What role did sexism play in Clinton’s likely defeat?
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
Hillary Clinton says she's running for president "to break the highest and hardest glass ceiling" in the United States. But every day, it looks less and less likely that she'll succeed.
The New York Times reports today about what Clinton's all-but-certain defeat will mean for women. Clinton set records for a campaign by a woman, raising more than $170 million, often getting better debate reviews than her male competitors, rallying older women and getting white men to vote for her.
There are even those who believe Clinton was able to use sexism on the trail to her advantage, by bringing in more votes and donations after instances where many believed she was being unfairly picked on because she is a woman.
There is no question she has done exceedingly well only to finish second behind Barack Obama. Nevertheless, many of her supporters insist the race was unfair – focusing on things like her clothing, her voice and calls to exit the race. Some, including Clinton supporter and former vice presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, even think Barack Obama was sexist.
But despite the new markers for what women can do in a presidential campaign, there's still work to be done. Clinton had difficulties with some of the classic hurdles that face female politicians – things like trying to show toughness and warmth at the same time. Also, many women say they wish Clinton had inspired some kind of deep, national dialogue about gender issues between the sexes like what Obama did on the topic of race.
Here’s my question to you: How much of a role did sexism play in the likely defeat of Hillary Clinton?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Tom from Jacksonville, Florida writes:
Absolutely none. She lost because she ran an extremely poor campaign. Nobody was buying the inevitability of her presidency except her and her closest advisors. If anything, being a woman kept her in the running longer than she should have been.
Jason from Brooklyn writes:
It wasn't sexism, Jack. We want change in Washington. After years of scandals, impeachment, war, and a furthering divide between rich and poor Americans, the American people are not willing to elect four consecutive presidents from only two families.
Differ in Maryland writes:
Sexism played a major role in this process. Let’s not kid ourselves about this… As a man, I believe if we were at peace then it might have been a woman’s time but we are at war. Men protect their women in this country. If that’s sexism, then so be it. It’s a mindset. It will take a strong man and not a fanatic to get us out of this mess.
Martha from Los Angeles writes:
I'm a woman of Hillary's age, raised with the same feminist sensibilities as her, and there is no doubt to me that racism has played a far larger role than sexism has in the race - due in part to Hillary herself. Her mistake was in thinking that a woman has to behave like a crass, lowest-denominator man in order to be elected. That has nothing to do with sexism and everything to do with the way Hillary approached her campaign - and for that matter, is still approaching it. Frankly, as a woman leader myself, she's embarrassed me.
Kristi from Indiana writes:
It hasn't had the negative effect that Hillary would have you believe! In fact, as a woman who idolized her as first lady, I have been increasingly discouraged by her actions beginning with her vote for war in 2002. She joined the "Good Ol' Boys' Club" at that moment and has never looked back!
@jackcafferty on Twitter
Jack,
None. The reason Hillary lost is because of all the baggage and history she brings. Bill Did not help either. I do not have a probelm with a woman President, just that woman as President.
Jenny Rome GA
About as much as racism helped Obama.
Sexism did not defeat Hillary Clinton. Her downfall began with her husband's words before the South Carolina primary and her own willingness to use Karl Rove-like techniques to win at any cost. It was their own pandering to racism, not sexism, that squashed the Clinton campaign.
The same role racism did in Barack Obama's vicotry. None.
There is no sexism involved at all! Hillary Clinton's sex does not come into play regarding those of us who will not and can not vote for her. She has shown herself to be devisive and will do whatever it takes to get elected even if it means lie and innuendos in her campaign. If would vote for a woman but not this woman.
I don't think sexism in my opinion did not really play a part. Clinton was her own worst enemy. Like Old Billy Goat gruff she was spilling the same old song and dance and when her stories started falling apart the rest as they say are history and many people loved Bill but did not want Hillary and we don't need a dyansty. If you want one move back to England.
Sexism probably had a bit to do Sen Clinton's defeat, there's always a small segment of the male population that wouldn't vote for a woman. Of course there's a small section of society that wouldn't vote for a black man either so I feel it probably evens itself out. Besides Jack if you do the math Clinton's way (i.e. cheat) she's ahead and is probably going to win..........delusional!
I don't think sexism was Clinton's defeat. The political gaffes and distractions simply backfired. Clinton had bloopers of her own and her own advisers gaver her a kitchen sink that was too heavy to throw.
The Obama movement is growing strong and it is fully aware of political distractions.
I converted from Republican to Obamacan because he's a breath of fresh air from the pollution GWBush and McCain represent.
None.
Jack,
I don't think that Hillary's defeat has as much to do with the fact that she was a woman as it did with the specific woman that she was. The Clinton's have long been defined within this country. She can't look other women in the eye (including me) and say that being a female was the reason for her downfall. Doing this could lead to DRASTIC errors in judgement in the fall! She made her own choices to do things the way that she did them...Period.
To the contrary I think it will be much more important for Hillary to show us all ..the kind of woman she want's to be now and in the future...leading her followers to what is best for them instead of leading them with hate and dreams of getting even is ESSENTIAL NOW and it will say a lot about who she must of been all along! At the end of the day..whether she can finish this race with a little dignity left in tact is TOTALLY up to her!
Hillary's campaign has once again proven that sexism is alive, well and hardly encourged by the press and CNN in paticular.
None.
I'd vote for a woman, just not THAT woman.
Of course sexism was a problem, as was racism. The question is, how did each candidate compensate for it?
In Hillary's case, she tried to play "Mr. Tough Guy" to counteract the perception that women are weak. And notice that Obama didn't try to use her gender against her!
In Obama's case, he tried to get past race and talk about the issues. He didn't try to act like a white guy. And Hillary tried many times to use race against her!
In other words, her sexism problems were no worse than Obama's racism problem. Her problem was that she ran a lousy campaign, and had to resort to dirty tricks – and still lost!
I believe racism was a bigger part than sexism in this race.
Not much. It's probably the same percentage of bigots that would hold McCain's age against him, Obama's lower middle class roots against him , as those who hold Senator Clinton's sex against her.
Nothing ,she ran a bad campaign,Obama was just better.
It is a shame that sexism is still so prevalent in today's society and no one cares. Racism gets the "shame on you card" and people get totally up in arms...while sexism gets hardly any attention. It's pathetic that your human genes determine, by society's standards, if you can wear the political jeans.
