Political Punch

There are many more blacks who will vote for Obama ONLY BECAUSE he is black then there are whites who will not vote for Obama only because he is black.

This campaign has brought out into the open the lingering sexism and racism of many Americans. As much as we'd like to deny this as a nation, both still exist. However, as correctly pointed out by Hillary Clinton in her interview, the sexism has not been covered with such rigor or exposure in the media. Sexism is much more accepted, and more prevalent, than racism in this country...not just in politics. This should be a concern of all Americans, whether they personally like HC and her policies or not. And, if you don't think Americans in general are more tolerant of sexism, than look at our policies towards countries where women are true second class citizens, like Saudi Arabia. How many wars have we fought regarding ethnicity wrongs? How many wars have we waged for equality for women? Hmmm...

Tony, I am hardly "drowning in patriarchy" and describing an odd laugh is not sexism. Good Lord. Where have you people been? Oberlin? That laugh comes from the candidate when she is being completely disingenuous - as in "Is it a problem that both your husband and your chief advisor have taken vast amounts of money from the union - murdering Colombians and that they are both working for CAFTA - yet another very questionable free trade agreement - while Hillary Clinton pretends to oppose it.

There are millions of American women who do not support Hillary Clinton. There are outstanding women in both parties who could be President - they have honor, they are not polarizing, they stand on their own. Hillary CLinton is not one of those women.

There are also millions of American women who barely make it through the day or the week and I am far more concerned about them than a self-absorbed multi-millionaire who stands for only herself.

Why should she complain? The issue is precisely the difference of gender as being incompatible for a woman to accomplish such a tough job as running as a president. If she doesn't complain it's precisely the point : a woman can as well run as a man. Margaret Thatcher used to wear skirts and a bag just like an english lady, but Angela Merkel wears pants and does not look as distinguishely dressed. It shows the matter is beyond gender.

Hillary isn't the only one who knows that the media coverage of her is sexist. Millions of women see it too.

One male political analyst said that seeing her makes him involuntarily cross his legs. Another said that she was like somebody's first wife standing outside of probate court. Another said that she only has her Senate seat because her husband messed around--not because she was elected twice. Another called her whiny and bitchy. Another said that she has fat ankles. Another called her a she-devil and put up a graphic of her with devils horns. Another said that she pimped out her daughter. Another compared her to the Glen Close character in Fatal Atttraction. Another called her bi-polar.

And before every primary, going all the way back to Iowa, the media declare her campaign over and angrily order her to drop out. One commentaor said that somebody has to take her in a room and tell her that's it's over--and that only he should come out.

This is NOT political analysis. These male analysts hate her, and find it acceptable to villify her. It's very obvious to me that the men who run this country are not ready for a female President.

Even Whoopy cs agree.

She's sounding an awful lot like dubya looking for WMD under his desk!!!

Obama 2008 -- Yes, WE CAN!!!

I think she should run as an Independent.

Posted by: RL in Illinois | May 20, 2008 4:41:35 PM
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I think she should just run - period.

MR COFFEE -- A woman can still be:

1. Equally capable for any task
2. Should be compensated equally for same work
3. Should be respected for what they can do not just what they look like

and choose not to vote for Obama. One thing lost in all the discussion (and in the ABC articles on this topic) are that the large core of older/white women who support HRC value proven experience and share centrist opinions that could sit better w/McCain positions than Obama's.

And, even if it is spite in turning backs on the DNC (now that the DNC has turned its backs on them), your apparent ease in overturning your own convictions against all women, because of how some may vote, suggests you're having your own moment of spite.

A LOT OF PEOPLE STILL HAVEN'T VOTED. HAS HILLARY STAGED HER CRYING ACT YET? IF NOT, SHE'S A LITTLE LATE BUT THERE'S STILL TIME.

According to the bloggers,

If you vote for Hillary, you are a racist.
If you vote for Obama, you are a sexist.

IF YOU VOTE FOR McCAIN YOU'RE PLAIN STUPID!

