In Indiana, Clinton’s New Hampshire victory means
more to young women (h/t to a reader for the video) than just talking about breaking through. But until
Iowa’s loss, Clinton wasn’t really looked at as a groundbreaking figure. That’s
changed, especially with her rapid retooling of her campaign on the fly that had her breaking
down the wall and offering access to exactly who she is and the heart behind the politician. It’s being noticed,
especially since the chauvinism that was displayed throughout the media is being
picked up and recognized by so many women.
By losing the first presidential contest, Mrs. Clinton may have succeeded
in getting more women to see her as she presents herself: not a dominant figure
of power, but a woman trying to break what she has called “the highest
and hardest glass ceiling” in America.“I do want Hillary Rodham Clinton to take the White House, but until
she lost Iowa, I didn’t realize how much, or how much it had to do with
her being a woman,” said Allison Smith-Estelle, 37, director of a program
against domestic violence in Red Lodge, Mont. … ..Michelle Six, 36, a lawyer and John Edwards supporter in Los Angeles,
said she was horrified to hear Mr. Obama tell Mrs. Clinton she was “likable
enough” in a Democratic debate on Saturday. Ms. Six said she found the
line condescending, and an echo of other unkind remarks by other men about
women over the years.The likability question, initially raised by a moderator, “wouldn’t
be coming up if she wasn’t a woman,” she said. … ..Women’s
Support for Clinton Rises in Wake of Perceived Sexism
it was rather amazing that no one covered Mr. Obama’s snide remark. Remember when Clinton replied with a laugh when Obama was asked a question about all his Clinton advisers? She got taken to the woodshed by the press throughout the media for it. Meanwhile, Obama got a pass. However, women noticed it.
The privilege that you assume comes with a woman of Senator Clinton’s stature
had lulled many women into thinking what they face she doesn’t. That she was
above their struggles. Once the stories of sexism started getting some traction,
not because Clinton was talking about it, but because they were seeing it themselves,
a sort of awakening began. Maybe Clinton and ordinary women have something in
common after all.
Gloria Steinem said it best the day of the New Hampshire primary. A woman is
never the frontrunner, especially when she’s competing for commander in chief.
But I’m afraid nothing will explain Madame Paglia’s penchant for everything last century, not to mention the rocket in Bill’s pocket. For whatever reason Madame can’t seem to get past what Hillary long ago forgave. She also loves to dredge up rumors straight out of Rush. She and Ms. Dowd seem to be terribly frustrated about something.
Women who are beginning to relate to Clinton today, however, have much more important things on their minds, like how to make the landscape truly equal in a world where women still get paid so much less than men for the same job. But also that not even a sitting senator and the first viable female for president, not to mention the first woman to ever win a U.S. primary, is immune to the same old, same old sexism that’s been going around for centuries. It’s evolved into an I hear you, sister moment.
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