Twenty Set’s Monica O’Brien interviewed several Gen-Y women by e-mail as part of her postmortem of the 2008 election. She just posted a piece on the role female candidates and First Lady-to-be Obama played and the ramifications of their presence on the very public political stage for future elections.
You can find my thoughts on why Hillary lost and what Michelle Obama represents to professional women over at Twenty Set.
Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin was asked about the Clinton media coverage at a Newsweek Women & Leadership Event. Her response:
Well, I think fair or unfair. .. And I do think it is. . is a more concentrated criticism that Hilary gets on so many fronts. I think that’s unfortunate. But fair or unfair I think Hillary does herself a disservice to even mention it, really. I mean you got to plow through that. You have to know what you’re getting into, which. . . I say this with all due respect to Hillary Clinton and to her experience and to her passion for changing the status quo also. But, when I hear a statement like that coming from a woman candidate, with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or maybe a sharper microscope put on her, I think, man, that doesn’t do us any good.
I look forward to watching Palin handle the very public vetting she’s going to receive on a number of issues from the media and voters. Since, by her own word, she should be prepared for what she’s getting into. Daily Kos has already kicked up nearly 50 issues of concern; she’ll likely have to address many of them.
Women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country. . . I don’t think it bodes well for her, a statement like that. Cuz again, fair or unfair, it is there. I think that’s reality, and I think it’s a given that people can just accept that she is going to be under that sharper microscope; so be it. Work harder, prove yourself to an even greater degree that you’re capable, that you’re going to be the best candidate, and that of course is what she wants us to believe at this point…
Yeah, we should just accept sexism and take it. Trying to change the culture by drawing attention to inequalities in society and having an open discussion of those incidents and patterns. . not important.
It’s a safe bet to say she’s probably not for the Equal Rights Amendment or the Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. Passing laws mandating equal pay for equal work would be taking the easy way out.
I concerned that Palin’s selection as VP could throw a wrench in this election season for the wrong reasons. Hillary supporters are rightfully angry that sexism played a factor in Obama eeking by Hillary to garner the Democratic nomination. Shakesville maintained an active Sexism Watch
With Palin named to the VP ticket, will media and Americans be hyper aware of any sexism. Will legitimate attacks (and there will be plenty) on Palin’s credentials have the appearance of another sexist attack on a leading female candidate? Could that mis/perceived sexism between candidates on the trail sway some voters to vote for Palin, not because they agree with her policies, but in some sort of twisted solidarity move?
In an ironic twist, will Democrats have to play with kid gloves, which is entirely sexist, to avoid being called sexist?
Shakesville long documented the patent sexism while Hillary campaigned, now they’ve begun one for Palin.
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