MyDD :: Poaching, Pandering and the Long-Awaited Acknowledgment of Sexism.

Poaching, Pandering and the Long-Awaited Acknowledgment of Sexism.

by canadian gal, Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:29:56 PM EST

As mentioned earlier, the timing of Howard Dean's comments about sexism in the media seemed curious. Now, in light of this Washington Post piece, I think we may know why Dean timed these comments as he did. As it looks like ol' Johnny boy is making a REAL play to poach HRC supporters turned off by the sexism in the primary.

A top adviser to presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain said that she believes Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton has faced sexism on the campaign trail.

"I think women in positions of power are treated differently, and the treatment of her demonstrates that," former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina told Portfolio magazine in an article published today. "I have a lot of sympathy for what she's gone through. A lot of women recognize she's been treated differently, whether they're Democrats or Republicans."

The timing of Fiorina's comment is intriguing, given that the McCain campaign has reached out to Clinton's supporters in a low-key but targeted way. It also comes as many Clinton backers are still smarting from the divisive Democratic primary and as a significant number say that they will not vote for Clinton rival Sen. Barack Obama in the fall.

The McCain strategy for reaching women across the aisle involves praise for Clinton and connecting with some of the newer women's media outlets, such as the community BlogHer and MOMocrats blogs, which have been invited to join McCain campaign conference calls. BlogHer has also been treated to an interview with Fiorina. Health information sites -- women are the primary consumers of health information -- have also been targeted.

Clinton "has inspired generations of American women to believe that they can reach the highest office in this nation," McCain said at an appearance today in Nashville.

It seems rather ironic that political posturing is what it takes to get ANYONE to call out sexist behaviour. Thoughts?

Tags: clinton, media, bias, sexism, mccain, pandering, democrats. election, poaching (all tags)

Permalink :: 73 Comments :: Post a Comment

all it takes for evil to thrive - (2.00 / 8)

is for good people to do nothing...

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:31:23 PM EST

Rec. this up peeps! (1.33 / 3)

It would be great if more Clinton supporters followed your lead.

Good stuff.

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:34:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

yes this explains the timing (2.00 / 1)

since plenty of women on both sides of the aisle are po'd. A little belated I thought, and short on authenticity because of its timing.

by 4justice on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:43:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Great reporting, as always, CG. (2.00 / 3)

The timing is indeed interesting.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:59:28 AM EST
[ Parent ]

thanks. (2.00 / 3)

can you believe it here tonight? people are just shooting themselves in the foot...

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:04:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I know, it's crazy. (2.00 / 2)

Maybe everyone hates Mondays as much as I do?

Hey, by the way, let me ask you something, since you're a level-headed person (which is more than I can say for a lot of people around here). Do you think Harriet Christian's remarks were acceptable? I understand her anger, and everyone has an occasional outburst. But to me, what she was saying came across as, well, racist. But I'm a bit militant about that kind of thing, so maybe I'm wrong?

What are your thoughts on it?

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:13:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

hhmm.... (2.00 / 2)

im not sure... in the clip on youtube that i saw i didnt think her comments were racist, but rather a bit kooky and excessive. but i guess you kinda have to be both of those things to go to a RBC meeting - no? but i think the reality is ALOT of people - particularly women - are really angered by this primary and its results.

hopefully this will dissipate - what i see is the longer the taunting, gloating and attacks on her continue the more galvanized her supporters are getting. to me the best solution is that he picks her as vp and that she accepts.

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:22:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

what do you think about it? (none / 0)

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:37:39 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Honestly, (none / 0)

I can't help thinking it was racist. The whole "99% of black people don't know why they voted for him" thing was a bit too much for me. As was her description of Obama as an "inadequate black male".

I know a lot of people are angry. For awhile, I was so angry that I didn't think I could vote for Obama. But I never said anything like that. Her anger is real and legitimate, but I think she was angry enough to let slip some of her deepest, darkest feelings -- things that were always there, but which might not have surfaced otherwise.