There are so many things to blame for Clinton's losing streak in the beginning of this race. The media played a huge part. I do not think it was sexist, but Obama was just as negative, in fact was the first to be negative, but the media only played up Obama's positives and all of Clinton' s negatives. When most of the voting public looks to the media for information on candidates and the above is the situation, then of course Clinton would lose. Shame on the media for terrible and unbalanced reporting. If anyone was sexist, it was Obama who keeps calling women "sweetie" in a derogatory manner.
Nothing of consequence. Any small amount of sexism was covered by the amount of overt racism the Clinton's used against Obama in driving the "older, less educated" white vote to Clinton. Ferraro's claims are more of the same Clintonesque lies and mistruths in order to abuse the good nature and trust of the American public.
Jack.............It's evident that sexism played a huge part in Hillary Clinton's defeat. There are many men in this country who can't stand the thought of a smart and tough woman like Hillary in the White House. The media spent a year and a half lifting Barack Obama up on a pedestal while constantly demeaning Hillary. You (the media) tried to down play any victory she recieved all the while praising Barack Obama. Jack, I'm a 41 year old African-American man and I've been a true supporter of Hillary Clinton; however, I'm not sure whom I will vote for if Hillary Clinton is not the nominee.
I'm sure that among voters, sexism played some role in Clinton's run; I'm not naive or idealistic enough to believe that there weren't some ignorant Americans who voted on sexist inclinations.
But in the media, any angle of sexism was hyped up once Clinton started taking hard hits as the frontrunner. Those hard hits should be attributed to the fact that historically, the frontrunner has had to contend with criticisms and excessive media coverage, not to sexism.
Was it sexist when many of her detractors (including me) didn't like
her act as first lady? It's her character plain and simple. Like John
McCain she tries to be everything to everybody and comes off as
disingenuous as a result. The side dish of nasty didn't help either.
Give me a presidential candidate like Blanche Lincoln and I'll walk over hot coals to get to the polls to vote for her. Give me Hillary and I'll stay at home and grill burgers over those coals.
none because there are more women voting!
Very little... Her defeat was primarily due to her not staying on message. From her crying, to I've found my voice, to her being a fighter. I'm confused as to who she actually wants to be. Some men would not vote for her, just as some won't vote for Obama for being an African American.
Sexism didn't have anything to do with with it, she is just a mean-spirited, hateful, nasty woman, and anybody that thinks differently needs their head examined.
By the way, I am an older white woman, and I'll be voting for Obama.
Kathy
I am a 66 year old woman and believe Hillary Clinton has played women for fools – she had all the advantages going into this, most coming from her husband. The more I see and hear, the more she reminds me of a female Bush who'll have to prove over and over again that she's tough enough if she becomes President. No thanks.
She–and her husband–brought her campaign disaster onto themselves. My hunch is they'll be trouble throughout this campaign...for Senator Obama-and the Democratic party. They won't go quietly. Their actions will probably tilt the election to Sen McCain.
I don’t care, all that matters is that she was defeated.
It was & is still nothing more than an excuse for her to use. campaighn was a train wreck from the start. Doesn't a well rnu campaign indicate how that persHer on will run the country?
if i recall correctly, it was a fellow lady that called her a monster, now how sexist can that be?
Peter–Dallas, TX
No more than racism plays a role for Obama and ageism plays a role for McCain. Sexism isn't what caused Hillary this election, lies, distortions, political gaffs, and Bill Clinton did.
Well lets see, Barack has twice brushed off pesky adult women by calling them "sweetie". He has paid no political penalty. If Hillary had twice brushed off Black adult men by saying "not now boy", what would have happened to her?
Would a little voice box apology have been enough said? So I'd say to our shame American media and political types seem to think overt sexist remarks are no big deal. (Rightly) racism is deemed intolerable.
Jack, racism has been a bigger issue than sexism in these elections. If HRC was a victim of sexism, she sure made up for it by being white – as evidenced by the results from West Virginia.
It's a testament to Obama that he has been able to pull through and (almost) clinch the nomination.
I don't really believe sexism played a major role. I think her defeat is mainly due to the fact she didn't campaign well in caucus states, and because her campaign machine was not internet based. Obama tapped into the power of the internet for fundraising, advertising, and candidate exposure. Clinton was not prepared to go the distance. Plus, her experience which was her strong point backfired. Experience turned into negative baggage especially as she began to water down and strecth her resume. Plus, early on in the contest Clinton was not wanting to make herself fully acessible to the media to get positive coverage for herself, but she changed after she lost her front-runner status.
Jack, you can't reduce the problems in her campaign to that one, outside, factor. She came in to the race wih the advantages of a reputation, extensive political connections, experience on the national stage, and wealth. Despite these advanatages, and his own hurdles, Obama out-campaigned her. Her campaign made it's own mistakes, and you can't paint people sexist just because they don't respond the way you want them to.
I don't think gender had as much influence as race. If the freshman Senator was a southern white man, he would not be the Democrat's nominee. Right now I think that the general population is all happy that a black man has made it to the top of the political pile. I think that is a good thing. But it is not a good idea to vote for someone simply because it makes us feel good. I can think of some other people I think would make far better a President than either Senators Clinton or Obama.
Vote Republican! Even a Republican Light government is better than a liberal one.
Most Americans would welcome a woman in the White House, but not Hillary. If she were a man she would get even fewer votes, for the feminists wouldn't vote for her either.
It did not play that much of a role. For some reason the liberals decided that this was the year they would go for a Black Candidate. No matter that they would once again go down in a noble cause and give the Republicans what was an impossiblity a few months ago, they enjoy these kinds ot efforts. I truely believe the recent study that found Liberals to be less happy than Conservatives. I have decided that is so because they want to be unhappy and will go to virtually any lenth to insure that unhappiness.
That has nothing to do with sexism. She is not the one that sit. One day one woman will take the stage and the nomination but not Hillary.. She is not thrutful anough, that's why..
None!
Her problem is that she has a husband who disgraced the White House with his sexual exploits with various other woman.
In my opinion anyone who casts a vote for her is a moron.
She did it to herself. A poorly run campaign, not enough money, and of course a lot of people just don't want the Clinton's back in the White House again. They are corrupted to the top of the hill and always will be and most people want real change in a new direction. Actually, if she was a man, she would have been run out of town on a rail with her sorted past, present and future. I certainly wouldn't buy a used car from either her or Bill.
