Woman crucial group in US election

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-24-2008 13:50

The twin flash-points of race and gender are continuing to attract close scrutiny in the US Presidential election.

The women's vote is crucial in this election. This fact has not gone unnoticed by the campaigns of  Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain. (CCTV.com)

The outcome will make American history either the first black president or the first woman vice president will be elected into office on November fourth.

The women's vote is crucial in this election. This fact has not gone unnoticed by the campaigns of Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain.

Women have voted at higher rates than men in every US presidential election since 1980.

Women outnumber men among registered as well as actual voters.

The strength of Hillary Clinton's primary campaign and the pick of Sarah Palin as a Republican vice presidential nominee has highlighted the importance of this group.

Alexandra Smith, Obama Supporter, said, "It would have been very thrilling to have a woman in the White House, but it is also very thrilling to have a black man in the White House. I was a Hillary supporter, but I easily changed my allegiance when Barack won the nomination."

But some disagree that gender tops issues when women cast their ballots.

"They look for issues, they look for stands on issues, they look for overall character. They look for intelligence. They are not going to vote for a candidate by gender - but by qualifications."

When Hillary Clinton bowed out of the Democratic primary campaign, a fight began for her supporters --mainly women aged 45 to 64.

Clinton claims she attracted 18 million voters during the primary, making them a vital bloc of voters for November's general election.

Palin went out of her way to court Clinton's support in her first public speech as McCain's vice presidential pick.

Sarah Palin, Republican Vice Presidential Candidate, said, "Hillary left 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America but it turns out the women of American aren't finished yet and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all."

New voter registrations are at an all time high in 2008. And there are indications that women may be registering at higher rates than men in this election cycle, adding to the advantage women have over men among potential voters.

After nearly two years of campaigning, voters finally get to have their say on November 4th.

And in anticipated larger numbers than ever, it will be women voters who decide whether Obama or McCain will run the country for the next four years.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei