How Hillary Clinton embraced the female vote and won loyal followers

[BlueMTexpat]

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/jan/12/how-hillary-clinton-embraced-female-vote-loyal-followers-lena-dunham-planned-parenthood

The Des Moines crowd that filed in from the 10-degree weather to see Lena Dunham talk about Hillary Clinton this past weekend was decidedly young and female. Teenagers with septum piercings and young mothers with anti-gun tote bags bunched toward the front of the room to get a better look at writer and Girls star Dunham, who spoke about sexism and voting while wearing a red, white and blue outfit with “Hillary” emblazoned across it.

The next day, at a New Hampshire event at which Planned Parenthood endorsed Clinton, the Democratic candidate embraced the reproductive health organization’s president Cecile Richards to the tune of Katy Perry’s Roar, and promised to the youthful and diverse pro-choice crowd: “I will always have your back.”

It was a far cry from Clinton’s last presidential run, when she told an Iowa audience at Dubuque University in 2007: “I’m not running as a woman.” Instead, with a focus on equal pay, abortion, childcare costs and women’s health, the events mark the latest stage in what is increasingly looking to be an explicitly feminist presidential campaign.

One thing that many conveniently forget when they dream about other Dem candidates' appeal to supporters of GOPer candidates is Hillary's implicit crossover appeal to those Republican women voters who remember the days when their party was actually more progressive insofar as women's rights are concerned. For example, Jeannette Rankin, the first woman ever elected to the US House of Representatives - even before women had the right to vote nationally, was from my birth state of Montana and a lifelong Republican.

The gender card is an ace in this election. Possibly a trump card as well.

[leftofcool]

1. It is the women of this country who will give Hillary the election.

People may be in denial about this but everyone knows it is true.

[yallerdawg]

2. When they see a viable female progressive candidate could be president -

that's a game changer!

For all of us, a first!

For many of us, a last chance!

44 men and counting! Time for the progressive liberal Democratic Party to step up again!

[Gothmog]

3. I support Hillary Clinton even though I am a male

[BlueMTexpat]

4. We certainly won't hold your

gender against you!

Enlightened, intelligent, and sensitive males are highly prized by ALL the women I respect. I am also among those who are very fortunate indeed to have married one.

So is our very lovely First Lady.

[Hekate]

5. KnR

[Cha]

6. Hillary's long resume of helping Women and girls has made it a cinch to support

her for President.

Thank you, BlueM