If there were pissed off Hillary Clinton supporters lurking around every corner of this Democratic convention -- as has so obsessively been reported -- you'd think you could find them at an EMILY's List event. After all, EMILY's List is an organization whose entire mission is electing pro-choice women politicians. The group funds grass-roots candidates across the country exactly in the hopes that, someday, not only will women represent 50 percent of all elected officials, but a woman will assume the highest office in the land. EMILY's List's fervor for Clinton was so strong this year that, when NARAL became the first national feminist organization to endorse Barack Obama in May, EMILY's List president Ellen Malcolm called the move "tremendously disrespectful to Sen. Clinton."
Yet today, on the morning after Michelle Obama's speech, 2,500 EMILY's List donors and supporters greeted not only Clinton but also Michelle, with absolute, raptourous enthusiasm. As Adam has written, Michelle's feminism and intellectualism were hardly on display last night, when she was expected to give a reassuring, wifely presentation aimed at nervous white folks. But at EMILY's List, Michelle gave a long, meaty policy speech, focusing on equal pay, family-medical leave, universal health care, and education. She joked about the jujitsu she's had to do in her public appearances; "Barack Obama will be an amazing president," she said. "I say this not just as a spouse, but I am speaking as an American -- and I will say this time and time again -- who loves my country."
The crowd -- as racially diverse as the Democratic Party itself -- gave a knowing laugh, fully cognizant of the ridiculous burdens that have been placed on Michelle and the unhinged criticisms she has faced. "If you don't think Barack is going to need you, I am going to need you," Michelle continued. "I mean that. I am going to need you to have my back." Massive cheers.
One thing the event didn't offer was a photo-op of an embrace between Hillary and Michelle. That would have been good politics. Maybe we'll see something like that tonight before Hillary's speech.
--Dana Goldstein
