She The People - Women writing on politics, culture, and news.

Posted at 04:39 PM ET, 10/31/2012

How much media drove little Abby to tears?

By Annie Groer

Short summary of story

By Annie Groer | 04:39 PM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Barack Obama, Campaign 2012

Posted at 01:39 PM ET, 10/31/2012

Abby, age 4, is already sick of politics

By Donna Trussell

SHE THE PEOPLE | Four-year-old girl speaks for a campaign-weary nation in a 22-second video.

By Donna Trussell | 01:39 PM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:02 PM ET, 10/31/2012

Newt Gingrich repeats assertion that networks have e-mails claiming White House said Benghazi raid ‘not a terrorist attack’

By Diana Reese

Newt Gingrich, in Kansas City to campaign for Todd Akin in Missouri's hotly contested U.S. Senate race, says networks have emails that tell counterterrorism group to stand down in Benghazi as there was no terrorist attack.

By Diana Reese | 01:02 PM ET, 10/31/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:29 PM ET, 10/30/2012

Maisie Kate Miller’s passive resistance, pigtail style, tames a bully and shows us how

By Melinda Henneberger

Some wise souls are young in age, and this one has reminded me that the majority usually does want to do the right thing, and is maybe only waiting to be invited and shown how.

By Melinda Henneberger | 07:29 PM ET, 10/30/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:38 AM ET, 10/29/2012

The war for women in Missouri’s Senate race

By Diana Reese

Both Sen. Claire McCaskill and Rep. Todd Akin release new television commercials targeted toward women voters.

By Diana Reese | 11:38 AM ET, 10/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:56 AM ET, 10/29/2012

Paul McCartney: Yoko didn’t break us up

By Delia Lloyd

In a soon-to-be released interview, Paul McCartney confirms that Yoko Ono was not responsible for the break up of the Beatles.

By Delia Lloyd | 10:56 AM ET, 10/29/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 10/28/2012

Treating Colin Powell as ‘the black guy’ won’t help the GOP

By Mary C. Curtis

Why can't the former general's pick be about policy, not a 'brother' supporting one of his own?

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:00 AM ET, 10/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/28/2012

Six undecided voters in one family: mine

By Joann M. Weiner

Why do voters remain undecided so close to the election? Some of the reasons are disappointment, not paying attention, divided interests, and just plain not interested.

By Joann M. Weiner | 07:00 AM ET, 10/28/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:02 AM ET, 10/27/2012

Lena Dunhams first time, all over again

By Bonnie Goldstein

The woman from "Girls" talks about her "first time" in support of Barack Obama's platform on women and families

By Bonnie Goldstein | 10:02 AM ET, 10/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Barack Obama, Campaign 2012, President Obama, War on Women, Women in Politics

Posted at 09:38 AM ET, 10/27/2012

Obama as father figure

By Delia Lloyd

In an election where the president is betting the house on a message of "trust," his image as a father figure could help win voters over.

By Delia Lloyd | 09:38 AM ET, 10/27/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: carl jung, father figures, michelle obama's parenting rules, obama as family man, obama as father figure, Obama trust message, presidential archetypes

Posted at 06:23 AM ET, 10/26/2012

Rape shouldnt be used to score political points

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | The seriousness of the crime shouldn’t be trivialized by politicians or campaign ads.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:23 AM ET, 10/26/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:02 PM ET, 10/25/2012

CNN pulls report about ovulation and voting

By Karen Tumulty

CNN removes Web post that cited unpublished research suggesting how a woman votes is affected by whether she is ovulating.

By Karen Tumulty | 12:02 PM ET, 10/25/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:23 PM ET, 10/24/2012

Third-party candidates finally get their own presidential debate

By Annie Groer

Third-party candidates finally get their own presidential debate

By Annie Groer | 03:23 PM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Campaign 2012, Presidential Debate

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 10/24/2012

Indiana GOP Senate hopeful Richard Mourdock says God ‘intended’ rape pregnancies

By Annie Groer

Short summary of story

By Annie Groer | 11:44 AM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:37 AM ET, 10/24/2012

Is Mourdock’s comment more extreme than Akin’s?

