Planned Parenthood: Endorse either both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton or neither.

This is the first time in its 100 year existence that Planned Parenthood has made an endorsement at the primary stage of a presidential race. Though the organization describes Hillary Clinton as one of the strongest supporters of issues of importance to Planned Parenthood the organization did not endorse her in her race for the nomination in 2008. So why now? If Bernie Sanders were weaker on women's or health issues than Barrack Obama had been in 2008 then Planned Parenthood might need to warn voters against Sanders. However, this is not the case. Obama in 2008 had almost no record on issues of importance to Planned Parenthood; by contrast, over a 40 year period Sanders is at least nearly as strong on many of those issues as is Clinton, and on issues of health care for all and getting women out of poverty and away from the health problems that come with poverty Sanders is significantly stronger than Clinton. Regardless, the roles of president and legislator are different, and there is no reason to believe that President Sanders will be any less a friend to Planned Parenthood than would be President Clinton, whatever minor differences there may have been in their previous careers.

If Planned Parenthood felt that of the Democrats only Clinton can win in a general election, and preventing a Republican from becoming president is Planned Parenthood's priority then its preference would make sense. However, though polls indicate that Sanders may be struggling against Clinton he is actually the stronger candidate against all Republican front-runners. Endorsing Clinton, then, would appear to be counter to Planned Parenthood's objective of ensuring that there will be a friend in the White House.

And it can not go without mention that the daughter of Planned Parenthood's Chair is on the payroll of Hillary Clinton's campaign. Whether this played a role in the endorsement decision is not known, but the appearance is there. And that appearance has contributed to a backlash that has already started against Planned Parenthood. Those of us who support Planned Parenthood do not want to see the organization hurt by continued decrease in donations, or a lessening of public outcry when Planned Parenthood's existence is threatened.

Finally, this Petition is not meant to disparage Hillary Clinton or her record. Clinton's record is admirable. But looking at all factors, Clinton did not "win" this endorsement, as Planned Parenthood said. Clinton was gratuitously handed it. Given the closeness of the race, it can not be said that Planned Parenthood is backing the winner; rather, there is the appearance that they are trying to designate one winner from two worthy choices. Planned Parenthood should not be permitted to do this, especially when its motivation is suspect.

Therefore, we petition Planned Parenthood to do what the big picture says is appropriate: withdraw its sole endorsement of Hillary Clinton, and either endorse both Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, or endorse neither.