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Neera Tanden is the Policy Director on the Hillary Clinton for President campaign.

Campaigns, especially Presidential campaigns, are relentless -- long hours and late night phone calls are par for the course.  So parents of young children are often hesitant to join them. As a mother of two fabulous children -- a 5 year old girl and a 2 year old boy -- I had my own concerns when I first started my job on this campaign.  I knew that a presidential campaign would, to put it mildly, mean less family time.  But I took this job -- and have worked for Hillary for 10 years -- because I believe there is no public official in America more committed to our children's future.  Hillary has worked tirelessly for decades to make mothers' (and fathers') jobs easier.  During the course of this campaign, I've been lucky to work with her on her policies to help parents balance work and family -- from a national paid leave program, to expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act, to expanding child care.  And I have to say, those proposals really hit home for me.

So on Mothers' Day, I'm proud of what Hillary has already done in terms of changing the conversation about women's roles and mothers' roles.  I'm honored to be part of this fight, and feel lucky that I was able to do the job.  As a mom herself, Hillary has been tremendously understanding and flexible, moving meetings to accommodate my daughter's school plays.  While I may sleep a little less than I'd like, I actually have been able to tuck my kids into bed at night most nights on this campaign.

That is a tribute to Hillary's firsthand understanding of what it's like to be a working mom.  (But it's also a tribute to my loving, amazing husband who's taken on the role of super dad.)

I will celebrate Mothers Day with my children knowing that Hillary has already made history and that my daughter can dream a bit bigger because of the path Hillary has blazed for her and millions of girls in our country.  And I know that as President, Hillary will help ensure that we leave this country better off for both my children.

Photo of Scott Zumwalt

"Hillary Reminded Us of Why We Are in This Fight"

by Scott Zumwalt
5/11/2008 11:14:39 AM

On Friday, Hillary toured the OHSU Children’s Hospital in Portland.  After meeting with patients and families and listening to heart rending stories from many of those who are uninsured, Hillary discussed her universal health care plan.

Also headlining the event was Jordan Kokich, a student at PSU and an organizer for Oregon for Hillary, who shared her incredible story with the rest of the country

The event reminded many Oregonians of a very important distinction between the two candidates.  Under Hillary’s plan every single Oregonian would have health insurance.   On the other hand, Barack Obama would potentially leave 220,000 Oregonians in the dark -- without insurance.

While it was a serious event and a serious issue, Hillary’s visit drew smiles from all over the hospital as many had a chance to give Hillary a hug, a handshake and a thank you for standing up for them in her quest for true universal health care coverage.  Take a look at some of the photos from yesterday:

Click here to visit the Oregon page and learn more about what's happening in the Beaver State.
Photo of Howard Wolfson, Communications Director

HUBdate: Celebrating Mother’s Day

by Howard Wolfson, Communications Director
5/11/2008 10:39:36 AM

Mother’s Day Celebration: Today Hillary and Chelsea celebrate Mother’s Day in Grafton, WV, where the holiday originated 100 years ago.

A Mother’s Day Wish: In a new video, Chelsea shares some of her fondest memories of her mother, and asks mothers across the country to share their mother’s day wishes with her. Watch here.

Why I Support Hillary: This Mother’s Day, the deputy campaign counsel blogs, “It is because of my daughters that I understand what is at stake in this election, and why it is urgent and necessary that we choose for our country the leadership that we deserve…As a mother, what I wish most for my daughters is a bright future.  For that, their country needs to get back on course.” Read more.

Automatic Delegate Watch: Massachusetts delegate Arthur Powell yesterday announced his support for Hillary.

If You Read One Thing Today: In a Charleston Gazette op-ed today, Hillary writes, “For the past seven years, I know so many of you have felt invisible to our president - holding your breath at the gas pump and the grocery checkout line; wondering what you'll do when health insurance disappears when a job does; seeing your loved ones who served our country in war ill-served when they return home. I am running for president to stand for you and fight for your dreams and your future.” Read more.

“The Vote of a Lifetime” “To [Florence Steen], a woman born seven months before her gender won the right to vote in August 1920, seeing Clinton's name on a presidential ballot and marking her vote nearby was a dream realized …‘She was very alert, very serious in studying the ballot,’ [her daughter, Kathy] Kraus said. ‘And when she marked it, she just kept circling and circling that mark with her pencil.’” Read more.

In Case You Missed It: Only one thing matters; winning the Presidency in November. Hillary Clinton has proven she is by far the strongest candidate and most likely to achieve that victory. How can she convince the Democratic Party delegates? Read more.

On Tap: Tomorrow, Hillary will attend events in Montgomery, Clear Fork, Logan, and Fairmont, West Virginia.