Jack. On Barack Obama's part, absolutely nothing! Ferraro stating that Obama is the cause of Hillary's defeat becauses he is a sexist just goes to show that Ferraro needs to fade into the sunset. As for Hillary's potential defeat because of sexism, all I can only speak for myself and it was nothing but politics. I did not like her platform because I could never get a firm grasp of it, her platform changed too much for me. Also I did not like her Bosina thing, I am retired Army. Lastly, this country does not need another Clinton in office, we need a new direction not the same old insider political game that she has proven herself very capable of emulating.
None....if anything Hillary did'nt "play-up" womans issues enough...ever since the "cookie" comment years ago, people have seen her as a witch and she did'nt do a very good job humanizing herself enough to allow people to warm up to her. Too bad because I think she could've been a better president than the 2 guys left
Jenn Cape Cod
Jack, NONE. All of the credit goes to Geraldine Ferraro.
Yes, Jack, I do believe sexism has played a BIG role. I mean come on, even those people who have the lucky job of reporting/analyzing the news have made ugly, misogynist comments that creep out out even us veteran feminitsts.
Throughout this campaign, racism and sexism have reared their ugly heads, and unfortunately have changed the campaigns and their outcomes. Clinton, who should be the democratic nominee, has lost votes to the"good ole boys network" who are alive and well. And from what I've heard, Senator Obama will lose delegates/votes because of racist, mental giants who cannot accept a potentially African American President.
All I know is that I'm thrilled about both Democratic candidates. What a great period of history; the beginning of the end of the self-righteous, moral superior, "christian," white man.
Jack,
Sexism played no part in Hillarys defeat. It was Clintonism that defeated her. People are remembering the lying, cheating, wishy washy unqualified president that her husband was. Hillary not only stood by her man she had a great deal to do with his dysfunctional ways, she is an enabler and she enabled him. They are both cut from the same cloth. Twice was enough. Put up another qualified woman with out excess baggage and she will win the white house and make America proud.
Judie
St. Augustine, Fl
When looking at it strictly from the view that she is a woman, sexism played a role only for those who wouldn't vote for a woman no matter who she is. Many of these same people wouldn't vote for a black man either. It is unfortunate that some Americans still think this way but at least they are a small minority of all voters.
Was it an issue? Sure, but not more so than the issues that the other candidates face, such as age, race, and religion. How candidates deal with the adversities along the campaign trail reveal their character or a lack of it.
Jack, I don't believe sexism had anything to do with it. I believe it was a poorly runned campaign, badly under estimating her opponent, and thinking she could not be beat. This is what did her in.
The Democratic Primary shows that sexism is more of a problem
than racism.
Hillary has the maturity and experience to be President but white men supported Obama, of course, to stop a woman from advancing.
If racism was the bigger problem, Obama would not be the frontrunner.
An unqualified young man is more acceptable than a more qualified
woman.
John Portelli Albany, NY
I didn't realize Hillary Clinton has been defeated and that Obama has reached the number of delegates (either low or high count) needed to actually win the nomination!!!! Hey, could it be that the race isn't over yet?? The media will have to wait longer – if ever – to officially coronate Obama. Wouldn't it be nice if we could just hold an election without being told what to think by a biased media!!
It was & still is nothing more than an excuse. Shouldn't the way an individual runs a campaign be an indication of how they would run the country? On one hand hers was a trainwreck nearly every day, Obama ran a nearly flawless one. Money matters by him unsurpassed, hers a shambles. He wins going away. So much for experience.
BJ in Seminole, FL
None! Clinton did it to herself! She used old political tactics against one who played the game differently which appeals more to the masses. People are tired of all the political drama. We are at the brink of disaster and there is no time for the politics of the past.
very little ,if any.i feel as though her loss is reflective of the desire of the people to do away with negative campaign tactics,and outright lies!her message has been about politics as usual,and fight,fight,fight,instead of unite,unite,unite...
Sexism? Racism? That has nothing to do with it! The problem is that the democrats in this country are stupid idiots and that they make stupid choices.
I'm positive that sexism still exists in the United States. I doubt, however, that it had much impact on the Democratic primary battle. In my own life of only 23 years I've met many more racists than I have sexists. If a person refused to vote for Senator Clinton because she's a woman I don't think it's too much of a stretch to say they wouldn't vote for Senator Obama because he's black.
I think each candidate's ground-breaking campaign has helped to separate the wheat from the chaff, so to speak, within the Democratic party, and I am very glad for it. I hate all forms bigotry and prejudice, and the more we can marginalize people with those views the better. For that I think we owe both Democratic Senators a bit of thanks.
Sexism played both for and against Clinton, much the same way that being black played for and against Obama. What did it for Clinton is the luggage she brought from Arkansas and Washington coupled with Bill's, and a campaign that would have benefitted from more diligent planning. If anything, this campaign has revealed Hillary for what she is, a dogged fighter, a very determined, a tireless woman and a campaigner wh has made clear that people can only succeed as much as they really desire, not who they are or what sex they are. Above all, a fighter who will never quit.
Sexism? No. Political Correctness? Yes. News Media and Others have been reluctent to look deeply into Senator Obama for fear of being called Racist. People are voting for a phrase, not a Policy since we don't know what his Policies are, he hasn't given us any details on that.
Jack, . . . Sexism had just as much bearing on Hillary's defeat as it did
on Goldilocks.
It would be naive to think that there is no effect from sexism in this race. Just as it would be naive to think that there is no effect from racism. However, it seems pretty obvious to me that it hasn't been the fact that Clinton is a woman that has made the difference, but the type of woman (and person) that she is. I have no doubts at all about women as leaders, but I have huge doubts about this particular woman as leader of my country.
Bow, NH
I don't believe that sexism is playing a big part in this primary. The fact is, that she would have won the nomination hands down if Obama hadn't happened. It was just bad luck on her part that Obama came along at this time. She is probably the only Democrat who even had a shot at beating him. It is once in a lifetime that we have a choice between the two sharpest people in the country to pick from. Lookout McCain, your fantasy of becoming president along with your lobbyist friends is fast becoming a nightmare.
As far as I and both my daughters are concerned none - we were not for Hillary and voted already for Obama - at 64 I would have loved to see a woman president, but Hillary was not that woman for me nor a lot of my female friends age 56 - 67 years - too much drama and too much same old, same old.
