Like Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire,  Hillary can do anyhing Obama can do….with orthopedic shoes and a girdle.

I work for a company that sells the Hillary Nutcracker - zamashop.com.  I can tell you it was never meant to put down Hillary in any way.  In fact, many of my co-workers are Hillary supporters.  Unfortunately, it has been included, along with all the comments, stories, and products that degrade and put her down. 

As an Independent, I must say it’s a very sad situation that has come about in the Democratic party.  I believe the division in the party will play a role in the general election, giving McCain the upper hand.  While you may not agree with the comments or tactics Hillary uses, as a Democrat, you should not ridicule her as a person.  This only furthers the divide.  Once again, the Democrats and those who want change have spoiled their chances.

I have asked this question before, but have never had an answer.

It is called misogynism when men put or keep women down, When women keep or put other women “in their place” or “at the back of the bus” folks ignore the slight. Sort of like Silas Legree’s black overseer who whipped Uncle Tom to death.

This is what Hill-the-business-shill did when she not once, not one time, never stood up for the thousands of mistreated women at Walmart.

Now Sam was a sexist.. he admitted it, and it has been duly recorded. Liza Featherstone wrote a great book on the subject in which she claims sexism is “ingrained” in the Walmart corporate structure;
http://www.solidarity-us.org/node/251
So how can women here on this board stick men opposed to Hillary with the “sexism” label, when Hillary sat around and let Walmart mistreat women for the 8 years (same time frame as two presidential terms) she remained on Walmart’s board?

During the civil rights struggles, I always had the question in my mind of why people of color WANTED to be served at Woolworth’s lunch counters. The service was lousey, the food mediocre and there were PLENTY of black or Jewish-run restaurants with good food in the old south where folks were treated better.

So here’s the question:

Is sexism only a problem when it surfaces it the top of the heap, near that famous glass ceiling?  Or are all you self-righteous folks who decry misogyny, going to cease shopping at Walmart?

I just watched your interview in PBS and I agree with you that nobody has come to Senator Clinton defense and this is a sexist attitude.

However you must recognize that Senator Clinton personality and background, makes the treatment that she have received not applicable to another woman candidate, furthermore, Senator Clinton continuing twisting the math reality almost in a daily basis is very unique!

No other man or woman would have got away with it.

I personally think that Senator Clinton approaches during the campaign are damaging to women in general because of how this negative stereotype could be used against normal women!

If it’s called “sexism” when you question the business-shill’s integrity what is it called when you question the scruples of the entire party?

I tried “partyism but that sounds far too festive.

I agree with you on every point and many that you have not mentioned here. A lot of trolls flamed you, the Obama cult is running scared I think . Keep up the excellent writing .

Perhaps the nasty tone of the responses to her editorial proves her case. Racists and sexists generally think that their beliefs are justified, and that their vehemence is a balanced response to what a black/woman/hispanic/etc. merits. How about a little introspection?

the primary isn’t over yet and this supplies lots of fuel for Hillary bashers. It’s also an important summary by an obviously well-read writer.
I agree about the rampant misogynism. Not that I supported either candidate with enthusiasm.
But Hill will go down in history for what she has accomplished, far exceeding both Obama and McCain, whoever receives the presidency.
The woman has guts. I went to college with her and already back then her name was plastered all over campus. Among those who knew her, I never heard any disparagement. They were too proud and too impressed.

Marie, you speak for me and for millions of women.  One thing I have been reminded of during this campaign is the tremendous amount of deep, deep hatred of women who dare to challenge the way things are and have been for so many centuries.  I did not set out to support Clinton, but after witnessing and reading the tremendous amount of hatred and hate speech unleashed on her by the MSM and zealous Obama backers, I started to pay attention and concluded that she is the strongest, brightest, and most committed candidate in the race with the best program.  The day after viewing the YouTube video of Senator Obama “flipping the finger” at her, I joined her campaign.  (Perhaps I’m naïve, but I was shocked that a national presidential candidate would descend to that level.)

