Everyone’s talking about Hillary, but no one has anything intelligent to say

by Cara on July 20, 2007

in 2008 election,Democrats,beauty myths,gender,media,misogyny,patriarchy,politics,sexism,stereotypes

The volume of articles that I find or receive on a daily basis either about or including attacks on Hillary Clinton is astonishing. Here are some of the highlights:

Syndicated columnist Robert Novak made unchallenged comments on Meet the Press that essentially called the Dems idiots for having the gall to potentially run a woman or minority. Because who the hell wants a non-white dude for president?

Well, according to the NY Times, a lot of women would like to see a woman president– but astonishingly enough, not all women think alike. Some women, in fact, don’t like her, and some are even unwilling to vote for her just because she’s a woman. Now that’s news! What’s next? Are some men not going to like Rudy Giuliani?

And of course, because the Right spends so much damn lying about her, Sen. Clinton has to be extremely careful to come off as “more” than just a woman. In fact, even her own campaign says that she has such high unfavorable ratings because she comes off as too liberal– and the Times doesn’t even bother to make the distinction that she’s actually probably the least liberal of all the candidates.

Also, Tucker Carlson apparently involuntarily crosses his legs whenever he hears her voice. Damn ball-busting powerful women. Can’t they be nicer? And sweeter and more feminine? And spend more time in the kitchen?

But Heaven forbid she actually does come off as even-remotely feminine– today, the Washington Post ran a story about the fact that Hillary dared to show the world’s tiniest amount of cleavage. The story came with an extended, ridiculous analysis of what the cleavage means and a photograph of Clinton and said cleavage that is incredibly blurry, and therefore also incredibly unflattering.

That’ll show her to take her boobs to work! Shouldn’t she just leave them at home? That way the media can go back to bitching about how manly she is.


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{ 8 comments }

1 Brian M July 20, 2007 at 10:02 pm

Senator Clinton had a very interesting reaction to comments from Mrs Edwards. It is kind of scary that comments from a candidate’s wife can control the actions of another candidate. What if Mrs Edwards had said real women wear two piece bikini swim suits? Or said Senator Edwards looks better in a speedo then Bill would? Adding fashion shows to the campaign… now that would get attention..

2 Cara July 20, 2007 at 10:51 pm

You know, I think it’s complete speculation to say that her outfit had anything to do with Elizabeth Edwards’ remark– especially since, regardless of what right-wing pundits insist, she never called Clinton a man or manly.

3 Brian July 21, 2007 at 6:59 am

Yes, I would agree it is complete speculation, but in my opinion the timing is more than coincidental. I think she looked great in the outfit, kind of a softer business look. I do admire her for not responding directly to Mrs Edwards attacks, that would accomplish nothing except create a media circus. How far are we from the elections? It could get interesting.

4 Brian July 21, 2007 at 7:04 am

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2007/07/17/elizabeth_edwards/index_np.html
She hit Hillary Clinton particularly hard, arguing that John Edwards is, in fact, the better candidate for women: “She’s just not as vocal a women’s advocate as I want to see. John is.”

Yes, the actual quote said she is not as good a women’s advocate as Senator Edwards, and the media spun it as she is less than feminine.

5 Katha Pollitt July 22, 2007 at 6:25 pm

Well, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama both spoke at Planned Parenthood. Edwards sent his wife. If Hillary had sent Bill we’d never hear the end of it.

6 Cara July 22, 2007 at 6:35 pm

I completely agree, Katha. I actually wrote a post on the subject of Edwards not showing up earlier this week.

And by the way, thanks so much for stopping by!

7 Margaret July 23, 2007 at 9:49 pm

Hillary simply scares the shit out of me, that’s all I need to know.

Then again, so do most other politicians. =O)

8 kate.d. July 24, 2007 at 1:10 pm

That’ll show her to take her boobs to work!

ah hahaha! indeed. when will women learn??

somewhat OT, but i’m a definitely a little confused by edwards and the women issue. katha points out the send-your-wife-to-the-ladies-luncheon mentality, and i still can’t figure out this “well you know, my wife supports gay marriage!” bullet-dodging. what does that have to do with anything? we’re not considering electing your wife! (though after her speech at aforementioned PP event, i think many people wished we were.)

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