***************************************************************************************

Sponsor message: National Wear Red Day is here! February 1, 2008 kicks of American Heart Month with National Wear Red Day, a day when Americans wear red to show their support for women's heart disease awareness. Help support National Wear Red Day and The Heart Truth. Unite in this life-saving awareness movement by showing off your favorite red dress, shirt, tie or Red Dress Pin.
***************************************************************************************

February 6, 2008

Hi everyone,

"Women don't want it [the vote]." ~ Democrat John Martin, Feb. 9, 1914

Oh yes we do.

Congratulations and thank you to every woman who exercised her right to vote yesterday, who has voted, who will vote and who contributed to the amazing Super Tuesday conversations around the BlogHer network. These conversations are far from over -- it's going to be one crazy race from start to finish, whatever your party -- but I would like to celebrate the job this community is doing to raise the voices of women from all over the political spectrum and to focus on actual policy, not just the horserace.

The reward? Comments and commentary from other women who took the time to participate on BlogHer.com -- we know that with all the other Web sites and demands women have on their time, participation equals value. Check you out:

What you said about Super Tuesday 2008 and this historic election

VIDEO: BlogHer talks with Rep. Maxine Waters: Why she endorsed Hillary ClintonErin Kotecki Vest and Katy Chen

VIDEO: Caroline Kennedy's endorsement of Barack Obama by Gena Haskett

VIDEO: Women and Romney - Family is a lure by Morra Aarons-Mele

VIDEO: A humorous take on the GOP contest: Top Gunsby Mary Katharine Ham

A historic primary through a small daughter's eyes: "This will be her normal" by Chris Jordan

Don't-miss videos to watch if you're trying to make up your mind on Super Tuesday by MSmith

Ethnic presses offer unique insights, face unique struggles - particularly in a watershed election by Kim Pearson

e-voting 2.0: Time to open (source) the voting process by Laura Scott

...and, the grand prize, jointly shared by two incredibly articulate and caring women:

Why I'm Pro-Lifeby Shannon of Rocks in My Dryer

Why I'm Pro-Choice, by Maria Niles of PopConsumer

I'm asked all the time whether women really care as much about politics and news as we care about food, relationships and what we wear. This writing -- backed up by fantastic comments and commentary from women who joined the discussion -- not to mention booming voter turnout! -- is proof that women are smarter and more engaged than ever. Thank you for arming all of us with links to follow-up up my usual answer: "HELL yes."

“You all have done a great job, and I have to say that it is mainly because of the efforts of BlogHer that this is the very first presidential election that I actually feel fully engaged by and in the debates, discussions and campaign process. I've voted in four other presidential elections and felt distanced from each right up until election day in November. This is exciting. Thanks for all of your hard work.“ ~ Sleepingmommy.com, Feb. 1, 2008

Next up: While the horserace is fun to watch, we're really focused on presidential policy and how the next president can earn our votes. In the coming weeks, we'll continue to work to convince the candidates that they should have a conversation with BlogHer's community of eight million women who write and read our blogs

about the Voter Manifesto.

Do you agree? We welcome your comments .

Otherwise, we'll just have to keep researching their beliefs ourselves

Best,
Lisa

for

Elisa, Jory and Lisa

P.S. If you or anyone you know has ever survived an emotionally or physically traumatic event, one brave reader has posted some advice that I've put in the breaking news spot on every page. It's quite a gift to the community; just wanted to make sure you didn't miss it while lying on your couches, eating bon-bons: http://www.blogher.com/conquering-your-trauma-anniversary

P.P.S. YES, yes, for all of you who have asked, I do know of a way that you can get a free pass to BlogHer AND get your travel expenses paid for. Go get it: Learn more.

Subscribe to this newsletter

***************************************************************************************
Sponsor message: Thinking about a Disney dream vacation? Your fairy tale is about to come true.
Order your FREE 2008 Disney Parks Vacation Planning DVD and see how easy it is to plan a trip, and why now is the time for you to become part of The Year of a Million Dreams celebration!
***************************************************************************************