I'd never imagined just a short time ago that I'd be doing this. I'd supported Sen. Clinton all of 2007 but had become increasingly disenchanted with her campaign and decided in January to support Sen. Obama. This was an anguishing decision made over several months as I'd been part of Hillary's Women's Leadership Circle during the Clinton administration and been involved for decades working for gender equity -- in my legislative priorities, efforts to advance women's participation in politics and in my research, writing and teaching Women Studies at the University of Washington. And I'd yearned for a long time for a woman as president.
And our twin sons, who volunteered for Obama in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, were influential. Like them, we've felt inspired by Sen. Obama and his ability to motivate young people and others who've become cynical about politics. For many, his positive message transcends partisan politics. And, importantly, I don't believe Hillary's candidacy is the only opportunity in our lifetime to elect a woman as president.
Our Philadelphia involvement began with a huge indoor suburban rally with Caroline Kennedy; actress Jessica Lange; former NARAL President Kate Michelman; U.S. Sen. Bob Casey's sister Margi Casey McGrath; and Glenda Hatchett of the Judge Hatchett TV show.
Kennedy, in particular, spoke eloquently of having heard her entire life from people longing for someone like her father as president. Kate Michelman spoke of Obama's "calling us to greatness." They all spoke of needing a president who inspires and takes our country forward at this transformational moment in our history and that while Hillary would be a very good president, Obama would be a great president.
Speaking at other events were Susan Eisenhower, foreign policy expert and Republican granddaughter of former President Eisenhower; Betsy Myers, head of former President Clinton's White House Office for Women; Anthony Lake, Clinton's National Security Advisor; Patrick Murphy (D-Penn.); and Max Kennedy, son of Bobby Kennedy.
They all spoke about Obama's being the one who'd have their confidence in being the president they'd trust with foreign policy and who'd move our country forward.
Alex and I spoke to undecided community leaders and residents of several retirement communities -- Alex as a veteran and grandson of Sumner Welles, FDR's Undersecretary of State, who would have turned over in his grave at what the Bush administration has done to our country and to our standing in the world. Most were either supporting or leaning toward Obama, drawn to his positive message and away from Clinton's reflecting the past and her campaign tactics. They also expressed concern about Republicans uniting in support for McCain if Hillary becomes the nominee.
As you read this, Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary results are known. Regardless of the outcome, I believe both candidates are outstanding and would work hard for Clinton if she's the nominee.
But I still believe Obama would be more likely to win in November and be the one to make a great president.
Jeanne Kohl-Welles is state senator of the 36th Legislative District[[In-content Ad]]