Mama votes. And talks. Radical, mais non?

Have I mentioned I'm slightly obsessed with the presidential election? I say slightly because I'm cruising Perez Hilton and then skimming the NYT, but trust a mama, the obsessed part has its own special place in conversation.

A few months ago, I gave a ride to a friend of mine -- a very gifted and brilliant woman who can whip any nonprofit or committee into shape in the timeframe of one well-agendaed meeting -- and during our trip from Lincoln Park to the West Loop, we talked politics. We talked at length about the candidates and what an exciting time in history (not to mention herstory it is...yep, that's for you, feministas). We were on a roll. That is, until I told her that I really just want to ask everyone I know who they are voting for and why.

Then, the sounds of the radio filled the car as a great, big awkward pause swelled up around the two of us.

"Well," she said with that fundraiser smile I know very well, "I am not sure most people are willing to admit that."

I got it. I'd hit my limit with my friend. She wasn't going to give up her endorsement, which is fine.  And on the slight chance it is someone other than the Dynamic Democratic Trio (I shudder to think), then I probably didn't want to hear the story of that vote anyway.

What strikes me, though, is what a vital vote this is, especially for women. Especially for women who care about reproductive justice and the war and little baby penguins floating away on the one ice cap left in the artic. For that reason, I think it is educational and exciting and important for us to understand why our grrrls are voting for the candidate they want to vote for, and even moreso, for us to continually define and voice that choice for ourselves.

For me, the truth is, my vote is not yet decided. I'm leaning, like many other women I know, toward Edwards, but I am still very open and attentive to Bar and Hill.

In the meantime, when my friends refuse to talk, at least I know I can turn to my grrrl Madeline, now stepping up as Political Nanny on Babble (go on, mama).  Join me there -- or in my car or at the 'bucks or at playgroup or wherever -- to talk about how we mamas are going to get our vote on.