थिस इस माय देलेगते पोस्ट I am a feminist. I have spent a large part of my adult life learning about, and fighting for women’s issues. When I realized the Democratic Party would face a decision between the first woman nominee and the first African American nominee I was stunned into momentary indecision. I felt torn and confused. I was afraid it would tear our party apart to make such a choice. Moreover, I was not sure who I would choose. Over time I watched debates, read articles, investigated on the internet and paid close attention to candidates speeches. Suddenly the decision became obvious and undeniable to me. I am a feminist, and as a feminist the candidate that I support is Barack Obama. Feminism is not about gender. It is not limited in scope to sex. Feminism is about a perspective, it is about hearing those marginalized based on race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. It is about moving away from a place of privilege to a place of lived experience, and it is about a politics of transformation–of action not reaction. These ideals are encompassed in the Obama candidacy. For the first time in my political memory I feel inspired and hopeful. There has been a lot of talk about the pragmatism of Hilary Clinton–Now is not a time for a pragmatic reactive response that are caught in the same Bush-Clinton dialectic we have lived for the last 15 plus years. Now is the moment to embrace what seems immaterial, but is really the potential fuel for a new dawn in American Politics. I am a determined supporter of Barack Obama, I feel that we are at a juncture where we can shift the political landscape if we establish effective consensus. I am certain I will be able to establish that consensus at the State Convention. I understand the paradox we face, and having journeyed through it I know I can advocate for the choice that will bring real and meaningful change. My mother was a delegate to the national convention in 1972. She recently told me that she believes when we are most in need of real leadership it will rise up. She knew Barack Obama was coming. We have faced many years of disappointment and frustration. It is now time for the recognition that in Barack Obama we have the kind of visionary leadership we need at this critical political moment. This chance will not come again and I am determined to effectively affect this change in whatever way I can. Our party will not be torn apart. We can all come together and embody the ideals of a President Obama.