We're Not Going to Take It Anymore

Dear Senator Clinton,

Were not going to take it anymore. We can no longer stand idly by while you run an increasingly bitter campaign that damages the Democratic Partys chances in November.

We are gravely concerned that:

1. Your campaigns angry, politics-as-usual approach to deceiving voters about your opponent is the very strategy that has ruined Americas taste for politics. Faced with Obamas locked-up lead in pledged delegates, you are willingly setting up the likely Democratic nominee to fail in November. Prolonging the attacks on your opponent does the Republicans' job for them.
2. There is nothing feminist about implying that women have to support a woman candidate. Feminists look forward to a world that judges candidates on character, vision, and policynot on their gender or race. We hope that all Democrats will seize this opportunity to vote for a leader, not a symbol.
3. You are undermining Democrats running for office across the country. We want to see Democratic victories in all levels of government (not just the Oval Office) and in all states (not just the blue ones). America will see strong public services, confidence in the economy, and foresight in foreign policy only with a Democratic Congress and Democratic local leadership. We need a presidential candidate who can help Democrats win these seats. However, you are more likely to turn out would-be stay-at-home Republicans who will vote Republican all the way down the ticket. This puts all Democrats at risk when we should be poised for victory.
4. You want to break the rules instead of playing by them. Before "winning" Michigan and Florida (basically uncontested), you and your opponents agreed to play by the rules and refrain from campaigning in either state. You agreed that you wouldnt accept their delegates. Now that you cant win fair and square, you want to cheat. This goes against a core value Democrats hold dear: a level playing field. Obama shouldn't be punished for playing by the rules.
5. Your only hope is to insist that Democratic Party operatives, who have managed to lose elections for decades, should choose the nominee instead of the voters. Why should only the voters in Michigan and Florida play such a decisive role? At least they knew their votes wouldnt ultimately decide the nominee when they cast their ballots. Across the country, the rest of us assumed our voices would matter. If their inability to bring about Democratic successes in the past is any indication, political operatives dont know whats best for us.

The only way to undo the damage your campaign is doing to Americas chance for renewal is to run a campaign with character and party-positive tactics. Only then can we pave the way for a sweeping Democratic victory in November.

Signed,

Sarah AbbottTeacher, Mother of one
Michelle GarrettNonprofit consultant, Mother of twins
Lora WalshMinister-in-Training
Katy YatesMother of three