August, 2004
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White House Project at the DNC
Here at the Democratic Convention, I am witness to an historic sea change on how women are regarded within the Democratic Party. We are no longer only sought out for our votes, but for our voices and our vision. This force was palpable at Tuesday morning's Women's Caucus meeting where an overflow crowd witnessed the quality and spirit of national women's leadership in the form of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D, OH 11th), Rep. Linda Sanchez (D, CA 39th), Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D, CA 47th) and many others - all women who are on track for taking political leadership to the next level.
More than 150 people attended The White House Project's Vote, Run, Lead breakfast, "A Pipeline to the Presidency: Celebrating History Forging Our Future," on Wednesday, featuring Patricia Schroeder (former Congresswoman from CO), and Carol Moseley Braun (former Senator from IL and Ambassador to New Zealand). We were also honored by a visit by former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who reflected on her conversations with Geraldine Ferraro when Ms. Ferraro was running for Vice President 20 years ago.
This event was followed by two screenings of "Chisholm '72: Unbought & Unbossed," the first historical documentary on Brooklyn Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and her campaign to become the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1972. One at the New England Aquarium featuring Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) & Filmmaker Shola Lynch. The other at the Brattle Theatre at Harvard Square in Cambridge, co-sponsored with the Young Women's Leadership Conference '04 and Rock the Vote.
At the morning panel and the film discussions we were reminded of how important it is for women to support other women in their political journeys.
This is the drumbeat that is resonating throughout the Convention and was kicked off by the female U.S. Senators who were honored on Monday night, including Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-IL), this week's featured leader on <http://action.voterunlead.org/ctt.asp?u=2379615&l=48338>www.voterunlead.org, who so eloquently said, "Every open seat is a woman's seat."
In the spirit of celebrating all women leaders, please take a moment to visit our website and <http://action.voterunlead.org/ctt.asp?u=2379615&l=48337>tell me your personal story on what inspired you to get involved in politics. By doing so, you will inspire and empower other women to see themselves as creators and shapers of a new era in American politics.
I leave you with parting words that I heard from Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) at Tuesday's EMILY's List luncheon, "Gussy up your make-up, put on your shoulder pads, start your engines, and get into third gear, because ladies we are on a mission!"
Don't Forget! Next Stop on the National Trail: The Republican Convention
Our convention activities will continue as we head to New York City for the Republican National Committee Convention, August 30th through September 2nd. We're finalizing our plans and will fill you in on the details soon.