Not much, because most states and democrats are females. This is not a race thing, or a gender thing, but a change thing. As soon as you understand that, politicians would pay more attention to what voters think on all sorts of issues. She ran for office not on the feelings of the nation rather on her own personal ambitions, and now she will pay for not understanding the electorate, In Rome, we would say that the mob has found a thirst for a new hero, a hero for civil rights, liberty and justice.
If you don't understand us, how would you have governed for us Hillary?
Of course there is sexists values, we'd have to be dumb not to see that in the media, pundits or John Edwards move. Add to them Bernstein, Gergen, and you my friend Jack.
Who really cares the mess is not repairable (due to the obscene greed) unless we find a Teddy Roosevelt, or Harry Truman type of person. What years do you think we will be considered a Third World Country Jack?
Allowing the manipulation of the Oil prices by speculators is nothing short of "sick".
John C
Florida
None!! She under estimated Obama. She thought she had the nomination when she started. She just thought Obama would go away. She keeps talking about only the states she won are the important ones. Maybe if she thought all of the states were important she might be winning. That isn't sexism that is running a POOR campaign. Nobody wants someone who runs a campaign like hers to run our country!! We had 8 years of that kind of government!!
Jack,
I do not believe that sexism was an issue at all. I simply do not like or trust the woman and many others feel the way I do. I think racism is a much bigger issue as Hillary herself pointed out. Many whites will never vote for an African American no matter who he/she is. Just look at West Virginia and probably Kentucky.
NONE! It is the "I don't trust you" factor.
Jack you have it wrong it was not sexism it was her negativity her and billy boy if she had just talk to the voters of what she can do and respect Obama it would most likely be different table what she was talking about was not going help voters with there bills economy etc Now a first term senator nobody really knew from the start was down by 30pts and know kicking her butt and he stayed positive hmmm why he is winning and instead of bowing out when it is cleary going to lose she contiues what a shame
I believe she only has to look in the mirror. Her campaign structure and fundraising were not organized enough. Her honesty really came into question along with her ties to the old politics. You can only fool some of the people some of the time. It's time for change!!!
What role did sexism play? Hers or his?
If ever there was a political team where sexism was the key component of their political history (disregarding that awful cackling laugh of hers) it's team Clinton.
You can bet, the voter took their ques from both.
Jack,
Hillary Clinton is divisive and she cannot tell the truth. That has nothing to do with her gender.
I do not believe that it had anything to do with her gender but was due to her last name!
How much of a role did sexism play in the likely defeat of Hillary Clinton?
None. Hillary's defeat had nothing to do with that. Her poor choice of words and negative attacks in her campaign did.
Not a thing with this 63 year old, white, blue-collar, female. I'm just sick and tired of the same old double speak in Washington and the dynasties that have ruled most of my adult life who got rich while I worked 2 and sometimes 3 jobs as a single mother. I have to laugh at the people who say Hillary lost because the press played up her negatives and only the positives of Barack, when the press spent weeks debating the Rev. Wright import and barely mentioned her Bosnia misspeak. Now if she imagines when she's tired that she's being fired upon, I don't want her answering that phone call at 3:00 a.m.
NONE and I would like to scream it from the highest mountaintop. It's not that we don't want a woman – just not he. Especially after the way she and BIll have run their campaign.
I'm sure that her defeats in the deep south came from the fact that she is a woman, just as many of her wins came from the fact that Obama is a black man. Facts: Her ties to Bill Clinton and that people just don't like her or trust her defeated her as well. Perhaps the American people are tired of having president's who graduated from Yale. These grads from Yale, as far back as Bush I, sure haven't impressed me much with their performance. I think even Jimmy Carter did at least one of his degrees from Yale. You gotta wonder Jack what these kids from Yale have been taught. Of course you can say the same about the grads from Harvard and Princeton as well. I mean, look at the mess this country is in now. It would help if the professors at the Wharton School of Business and the University of Chicago would explain themselves for teaching what they have taught.
Survival of the Fittest and Bottomline Economics theories with a little humanism sprinkled on will not forge a better world for the human species or any species for that matter, for these theories have NO redeeming characteristics. They are without values therefore they are valueless. But at least they have made one percent of the world's population rich.
The women (first and foremost) and men of America owe Clinton multitudinous kudos. She has taken this historic opportunity to show her mettle (that being prophetically bestowed upon every future female of the species). Perhaps she went down because we forgot she was a woman. She would have hit the jack pot had it not been for Bill. The people will endure only a small amount of smoke and mirrors before they seek authenticity.
zero... it was her campaign to lose... she began the race as the front runner with no apparent sexism... she talked the American people out supporting her candidacy with poorly crafty policy ideas, irrelevant rhetoric, and negative campaigning...
Ho Boy !! Did you ever walk into THAT one, Jack !! YOU of all people ask that question? Come ONNNN!!!
The whole media pundit message since day one has been based in an attitude towards women we women have had to endure since we were in diapers. "keep yer trap shut," and "what do YOU know...girlie"
sorry, Jack....as Elton John so eloquently put it some weeks ago, "American Men to a large extent are misogynists" too bad..... too bad....my husband is not, thank God. He sure gets tired of hearing me complain about it though.
shame on you all...especially that crew of men yesterday on Meet the Press. gag..... Mary from Sarasota, FL
I am a 54 year old white women who would love to see a woman president in office before I die, but not Hillary Clinton. She failed not because of sexism, but because of her failures with her campaign. I can only hope that the women who are Clinton supporters will not blame Obama for her failures and vote for McCain or not vote on election day. This isn't just about women in this country. It's about changing the way this government has been run the past 8 years.
Absolutely none!
Jack, I'm still looking for the evidence of the sexism, but I can't see through the racism.
Nothing. Hillary will lose because the DNC and the media decided in 2004 that Obama will be the nominee, come hell or high water. This was a power play between two political machines, and the DNC/media machine was too powerful for the Clinton machine.
This is NOT about Dems winning the general election. The DNC wants Obama for internal reasons, such as political correctness and to attract more African American and young voters. The media want him so another Republican can win.
In every primary contest more women have voted then men, and
significantly more women have voted then black men. Yet Hillary has lost almost two-thirds of the contests to date. That isn't a sign of sexism. That's a sign of a candidate failing to appeal to the majority.
As to the media's treatment of Senator Clinton.
How quickly we forget that Hillary was the odds on favorite just a few months ago. The media predicted for months that she would win in November running against Giuliani. We see how well that worked out for both of them.