HILLARY LOVED IT WHEN OVER 90% OF THE BLACKS VOTED FOR BILL FOR PRESIDENT IN 1992 AND 1996.
____________________

THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG THERE!!

IT'S ANOTHER "VAST RIGHT WING CONSPIRACY." GIVE ME A BREAK!

I don't know ANYONE who could have put up the fight you have. You had to fight the media bias and sexism. From one woman to another, thank you Hillary.

April, if Obama actually experienced the level of inequality most black people experienced, then the little petty arguments that LBJ- and Fairytale-Gate were products of racism would look laughable. The shoe fits on both sets of feet.

Kevin - she didn't "cry" anything. She was making an observation. Goodness. I guess you forgot Obama's "speech" on racism to save his compaign. He made a whole speech "crying" about racism, but that's ok - you even said he doesn't mention race. What planet have you lived on? And if you cannot see the sexism in "weird cackle," that's because you are drowning in patriarchy.

Hillary latest complaint of unfair treatment reminds me of a song:

"WHY IS EVERYBODY ALWAYS PICKING ON ME?"

Why would you be surprised that she doesn't recognize racism when she recognizes sexism? Because sexism affects her, she is concerned.

Racism doesn't touch her accept in the positive support she receives so WHY WOULD IT BOTHER HER? The thing that really GULLS me about this campaign is that she is so focused on herself and her own ends, she can't see anyone else's pain.

The fact that her supporters argue the same points like a mantra makes me think regardless of this race's outcome there will be rift in the Democratic party. It is the RW purists who are normally so ideologically focused on their own righteousness that they proclaim people without deserve their place in the world. The government won't help. Your fellow man is not responsible. If you find yourself in a tough environment, tough.

So is it with Hillary Clinton. I've been mistreated. I need everyone to focus on what was done to me. Any other thought of self critique is besides the point...someone maybe the vast RW conspiracy needs to receive the blame for all this.

Obama. He won unfairly.

The media. Every single outlet mistreated me and refused to correct their errant coverage.

The DNC. Florida and Michigan are my salvation and Dean is standing in my way.

You'd think I'd be taken seriously by now well...they will when I destroy the village to save it.

More power to you demonstrating your worth for all to see.

Posted by: Genna | May 20, 2008 1:12:49 PM
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Excellent - and truthful

Millions.
Millions of women will vote McCain, MILLIONS.

Million of AA will vote OBAMA.

Women are the majority! The sexism has been horrific and women are aware it has been MSM and the DNC complicit and guilty as hell.

Never vote Obama!

ANYONE BUT OBAMA! ANYONE!

Does anyone actually listen/read anymore, or do you just jump in with both feets because you don't support HRC? She's not saying she's losing because of sexism, she's saying there was a media atmosphere that allowed/advanced sexist commentary with little or no serious pushback from anyone. And she says that's disappointing.

If you disagree with those two points than your tolerance for sexist comments is much higher than mine OR you think sexist comments about HRC are OK since no one likes her anyway.

Turn anyone of the following into commentary based on religion, race or sexual preference, and tell me more people wouldnt have been howling earlier on? Ex:

"iron my shirt" vs "pick my cotton"

Citizens United Not Timid (anti-Clinton) vs National Interests for God, Growth and Americans (anti-Obama)

Chris Matthews, in a category all by himself starting with she's where she is because she's Bill's wife vs Ferraro's comments on Obama being where he is because he's black

Looks like a "wife standing outside of court" / "first wife" / "take out the trash" vs comments about Obama looking as he's just come out of prison, or caught stealing something

Schuster/"pimping out Chelsea" ..., imagine what people would say if they implied Obama was a pimp ["It ain't easy being a pimp" wouldn't be one of them]

HRC "nutcrackers" vs Obama/Curious George t-shirt

Why would you be surprised that she doesn't recognize racism when she recognizes sexism? Because sexism affects her, she is concerned.

Racism doesn't touch her accept in the positive support she receives so WHY WOULD IT BOTHER HER? The thing that really GULLS me about this campaign is that she is so focused on herself and her own ends, she can't see anyone else's pain.

