What five women would you choose to speak at YOUR Women's Convention

[karynnj]

40. Two words - Max Cleland

Cleland lost three limbs in Vietnam and ran the VA under Jimmy Carter before becoming Senator. He was swiftboated two years before the term existed. He was also a Democratic southern. Obviously not POC or a woman, but it not clear that either of those make a DEMOCRATIC candidate able to reach usually unreachable segments.

What happened to Cleland was unspeakable, the Republicans ran ads questioning his service and his patriotism. Losing that way was devastating for him. One person who was there for him then and at other times - John Kerry. In 2003, he lent Kerry a Bible that he had carried in Vietnam. He had worried that the Republicans would try to personally destroy Kerry, who he greatly respected.

My point - a party that would not just smear the service record of a very highly decorated Presidential candidate, they were willing to do so to someone like Max Cleland. Remember that even John McCain - because he was not with the far right -- was attacked by Trump and millions on social media. Yet, Cheney who had other priorities, GWB whose dad pulled strings, and Trump who had a bone spur -- all have been portrayed as patriotic Americans.

Note: I am not saying that she might not be a wonderful candidate, but that her genuine record of service and sacrifice will not protect her from these right wing attacks by people who define "not right wing" as not patriotic.