By Diana Reese

Another GOP candidate for the U.S. Senate "mis-speaks" on rape and abortion: Indiana's Mourdock says God intends for rape to happen if it leads to pregnancy.

By Diana Reese | 11:37 AM ET, 10/24/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:51 PM ET, 10/23/2012

Romney, the old softy, is wooing undecided women with a sweet new tune

By Melinda Henneberger

"We have these things called aircraft carriers, where planes land,'' the president said sarcastically, helping himself not at all with the sensitive sorts who are late-minute deciders.

By Melinda Henneberger | 06:51 PM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:03 PM ET, 10/23/2012

Pro-choice and pro-conscience in Grand Rapids

By Delia Lloyd

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, an inter-generational group of 12 women has mobilized around a "pro-conscience" platform. And they're getting traction across party lines.

By Delia Lloyd | 06:03 PM ET, 10/23/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: anti-abortion legislation, betty ford, Grand Rapids, rosa parks, Stop the War on Women, Stop the War on Women Grand Rapids, War on Women

Posted at 11:27 PM ET, 10/22/2012

1960s teen idol Lesley Gore leads charge in ‘You Don’t Own Me’ video

By Suzi Parker

In 1964, Lesley Gore belted out “You Don’t Own Me" and a feminist song was born. It’s still resonating in the 21st century as debate over women's issues bubbles in the United States before Nov. 6.

By Suzi Parker | 11:27 PM ET, 10/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: " Lesley Gore, "You Don't Own Me, Barack Obama, Carrie Brownstein, Citizens Band, Claire McCaskill, Lilly Ledbetter, Miranda July, Mitt Romney, Portlandia, reproductive rights, Richard Carmona, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Tavi Gevinson, Todd Akin, War on Women

Posted at 06:30 PM ET, 10/22/2012

Is North Carolina still in play?

By Mary C. Curtis

Red, blue or purple? In the push for early votes, Democrats and Republicans push dueling messages

By Mary C. Curtis | 06:30 PM ET, 10/22/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:45 PM ET, 10/21/2012

Todd Akin compares Claire McCaskill to a dog

By Diana Reese

Rep. Todd Akin referred to Sen. Claire McCaskill's behavior in Washington as being like a dog who "fetches" more red tape and government bureaucracy.

By Diana Reese | 03:45 PM ET, 10/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 10/21/2012

Michelle Obama and Ann Romney: Compare and contrast

By Annie Groer

Short summary of story

By Annie Groer | 12:57 PM ET, 10/21/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: ann romney, Campaign 2012, Michelle Obama

Posted at 01:12 PM ET, 10/20/2012

Is Jill Stein crazy, or are we?

By Melinda Henneberger

Nothing is easier than dismissing candidates who run against impossible odds; my least favorite thing about most political coverage is that the only question we ever really ask underdogs is why they imagine they have a chance, as if we fear nothing quite so much as appearing to be taken in by a loser.

By Melinda Henneberger | 01:12 PM ET, 10/20/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:21 PM ET, 10/19/2012

McCaskill, Akin duel over stem cell research, Obamacare in Missouri debate

By Diana Reese

Final debate highlights opposing views of Sen. McCaskill and Rep. Caskill in Missouri's U.S. Senate race.

By Diana Reese | 04:21 PM ET, 10/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:09 PM ET, 10/19/2012

Obama surrogate Eva Longoria starts her own war on women

By Suzi Parker

Short summary of story

By Suzi Parker | 04:09 PM ET, 10/19/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:18 PM ET, 10/18/2012

Rick Santorum, with ‘tingles down my spine,’ can smell a GOP sweep

By Mary C. Curtis

The momentum is with the GOP, says a Romney rival turned supporter as he urges early voters to the polls.

By Mary C. Curtis | 04:18 PM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:22 PM ET, 10/18/2012

Janet Huckabee campaigns for Todd Akin

By Diana Reese

Arkansas former first lady Janet Huckabee spoke at a rally for women supporting Todd Akin, but the eventt was long on laughs and short on substance.

