Gretchen Gardner, a Hamilton College senior from McLean, Va., '09 penned an op-ed about Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin for the Utica Observer-Dispatch (9/21/08). In "Gov. Palin's nomination a cautious step forward," Gardner called John McCain's choice of Palin "a positive step forward for American women… I felt that the cause of women's equality took a step forward – although not, perhaps in the way that Sen. McCain intended." Gardner, who will be voting in her first presidential election this November, wrote "I felt shivers down my spine when I saw her nominated. Having said that, I have to say that some of the shivers...were a reaction to a set of policies that downright scare me. Gov. Palin has to be judged not simply as a woman, but as a woman who advocates a set of policies that have nothing to do with gender."
Gardner's op-ed continued, "In 2008 I believe that opposing the Republican Party and opposing Sarah Palin will push the women's movement forward. Women can prove that they deserve an equal role in political life by judging a female candidate by something other than her sex: we can hold her responsible for her ideas and policies."
Gardner's op-ed continued, "In 2008 I believe that opposing the Republican Party and opposing Sarah Palin will push the women's movement forward. Women can prove that they deserve an equal role in political life by judging a female candidate by something other than her sex: we can hold her responsible for her ideas and policies."