Jack, while sexism probably did play some role, I hope it has been minimal. I would hope the likely defeat is based on other, more important, issues. I think the primary reasons she came this far are her work in the Senate and the Clinton name. My decision not to support her had nothing to do with gender.
Clinton used sexism to her advantage by continually reminding everyone that we have a chance to have the first woman president, then complained that people didn't support her because she was a woman and that politics is a -good old boys club-
She tried to play it both ways.....it didn't work......
Her message wasn't what most voters wanted to hear....just check the numbers.
100% sexism.
100% racism.
100% one-sided media.
100% very stupid people.
McCain '08!
Give me a break! Ms. Obama is an educated, strong woman who would not tolerate sexism in her husband and the fact that women outnumber men among registered Democrats seems to counter the argument that the primary voters are sexist.
I am very disappointed in the ridiculous claims of victimization Ms. Ferraro has made in her new role as a bitter and hateful Fox News Contributor. She may think I'm a sexist, but I want to take the vote I cast for her as vice-president back and cast it for a real democrat.
Sexism had little to do with her defeat. (Will she ever admit the party is over?) She just tried to be anything and everything to everyone to win. The voters saw through her. I would have no problem voting for a well qualified woman, just not this woman.
Sexism was a factor in this primary as was racism. I do not think it is a major reason she apparently will lose. But, this primary has opened my eyes to how sexism is totally acceptable in our society and laughed at by most instead of being treated with a similar disdain like racism. I think the primary reason for her un-doing is her last name.
Little to none. There's a difference between not wanting -A- woman to be the next president and not wanting -THIS- woman to be the next president. The day will come -in my lifetime- (I'm 30) when a qualified, intelligent and (this is important) highly respected and well liked woman is on the top of the ticket for either major party. A word to the feminists: Your time will come, but now is not it.
This election is plagued with "isms"- sexism, racism, agism,
and each plays their role in diminishing the candidates
but let's not overlook that the US has made great strides–
as Chris Rock said, "George Bush has made it impossible for a white man to be president"
and I say, maybe that's a good thing
Well Jack I'm sure there is a small segment of society that will use gender or race to justify not supporting or voting for someone but they are such a minority it is unlikely they will have any influrence on the outcome of these elections.
On the other hand poor old John McCain has biggest cross to bear when you consider his age, his policies and his party. If he can get these issues past the public then he should be given recognition as being both a genius and a magician.
Sexism might have had a small role but she still carries the baggage of the Clinton White House years, which had to be factored in. Even though time had filtered some of the bad memories of those years, the campaign brought them back to the fore front. Also, her similarity to McCain's views hurt her chances.
Hillary has claimed so many things that has worked against her I don't think she can keep up with them herself. She refuses to look at the man and the woman in the mirror, her and Bill, and admit that people really just don't like them. We are tired of their lying and do anyting to get what they want attitudes. Please give them something else to do like securing unrevealed donors for George Bush's Presidental Library and building an old folks home named for John McCain.
Definitely not a gender issue. Underestimating Americas ability to recognize and reject untruthfulness was Hillary's undoing. Though Bill got away with it over and over, she didn't. Maybe that's the sexism here.
None. Nada. Zilch. Zippo. But I am sure that if she loses she will use the sexism card.
Matt
Rockford
Sexism was part of the landscape, as was racism and ageism. But I don't think she was "vitimized" by it. It was merely one of many factors. It will still be true that hers was a serious compaign. In fact, even if she withdraws, there will be millions of voters who still view her as their top choice for president. The next woman to run won't be the woman candidate, she will just be another candidate, perhaps even against other women. Along with the possibility of winning, though, cames the possibility of losing. It's part of being a serious candidate.
Jack,
I don't believe sexism had anything to do with the position Hillary Clinton currently finds herself. It appears that Barack Obama's charismatic presence, his appeal to younger voters and Afro-Americans and his connection to voters with his message of change that has won over a huge segment of the Democratic Party that would have nornally been hers for the taking. I feel that it was her inability to connect with that segment of voters that has resulted in her second place position.
Robert
Forest, VA
Unfortunately Hillary will need to come up with a better excuse than sexism. When she began to enjoy the Washington "good ole' boy" way of doing politics she left behind her representation of women with a different voice and a different approach. As a friend of mine said, she was a first generation feminist, and we needed a second generation feminist to run for president. The second generation feminist is more secure in her abilities as a woman and doesn't need to play the game the way the boys do. She doesn't have to take months of campaigning to 'find her voice' because she never sacrificed it in the first place.
It has a lot to do with it. The Media has far more to fear by showing even a hint of racism, but since Hillary was Bills wife that made her fair game to all the networks, regardless of what she brings to the table. Sometimes I can hardly belive some of the "good ole boys" remarks I've heard on National T.V. in this campaign coverage, in what is supposed to be one of the most advanced Countrys in the world.
Are you kidding, Jack. Clinton got 60% of the female vote. If anything, it helped her and had nothing to do with her defeat. Those who are screaming sexism, are just trying to find an excuse to explain an awful campaign strategy. What this election should have taught us is that you do not win just by getting the female vote, the black vote, the "white working class" vote, or the college educated vote. You win by uniting...not dividing.
Jack,
Sexism and racism are alive and well in the US but it had little to do with the defeat of Hillary Clinton. When the smoke clears and historians look back on this they'll say, she lost because of over-confidence, bad campaign management, underestimating her opponent, and overstating the power of the Clinton name. Oh, and Bill didn't help much either.
It strikes me as odd that so many women think Hillary Clinton is the only woman qualified to become President. In fact, I think Obama should pick Kathleen Sebelius, the Governor of Kansas as his running mate, so she can take over in 2016. She's got his same bipartisan approach to politics (her Lt. Gov. was a former Republican). She won two terms as Governor in one of the most conservative states in the Union. She also stood up to the insurance lobby in Kansas as Insurance Commissioner. Is Hillary really supposed to be the best woman we've got out there?
Sexism worked against Hillary. It is an insult to many women to suggest that women should vote for her just because she is another woman. The strategists keep saying that she is getting the female vote, or the white vote etc. She may get a higher number in some states but not ALL of any category. The women of Britain were instrumental in getting Margaret Thatcher into power. They were the first to be glad to see her go. Gender, race and income level are not true guides to measure the worth of a candidate. Thankfully, most voters recognize honesty, integrity and genuine strength of purpose.