Photo of Meredith Cabe

A Bright Future for Our Daughters

by Meredith Cabe
5/10/2008 11:39:35 AM

Meredith Cabe is Deputy Counsel on the Hillary Clinton for President campaign.

PhotoI am so proud to be working to elect Hillary as our country's first woman president.

I have looked up to her almost as long as I can remember - I grew up in Little Rock, and got to know Hillary when I was 9.  I knew her first as a mother and a neighbor, and am fortunate to know how warm and funny and fabulous she is.  (And she treated babysitters well, a true sign of good character and judgment.)

I grew up surrounded by strong women public servants - Hillary, fighting to improve things like education and health care; my mother, who served in the legislature; and many more I knew who taught in and fought for our public schools and in other arenas.  Now that I am working and raising a family of my own, I respect all of them even more - their challenge was no easy task.  Thanks and Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

My tremendous admiration and affection for Hillary are not what make this election personal for me, however --  my daughters are.  It is not just because they have become smitten with her and look for her picture in the paper every day or because  they will grow up always knowing a woman can be President of the United States.  I will save their "I Can Be President" t-shirts and tell them that when they were little, that statement was news.

But mostly, it is because of my daughters that I understand what is at stake in this election, and why it is urgent and necessary that we choose for our country the leadership that we deserve.

Watching Hillary on the campaign trail, and, for me, particularly in the debates, I know without a doubt she should be our president.  She is concerned about all the right things - how we're going to set our economy right, how we're going to have health insurance that covers everyone, how we're going to guarantee every child a good education, how we're going to restore our country's reputation abroad - and has thoughtful, innovative plans to address them.

When both my girls were born I was surprised to find I knew instantly that I would do anything I had to do to keep them safe.  That feeling is part of what motivates me.  We need to get our country back on track for all these children who are trying to grow up - who are depending on us to keep them healthy and safe and fed, with an economy that provides opportunities and an education that will allow them to take those opportunities and realize their potential.

It's a big responsibility.  But we are lucky this election - we have a chance to elect someone who has exactly what we need.  Extraordinary intelligence, wisdom, strength, compassion, and the heart of a lion.  An unwavering commitment to facing and solving tough problems, and 35 years of experience that inform her every step of the way.

As a mother, what I wish most for my daughters is a bright future.  For that, their country needs to get back on course.  So while I have said many times that I would do anything for Hillary, this one's for those girls - and everyone else's sons and daughters.

Photo of Howard Wolfson, Communications Director

HUBdate: Strongest at the Top of the Ticket

by Howard Wolfson, Communications Director
5/10/2008 11:23:17 AM

Strongest at the Top of the Ticket: Several members of Congress released a letter yesterday to other Democrats touting their support for Hillary, saying she is the strongest candidate to have at the top of the ticket in the fall: “[W]e are convinced that Hillary Clinton has the vision, skills and commitment to make the changes our country needs.  As Democrats who have run and won in competitive Congressional districts and battleground states, we believe that Hillary is best positioned to successfully lead the Democratic ticket in districts and states like ours around the country.” Read more and more. Click here to view the Power Point presentation.

Automatic Delegate Watch: Yesterday, Texas Congressman Ciro Rodriguez and Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Carney endorsed Hillary. Said Rodriguez, “I believe Hillary Clinton has the experience, vision, and toughness to win a general election and can help expand our Democratic majority in Congress. Not only can she win, I am convinced that she will be a truly great President.”

A Mother’s Day Wish: In a new video, Chelsea shares some of her fondest memories of her mother, and asks mothers across the country to share their mother’s day wishes with her. Watch here.

Fourth Quarter: Ellen Malcolm writes in a Washington Post op-ed today: “Here we are in the fourth quarter of the nominating process and the game is too close to call…Why on earth should one candidate quit before the contest is finished? Democrats need not be so fainthearted…So why are some Democrats so afraid? We simply need to count every vote, let the remaining states have their say and see the process through to its conclusion.” Read more.

WV Endorsement Watch: Former West Virginia Governor Hulett Smith and the State Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin endorsed Hillary yesterday.

On the Air in OR and WV: In a new Oregon ad, U.S. Ambassador Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame Wilson tell voters why they support Hillary. A West Virginia ad demonstrates Hillary’s commitment to leveling the playing field against special interests and strengthening America’s middle class. Watch here and here.

Touting Health Care in OR: “Sen. Hillary Clinton used an hourlong visit with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital patients and their families Friday morning to push for her universal health care plan, which she called the ‘unfinished business’ of the nation.” Read more.

Previewing Today: Hillary attends a Mother’s Day celebration with Chelsea in New York.

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