I hope the anger will fade quickly... but I doubt it will. Some people won't get over it in time for November. I don't know that I want Hillary to be VP because it's a pretty crappy job. She could accomplish more in the Senate -- it would be great if she could eventually become Majority Leader. But if they decide to do a joint ticket to unify the Party, that's cool, too.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:46:49 AM EST
[ Parent ]

well i am a canadian... (2.00 / 1)

and race issues are not even close to being the same. off topic, i remember a friend of mine telling me that when she went to nyc and she realized that when she went into stores people were following her around making sure she wasnt shoplifting because she was black. this blew my mind - i mean, some people are racist - but in a huge diverse city like nyc? wow. its definitely not like that here. but i live in probably one of the most multicultural cities in the world - so admittedly my perspective is skewed.

anyway - im pretty sure she is not a racist, but rather a bit of a wingbat. and with regard to the VP thing - i agree - crap job - but i think it really is the only way to unify.

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 02:00:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, we have crazy race issues (2.00 / 1)

down here. And of course, I live in the South, so I'm even closer to it. I have several nasty, vocal racists in my extended family.

I have to say, while I'd rather have Hillary in the Senate, I can't help feeling that Obama/Clinton is an unbeatable ticket. I've been thinking that for awhile now, even before I decided I was okay with Obama. I've got a couple of bets going with a friend of mine. He wants a Democrat to win, but he thinks McCain will pull it out. We both think Bush may strike Iran in September or October in order to influence the election. But I'm betting him $50 that a Democrat will be sitting in the White House next January. If Obama picks Hillary as VP, my friend bet me $100 that they'd lose. He thinks it's an unelectable ticket. Funny, since I think the opposite.

Bad form to bet on politics, isn't it? Ah, well. We're incorrigible.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 02:18:58 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: well i am a canadian... (none / 0)

You're kidding right? When someone claims that 99% of African Americans don't know why they're voting for a candidate -- they're racist. Answer me this if a man were to say that 99% of women voters don't know why they were voting for Clinton do you not think that would be labeled misogyny?

Get real and call it what it was.

by StrangeAnomaly on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 10:48:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering and the Long-Awaited Ackno (none / 0)

Anyone who thinks for a second about voting for McCain out of anger needs to realize just how far Republicans have set BACK the cause of women, minorities, gays, and the poor, and whether they want to contribute to that because a reporter said something stupid.

John McCain wants to stay in Iraq.

by ihaveseenenough on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:32:28 PM EST

i agree with what you are saying... (2.00 / 6)

but he's using the dems silence on sexism as an advantage.

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:35:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: i agree with what you are saying... (none / 0)

and if women fall for it and for some reason start thinking Hey maybe the GOP isn't so bad.

I honestly would want McCain to win, so that for the next 8 years they could sit and tell us all how the GOP is the party that will advance women's rights.

that will teach us democrats!

Obama said, as Bill beamed. "Thank you, President Clinton."

by TruthMatters on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:37:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, it's been really fun (none / 0)

spending the last eight years listening to the Nader supporters explain how Al Gore would have been just as bad as George W. Bush.

by Sun Dog on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:52:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Sigh (none / 0)

She has a lot of women supporting her who would not support her if she was a man. It goes both ways.

The racism thing ends up the same way, some people hate him for being black some people are voting for him because he is black.

A lot of us just vote on the issues.

by libertyleft on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:34:05 PM EST

Re: Sigh (2.00 / 2)

Sexism is an issue in this country.

by souvarine on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:38:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Sigh (none / 0)

Of course it is. So is racism. Both are ugly things we need to work on to move forward as a country.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:41:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Sigh (none / 0)

So is bias against midgets (dwarves? What's the PC term?) but that doesn't mean it's the ONLY issue.

by libertyleft on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 02:04:21 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Obama better catch up (1.00 / 0)

It's nice to have two parties competing for your votes, isn't it?

by catfish2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:34:51 PM EST

Re: Obama better catch up (2.00 / 1)

For anyone wondering if Catfish had any shame- here's your answer.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:38:55 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Standing up for women's advancement (1.00 / 0)

is so unDemocratic? So unprogressive?

by catfish2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:42:57 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Here, I think you need this (none / 0)

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:49:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

And how exactly would women advance... (none / 0)

...under John McCain?