By Diana Reese | 12:22 PM ET, 10/18/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:58 PM ET, 10/17/2012

In quasi-defense of Mitt’s binders. Sort of.

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | He did hire an impressive number of women as governor, though his views on pay equality are still problematic.

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:58 PM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:10 PM ET, 10/17/2012

North Carolina campaign ad shows transvaginal probe, latest war on women weapon

By Diana Reese

A state senate candidate in North Carolina shows a transvaginal probe in her TV commercial.

By Diana Reese | 05:10 PM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:44 AM ET, 10/17/2012

Pushing N.C. early voting with a bus and a board game

By Mary C. Curtis

A Democratic early-voting campaign tries to energize the voters that powered Obama to a 2008 win in the state.

By Mary C. Curtis | 10:44 AM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:43 AM ET, 10/17/2012

Mitt Romney’s ‘binders full of women’

By Suzi Parker

SHE THE PEOPLE | Romney creates an internet sensation, but fails to address women's issues.

By Suzi Parker | 12:43 AM ET, 10/17/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:45 PM ET, 10/16/2012

Hillary Clinton is not a doormat for Obama

By Suzi Parker

Would anyone say that about a male secretary of state? Very likely, no.

By Suzi Parker | 06:45 PM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:46 PM ET, 10/16/2012

Missing from the presidential race: The one in six Americans living in poverty

By Melinda Henneberger

As metaphors go, the guerilla photo op of Paul Ryan posing at an Ohio soup kitchen is about as clean as the pots he was pretending to scrub.

By Melinda Henneberger | 05:46 PM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:05 AM ET, 10/16/2012

In Indiana Senate race, Hoosier Ralph Nader? Andrew Horning, that’s who

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | The libertarian candidate could easily swing the race in Donnelly's favor.

By Melinda Henneberger | 11:05 AM ET, 10/16/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:06 PM ET, 10/15/2012

Amanda Palmer’s got the world sharing health insurance hell at #InsurancePoll

By Diana Reese

People around the world are tweeting their health insurance stats at the request of musician Amanda Palmer.

By Diana Reese | 05:06 PM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:01 PM ET, 10/15/2012

Sarah Palin to pen book on fitness

By Diana Reese

Sarah Palin's newest venture: Penning a book on fitness to share her family's secrets in looking good and staying healthy. Moose stew, anyone?

By Diana Reese | 02:01 PM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012

John Boehner vs. Deval Patrick: Just another day of dueling messages in battleground North Carolina

By Mary C. Curtis

In the fight for North Carolina's 15 electoral votes, surrogates make the case -- over and over -- for the presidential candidates.

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012

Paul Ryan’s abortion response reflects the Achilles’ Heel of the GOP

By Rahiel Tesfamariam

Time and time again, Republican politicians have displayed an inability to separate their personal religious convictions from policies affecting millions of Americans.

By Rahiel Tesfamariam | 07:00 AM ET, 10/15/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:38 PM ET, 10/14/2012

Arlen Specter, a born fighter, died as he lived

By Bonnie Goldstein

A Jewish pro-choice Republican, his wit and sharp tongue cut whichever way was most electorally prudent.

By Bonnie Goldstein | 07:38 PM ET, 10/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:44 AM ET, 10/14/2012

Shocker: Bipartisan, interfaith, anti-poverty and actually happening

By Melinda Henneberger

"It's not on anybody's front burner."

By Melinda Henneberger | 09:44 AM ET, 10/14/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:57 PM ET, 10/12/2012

The big dog in his natural habitat: Clinton on the campaign trail

By Melinda Henneberger

After 39 trips to this state when Hillary Clinton was running for president in '08, "I almost feel entitled to sing, 'Back home in Indiana,' " the former president said.

By Melinda Henneberger | 07:57 PM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:51 AM ET, 10/12/2012

McCaskill, Akin slam each other in television ads

By Diana Reese

Claire McCaskill and Todd Akin duke it out in Missouri with new television commercials on rape victims and corruption.

