If there was ever any doubt the Democrats are hoping to mobilize women voters in November, Tuesday's DNC events ought to put that to rest. 

During the day 

At a 3 hour Women's Caucus meeting earlier in the day, women delegates heard from a succession of Democratic women leaders - Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Nancy Pelosi, Donna Brazile and Kathleen Sebelius - and from a few celebrities, too, like Ashley Judd and Sandra Fluke. 

WA delegate Tandy  Williams found it inspiring. 

"This is the century of the woman," Williams said.  "We have way too many things that rely on us." 

Williams believes a win by Romney in November could set women back 50 years  or more. 

"The behavior of Republican men are taking us back to the cavemen days," Williams opined, referring to MO Congressman Todd Akin's rape remark.  "I listen to some of the things they say, and I'm almost feeling like somebody's dragging me by my hair.  And if that's what happening, I'm going kicking and screaming." 
 
But what about the many Republican women who don't see it that way? 

"I have Republican women friends and neighbors," said Williams' fellow delegate Winona Hollins-Hauge. "I think what they've done is just kind of turn a blind eye to it. It's like, 'I'm gonna give you a pass. I know something's not exactly right, but I'm not gonna be the one to speak up and call it out.'"
  
On the floor 

Tuesday night's floor session hammered home the same theme. 

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi took the speech along with about two dozen Democratic Congresswomen and candidates.  In a perfectly produced segment, eight of them went to the podium to deliver a short, well-honed message on the Democratic party's support for women's issues.  

"Our work is not about the next election, but the next generation," Pelosi said to cheers from the arena floor. 

The loudest applause was for New York Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, who said birth control is one of the preventive services women will be guaranteed under the Affordable Care Act. 

Maloney slammed congressional Republicans for holding a panel on birth control without inviting a single woman witness. "Where are the women?" she repeatedly asked, a chant the audience picked up in a standing ovation. 
 
"The women of America are here," Maloney declared. "And we are on our way to reelect OUR president, Barack Obama"

Other speakers Tuesday night included IL House candidate Tammy Duckworth, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, National Abortion Rights Action League President Nancy Keenan, and Fair Pay Act namesake Lilly Ledbetter.