After endorsing US Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, Senator Ted Kennedy has come under fire by the National Organization of Women (NOW) for what is deemed a ‘betrayal.’
The New York State chapter of NOW had taken aim in a very critical statement directed at Ted Kennedy as an act of an “ultimate” betrayal. The group suggested that Ted Kennedy can not or will not handle the idea of Clinton becoming President of the United States.
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Sen. Kennedy’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton’s opponent in the Democratic presidential primary campaign has really hit women hard,” the statement had said. The statement added: “Women have forgiven Kennedy, stuck up for him, stood by him, hushed the fact that he was late in his support of Title IX, the ERA, the Family Leave and Medical Act to name a few.”
“And now the greatest betrayal! We are repaid by his abandonment!” the statement had continued on. It continued with: “He’s picked the new guy over us. He’s joined the list of progressive white men who can’t or won’t handle the prospect of a woman president who is Hillary Clinton.”
During a speech at American University in Washington DC, Ted Kennedy had endorsed Barack Obama despite pleas from the Clinton campaign that he remains neutral.
New York’s chapter of NOW gave the suggestion that Kennedy’s decision to endorse Obama was a larger representation of society’s continued disrespect for women’s right.
“This latest move by Kennedy is so telling about the status and respect for women’s rights, women’s voices, women’s equality, women’s authority and our ability – indeed, our obligation – to promote and earn and deserve and elect, unabashedly, a president that is the first woman after centuries of men who ‘know what’s best for us.’”
The national chapter had decided to distance itself from the comments from the New York chapter.
“Though the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has proudly endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president, we respect Sen. Kennedy’s endorsement,” said Kim Gandy, president of NOW. Gandy added: “We continue to encourage women everywhere to express their opinions and exercise their right to vote.”