By Diana Reese | 09:51 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:29 AM ET, 10/12/2012

Moderator Martha Raddatz wins Veep debate

By Suzi Parker

SHE THE PEOPLE | She nailed the role of a tough, savvy moderator in a clashing vice presidential debate.

By Suzi Parker | 09:29 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:26 AM ET, 10/12/2012

James Taylor serenades N.C. Obama volunteers: Carolina is on everybody’s mind

By Mary C. Curtis

The North Carolina-raised singer-songwriter revs up the energy of committed campaign workers heading into the last weeks of a close battleground race.

By Mary C. Curtis | 09:26 AM ET, 10/12/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:10 PM ET, 10/11/2012

Are women jumping off the Obama train?

By Melinda Henneberger

Sure there's been some weakening of Obama's support among women voters, since we often react to events in much the same way as other humans.

By Melinda Henneberger | 11:10 PM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:41 PM ET, 10/11/2012

Republicans Gone Wild In Bill Clinton’s Arkansas

By Suzi Parker

Arkansas has never elected an African-American to the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate or as governor.

By Suzi Parker | 03:41 PM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:57 PM ET, 10/11/2012

Martha Raddatz and the POTUS who watched her cut the cake

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | Why should someone so qualified be penalized because her ex’s pal grew up to become president?

By Melinda Henneberger | 12:57 PM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:43 AM ET, 10/11/2012

Malala, clinging to life after attack, exemplifies International Day of the Girl Child

By Jamila Bey

Fourteen-year-old Malala Yousafzai exemplifies International Day of the Girl Child.

By Jamila Bey | 11:43 AM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:37 AM ET, 10/11/2012

There have actually been three — count ‘em, three — female moderators of presidential debates

By Annie Groer

There have been three -- count 'em, three -- previous female debate moderators

By Annie Groer | 11:37 AM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:47 AM ET, 10/11/2012

Paul Ryan and the moral argument for rationing health care

By Charles C. Camosy

If we're to take Ryan seriously -- and we should -- we must also take a hard look at rationing health care.

By Charles C. Camosy | 10:47 AM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:23 AM ET, 10/11/2012

Roman Polanski’s victim finally speaks, but I wish she wouldn’t

By Delia Lloyd

Samantha Geimer has penned a memoir entitled "The Girl: Emerging From the Shadow of Roman Polanski."

By Delia Lloyd | 09:23 AM ET, 10/11/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Elizabeth Edwards memoir, Monica Lewinsky memoir, Polanski rape victim, Polanski victim memoir, Roman Polanski, Samantha Geimer

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 10/10/2012

Michelle Obama: ‘I haven’t had time to … reflect’ on being first black first lady

By Krissah Thompson

One of the topics Michelle Obama has spent little time talking about during her time as first lady is race.

By Krissah Thompson | 02:41 PM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Michelle Obama

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 10/10/2012

Could Colorado be another Florida?

By Sandra Fish

Plenty of questions are being raised from all sides about Colorado's 2012 elections process. Could this swing state be the next Florida?

By Sandra Fish | 09:33 AM ET, 10/10/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Campaign 2012, Colorado, Scott Gessler, swing states, voting

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 10/09/2012

Greece’s biggest cheerleader: Angela Merkel

By Anthee Carassava

Greece’s biggest cheerleader: Angela Merkel

By Anthee Carassava | 03:53 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Merkel Samaras Greece Euro debt

Posted at 03:53 PM ET, 10/09/2012

Merkel shows compassion to Greeks but offers no hint of debt relief

By Anthee Carassava

Merkel shows compassion to Greeks but offers no hint of debt relief

By Anthee Carassava | 03:53 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: Merkel Samaras Greece Euro debt

Posted at 01:31 PM ET, 10/09/2012

Claire McCaskill plans to beat Todd Akin one handshake at a time

By Diana Reese

SHE THE PEOPLE | Volunteers have knocked on over 600,000 doors and made more than 3 million phone calls, she said.

By Diana Reese | 01:31 PM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:28 AM ET, 10/09/2012

Why is Rosie O’Donnell encouraging Honey Boo Boo?