He wants to overturn Roe v Wade.
He wants to continue Bush's disastrous economic plan, which has hurt the lives of millions of Americans, including women.
He wants to continue Bush's disastrous war in Iraq, of which women are major victims.

That doesn't sound like advancement to me.

Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.

by mistersite on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:31:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Obama better catch up (none / 0)

Competing how? All John McCain did is butter you up. His bet is that he can get your vote if he keeps whispering in your ear. Then November comes and he'll bite your ass faster than a cobra. All of a sudden, we'll hear about the conservative mandate again. ABout how Americans are happy with the last eight years.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 02:06:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering and the Long-Awaited Ackno (2.00 / 2)

I struggle with the charges of sexism in this primary. I definitely think the media has been sexist, but I haven't seen much in the way of sexism in voter preferences. Gender seems to have been a net positive for Clinton in regards to actual votes. In many ways women bought her time to recover from February and finish strong.

But if anything, she kicked as much ass as she did in part because of the way she inspired and motivated women of all ages. So from my point of view her candidacy and the role gender played was actually a positive and uplifting experience as opposed to a negative one. Feel free to call me a dumbass if you want.

by Xris on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:34:57 PM EST

Re: Poaching, Pandering (2.00 / 3)

Another great diary by Canadian Gal. Unfortunately for McCain, women aren't stupid enough to be manipulated in this fashion. They may be upset with their candidate of choice having lost, and smarting a bit from the heated primary season, but they're not idiots, no matter what he thinks.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:38:25 PM EST

You speak for all women now? (1.00 / 0)

Interesting.

by catfish2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:43:39 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: You speak for all women now? (2.00 / 5)

I'm sorry- are you saying you think women are stupid?

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:48:27 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (2.00 / 4)

I always look forward to CG's diaries. They are always the oasis in the middle of the candidate poop flinging fights (not sure if that came out as well I thought it)

by Xris on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:47:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (2.00 / 1)

Oops, step in some. I see poop flinging here too, unfortunately.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:53:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (none / 0)

As an Obama supporter, I don't doubt for a second that there was sexism from supporters and in the media, but not from Barack Obama himself. And it should absolutely be addressed, and condemned.

At the same time, this play for women by McCain is totally laughable. This is the man who:

-Laughed when one of his supporters called Hillary a "bitch"
-Left his previous wife after she had been crippled and disfigured in a car crash
-Called his current wife Cindy a "cunt"
-Wants to, and will be able to, overturn Roe v. Wade

Obama is a strong supporter of women's rights who happened to go up against the first serious female nominee, McCain is someone who has never respected women or their rights.

by animated on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:40:53 PM EST

The sermon last week (1.00 / 0)

was bad and Obama didn't address it. Fine that's his choice. It was also his choice to give McCain a huge opening which he took, swept in and spoke of Senator Clinton as a respectful colleague who should not be talked about in that shameful manner.

by catfish2 on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:45:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: The sermon last week (none / 0)

Maybe he should have done more, but he did condemn it and actually left the church at least in part because of it. I didn't view those comments as having to do with sexism as much as they were racially inflammatory.

by animated on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:48:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

He was front and center on "tail-hook" (2.00 / 2)

McSame has been front and center on the fight against sexism.

Not only did he take the lead on issues like Tail-Hook, not only did he vote to impeach Bill Clinton on all counts for a blow-job, but just last month he voted against equal-pay.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:51:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (1.50 / 2)

Obama has been dismissive of Hillary - "you're likable enough, Hillary" and the middle finger gesture. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot about Obama's sweetie comments.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:47:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (none / 0)

Do you think McCain would do more for women's rights than Obama?

Because that's what you're deciding in November.

should we go outside? / should we break some bread? / are you'nterested?

by Firewall on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:49:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

middle finger = troll (2.00 / 1)

only trolls believe he gave Hills the finger.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:51:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: middle finger = troll (none / 0)

Really, really annoying. Even though you are a GOP troll, posing as an Obama supporter to annoy Hillary supporter so they get turned off from Obama, I won't troll rate. Why? Because I'm a grown up.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:59:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: middle finger = troll (none / 0)

Are you kidding? Al Rodgers is not a GOP troll.

by elrod on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:52:36 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering (none / 0)

"You're likable enough" and "sweetie" were stupid, ill-advised remarks and I think he apologized for both.

