'A Clear Choice in November'

Statement of Debra L. Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund

WASHINGTON, D.C. – "Tonight was a historic moment – the first time in history that a presidential debate in a general election featured a woman candidate representing a major party. It was also, not coincidentally, the first time economic issues that matter deeply to women were so prominent in a debate. The country is better off because of it.

These two presidential candidates have very different views about women. Secretary Hillary Clinton offered a clear, coherent vision for a country in which workers have the paid family and medical leave and paid sick days that they need to hold jobs and care for their families – pay is fair – and child care affordable. The policies she outlined, and has long championed, will strengthen families, our economy and our country. She has a long, proud record of fighting for women and families.

Tonight, Secretary Clinton also very appropriately challenged the sexist, degrading comments that Donald Trump has made about women throughout his career, and the many ways he has diminished and belittled women. He had no real response to those charges, because his comments about women have been, quite simply, inexcusable.

The nation has a very clear choice in November."