Fighting for Reproductive Freedom

I had a heck of a week. It was filled with political involvement and culminated in what is the second-most important (but absolutely the first in terms of individual rights) issue in the 2024 election—reproductive freedom. But let’s not play games. It’s the ability to get an abortion because it’s the right choice for you. That’s what the issue is.

But anyway, the week was filled with things I relate to that. On Thursday, we attended a fundraiser for Planned Parenthood in Nevada. It was held at a local bar and included some talks by one local candidate (my candidate for State Senate), the CEO of the Planned Parenthood organization covering Reno, and the top planned parenthood lobbyist in the state, who also happens to be a good personal friend. We met one other local candidate there, who we already planned to vote for. The mood there was fiery. The Nevada organization has done some great things for this election cycle—namely getting a proposed constitutional amendment for the state protecting abortion. We had a referendum affirming the legality of abortion in Nevada back in 1990, which is often conflated for protection by the constitution. But this one would be the start of actually enshrining it. We’re there for that.

Friday was attendance at the President’s Tailgate for the University of Nevada Homecoming. The crowd is always a bit of a who’s who, particularly during an election year. Both current senators were there (love the incumbent advantage of these things), and Doug Emhoff made an appearance alongside Josh Gad. We weren’t really aware of what was happening until it was over, but there was a crowd and some tall, serious looking people that gave a few clues.

Saturday was the big one. We had the opportunity to attend a gathering in support of the Fighting for Reproductive Freedom Bus Tour. The tour featured appearances by legitimate superstar Jennifer Garner and soon to be Second Lady Gwen Walz. The very small rally (it was held in the back room of the Wild River Grille while, unfortunately, about double the crowd had to stand outside) was super energetic. Gwen Walz was a hell of a speaker. She’s really good at this. Jennifer Garner was tremendous to see in real life. It’s both cool that she’s fighting for this, and a breath of relief to me that someone I really admire isn’t a shithead. Both senators also spoke as warmup before having to leave for Las Vegas. Catherine Cortez-Masto is a great speaker. And Jacky Rosen knows she has a bit of a fight on her hands, and she spoke exactly like she knows that. No letting up. She wants to, and needs to, stomp Sam Brown into defeat. Make sure there’s no doubt. I had the fortune of being able to speak with Jennifer Garner for a brief moment. And Gwen Walz was extremely gracious, interacting with the crowd for quite a while after finishing up.

Following the rally, we went to vote early. Yesterday was the first day to vote early in Nevada, and I am absolutely sure of every selection. No fucking around—I’m getting it in and now I have.