Unfortunately, hatred and derision of women is nothing new, and, sadly, as evidenced in the comments generated by your article, is still very much alive.  I agree with you that the leadership of the Democratic Party has been very remiss in condoning with their silence all the hatred that has been expressed in profane comments and name calling directed at Clinton.  Hate speech is never acceptable in civil society.  No one, whether we agree with him/her or not, should be subjected to insults focused on his/her race, physical status, gender, gender orientation, etc.  It is not OK to hurl a racial epithet at someone.  Nor is it OK to attack her gender. 

It amazes me that so many educated and purportedly “progressive” people don’t yet understand that.  Of course, some of them may be upset by personal problems or their feelings of powerlessness in the face of a corrupt administration, etc. and, hence, looking for a target for their frustration (what some might call “a hook to hang it on”).  Hillary is out there making waves and challenging the status quo and “good ole boys” and, hence, makes a “safe” and logical target for their pent up rage.  They dump it on her and feel better (for awhile).  It’s not a rational approach, but it may work in the short run for those who are unable to deal with things in a more mature manner.

Others, I think, are infected with male chauvinism pure and simple.  Their definitions of “male” and “female” are threatened by someone like Hillary, and they call her names and otherwise make her pay for it.  In the course of doing so, they are alienating and “turning off” millions of women.  Unfortunately, we may all end up paying for their their hatred of Hillary at the ballot box in November.

I am more shocked by the comments than the article.Any woman that does not realize that sexism still exist in the majority of America either lives under a rock or likes being subservient.As for one of the gentlemen mentioned in the article(Chris Matthews)That was not the only time he has made sexists or disparaging remarks about Hillary.If he is serious about running for a senate seat in PA,I will be the first to donate to his opponent and volunteer my time to make sure he never gets elected.

This was an excellent post Marie.  These people are so biased it’s sickening.  Bigotry exists.  However attempting to place one evil above another is a mistake.  I’m a black woman, and I am so sick of people telling me that I’m black before I’m a woman.  That’s the argument why I should have voted for Obama.  I’m black first.  I don’t remember choosing either when I was conceived.  If there were as many racist images out as there are sexist, there would have been a riot and a boycott.  I just hate when people, especially women, downplay the role sexism played in this election.  I guess being the last people allowed to vote in the US doesn’t mean anything to them.

Sen. Clinton, irrationally, looks at the US presidency the same way she sees Bill Clinton, she is in love with them both. When Bill philandered with Monica Lewinsky, Jennifer Flowers and Paula Jones, to name a few, Hillary, to her credit, did not give up on her marriage. Likewise, now that the Democratic nomination has moved to Sen. Obama, Hillary clings tenaciously to her Quixotic quest for the presidency not realizing the consequences are fundamentally different, i.e., staying in the campaign is not only about Hillary but also hurts the greater good of the Democratic party. Hillary, please, recognize your “will to believe” mistake and drop out now.

Thank you,  Marie.  A classy and well written post.  And it   speaks volumes. 

Hold on to that   statement,  regardless of the tacky and classless responses that   reflect the very concerns you listed,  as their “leader”  urges them to raise the tone of politics and unify.  Uniters,  they ain’t. 

November will   be a big surprise for them. 

Thank you again.

Hillary and Obama’s voting records are virtually identicle since they have both been in the Senate.

What are you people talking about, she’s spot on here. There’s been an incredible amount of sexist crap thrown at Clinton that’s hardly got any coverage (including a fair few dog whistles on her sex from the Obama campaign itself).  Amon, she never said dislike of Clinton automatically entails sexism, just that there’s been an enormous amount of comments (anywhere on dailykos, reddit or digg if you’re looking for easy examples) that doesn’t focus on why they don’t like Clinton, just general insults that could be used on any women. Racism may be a problem in this campaign, but at least it’s noted by the press - sexism has just been accepted, and even practiced, by the media.

I appreciate your site very much and I will send Hillary supporters here.

please come and read some of my stories and some of the frustration.

http://www.hillaryisourchoice.com

I couldn’t agree with this article more.  Hillary is flawed as a human and a politician - as we all are.  I just don’t understand how some of the commentors on this post fail to see how no matter how flawed she is, these kinds of obscenities are hurtful to all women - they chastise her womanhood and use her gender to attack her, to gain power over her, instead of going after her politics, her strategy, etc.  Anyone who denys that mysogyny is alive and well in society, needs to explain to me what non-gendered personality or political flaw the nutcracker is representing.  Or calling Hillary a bitch or a ho.  You might dislike her greatly, but if it really is only about politics, the criticisms will reflect that - and that is not the case here.

