The National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (NOW PAC) congratulates Vice President Joe Biden on becoming the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee.
We thank Senator Bernie Sanders, not only for his bold campaign and movement, but for the leadership in his decision to prioritize protecting Americans during COVID-19 versus extending this primary any longer.
NOW PAC calls on Vice President Biden to run a campaign that centers the base of the Democratic Party – women and especially women of color. Additionally, the organization urges him to take immediate, tangible steps to unify the diverse coalitions that earlier supported the other qualified candidates in what was a historic primary race:
Immediately announce his female running mate so we can evaluate the full ticket.
Adopt the following policies from former candidates that protect and champion women and align with NOW’s core issues of constitutional equality; economic justice, ending violence against women, LGBTQIA+ equality, racial justice and reproductive health and justice:
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s plans for reproductive rights, women of color, people with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ equality.
Senator Bernie Sanders’ climate change plans to protect frontline communities who are disproportionately women of color and their families living in low-income communities.
Senator Amy Klobuchar’s plan for seniors, as retired women are 80 percent more likely than men to live in poverty after age 65.
Senator Cory Booker’s gun violence prevention plan, which includes multiple layers of resources and policies to prevent gender-based gun violence and support survivors of domestic abuse.
Julian Castro’s restorative justice plan, which specifically outlines steps needed to take to support violence against Indigenous women.
Senator Kamala Harris’ plan for pay equity.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Family Bill of Rights, which includes paid family leave and universal preschool.
The global pandemic has made it clearer than ever that women are specifically impacted when these policies are not in place. But these plans are also only possible if we work to flip the Senate to a pro-woman majority and keep control of the House. Senator Mitch McConnell cannot hold the Senate gavel for another term, allowing him to push his extremist, anti-women agenda on all Americans.
NOW PAC looks forward to working with the Biden campaign to use the General Election to paint a picture for America of what could be achieved when a feminist is in the White House, working with a feminist majority in the House and Senate.