By Suzi Parker

This child needs some tough love, and she shouldn't be our guilty pleasure.

By Suzi Parker | 07:28 AM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 10/09/2012

Ryan v. Biden, the Catholic ‘Thrilla in Manila’

By Melinda Henneberger

Two men shaped by the same faith embody the major tensions in American Catholicism.

By Melinda Henneberger | 12:00 AM ET, 10/09/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:14 AM ET, 10/08/2012

Jerry Sandusky, I’m all ears

By Melinda Henneberger

The convicted child rapist could get as little as 10 years at his sentencing hearing on Tuesday -- but could also get as much as 218.

By Melinda Henneberger | 11:14 AM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 08:31 AM ET, 10/08/2012

‘Why didn’t he fight?’ Obama supporters want an answer, Mr. President

By Mary C. Curtis

While politicians play politics, voiceless Obama voters want him to speak up for them.

By Mary C. Curtis | 08:31 AM ET, 10/08/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:24 AM ET, 10/05/2012

Does Barack Obama really want to be president?

By Melinda Henneberger

If he shows more fire on the shuffleboard court than in this presidential race, why is that?

By Melinda Henneberger | 09:24 AM ET, 10/05/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 06:38 PM ET, 10/04/2012

Carole Geithner, first-time author

By Annie Groer

The longtime social worker and wife of the treasury secretary has written a novel about a grieving 12-year-old girl.

By Annie Groer | 06:38 PM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:11 PM ET, 10/04/2012

Big Bird will haunt Mitt Romney

By Suzi Parker

A survey once estimated that 77 million Americans had watched “Sesame Street” as children.

By Suzi Parker | 03:11 PM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:36 AM ET, 10/04/2012

News anchor addresses e-mail bully on-air

By Jamila Bey

Short summary of story

By Jamila Bey | 09:36 AM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: bully, fat, Jamila Bey, Jennifer Livingston, news, obesity, shaming

Posted at 09:29 AM ET, 10/04/2012

When kids say, ‘I’ll try,’ moms hear ‘Not happening’ — and that’s how Obama sounded

By Melinda Henneberger

SHE THE PEOPLE | Should the president have taken his wife out for their anniversary instead?

By Melinda Henneberger | 09:29 AM ET, 10/04/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:03 PM ET, 10/03/2012

Stephen Colbert on politics from the pulpit

By Melinda Henneberger

'I am capable of making my own rational decision about which candidate my priest says God wants me to pick.'

By Melinda Henneberger | 02:03 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:29 PM ET, 10/03/2012

Is Missouri couple’s ’50 Shades of Grey’ lifestyle a crime?

By Diana Reese

A federal court wants to show photos and videos of the rough sex enjoyed by Edward Bagley and his wife as proof that he has a history of sexual assault. His attorney says no: The activities were consensual and didn't cause injury, so they aren't crimes. Should what happens in the bedroom stay in the bedroom?

By Diana Reese | 01:29 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: 50 Shades of Grey, BDSM, bondage, Edward Bagley, kinky sex, Marilyn Bagley, Missouri

Posted at 01:01 PM ET, 10/03/2012

Pennsylvania voter ID law on hold for now and, maybe, for good

By Mary C. Curtis

If Pennsylvania's voter ID law represents a way democracy is supposed to work, I must have slept through U.S. history class.

By Mary C. Curtis | 01:01 PM ET, 10/03/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)
Tags: battleground states, Michael Nutter, Mitt Romney, Pennsylvania, President Obama, Voter ID

Posted at 10:40 PM ET, 10/02/2012

Slain SUNY student Alexandra Kogut’s last tweet: ‘Should’ve known.’

By Melinda Henneberger

Not long before she was found beaten to death in her SUNY Brockport dorm room this weekend, 18-year-old Alexandra Kogut tweeted, "Should've known." The first thing I wondered: What sport did her killer play?

By Melinda Henneberger | 10:40 PM ET, 10/02/2012 | Permalink | Comments ( 0)