Voting Rights

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WomenMatter: Both Parties Want Your Vote in 2004

The 2004 presidential race is sure to be a close one, and both candidates are courting the women’s vote.

This may be because more women than men voted in the last presidential election, and the parties have noticed. According to Rutgers’ Center for American Women and Politics, 56% of women voted in the 2000 race compared with 53% of men. Parties are replying to women’s increased participation by highlighting issues that women care about, such as homeland security, healthcare, and education. This response confirms WomenMatter’s claim: when women join the political process, politics shifts to include their concerns.

The parties have different policies on these Life Issues, but similar campaign strategies: win over women, and win the race.

On March 6, 2004 Congressional Quarterly (CQ) published a report that outlines each party’s approach to wooing women voters. But they didn’t contrast the spin from the policy. WomenMatter will help you fill in the blanks.

Republicans’ strategy – homeland security

CQ reports that Bush’s approval ratings surged after 9-11. Republicans are trying to recreate the president’s post-attack popularity with a series of campaign ads that feature Sept. 11 imagery and portray Bush as a strong leader during crisis.

Pollsters found that, just after the attacks, Bush’s ratings soared from 47% to 84% among women. His ratings have since dipped, so Republican strategists are attempting to remind the women they call “security moms" of the President’s leadership after the tragedy. The plan is far from foolproof though, as many have criticized the Bush campaign for exploiting 9-11 for political gain.

To separate from the spin, focus on your opinion of the policy created in the wake of September 11th. For example, what is your opinion of the Patriot Act? For an in-depth discussion of The Patriot Act, click here.

Democrats’ Strategy- homeland security

Democrats will try to dismantle the assumption that Republican = security.

Democrats criticize Bush for Patriot Act provisions that they claim threaten freedom instead of protect it. They also condemn Republican budget cuts to police, fire, and emergency healthcare workers, known as “first responders." Kerry often condemns the Bush “go it alone" policy in Iraq, explaining that American taxpayers and soldiers need not bear the brunt of Iraq reconstruction.

To begin to find your voice on homeland security, ask yourself these questions: Do you think the invasion of Iraq has resulted in a safer America? How should funds for homeland security be used? How do you feel about Iraq reconstruction efforts?

Republican strategy- healthcare and education

Congressional Quarterly reports that The Bush campaign is focusing on healthcare and education since women care deeply about these issues. Expect to hear and see the Bush administration touting new prescription drug benefits and education reform as emblems of their dedication to these issues. But again, look at the policy, and decide if you agree with it.

The new Medicare prescription drug benefits are a hotly contested issue. To decide how you feel about Medicare reform, learn about it by clicking here.

No Child Left Behind is the Bush administration’s primary education reform. Is it working? Legislators, teachers, and students disagree. To learn more about No Child Left Behind, click here.

CQ reports that First Lady Laura Bush has high approval ratings among women. She is likely to be at any event where Bush discusses the “women’s issues" -- healthcare and education.

Democrats’ Strategy- healthcare and education

Again, Democrats will try to pick apart Republican decision making to reveal weaknesses. They will attempt to show how recent Medicare reforms will hurt seniors and how No Child Left Behind is an unkept promise, leaving students and states with little more than potential.

Like Bush, Kerry will try to appeal to women on these issues; they see women as caretakers meeting the needs of both their children and their aging parents.

While this is certainly true for many women, we don’t just care about healthcare, education, and homeland security. All issues are women’s issues. Investigate the economy, campaign financing, and our judicial system.

The women’s vote is essential to the 2004 presidential election. Use WomenMatter to inform yourself on the issues and distance yourself from the strategy and spin. You can also discuss with other readers through our online forums. And sign up for e alerts on voting rights, and we’ll let you know whenever something new and important happens with this Life Issue.

Update Posted on: 3/16/2004

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