Today, Kate Michelman, the former President of NARAL Pro-Choice America and a leading John Edwards supporter, reached out to Edwards’ supporters across the nation in response to the ruling handed down by the Supreme Court on the Federal Abortion Ban.  In an e-mail, she shared her story about why she supports John Edwards, and why America must elect a Democratic president in 2008.  I’d like to share it with you here.  

Kate has spent a lifetime fighting for women, and she articulates, so eloquently, many of the reasons why I too joined this campaign.  Please take a moment to read Kate’s story and then, spend a few extra minutes sharing it with your friends and family.  Our campaign depends, not just on national leaders like Kate, but on people like you — people who take the time to spread the word about why this election is so important, and why supporting John Edwards matters.

My name is Kate Michelman. I was president of NARAL Pro-Choice America for nearly 20 years. I’ve dedicated my adult life to advancing women’s dignity, freedom and equality. Today, I’m angry and alarmed about the future. And I’m ready to fight.

Yesterday, a closely divided Supreme Court voted to allow Congress and state legislators to ban a specific abortion procedure–even if the health of the woman is at grave risk and even if her doctor thinks this procedure is the best one for her particular situation. It is nothing less than the greatest blow to a woman’s right to reproductive freedom since that right was first guaranteed more than 30 years ago.

In yesterday’s opinion, three of the justices again argued that ALL decisions guaranteeing reproductive rights are wrong. And remember, the two Supreme Court Justices nearest to retirement are staunch defenders of women’s rights–just imagine if another Republican president is allowed to replace them. You know as well as I do that the right wing won’t stop at a woman’s right to decide. They’ve painted a bulls eye on a broad range of privacy rights, civil liberties and other basic rights that we take for granted.

This is one of the most important reasons all of us–but especially women–must be fiercely committed to electing a Democratic president in 2008 who will protect and defend our rights. And that is why I am so strongly committed to electing John Edwards.

I believe that out of all the candidates, John has the strongest commitment to the issues that matter most in women’s lives. I know he is the most effective national messenger for the values we share and I have complete confidence that–with our help–he can win the White House.

A new Quinnipiac poll shows that John Edwards defeats all Republicans in head-to-head matchups within the state of New Jersey except for Rudy Giuliani who bests every candidate in this particular poll. Edwards also fairs better than any other Democratic candidate against Giuliani. His overall numbers in the state are somewhat low.
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?

A new Suffolk University Massachusetts Primary poll shows Clinton with 32%, Edwards with 19% and Obama with 18%.
(Continued)

     In light of the killings at Virginia Tech, the Right is about to launch it’s anti-Hollywood rhetoric, while the Left once again hits its head against the stone wall of the NRA. This is the moment for Senator Edwards to show leadership by announcing his plan to offer Homeland Security grants for schools to “harden” their classroom doors.
     

     Yesterday, I witnessed the youth of my town in action and I am proud of them.  I was caught in traffic in front of Rio Linda High School in a town, in Sacramento County, which holds the seat of the Capitol of California.  Children carrying signs advocating their Civil Rights as a minority in the place where they spend the majority of their waking hours, made me proud.  The signs of the future are here, now!  These children carried banners and picket signs stating their rights as Americans who happen to be gay, lesbian and bi-sexual, to be free to express themselves at their school.  
   

Chapel Hill, North Carolina – The John Edwards for President campaign announced today that Joe Trippi will be joining the campaign as a key member of the media team and senior advisor.

Campaign Manager David Bonior said, “We couldn’t be more excited to have Joe join our team. He’s creative, passionate, committed and shares John Edwards’ vision of an America that works for all of us.”

Deputy Campaign Manager Jonathan Prince said, “Joe is a true believer who has never been the kind of guy who sits around and waits for somebody else to bring about the change he believes we need. And that’s what our campaign is about. That’s the challenge John and Elizabeth have laid before all of us. I’m glad Joe Trippi is one of those who’s ready to take it up.”

To read Trippi’s blog post about joining the campaign, go to: http://blog.johnedwards.com/story/2007/4/19/15828/7350