Go to the mobile version of this Web site.

Login | Contact Us | Site Map | Paid archives | Electronic edition | Subscription Questions | Extras

CANDLIN: Obama cheated women when he denied Hillary VP slot

F.A. Candlin

Published September 5, 2008 at 6 a.m.

Text size  

More Speakout

More stories »

This Web only Speakout has not been edited.l

Thursday night, like many loyal Democrats, I watched Barack Obama accept the nomination for President, symbolically on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Three days earlier, on the 88th anniversary of women’s suffrage, which did not come until four generations after The Emancipation Proclamation, I sat stunned as Hillary Clinton threw her support wholeheartedly behind Barack Obama. She was brilliant, poised, experienced, and presidential. She had gathered more primary votes by far than any woman in the history of the U.S., yet she had been passed over as the Vice-Presidential nominee with little or no explanation.

I participated extensively in convention activities and saw hundreds of women grieving and in shock as they tried to come to terms with the fact that, for many of us, she would represent the last hope of seeing a woman elected President in our life time.

It Is not that I begrudge Black people their joy, but they do only represent approximately 10% of the population while women, of course, represent 50% of our population.

On this anniversary of Dr. King’s speech I also have a dream. I have a dream that one day sexism will be seen not as a red issue or a blue issue, but as abhorrent to the very principles of equality which America stands for. I have a dream that one day the Democratic Party and its nominee will not stand by mute while prime time news commentators repeatedly refer to the first viable female candidate in the 232 year history of the US with demeaning sexual slurs.

If Barack Obama really wants equality for his daughters, as he said in his acceptance speech, then surely he should speak out demanding that “bitch” be seen in the same light as “nigger” – totally and completely reprehensible in American politics. If Barack Obama really wants opportunity for his daughters, then certainly he should realize that statements like “fat thighs” and "bitter old woman” are designed to keep women in their place, by sending a very clear message, that any woman who steps onto the national stage is fair game, and can have such sexist slurs leveled at her with no protection whatsoever.

I cannot even imagine that, had the tables been turned, and Barack Obama lost the presidential nomination and was then passed over for the Vice-Presidency as well, that black people who vented their frustration would be called “whiners,” or members of a fringe element. Women have been repeatedly subjected to these kinds of remarks in the media and even at the national convention.

Indeed, I sense that many Democrats are relieved. Bill Clinton has been dismissed as angry and a troublemaker. Hillary has been given her assignment to work full time to elect another man, or risk her political future. Michelle Obama has toned down her rhetoric, is espousing the wonders of motherhood, and is adapting to her proscribed role as possible first lady. For the so-called “party of change,” it definitely looks like the same old gender stereotypes are alive and well. It seems that the dream of putting a woman in the White House is at least 45 years into the future.

F.A. Candlin is a resident of Denver.

Comments

  • September 5, 2008

    8:22 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Mike_In_Hartsel writes:

    F.A., reality isn't pretty. Face it, when was the last time the second place vote getter was selected as the VP? It rarely happens. I think Kennedy picked Johnson as the last one.

    It's politics, pure and simple, not about the best ticket. I agree that Obama nad Clinton would be a stronger Democratic ticket. Obama wants a VP he can control and he can't control Clinton.

  • September 5, 2008

    9:15 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    byteme writes:

    F.A. - you don't have to wait 45 years, Sarah Palin is there for you this year!

  • September 5, 2008

    4:42 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    Rita_at_Goldivas writes:

    I think Joe Biden was a better choice because of his extensive foreign policy experience, and what you makes you so sure Hillary even wanted it? I think it's PAST time you got over it! Obama did not "cheat" women. Can we just move forward?

  • September 5, 2008

    9:37 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    turtleposer writes:

    Fyi, I think it bears repeating that Obama chose someone he felt comfortable with. After all, it wasn't as though he and Hillary got along well. If you were hiring someone who was second in command, would you hire the person who did everything he/she could to discredit you? I think not.

    Why are so many women attached to Hillary? Please separate her woes from yours. She's not you, you'll never meet her and she'll never invite you to her house for dinner. There is no set back. She fought the good fight & lost. I'm betting she knew she had lost a long time ago, but stayed in because so many people believed her to be the first woman president. She didn't deserve anything. A man wouldn't expect any different--there are more men in politics & they're used to it. Equality is the opportunity to lose as well as to win.

    Fyi, I'm a woman. I don't vote based on having the same reproductive equipment. And Palin, I get a kick out of her, but there are too many reasons for me not to vote for McCain/Biden.

  • September 6, 2008

    9:28 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Acemon writes:

    Why would Obama consider someone who trashed and slandered and belittled him every chance she could? I certainly wouldn't, no matter what her credentials might be.

  • September 8, 2008

    9:30 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    gary writes:

    If Hillary is wise..she will distance herself from Obama and do her own thing. Otherwise,,,she will share in Obama's failure to obtain the office of President. Then haunt her in the future.