Middle finger - I honestly don't think there was anything there.

All I can say - and I think Hillary of all people would relate to this - is that when you have the first woman and the first AA running, it is going to be like walking through a landmine.

If Edwards - if any man - had been running against Hillary for long enough, you can bet there would have been moments that would have been perceived as sexist.

by animated on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:58:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

they called him names too (none / 0)

the said he was too angry.

the blamed him for patients bill of rights failing (Nataline Sarkisyan)

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0 108/Edwards_The_Clinton_campaign_has_no_ conscience.html

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:19:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

al -please desist. (none / 0)

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:21:47 AM EST
[ Parent ]

And don't forget this little gem: (none / 0)

"Why is Chelsea so ugly? Because her father is Janet Reno."

-John McCain, at a fundraiser in 1998.

He is NO friend to women.

by Angry White Democrat on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:30:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Poaching, Pandering and the Long-Awaited (2.00 / 1)

I stated earlier today that Dean should have addressed the sexism 6 months ago and stood up every time it happened. He is complicit in it for not doing anything about it. I do find it suspicious that he comes out with a statement now. And it just makes me even madder. What a an ass.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:45:07 PM EST

Howard Dean is a well known sexist (2.00 / 1)

he calls his wife, Judith, "honey"

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:47:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Howard Dean is a well known sexist (none / 0)

Just stop.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:51:16 PM EST
[ Parent ]

As Hillary says (2.00 / 1)

"if ya can't take the heat...."

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:52:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: As Hillary says (none / 0)

No, you are just annoying.

by grlpatriot on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:56:25 PM EST
[ Parent ]

you're sexist (none / 0)

you're only pressuring me to drop out cuz of sexism.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:15:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: you're sexist (2.00 / 2)

No, the guys are pretty annoyed at your behavior also. I'm especially pissed because I know later I will reap the consequences of your boorishness.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:27:03 AM EST
[ Parent ]

McSame calls his wife a #$%& (2.00 / 1)

Three reporters from Arizona, on the condition of anonymity, also let me in on another incident involving McCain's intemperateness.

In his 1992 Senate bid, McCain was joined on the campaign trail by his wife, Cindy, as well as campaign aide Doug Cole and consultant Wes Gullett.

At one point, Cindy playfully twirled McCain's hair and said, "You're getting a little thin up there."

McCain's face reddened, and he responded, "At least I don't plaster on the makeup like a trollop, you cunt."

McCain's excuse was that it had been a long day. If elected president of the United States, McCain would have many long days.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/McCain_tem per_boiled_over_in_92_0407.html

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:46:30 PM EST

Re: McSame calls his wife a #$%& (1.00 / 2)

You can call your wife a cunt in public.....

but don't you dare call anybody sweetie.

We want to see Ivana [Trump] because we are so desperate in Alaska for any semblance of glamour and culture. - Sarah Palin

by spacemanspiff on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:52:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Right-on (2.00 / 1)

just because McSame voted down equal pay, doesn't make him a sexist, like that Obama.

"McSame: He's Constipated and Ready to GO!

by Al Rodgers on Mon Jun 02, 2008 at 11:53:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Good diary, thank you (none / 0)

Too bad a McCain troll is now firmly ensconced on the rec list. Not sure what will become of this site in a month, and it is a damned shame. Everything Sen. Clinton fought for re: women's rights seems to be getting muddied by a few. Keep up the good fight.

by gchaucer2 on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:02:00 AM EST

Re: Good diary, thank you (none / 0)

Leave Canadian gal alone. There was a time at which I might have agreed, but she's made a consistent effort to reach out to the reasonable supporters. She is an asset to the site. The whole reason I come here is to get the kind of contrarian opinion that she provides. I can't stand Alegre or TexasDarlin at all, but CG at least respects people as people.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:30:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Good diary, thank you (2.00 / 1)

Oh wait, I take that back, I thought that was snark! Well, I don't take back the kind words about CG, I just agree with your own kind words!

