NOW Salutes Carol Moseley Braun's Historic Bid for President of the United States

Statement of NOW President Kim Gandy

January 15, 2004

Feminists across the United States salute Carol Moseley Braun's historic bid for this nation's highest office and celebrate her unprecedented candidacy for president of the U.S.

Just as Sally Ride and Mae Jemison gave little girls hope that they could be scientists and space explorers, Carol Moseley Braun opened the door wider for girls and women to believe that they had a role and a say in the political process right here on earth. With her dignity and zeal, the former Senator from Illinois made history by qualifying for more state ballots than any other woman presidential candidate in history. Ambassador Moseley Braun made a place for herself and all of us "at the table" of national politics and NOW pledges to see that her efforts continue to bear fruit. Women leaders, at the local, state and national level, must be heard and elected to office to bring the full flavor and force of the total electorate to the challenges ahead.

Carol Moseley Braun stood tall among the candidates, pressing for fairness, pay equity, family security, equal opportunity and retirement dignity for women and communities of color.

She didn't gather big money, mainly because her constituency—millions of women struggling to make ends meet and juggling work and family obligations—didn't have the luxury of spare cash or spare time. Their voices and needs were represented by Moseley Braun and the remaining candidates must continue the cause if they hope to be elected and bring back this country to the fairness, decency and democratic values that we all cherish.

We know that Carol Moseley Braun will continue her leadership role in engaging the public and political players in the debate around issues important to women and their families. NOW's local and state chapters will welcome her as she continues to promote universal health care and equal opportunity for all.

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