Sexism definitely played a role. The other day, Chris Matthews said people in West Viriginia voted for Hillary because she's white and white people have been running this country for a long time. How COMPLETELY sexist of him! White people have not been running this country, white men have, but I guess as long as half the people in the group have a chance, that's enough for Chris Matthews!
I don't think sexism really had anything to do with Hillary's likely defeat. It was Hillaryism that did her in. Hillaryism is displayed in falsehoods, self-centeredness, inflammatory rhetoric, win at all costs attitude, Billism, fake tears, disingenousnouss and lack of respect for the rules. Any sex, any race, and nationality is capable of Hillaryism.
Jack,
What bothers me about Geraldine's comments regarding Obama being a sexist and that we should vote McCain instead, is that Hillary herself encouraged us to vote for Obama if she does not get the nomination. I have to wonder why would Geraldine rip the democratic party like this. As a 40 year old white intelligent woman, it makes me sad to see her use the " sexist crab-theory" rather than supporting her fellow democratics.
Patricia, Wisconsin
We can't deny that her gender has to have SOME effect on her campaign. The fact that I now hear the phrase "pant suit" in my nightmares is testament to that. Has it been enough to swing the election - I doubt it. The sad thing is, this election gave us a chance to throw out all the sterotypes and come together as Americans, and it has done just the opposite. All of sudden anyone with a college degree is a latte-sippin'-elitest-snob and everyone without one is a racist-ignorant-hick-biggot. All women hate men and vice versa. The entire state of West Virginia is racist, and all black people vote simply based on race. Michelle Obama may be ready to be proud of her country, but I only WISH I could say the same.
Is it sexism that allows people to blame her for what her husband did with a consenting adult woman, distorts everything she says, lies about the things she's done, and then promotes those lies in the media? You tell me.
jack,
reversed sexism played a big role. look at all the otherwise smart woman voting for Hillary just because she has a vagina. it's disgusting
Nothing, period. When any woman of more integrity, honesty, and decency runs for any office, I will vote for that woman. I was going to vote for Hillary until I was able to be home all the time and watch her and hear her speak. As much as she speaks untruths, we do not need her in the White Hose. We need a change, from everything.
It has not hurt her. It was her poor planning and sense that she was the presumptive nominee from day one that hurt her.
I honestly believe that Hillary could win this election IF they allowed Florida and Michigan to count. The very idea that our voting system is like this makes alot of people just not even care about voting. If i lived in Florida or Michigan i would be furious that my vote didnt count. I remember the last presidental election, i saw lots of people standing in line to vote when the president had already been announced as winner. something is not right. the only democratic and fair voting system is the popular vote. Every america should cast a vote and those votes be counted and that is what should determin the winner, not deligates and super deligates, the America voter. period.
Hillary's own sexism about her own gender has been her problem. If she was really confident in herself and her sex, she might well have already won the nomination. Combined with some of her surrogates' publicly displayed testosterone, many males and females have been put off by her campaign.
Defeat? How can 60% white women vote be a defeat? She wouldn't be here today had it not been for the great support of women. I think Ms. Ferraro has not taken her pills again!
sexism has hurt her. less than racisim has helped
Jack, Hillary blew her front-runner status for a lot of reasons – none of which had anything to do with sexism – or her gender, in general. The only racist or sexist loose cannon on the campaign trail has been Geraldine Ferraro.
I am a woman, who wants to see a woman President.
I think Hillary lost because her campaign failed to see Barack Obama coming. I think odds of Barack winning was much less than Hillary's. It was campaign's miscalculation and bad planning that made Hillary lose the game. It has nothing to do with sexism.
I believe that sexism has played a large role in the upcoming defeat of Hillary Clinton. America can finally acknowledge that African Americans can run for president, but the elitists who run this country still can't fathom working for a woman. It is a sad day in the world when the leading power can surpass ignorance.
None, until she threw in the kitchen sink, and her hair rollers, her brush and her shoes!
Cinti, Ohio
Martin...well said.
I am female and cannot support Hillary's deception of the truth. I feel she has not been a good representative of the female gender....at all. She's too emotional and has ran her campaign poorly. She underestimated her opponent. Everyone wants to praise her but she isn't all that. There are many other women in politics who I feel would have been a better representative of women.
Jack being anything but white in America is worse than being a women and in this race she can not use that I am a women card that's why I am losing give me a Break a (Black Man) named (Barack Hussein Obama) is beating you so don't think it is just about racism, sexism alot of People Just feels like Barack Obama is a better person to lead us out of Trouble that Mcsame and Bush has put on us.
Hillary lost not because she is a female but because she was a devise second rate candidate who only went as far as she did BECAUSE of her sex. Give me a break.
It plays a large role. If Hillary were a man, she would have wrapped up the nomination a long time ago.
It's unfortunate that the Dems will likely lose in November because BO's ego was too big to allow someone very electable and much more prepared for the role of President to be at the forefront of the party (be that HRC or John Edwards, both of whom would make a fantastic President).
I support HRC, but will support and campaign for BO if that's what it comes to. I just don't believe we will take back the White House if he's on the top of the ticket.
I think that comments like "it cries" in NH, "does she shave," "pimping out her daughter," the KFC sign HRC special "two fat thighs, small breast and left wing," "bros before hoes" shirts, "iron my shirt" signs and the like speak for themselves. All the Sunday chat shows used derogatory language about her. Women were equally guilty of hating on her. Campbell Brown could not have been more biased if she had worn an Obama tanktop. You would have to be an idiot to not realize the media idoltry of Obama and the slander towards Clinton. Unfortunately, it worked on many people and they threw away their vote on a candidate that has no platform.
One of Sen. Hillary Clinton's top financial supporters offered $1 million to the Young Democrats of America during a phone conversation in which he also pressed for the organization's two uncommitted superdelegates to endorse the New York Democrat.
(wow...super D's available at half a mil...who would have thought !)
I konw that has nothing to do with sexism, but it makes it harder for the next female who will try to make it in the oval office. (and of course: we're not talking interns here...)
