This is the e-mail I sent to my friends and family in the DC area today:

I am writing you because, like me, you have a daughter (or two, or three, or a granddaughter).  When it comes to politics, I am not of the bumper sticker/lawn sign variety.  And, this year, there are valid reasons for supporting either Democratic candidate.  But, for me, something is different this year -- a woman has a chance to be President.  

The defining moment for me came early last year.  My daughter and I were talking about Presidents, going through the list of the famous ones that we all know.  At a certain point, she turned to me and asked, "Aren't there any women Presidents?"  I could only tell her the truth, and the look on her face was beyond devastating.  It was the look of a young girl realizing, in that instant, that her world was not limitless.  

We have come to take for granted so many things in our society where women and girls are not on the same level as men and boys (the Supreme Court, religion, big business, major league sports, cockpits, the military, the operating room) that my jaded self was surprised at the impact this could have on a young girl (and, by extension, on her father).  Obviously, most of these problems are beyond the control of any of us.  But, on Tuesday, each of us has the opportunity -- perhaps the only time in our lifetime that we will have this opportunity -- to help a woman (and a mother, to boot) get elected President and, in the most visible way possible (for Presidents are like rock stars and celebrities to very young school children), tell our daughters and all girls that, on the biggest stage possible in our country, they can be the equal of their brothers and all boys.

Thanks for your time.

Did anyone else think this was a very strange thing for Obama to say, when asked about whether Bill Clinton was the first Black president?

I know there are some Obama fans out there who probably know the answer to this:  

Does Obama have any women in top positions on his campaign team (besides his wife, that is!)?  

I haven't heard any women's names mentioned, so it got me wondering.

I'd also be curious to know if he has any Latinos in top positions.

Many thanks.