Now whoever said she voted like a Republican in the Senate clearly has no knowledge of her record.  And then there is this latest post, the writer of which seems quite surprised that women might dislike themselves - some women, just like people who identify with a certain race or sexual orientation - have internalized societal hate in their own personal rhetoric.  Take a class on feminism or racism or any discrimination course for gods sake - this is in fact part of the problem.  Anyway, thank you Marie, this message does not get out enough.

Problem Americans not only sexist and forturnately the Obama campaign has silenced MSM from focusing on the abuse and destruction brought upon his campaign workers and property.

Americans will pay dearly for the progressive left’s gleeful participation in the crucifiction of Hillary Clinton. I think you’ve all been chumps and you have played right into Karl Rove’s hands.

I created a NEW VIDEO: “We’ve Come a Long Way, Baby!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke64670GkZ8

It’s about Obama’s silence on sexism against Hillary Clinton and his own sexist remarks.

There is no doubt that sexism is as prominent in our society as racism.  Both are forms of oppression.  But, despite the fact that both sexism and racism are awful forms of behavior, Clinton (or Cocco in this column) has no basis for claiming she was damaged by sexism. 
First of all, female voters outnumber male voters; that is obviously not the case for racial minorities. 
Second, Clinton has actively and openly played the race card while Obama has not played the gender card.  Obama has stayed far away from such divisive tactics. 
I would even suggest that Clinton’s awful racist campaign has been “tolerated” because she is a woman.  Any male Democratic candidate would have been promptly disposed of had he engaged in the open race baiting that Clinton engaged in these past few weeks. 
So, yes, there is a strong sexist current in our society.  Interestingly, Obama is better positioned to deal with sexism than Clinton, who has squandered any and all moral leadership when it comes to the broader issues of bias and oppression.

Yeap it’s all about sexism.. Nothing to do with the business-shill’s vote for the Iraq war, nothing to do with her pandering to special interest groups. nothing to do with her lies, and surely nothing to do with her lack of substance.

When my 91-year-old mother heard that Clinton was elected to the Senate in New York, she said : “Oh shit” the only time I ever heard her use a vulgar word.  My mother was a “feminist” back when there were very few. She had her own career, worked in the Brooklyn Navy-yard during WW II raised three children, drove a stick-shift, and had a seperate group of personal friends.

She’s been a Democrat all her life, even voting for Stevenson and McGovern,  This Fall she’s voting for McCain. As she says; “son, this is not your father’s Democratic party”  So the Dems can kiss another Roosevelt loyalist goodbye. I guess this is because my mother is sexist!

Well, yes I would consider comments, such as the many you described, made by a person regarding another person to be indicative of misogyny. But that’s why this analysis breaks down: these aren’t “people” talking about other “people”; it’s a bunch of media loud-mouths who are paid to attract as much attention to themselves as possible making snide and derogatory comments ON PURPOSE about a politician who is trying to sell herself as a panacea to our political ailments.

None of it is entirely true and I really don’t care. She is a public “spectacle” not a person—at least not that we ever get to truly see. If she cries on-stage it’s because a script says to do so. They all play by the same rules, both sides of the aisle, for as long as I can remember anything about politics. Hence the jokes about the difference between Politicians and rats being that “there are some things even a rat won’t do”, and so on. Quite frankly, I don’t care what a bunch of worthless blow-hards says or intimates about a bunch of worthless liars and thieves and that has NOTHING to do with my beliefs about gender, racial, or any other kinds of equality. /shrug

While there may be many reasons to dislike Ms. Clinton’s campaigning during this primary season, I do agree with the author that the way that this has been expressed (in the above) has been less than appropriate.  Not to say that the Obama campaign hasn’t had to deal with its fair share of derogatory comments, those gendered comments seem to slip under the radar much more easily - perhaps as the author suggests - because our society sanctions it more willingly.