Senator Clinton is losing because of her disingenuous statements and her trying to use trickery to get the nomination. It has been a relief the last few days because the press wasn't focusing on her and we didn't have to hear any more lies coming from her or her campaign staff. I am an older white women and as a women I find her actions a disgrace to women and taking advantage of people who do not have an education and are probably not following her actions, they hear what they want. She is not concerned about our country she just wants to be President. She is very foolish, most women can see through manipulation and lies, let alone do simple math. If she lies now as she has, she will lie as President. Did you say Sexism, what next ?
As a White female and a senior citizen, I can honestly say that sexism has nothing to do with my dislike for Hillary Clinton.
I believe Hillary has broken the glass ceiling for other potential candidates in the future. That she is losing the race is due to her patronizing attitude and her desperate attempts to belittle Senator Obama.
She didn't lose because she was a woman, she lost because she ran like a republican, played the race card and the gender card.
Can you imagine the pushback if Obama had called for the support of blacks like Clinton called for the support of women?
NONE. America has proven that it's ready for a female President. But America has ALSO proven that it wants and demands 100% honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior. Therefore, while America is ready for a female President.......it's just not THIS female.
Jack,
We are a biased nation: 1. economic status first, (which can be code for race); and 2. gender. McCain will prevail.
Jack,
I see sexism in all the comments displayed here today. People say this woman is "delusional." Well, the American public is "delusional" if they think that this country doesn't have a problem with sexism. Today we have more women going to college than men but woman make 70 cents to every dollar a man makes.
Hillary Clinton has had the challenge of not being too tough (or she'll be seen as the ice queen) but cannot be too soft (for she is then only a weak woman that can't handle it.) Furthermore, everyone has been hypercritical of her every move and we are not seeing this same criticism of Obama.
I am a young liberal male voter and I stand by that Hillary Clinton is incredibly qualified and would make an amazing president. And I believe that THIS woman has worked incredibly hard. So to those who think that sexism doesn't exist, you're incredibly wrong and all of your horribly negative comments only fuel the sexism that is alive and well today.
Less than racism played in Obama's battles. You know what, I understood exactly what his wife meant in her comment, and I'm white. Being a good American does not being proud of our country when it is doing wrong, in means being so proud of our country that we desire to fix it's wrongs.
Clinton needs to stop playing the gender card. She has broken the glass ceiling. Obama has too. Never again, can this country say a woman or a black man cannot be president. Neither will lose that place in history.
Hold your head high, Hillary. You've done a hell-of-a job. You personally, may not get there, but you've certainly opened up the way for someone else.
I think sexism did play a role in in her run, both to her advantage and disadvantage. This is no different to how race played a role in Obama's candidacy; it both helped and hurt him. No matter who won, some of the loser's supporters would blame race or gender, and both would be partly right. But Clinton is losing for far more reasons than this.
Jack, I don't think sexism had anything to do with Hillary's defeat. I think Bill, James Carville, Ferraro and Hillary herself was the cause of her defeat . The dirty tactics, the misspeaks, the whinning and the obvious feeling of power, greed and entitlement to the nomination also contributed to her defeat. Also, I think she wanted it both ways, that is to be seen as the first woman to get the nomination, but to "one of the boys and show she had bigger balls, rather than try to win as the best candidate with the best credentials, great character, great morals, great integrity and simply being a real human being whjo we could trust, of which she possessed none of these characteristics. There really is nothing positive you can say about Hillary or her campaign. I would have easily been swayed to support another woman candidate for President that behaved as Obama has and possessed his strengths, his character, his vision, his integrity, his moral compass and his intelligence.
Sexisim did not even compare to the biased media coverage. Years from now the press coverage will be evaluated on it's impact on this primary. All positive coverage for Obama except for a Wright week and all negative for Clinton. Between Olbermann and you Jack, your personak views and attacks dictated questions and coverage during your respective time slots.
Well, that has almost everything to do with why Hillary has not doen what should be done for the benefit of our country. It is impossible to imagine such harsh and cruel treatment for Obama or any other political candidate for that matter. And if we end up with Obama it will be on the backs of people like you who were more afraid of being called racists so you bet on the gender card since sexism is a much more accepted and below the radar form of discrimination. Also, not counting that you would never see shirt saying broes before hoes, or a nutcracker doll, or urinal target of BHO. It really disgusts me that this is the way the world is, but hopefully this campaign has opened people's eyes to how commonly accepted sexism is and prompts them to take action against it in the future.
Gender did not play a role on Hillary's defeat any woman could have won.The initial ambition was justified as correct by name recognition and media built ego that was guaranteed for a win. Her message was from the old school of politics and made the success of her husband's presidency as a teamwork that happen to be far from the truth. Leadership that comes naturally and organizational skill is an experience treasured and learned in a life time that lack on her campaign are causes for her defeat.
I agree with Cindy, the only one playing the gender card was Hillary and her minions. She and her campaign were not prepared for the juggernut called Obama and I don't think anyone was. Also I feel Hillary entered the race with an attitude of entitlement. The entire Clinton campaign did it to themsleves.
Jack, Sexism played no more of a role then racism did. Unfortunately US Voters are uneducated and probably the least concerned voters in the world. At a time when our politicians are trying to turn us into a third world country, the voters are more concerned with Britney... Go Figure..
What do you mean defeat, the presidential candidate has not yet been determined. Sexism has played a part in the fact that men do not want to elect a woman president so they voted for the man. But, Jack come November who do you think the men will vote for, a white guy or a black african american?
Actually Jack, if you think about it – you could really point out that "sexism" played a larger role in her almost winning the nomination. How come you are only considering it "sexism" if it goes against a woman and not when it goes against a man? How many women voted for Hilary and against Obama only because she was a woman. Is that not "sexism" too?
Sexism refers to any and all systemic differentiations based on the sex of the individuals not based on their individual merits. So when you look at it that way – "sexism" almost won, not lost, the nomination for her.
Dan Colorado
I have never seen such biased coverage against a candidate and hope to never see it again. Your and the rest of the media coverage is the largest single factor against Clinton and for Obama in this entire election. Here, l et me say it for you, Hillary please get out of the way for blessed Obama! I say let all the people vote before we declare a winner. Isn't that the way it is supposed to work? Patience is a Virtue.
Hillary's lost was due to her feministic behavior that attracted all the man haters and racists to her campaign but thank goodness those elements are in the minority of our society.
As much as it should have.
Hillary’s lost was due to her feministic behavior that attracted all the man haters and racists to her campaign but thank goodness those elements are in the minority of our society.
personaly i don't think that sexism has as much to do with it as some people claim, think about it for a moment. womens rights activists as well as racial minorities advocates start crying, "predudice or foul", as soon as things don't go in a way in which they feel is more beneficial to their cause. it's a load of horse hocky!
