The year was 2004, the scene was an Atlanta bookstore, the speaker was LInda Bloodworth Thomason, the brilliant, funny, talented writer and producer who created Designing Women, Evening Shade and Hearts Afire,
A woman who is also close friends with the Clinton's and who created Bill Clinton's memorable "Man from Hope" video that cemented his reputation as "the people's candidate."
As she discussed the then current candidate George Bush, Thomason commented:
"People find the fact that George Bush isn't a good speaker kind of funny and endearing. But the single most important thing the President does is speak! The President speaks to members of Congress and foreign heads of state. The President communicates ideals to the American people, framing up issues, informing the public and setting the tone for the nation. It's not like the President can roll up their sleeves and do the work themselves, the whole job of the President is to think and speak. "
Thomason's insightful words stayed with me over the next four years as I watched George Bush bungle one situation after the next. His words destroyed our credibility in the world and caused millions to lose faith in their own government.
I've come to realize, a President who can't speak well is like a janitor who can't sweep. The single most important skill we need in a President is someone who can rally the American people and rebuild our relationships overseas, and the way that you do that is with words.
Some people have commented that the Obama campaign is nothing with nothing more than lofty speeches and visionary words. Those who are involved with it know that it's much more than that. We see the depth of policies and positions.
The very reason that Barack's speeches are so powerful is because they're rooted in sound policy and brilliant observations. But they also touch the emotional reality of the American people, and you have to touch people's emotions if you're going to mobilize them.
Thinking back to the former Clinton superstar commentary in 04, I had no idea that she was foreshadowing the single biggest differentiators amongst democrats in 08.
But thank you, Linda Bloodworth Thomason, you were dead on the money when you told me 4 years ago, that the single most important skill we need in a President is someone who can inspire the world with the power of their speech.
If you've been waiting your whole life for a woman President or you know someone so hungry for a female Commander In Chief that they're voting for the X chromosome no matter what, check out these two videos to see why choosing the current woman candidate may do the feminist cause more harm than good.
Who's better for women? McCain, Hilllary or Obama? - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Jfjk_8to-Q
Helen Reddy's anthem takes on new meaning in '08 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rvD2wRtlW8
what do you think, do these two videos capture the feminist quagmire?
If you like the message, send these links to women in Ohio, Texas, Hawaii, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wyoming.
It's time ladies, the key voting group Barack has to win is white women over 40.
Many of them have waited so long for a woman President, they're not even considering Barack.
I'm a 44 year-old, white mother of two daughters, and I'm delighted that gender is no longer a disqualifier. But it's not a qualifier either.
More than wanting one woman to govern us for the next 4 years, I want a President who will create an environment that benefits all women. A President who unites us around the values we share, and who improves our standing in the world at large.
I'm betting most of the women reading this have done their fair share of PTA phone trees and Spring Fling recruiting, well ladies, it's time to pick up the phone and start changing the world.
Here are some talking points that have worked for me on the phone and in person:
-How do you imagine the Republicans will respond to a Hilary campaign?
-What will that do to America and our chance to actually solve some of our problems?
-Do you think Hilary is angry at the Republicans for all the years they've done her wrong? How do you think that might play out if she gets into office?
-How willing do you think the Republicans will be to work with her, and how might that effect her ability to pass meaningful legislation?
-I'm frustrated with how divisive things are in Washington, it seems like politicians care more about their party than they do us, Hilary and John McCain have been around for a long time, who do you think they will choose for their cabinet and staff, and how will that effect the other party?
- If we elect the first woman President and half the country dislikes her, how do you think that bodes for getting another woman into the oval office one any time soon?
-What effect do you think having so many people dislike our first female President will have on young girls and their sense of their own possibilities.
I think it's important to help people see that Hilary is a powerful Senator with lots of good ideas, but this is the Presidency of the United States, we can't choose based on race or gender, we don't just need a good person, we need the absolute best person who can bring us together.
Lisa
PS Here's how you can make phone calls to Texas and Ohio voters from your home
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/phonebankinglanding/
When I call I tell them I am calling on behalf of Women for Obama.