The fact that her supporters argue the same points like a mantra makes me think regardless of this race's outcome there will be rift in the Democratic party. It is the RW purists who are normally so ideologically focused on their own righteousness that they proclaim people without deserve their place in the world. The government won't help. Your fellow man is not responsible. If you find yourself in a tough environment, tough.

So is it with Hillary Clinton. I've been mistreated. I need everyone to focus on what was done to me. Any other thought of self critique is besides the point...someone maybe the vast RW conspiracy needs to receive the blame for all this.

Obama. He won unfairly.

The media. Every single outlet mistreated me and refused to correct their errant coverage.

The DNC. Florida and Michigan are my salvation and Dean is standing in my way.

You'd think I'd be taken seriously by now well...they will when I destroy the village to save it.

More power to you demonstrating your worth for all to see.

and jake has it wrong, it's MILLIONS OF HER SUPPORTERS that see the sexism and we will not be voting BO.

92% of AA voting Obama. Nope, nothing wrong HERE.

Hillary NUTCRACKERS being sold, Nope, nothing wrong here.

If 95% of whites were voting for hillary or they were selling Obama lawnjockeys there would be an outcry.

Thank you Hillary...

Once again saying that because "CUZ I IZ A GURL" that you can't get ahead.

Sorry. If I want something, I go out and I get it, and I don't sit around bitchin about guys trying to stiff me over. Don't come to me, a real feminist, who's earned everything I have on my *own* not on the coattails of men, and claiming that you are being treated unfairly.

Especially as she is ONLY TOO HAPPY to kowtow to the "Angry White Male Voter" to beat Obama. I guess men are okay in Kentucky, but are evil in Oregon.

Sure, Obama may not be the second coming of Moses, but I've found his campaign and conduct to be infinitely superior to Clinton's. Even though he is a boy.

My country comes before my race and my country comes before my gender. Unfortunately for America, Hillary comes first.

Boycotting Obama Will Lead to Famine, Armaggeddon, Government-Controlled Uteruses, and other Scare Tactics

A lot of desperate Democrats are suddenly scrambling to "unify" with Clinton's supporters, now that they realize that their snowjob of an election will lead to an Obama boycott in November. The classic line says that we need to avoid letting emotions interfere with judgment and to think about “the issues.” Well, here's my answer (disclaimer: I do not have a uterus).

First of all, I do not need to clear my head and take a deep breath. I am a lifetime Democrat, and I have been voting for Democrats since the mid-80s. I am very experienced having my candidate lose, but then moving on to support the party ticket. In past primaries, for example, I voted for Dean, Bradley, and Jesse Jackson (twice!). I get the idea of party unity....Next.

Not liking Hillary isn't sexism. To be fair, I don't like Bill Clinton either. Several white and one hispanic male were forced out before anyone started suggesting Hillary drop. Suggesting Hillary drop out doesn't have anything to do with her gender. It is just pointing out, that while she does have 49% of the vote, Obama has 51%. It is a close and good contest but she isn't going to win the pledged delegates. It just isn't mathmatically possible.

Hillary has been given a rough ride because her name is Clinton not because she is a woman. To have her claim "sexism" given all the baggage she and her husband themselves brought to the campaign is absurd.

finally.

Hillary sees sexism in a piece of burnt toast. She's suggestable that way.

I am only disappointed it took women this long to recognize the obvious sexism and rally to her defense. I am stunned that some still don't see Pelosi's huge role in this and want to explain it away. Without Pelosi, Obama would be begging for money. Money put him on top, not skill or experience. So it isn't entirely sexism. Blind ambition and long range planning come to play.

The male pundits realized it and piled on because no one objected. The $40 million in tax dollars spent by the Republican attack machine had done its job. Squid pro quo.

I can't speak for all men out there. For me, I see her as not being sincere and honest. The old school of politics still applies to her. She can be herself. She tries to be more than an American who wants to be president. I'd be happy to vote in a woman. JUST NOT THIS WOMAN!

Louis has a made a point.

She has done a lot as a candidate. She has done more than the vast majority of people.

