It's the Women - They're Not Going Back

Dobbs is the shorthand - but it's much more than that

This election will be delivered by the women in this country. Who once again need to step in and fix the mess the men have made. (Heaven help us if they ever just give up on us men.)

It’s not a list of issues from Democracy to individual rights to tax policy to immigration. It’s a woman’s right to her own body.

Joe Biden was an imperfect messenger for this. As a man he doesn’t really get it (nor do I). And as a catholic he always seemed a little uncomfortable talking about abortion. It was not his go to message.

Kamala Harris nailed it with her “We’re Not Going Back.” To men this signified a lot of things, more so to men of color, gay men, etc. But for all of us men this was a list of things that while they could be significant, did not violate our selves.

But for women, they have gained freedom and autonomy. From birth control to financial independence to education to abortion. They have gone from second class citizens (or worse) to free women in control of their lives and their bodies.

Trump, and the Republican party, are clear in their intent to reverse this. Trump himself represents the misogyny and control that women finally threw off. Project 2025 doubles down on that intent to take us all back.

Joe Biden was running on retaining our Democracy, continuing to improve our economy, bring back middle class jobs, and yes, protect women’s rights. All good things. All reasons to vote for him.

Kamala Harris put what this means for women front and center. And that is brilliant because it’s the most powerful message for women voters. And it’s a clear choice.

So yes this election is primarily about Dobbs (and all that’s associated with it). And that absolutely is a valid centerpiece for the Harris campaign.

ps - I will add that I view retaining our Democracy is equally valid. But I don’t care why anyone votes as long as we get the candidate that will preserve women’s autonomy and our democracy.