WOMEN OVER 40 ROCK!

Barack Obama was not the only winner in this year’s election. Neither were African-Americans. Or democrats.

On November 4, 2008, the world witnessed the electoral process of the United States in all its glory! From this day forward, children of every race, male and female, will grow up believing in the promise of opportunity.

We didn’t see a woman ascend to the presidency or the vice-presidency, but we can still chalk up a victory. The idea of a woman running for higher office is no longer the stuff of fiction.

Look up the definition of “diametrically opposed” and you’ll find photos of Senator Hillary Clinton and Governor Sarah Palin… or at least you should. These two women couldn’t be further apart in political agenda or ideology. But together, in the course of a single election cycle, these two powerful figures kicked open the door and left it open for all who will follow. Placing women center stage, they removed the shock value and made it all about the issues.

Women and “women’s issues” were on the front burner with both parties openly courting our vote. The candidates actively reached out to women, focusing on issues perceived as important to us. We mattered.

Political strategists learned a few things about us along the way. We are extremely diverse, and neither party can count on our vote without working for it. We celebrate female candidates and admire their strength, but we cast our ballots based on issues, not gender. When it comes to politics, it is never safe to assume.

In the early 1900’s, many men, particularly owners of beer companies and saloons, opposed women’s suffrage, fearing prohibition if women gained the right to vote. Prohibition became reality in 1919… a year before the nineteenth amendment, proving once again that assumptions in politics can be woefully off base.

“The right of citizens in the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” And so it came to be, in 1920, that women were finally granted the right vote and to fully participate in our own destiny.

In 2008, winning the confidence of female voters was crucial, and we didn’t make it easy. We were skeptical, and we asked questions, casting aside sound bites while pouring over the candidates’ policies.

Back in 1992, ten women were candidates for the senate, winning five seats, and it was proclaimed the “year of the woman.” I’ve also heard it said that 2008 was the “year of the woman,” but we are finally at a point where such a banner is obsolete.  Every year is our year.

The significance of this election was not lost on us. The United States is a global leader, and we have the power… and the awesome responsibility to do our part in guiding her.

Posted by Mandy Crest, blogger for In The Trenches Productions, the First Entertainment Network for Women Over 40!