Women have led other major countries and I'm sure the US will have a women President. Its not like there have never been female leaders in modern history. One step at a time.

she has been the first female candidate to get so far. She has broken the ground and made it possible for those that might follow.

Whether they use sexism or race the winner will need to deal with the REALLY staggering issues. Please vote responsibly...

To say he is only a two year senator. That is true. Bill Clinton was only a governor of Arkansas. How was that real experience?

I AM PROBABLY ONE OF THE FEW WHOM CANNOT BELEVE THE TURN OF EVENTS. I TOO WANTED HILLARY TO WIN, AND I ALSO THINK THAT SHE IS THE MOST QUALIFIED. FORGET HOW WOMEN VS. MEN; SHE IS JUST PLAIN QUALIFIED.

THE SCARY THING IS THOUGH, IS HOW THIS MAN, OBAMA, CAME TO RISE TO STARDOM SO QUICKLY. IT'S NOT THAT HE HAS THIS UNBELIEVALBE POLITICAL RECORD OF YEARS AND YEARS IN THE SENATE. OR AS A GOVERNOR OF A STATE, OR JUST AS AN AMBASSADOR TO A COUNTRY.

HE IS ONLY A 2 YEAR SENATOR. NOTHING MORE. HOW IS IT THAT SOMEONE LIKE TED KENNEDY, JOHN KERRY, JOE BIDEN, GOVERNOR STRICKLAND, JOHN EDWARDS, GOT NOWHERE NEAR WHERE OBAMA HAS GOTTEN IN THIS ELECTION.

HOW IS IT THAT SOMEONE CAN GET 75,000 PEOPLE TO HEAR HIM SPEAK AT A RALLY!

THIS IS NOT A NORMAL SITUATION AND THIS IS NOT A NORMAL MAN. SOMEONE AND MANY UNKNOWNS BEHIND THE SCENES HAVE CREATED OBAMA. AND THE SCARY THING IS WE WILL NOT FIND OUT, UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE.

BEWARE, OF WOLVES THAT COME IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING!!!

Of course there's been sexism in this campaign. Just look at the fact that no male pundit I heard saw anything wrong with SweetieGate.

@Kathy:

Ummm, women got the right to vote in 1920. African Americans in 1966. Women have been voting for almost 50 years longer than African Americans. Nice try, but there's a thing called the internet and Google. You might want to try it some time.

There has been sexism in this race, but there has been some racism, too. It's inevitable because both exist in society at large. I don't think either tips the balance in terms of how most people choose a candidate, however. Interestingly, though, more of Clinton's supporters say that either gender or race were an important factor in their voting decision than Obama's supporters. I think sometimes when you lose, it's mostly because people prefer the other candidate. I think the Clintons are having a difficult time accepting that.

And the Obama supporters continue to attack Sen. Clinton. Yes, there has been sexism in the coverage of this primary. If you cannot see this it is because you are blinded by your ignorance. Obama is a weak candidate, should he be the democratic nominee, he will lose the General Election. Obama and his followers have been extremely sexist and rude to Clinton supporters, and this will not be forgotten.

Hillary wants it both ways. She wants to use sexism a crutch to gain votes, i.e. "The big boys are ganging up on me" and crying in NH. If she wants to get rid of sexism in the campaign, she needs to start with herself first.

How funny - just reading the comments posted to this article proves the point she has been making. The men are scared plain and simple. Every time a white haired white man came out telling Hillary she should end her campaign, I opened up my wallet! I guess we all have to be reminded that black men got the right to vote some 50 years BEFORE women did. Looks like we have history repeating itself all over.

Hillary 08

Stages of the Clinton Campaign:

1. Anger
2. Denial
3. More Anger
4. More Denial
5. Cry (when that doesn't work)
6. Cry Sexism

Hilliary Clinton thinks she xan whine and complain all the way to the White House. She needs to take a good long look in the mirror, and realize she, herself and the idiot known as Mark Penn, are fully to blame for her collapse... All that damage, and they STILL can't beat Obama, she is an embarrasment.

