Mr. Brown Goes to Washington–Always Vote the Candidate

It is hard not to write about the upset election we just witnessed in Massachusetts. Scott Brown, down by 18 points a mere two weeks ago, is now the Senator (R) from the very blue state of Massachusetts. Some say this was a referendum on Obama’s first year (except for Mr. Obama, who shamefully spins this as anger and frustration over the last 8 years! I don’t think so, Mr. Prez). Others say this is the beginning of a new populist movement. Others don’t say much of anything because they are disappointed at the outcome.

Am I? After all, he ran against a woman. It would be nice to have more women in the Senate. I would like to think that a woman candidate can always be as viable as any man, but I don’t think that holds true in this case. Politics is not always gender politics.

First, the issue of healthcare reform. By now you must have gathered my take on the present format of the healthcare reform act. It’s not good for women, it is not good for our country and it is certainly not going to improve our healthcare system. So I was not sad to see the election result. I hope that this bill is scrapped and a simpler, more realistic and impactful reform is brought to bear. One in which women get a fair deal and not a few begrudging bones.

Then, the issue of national security. We have all heard a lot of dumb things said on the campaign trail (by men and women alike although the dumb things women say and do seem always to get more attention), but Coakley’s observation on the presence of terrorists in Afghanistan certainly must take first prize. No more terrorists in Afghanistan? The incredulous look on Brown’s face bought him this election. No response was given, none was needed. On which planet does she live?

The message has come through loud and clear. Politicians in Washington are not in synch with the needs and wants of the American people. And no group is feeling that more than women. I beseech every one of you to spend the next 10 minutes listening to this video about what this healthcare reform bill really says. It is not a pretty picture for our country, and if you listen carefully not a pretty picture for women and children. As usual, they will get the worst deal—they don’t have unions, they don’t have big business, and the kids don’t vote. They don’t get sweetheart deals.

So the candidate, a man, won the seat in Massachusetts because he had the platform the people wanted. He has his finger on the pulse of the people, now. Not just those in Massachusetts but those all over the country who donated millions to his campaign—Republicans, Democrats and others. And the best person, as was seen by the voters, got the job. It should always be that way not matter the sex of the candidate. But it would have been nice if the best in this case was………