If polls are to be believed, Romney has the support of the majority of men while Obama has the support of the majority of women. Why? Because it is clear Obama understands issues important to women. And, Romney and most men still don't get it.
Issues of health care, women's rights to control of their bodies, equal pay and opportunity, their children's education, elders' security, a fair economy, environmental quality and a nonbelligerent foreign policy are issues women understand.
I appeal to women and to my fellow men who are capable of seeing through the bellicosity and hucksterism of GOP campaigning to vote and encourage others to vote for the wisdom, compassion and cooperative decision-making embodied in our current president.
Too much hangs in the balance. Right-wing control of the presidency, the Congress, and the courts will spell a throwback to the beginning of the 20th century, when only rich white men counted in this country.
My hope is that women will mobilize and influence their men to vote for an inclusive, fair, calm, reasoned, peaceful and wise future for America and the world. President Obama and a Democratic Congress are crucial for the fulfillment of this vision.
Joe Cobble, Asheville