The only sexism is when Hillary hosts her many women only events, and uses the sympathy female victim card.
If you can't stand the heat......

White women like Hillary and Geraldine Ferraro act as though they are the only people in the world that have experienced any sexism. People like Hillary need to look towards professional minority women as examples of people who pull themselves up by their own "bootstraps" and will not lean on sexism as to why they do not accomplish their goals. If they had to experience a tenth of the sexism and racism minority women do, they wouldn't be able to get out of the bed in the morning.

Not sure why the Obama supporters continue to hate on Hillary. Are they too stupid to realize that she got over 49% of the vote over Obama and that he can’t win without the 15 million plus votes she has received?

Yes, we can – no you can’t – not without the Hillary voters and if they stay home or vote McCain in any small percentage, it’s back to Chicago and Reverend Wright for Obama.

By the way, can someone please identify those additional 7 states for me? Looking at my map, I still only count 50. Maybe Barack and his supporters can enlighten me?

Also, when are the primaries for these 7 new states and how many delegates does each have? Thanks!

According to Hillary everything is against her. She is playing the victim and it doesn't sell.

She needs to take a hard look at her campaign. Her biggest problem was she didn't engage Obama until it was too late. She underestimated him, thought she had already won it before it started. She didn't mange her money , name, 30 point lead before the campaign, and her political clout properly. She even had a former President supporting her.

The advantage was all hers. I thought when all this started that I would end up voting for Hillary, The talk in the shop was voting for Hillary and this was 2 years ago, she has the Blue Collar vote, how can she say sexism?

While some women may say it is the case I am willing to bet there are more who say it wasn't, or an even trade with race.

This polarization doesn't help at all.

--What is so funny, I don't think she would have won this election to a White Man either--
You are dreaming, karen. Obama wouldn't have registered had Hillary been a white man.

Posted by: an opinion
***************************************

Please! There were many white guys she campaigned against...Wasn't John Edwards in the race? LOL!

Maybe it is just her and the baggage she brings with her that we don't want.

If Hillary had been a white man...(duh hello? thank you Sen Edwards, Dodd, Biden...)

she would have lost a long time ago...

this is stupid.

Jake when there has been any kind of racism the DNC has spoken out on it quickly.
But with sexism the DNC is quiet not one word to the media pundits to stop with the attacks against Hillary.
That is why a large number of voters are not voting Democrat for president this november.
And why doesnt anyone mention the 95% black voters voting obama? Nothing not one word.

oy...

sexism...racism ageism...

c'mon

yeah they exist...

Hillary had a bad campaign and a wrong message...and if you think Obama is more sexist than McCain...you should take a closer look at their platforms and who supports women's rights more.

You want to hurt women and strengthen sexism...vote for McCain...duh.

just stupid.

--What is so funny, I don't think she would have won this election to a White Man either--
You are dreaming, karen. Obama wouldn't have registered had Hillary been a white man.

Of course, her losing as nothing to do with her lies, deceit, meanness or duplicity. Makes you wonder what she would say when the Arab nations rejected her. They didn't like her pantsuit?

BO doesn't say racism? Not sure if you have been paying any attention. He has cried that since South Carolina. He needs to shut up and go away. It's to bad we have to wait until November to finally be rid of him.

Only fools say there hasnt been any sexism shown to Hillary and her supporters.
But WE will have the last laugh in November when John McCain wins the GE.

Of Course she does, she is losing. She knows it and the white women following her knows that is the reason she is using it. If I was losing I would try to blame it on someone else also. That is how we do in life. She will NEVER take responsible for this lost. They will continue to blame Obama and he has not said Hillary Clinton's name in weeks. Even when he does it is with praise. What is so funny, I don't think she would have won this election to a White Man either. I think it her the reason she is not winning not because she is a Woman.

Complaints, complaints, complaints. She says she's the strongest candidate in this race, but still cries sexism. People laugh at Obama's ears, but he doesn't say racism. What's sexist about pointing out a weird cackle? This woman is full of excuses. She should be ashamed of herself.