National NOW Times >> Fall 2008  >> Article

Viewpoint: Party Platforms Make Nov. 4 Decision Clear

By Kim Gandy, NOW PAC Chair

Political party platforms aren't discussed or debated much anymore, which is too bad, because they reveal priorities and perspectives that might not make it into the candidates' speeches or through the media filters. So, I decided to take a closer look at the two major party platforms in search of illumination beyond the daily sound bites and "horse race" reporting that make up most election coverage.

I'm pleased to report that the 2008 Democratic Party Platform is a giant leap forward from previous platforms on a whole array of issues. Karen Kornbluh, designated by Sen. Barack Obama to draft the platform, made sure women's issues were covered throughout -- included in sections on health care, the economy, work and family, small businesses and more. A new section on "Opportunity for Women" makes its debut, including language specifically denouncing sexism:

"We believe that standing up for our country means standing up against sexism and all intolerance. Demeaning portrayals of women cheapen our debates, dampen the dreams of our daughters, and deny us the contributions of too many. Responsibility lies with us all."

Support for the Equal Rights Amendment, which would put women into the U.S. Constitution has been put back into the platform, as well as a call for the U.S. to finally ratify CEDAW, a United Nations treaty to eliminate discrimination against women worldwide. There's a promise to address the scourge that is human trafficking, and denunciations of both the misnamed Defense of Marriage Act and the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy that has resulted in countless lesbian and gay soldiers being kicked out of the military.

The new platform supports Family and Medical Leave Act expansion, paid sick days, international family planning, disability rights, affirmative action, hate crimes legislation, ending violence against women, and promoting women's rights around the world. And it stands firm on reproductive justice and abortion rights:

"The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman's right to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all efforts to weaken or undermine that right.

The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family planning services and age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed choices and live healthy lives. We also recognize that such health care and education help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for abortions."

And in the section on health care, the platform makes this bold assertion: "We oppose the current Administration's consistent attempts to undermine a woman's ability to make her own life choices and obtain reproductive health care, including birth control. We will end health insurance discrimination against contraception and provide compassionate care to rape victims. We will never put ideology above women's health."

That final sentence says it all to me, and draws a sharp line between the Democratic ticket and the past eight years of the Bush administration.

But what of McCain/Palin and their party's agenda?

A close look at the 2008 Republican Platform reveals a new-found ideological dedication to empowering people through "choice" -- I found at least 40 instances of the words choice, choose, options or decide. That is, except when it comes to women's reproductive options.

Lest you think McCain the "maverick" he is labeled in the media, his platform supports a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would undo Roe v. Wade, and legislation granting Fourteenth Amendment rights to "unborn children," which would treat an abortion as murder in all fifty states. The platform also declares allegiance to the global gag rule, rejects the ratification of CEDAW and calls for increased funding for abstinence-only education.

Conflicting statements abound. On health care, the Republican platform says: "We will not put government between patients and their health care providers." Except for pregnant women.

Another health care section says: "Patients deserve . . . the right treatment with the right health care provider at the right time." But later says: "No health care professional -- doctor, nurse or pharmacist -- or organization should ever be required to perform, provide for, or refer for a health care service against their conscience for any reason." Huh? More doubletalk.

The platform calls for a constitutional amendment affirming "traditional" marriage, so marrying your same-sex partner in one more choice the Republicans have taken off of the list. Oh, and guess who can't choose to serve their country, due to the "incompatibility of homosexuality with military service."

NOW is a non-partisan organization -- in fact, we've endorsed Republican candidates who have been strong on our issues. But the party platforms are written by the candidate's designee, and are the closest representation we have of their full priorities. That means the decision for feminists is clear in 2008. At least we still have that choice -- the choice to vote for Obama/Biden on Nov. 4.

Editor's Note: This is an expanded version of an earlier column by Kim Gandy.

Resources:

Full Democratic Party platform (PDF)

Full Republican Party platform