Sen. Clintons sex is not what is hurting her. It is her big mouth directing slams against Sen. Obama. Also being married to a hot head that on more than one occasion has become very agressive with public figures (news personel). Plus she iis part of the problem in Washington by taking monies from Lobbiest.
Paula Jackson
Northridge, Ca.
It's not the fact she's a woman, it's simply that she is not objective. She makes political judgements based on what she has gone through, seen, experienced herself – when she keeps mentioning all the people who support her campaign with the last couple of bucks they've got, it's oh-so-touching, but that's not what politics are about. It's about looking at the issues and problems that await you in the near future and finding a reasonable (!) solution, and in that area, Obama is miles ahead of her. If anything then the Clinton name is what actually kept her in this race so long.
None...at least no negatives. I think that Hillary has gotten some slack because she's a woman and her support is mainly female. Since she and they take umbrage easily and forget never, no one wants to point out obvious negatives, shortcomings and contradictions in her campaign.
Her campaign is in the red but she claims she can save us from Bush's economy. She voted for the war but clais she should be commander-in-chief. Bill was impeached for lying, she lied about Kosovo, and Chelsea who was also on that flight never corrected her Mom – indirectly lying (Chelsea is 28, not a little kid) and no one calls them onthe carpet for their hyperbole and lying.
Her gender actually helped her. Her opposition couldn't really attack her - it would have been seen as attacking a woman. And, if you read the different blogs, many women are supporting her because she was their hope to finally see a woman as president. What brought her down, however, was not her gender but the way she ran her campaign and the strength of the campaign that Senator Obama ran.
Mary in Delaware
There are those who would never vote for a woman. There are those who would never vote for a black man. Neither of these two groups of bigots deserve the freedoms and privileges they enjoy in this country. Hillary was not mistreated in any way and was not able to use sexism in her favor although she did try. Her defeat is yet to be determined but will be a result of her dishonesty and lack of connection with real people.
Lying, poor budgeting decisions and arrogance. None of these is exclusive of women, but it's what helped her to lose the nomination.... Besides, Obama is just the better PERSON for the job(period).
ZERO
Jack,
How can sexism be called into play when she ran her campaign acting as if she were a man? Shooting shots and swilling beer with the good ol boys? She didn't run a campaign as a woman candidate, she ran a campaign being as androgynous as possible. If you want to be the first female president, celebrate your femininity and be proud of it – don't alter or hide it just to get elected. It comes across as doing anything to get elected.
Well Hillary has come this far by playing both race and gender card. That is the limit one can achieve by playing these cards. From here on only the merit works.
Hillary began with all the aces only to lose to Obama. Her organization made many critical mistakes. Obama 's campaign was well run and the truth is both candidates time had arrived but Hillary thought entitlement and inevitability were going to guarantee her the presidency. Strategic errors and character flaws will sink any campaign. Expect the same for the lobbyist pawn known as McCain
Are we to assume that all women are represented by this one woman, with her own long, individual and unique history? That would mean that either any controversy of Hillary's will be typical of all women, or that we should be blind to her faults simply because she is a woman. No, Hillary Clinton is not a mythological role model, she is just Hillary Clinton. I don't think many Democrats would have a problem supporting a woman. But does it have to be THAT woman?
Jack,
Hillary is very intelligent, experienced, and for all the people.
This scares Obama & McCain.
Hillary 08!!!
Being from Canada and not knowing everything about your politics I am dumbfounded why everyone doesn't know why there is so much racism in your country. Most of everything said about polls is what each of the races is voting for. The most annoying is that your elections go on and on for years. Surely another system could be adopted so it's shorter and less on the negativity and no race cards ever be mentioned. This would probably save enough money to give everyone health care in the U.S.
Sexism is alive and well. Otherwise, you wouldn't be asking such a question.
NONE!
Get over it, Hillary.
Hillary Clinton's trouble is not that she acted like a woman, but that she acted like a Clinton. She has more often taken the low road, she has twisted the truth (See CNN's analysis of her "WIN" of the popular vote which has her discounting all caucuses), and she has played with political gimicks such as the eliminating the gas tax. Worst of all was her attempt to write John McCain's attack ads for him. Had she lived up to her best moments and her enormous potential, she would be my candidate and probably the Democratic party's.
Whether women want to admit or not, they are still driven by fear and the need for males to protect them. They themselves are their own worst enemy – truely a shame. Women did not give Hillary chance, in particular black women. They see one strong women and they think that she is out of place. This would have been their best opportunity, now they continue to be second class citizens, even though they have proven to be the better ones to lead and organize. Everyone thinks that Obama will go to Washington and every one will come together and sing cumba yah! Not likely, he is inexperienced and we all know what happens when you place an inexperienced individual in the position of power – look at GWBUSH. Truely a shame to pass this opportunity. I'm voting McCain in November.
It didn't...as a long time feminist, I started out as a Clinton supporter and switched to supporting Obama...based on his message. I would have loved to see a female as President but I don't believe in voting gender or race but the person themself!
In the Democratic Primaries? Not much. Honestly, with all the new voters registered, there is far fewer notions that a woman would be ill-suited to be president. My generation is not the same ignorant crowd of voters that have dominated politics for too long. I voted for Obama because I just think he's a better candidate, if it was John Edwards and Hillary, then I would have voted for Hillary.
Hillary did NOT lose because of sexism, she lost because she didn't have a good message, she had horrible campaign tactics, she lied, she surrounded herself with the wrong people, she expected to instantly be coronated by the democratic party, she ignored the grassroots organizers and small donors, she voted for the Iraq war, she takes lobbyist money, she represents so much of what is old washington and the politics everyone is tired of, and lastly she underestimated Obama!
It's no one's fault but hers! Frankly Obama has dealt with a lot more racism during this primary than hillary has sexism!
Personally I liked both Obama and Clinton in the beginning ... but Hillary took it to a new level of nastiness...digging in on Obama from the very beginng...that said if there had been another choice of a woman for president I would endure again and vote for the best candidate...
Sounds like a story Hillary wants out there to make people feel sorry for her again.... And ferrero is an idiot to say she won't vote...plus Hillary isn't getting coverage so something needed to said so she can get some free press.
Obama 08