Women to Obama: We're Just Not that Into You

A recent AP-GfK poll shows some rather shocking news for President Obama: women are not too enthralled with him. This polling data may come as a surprise for many (and, indeed, possibly Obama himself), but not to conservative women. These woman have been witnessing what they see as the systematic destruction of the country’s economy, health care system, and energy policy by an administration hell bent on increasing government influence while eroding personal freedoms.

These past three years have given rise to some pretty spectacular political phenomena, be it the rise of the tea party movement, the “year of the conservative woman“, or the increasing dominance of citizen journalism. Whatever you call it, women, particularly those of the conservative variety, have taken to the front lines in the fight to save America and beat back an over-encroaching government that threatens their families’ futures.

Smart Girl Politics Action, founded in 2008, is a non-profit organization for “girls” of all ages who are interested in taking part in today’s political dialogue. Members of SGPAction can be found organizing tea parties, running for office, and generally challenging the ruling class in DC. SGPAction regularly surveys its members on the issues important to them, and their responses from the most recent survey – conducted earlier this month — may shed some light on why many women are just not that into Obama.

Debt

It’s simple kitchen table economics – don’t spend more money than you take in. Policy wonks may disagree about the best way to reduce debt and conquer the federal deficit, but American women tend to be practical in their approach: Cut spending. And, while you’re at it, reform entitlement programs. Some comments from the SGPAction survery:

• “Cut spending, eliminate waste/fraud, simplify the tax code, eliminate capital gains, eliminate useless depts.”
• “Prioritize the function and spending of government constitutionally and encourage the individuals and families to be personally responsible.”
• “DO NOT RAISE TAXES!”

Health Care

Women were perhaps never more vocal or active than during the health care debate of 2009-2010. Taking to the streets – and to their keyboards – women fought against a government power grab that would directly affect their families and their medical decision making capabilities. While the freedom-killing legislation ultimately passed, health care remains a topic of great import to women. Again, from the recent SGPAction survey:

• “Repeal it all and propose systems that will use the free market system and individual choice/personal responsibility.”
• “The legislation should be repealed immediately, but the current health care system should be revised to allow for more free market principles to control health insurance access and pricing of care.”
• “Repeal now and go for tort reform.”

Energy

A sound energy policy is important to many women, not only because it affects household budgets, but also because it affects the nation’s economy. The women of SGPAction recognize the benefits of using our nation’s natural resources to create jobs and keep energy costs low. And they are certainly not looking for the federal government to have a hand in it:

• “Government should not be involved in energy production or consumption. There should be no ‘energy policy’ beyond what a free market determines.”
• “A common-sense balance between conservation and drilling.”
• “Lift the regulatory burdens and use ALL natural resources.”

If not Obama, then who?

Women are just not that into Obama because there are many indications that he is working directly against their best interests. The AP-GfK polling is not good news for the President, as the 2012 election cycle is well under way. Because they tend to vote in greater numbers than men, women are an important voting bloc – and one that Democrats can usually count on. It may just be that a significant number of women are looking elsewhere for someone to fill what they see as a leadership vacuum in the White House during these turbulent times.

Conversely, this polling shows a great opportunity for a conservative presidential candidate with a common sense approach to the role of government to make great headway with women voters. A message of fiscal restraint and individual liberty is bound to resound with a large number of today’s women, especially those who value personal responsibility.

In her last public comments before her death, the great suffragette Susan B. Anthony said: “Failure is impossible.” Many generations later, the women activists of today echo that sentiment: The government has failed us, but our failing future generations is not an option. Is there a candidate out there who agrees?