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:31:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re:Interesting development. (none / 0)

The GOP has been successful at tapping into anger and resentment, it's sort of a specialty of theirs. I hope the Obama campaign has a plan to reach out to Clinton's supporters, he will need at least some of them in November.

by half nelson on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:22:14 AM EST

Re:Interesting development. (none / 0)

If they didn't tap into anger and resentment, they'd never get any votes. Running on an appeal to the positive side of human nature is completely alien to them.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:32:38 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re:Interesting development. (none / 0)

That's one reason they were so annoyed by McCain for awhile. "We can't nominate him! He's not going to be mean enough!"

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:33:07 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Works for Me!!! (none / 0)

since I'll be supporting him if obama's the nominee and if Hillary is not on the ticket....

how nice that he's actually reaching out to me!!!

I appreciate the gesture - means my vote might not be wasted afterall and I'll actually get the repugs to focus on women's issues....

now wouldn't that be SOMETHING.

by nikkid on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:22:33 AM EST

Re: Works for Me!!! (none / 0)

I guess Roe v. Wade is an unimportant women's issue.

by elrod on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:54:43 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Works for Me!!! (none / 0)

my vote might not be wasted afterall and I'll actually get the repugs to focus on women's issues....

now wouldn't that be SOMETHING.

uhhh, yeah... good luck with that. John McCain will definitely change his position on Roe v Wade for you. As we all know, the far right absolutely loves him already, so there's no reason for him not to tack center on that... right?

Join the Matthew 25 Network and help Democrats win the next generation of evangelicals.

by mistersite on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:34:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Works for Me!!! (none / 0)

Not only will John McCain not listen to you, he will lie to your face about it. It is something he has made a career out of. He thinks equal pay is already achieved, he will do anything possible to criminalize abortions, and he damn sure won't push for a court that will uphold any discrimination suits.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:42:40 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Howard Dean.... (1.00 / 0)

is a gutless spineless two-faced coward. To say this now at the end...really what does he mean?

by tarheel74 on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 12:38:50 AM EST

This is only a cheap one night stand. (none / 0)

Thing is, Republicans have no plans to do anything for women's rights or issues important to women. In fact, one of the most important issues for many women, the right to choose, is one of the things that they will do irreparable damage to at the first opportunity. As a matter of fact, it is one of the primary reasons they are fighting so hard for the office. What some might see as courting, I see as blatant pandering and condescending lip service.

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:23:22 AM EST

agreed. (none / 0)

but does that apply to dean as well?

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:25:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: agreed. (none / 0)

I don't think so. I know he wants to keep Roe v Wade upheld and I know that if there was any bill for women's rights that came up, the Democrats would be in line for it.

It's difficult, because it seems there's no real issue involved in this skirmish. The Democrats are on the side of women and always have been. In 2006, the Democrats named the first female Speaker of the House in history. I guess that doesn't count now?

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:37:48 AM EST
[ Parent ]

of course it counts... (none / 0)

but you said -

What some might see as courting, I see as blatant pandering and condescending lip service.

i wanted to know if you were referring to dean as well since his timing on this is a bit suspect.

"Me Fail English? That's Unpossible." Ralph Wiggum

by canadian gal on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:40:12 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: of course it counts... (none / 0)

I think if anything, Dean is taken aback. I'm not sure Dean thought there was a real problem of sexism going on. I didn't really either until I started seeing so many people who kept pointing it out.

I don't see this as Dean paying lip service because he plans to follow through on whatever promises he makes. Like I said, it's hard to deal with this because it is almost entirely based on emotions and hurt feelings. How do you actually deal with that?

If you're being chased by an angry bull and then you notice you're also being chased by a swarm of bees, it doesn't really change things. Just keep on running.

by vcalzone on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:59:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

John McCain is not a friend to women... (none / 0)

John McCain is not very respectful to women. He once joked:

"Why is Chelsea Clinton so ugly?
Because her father is Janet Reno."

And we have learned from this campaign that Chelsea is anything but an ugly duckling. But at
the time he made the joke she was 16 years old.
This is NOT a defender of a woman's rights.

What is Janet Reno up to?

by mcdtracy on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:41:07 AM EST

Re: John McCain is not a friend... (none / 0)

Oops... typo. Chelsea was 18.

by mcdtracy on Tue Jun 03, 2008 at 01:42:39 AM EST

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