode found us agreeing more often than not.

When camera stopped rolling I exclaimed, “this is why we need more women in elected office!” Research shows that women are far more likely than men to arrive at consensus, even when value systems are radically different.

But to the idea of more women running for office, one of my conservative sisters shook her head saying, “No woman in her right mind would choose to deal with the nastiness of politics and if she has kids, why would she put them through that?” I countered, “What man doesn’t run because he’s worried about his kids? None.”  Everyone nodded. “You have a point there Sam,” she said.

My two daughters, now 25 and 23, went through my two bruising Mayoral races and with their little brother, now 7, weathered a horrific U.S. Congressional race where my gender was used unflinchingly as a weapon of mass destruction against me. But in these races, I demonstrated that when half-truths, lies and innuendo are hurled, you can emerge with dignity and more political capital than when you started. I demonstrated there are things worth fighting for. I can’t imagine better life lessons to give to my children.

When I encourage other talented women to run, I’m met with, “I have projects I’m working on right now that I want to finish…and it will be easier on the kids if I wait.” But oftentimes the opportunity to make their bid is now, as the chance probably won’t be there later. Do the guys worry about projects they haven’t finished when an opportunity to seize the brass ring presents itself? No.

We women talk ourselves out of running before we even get started. Research shows that women think of running less than the guys and then, of course, end up running less.

My two rules when I ran for Mayor and U.S. Congress were:

1. A happy mom who is personally stretching herself = happy kids.
2. When opportunity comes knocking, you have to answer the call, NOW, not later. Don’t wait. JUST DOING IT makes you/your family/your kids/your supporters ready for the next opportunity.

Check out this roster of women I’ve met so far running in 2010. These are all gals who support reproductive choices and options - and are JUST DOING IT! Even if you only give them $5, give them something online now. And ask a woman to run for office, including yourself, who should run for office one day.

No more excuses, ladies. Now is the time for action.

On Friday, I had the pleasure of accompanying WCF President/CEO Sam Bennett to a taping of To the Contrary on PBS. The topics of the day were: healthcare reform and how it affects women, the retirement age increasing, and the recent Supreme Court ruling that the strip-search of the 13 year-old girl was illegal.

This all-female news analysis series is hosted by Bonnie Erbe - an exceptional journalist. Bonnie was honored by Women’s Media Center for her contribution to women in the media - a special and unusual honor since most journalistic awards are applied for - and this was just given.

Along with Sam, the panelists were: DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, The Heritage Foundation’s Genevieve Wood, and Former Labor Dept. Assistant Secretary Victoria Lipnic. It was an honor to meet Eleanor Holmes Norton - now in her tenth term as a DC Congresswoman, she’s a powerful leader for women. Appointed in 2002, Victoria has an impressive track record as a moderate Republican - a very difficult path to walk. And though we may not agree when it comes to issues of reproductive justice - in particular, taking the pro-choice language “choices” and using it to the opposite end - I was impressed by Genevieve’s articulate and gracious nature.

Though each had their own unique perspective on healthcare reform and women’s retirement trends, they all seemed to agree that the Supreme Court strip search ruling was correct. Sam stated that, ”We can’t have schools be Constitutional dead zones.” You can watch that special online segment here.

Bonnie asked the panel if healthcare reform would help or hurt women, which drew differing responses. Genevieve Wood feels that putting bureaucrats in charge of our health decisions would negatively impact women. (I would argue that this is exactly what anti-choice laws do).

The details of Obama’s proposed healthcare reform plan are still being ironed out, but Sam Bennett points out that it’s essential for women and our country that the system be fixed:

“We spend more on healthcare than any nation and yet are ranked 37th by the World Health Organization in quality of care delivered to its citizens. Women bear the brunt of this inequity and stand to benefit the most.”

Be sure to catch To the Contrary on PBS - women’s perspectives are so often overlooked, and this show raises them to the forefront of today’s important issues. We look forward to future opportunities to participate in this fabulous series.

I have the honor of appearing on PBS’s To the Contrary tomorrow - an all-female news analysis series:

“With women in the forefront of politics and on the cutting edge of national agendas, To The Contrary continues to provide an important, timely forum for women to discuss national and international issues and policies. It presents news and views that are rarely, if ever, available elsewhere on television.”

With so many ongoing issues that affect women today, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of this program. Tomrrow’s topics will center around health care reform and the fact that women are staying in the workforce longer. I’ll be back to let you know how it went and share the video with you!