Larry Womack just published a damning piece that any American voter should read, regardless of political beliefs. Stop Pretending You Don’t Know Why People Hate Hillary Clinton provides a long list of double standards that Hillary Clinton has battled her entire career.
Bad news for the haters: History is decidedly unafraid of “the woman card.” It doesn’t care how many people will stand on tables today and swear they’d feel the same if she were a man. It will see us for what we are—a sick society, driven by misogyny and pathetically struggling to come to terms with the fact that women do not exist solely to nurture.
I am not voting for Hillary Clinton in November. Even if a libertarian candidate weren’t running, I still wouldn’t support Hillary Clinton.
But I absolutely agree that she has dealt with so much sexist bullshit during her entire career.
People Hate Hillary Clinton Because She Didn’t Stay Home and Bake Cookies
Before we had the Internet immortalizing our every stupid thought, we still had the media selectively editing video footage to perpetuate sexism against powerful women.
This video gives a great overview of the ridiculous overreaction to Hillary defending her career. Bill’s opponent accused Bill of unethical behavior regarding state work given to Hillary’s law firm. A journalist then asked Hillary about it.
According to this Nightline transcript, Hillary went on to say that feminism means the right to choose work, or home, or both. But I have yet to find a video that includes that part of her answer.
According to snippets in the book Beyond the Double Bind: Women and Leadership, Hillary’s entire answer ties back to the accusations of a conflict of interest. Reporters asked her directly what she thought of the criticism.
“I thought number one [Brown’s attack] was pathetic and desperate, and also thought it was interesting because this is the sort of thing that happens to the sort of women who have their own careers and their own lives. And I think it’s a shame, but I guess it’s something that we’re going to have to live with. Those of us who have tried and have a career, tried to have an independent life, and to make a difference… And certainly like myself who has children, but other issues uh you know… I’ve done the best I can to lead my life, but I suppose it’ll be subject to attack, but it’s not true. And I don’t know what else to say except it’s sad to be me.
The next question asked whether there was a way to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
I wish that were true. You know, I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas, but what I decided to do was fulfill my profession which I entered before my husband was in public life. And I’ve tried very, very hard to be as careful as possible, and that’s all I can tell you.
Honestly, I recommend reading this whole section “Cookies and Tea.”
Then watch her follow-up interview with Katie Couric. I’ve queued it to the “cookies and tea” remarks, but the whole thing is worth a listen.
And keep in mind, jabs at Hillary’s career were nothing new.
To this day, in real-life conversations I’ve had with people in my parents’ generation, they refer back to this moment as justification not to support Hillary.
Hillary broke the politician’s wife mold by having her own successful career. To this day, people still judge her for it.
People Give Bill Clinton Credit for Hillary Clinton’s Success
It’s one thing to point to Hillary’s political experience as First Lady. Absolutely, those 8 years prepared her to run for president herself. But claiming that all of Hillary’s political success is due to Bill?
Even I am forced to conclude that Bill and Hillary are a power couple. They both have long, successful careers. Just a few paragraphs above, I gave several examples of Hillary facing criticism for her career. But once she entered politics herself, the narrative switched. Apparently she only found political success because of her husband.
https://twitter.com/davidharsanyi/status/740965046084329472
These claims aren’t new. Back in 2008, Chris Matthews said on MSNBC’s Hardball:
Well, I don’t know if they read the NY Post. I think the Hillary appeal has always been somewhat about her mix of toughness and sympathy for her. Let’s not forget, and I’ll be brutal, the reason she’s a US Senator, the reason she’s a candidate for President, the reason she may be a front runner, is that her husband messed around.
That’s how she got to be a Senator from New York. We keep forgetting it. She didn’t win it on her merit, she won because everybody felt, “My God, this woman stood up under humiliation, right? That’s what happened! That’s how it happened.
Matthews later backtracked a bit. Regardless, he still credited Hillary’s accomplishments to her husband’s infidelity.
Steve Chapman wrote in the Chicago Tribune:
Much of the support she has comes from people who wish her husband could serve a third term. But weak nostalgia is a poor campaign theme.
The Media Uses So Much Sexist Language
From that Chicago Tribune article linked above?
Some find her as irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard… She’s an arrogant busybody… Hillary rouses an exceptional amount of dislike.
Can you imagine anyone writing this about a male politician?
From another episode of MSNBC’s Hardball, Matthews attributes dislike of Hillary to:
…a lot to do with her personality, her scolding manner in terms of her public speaking…
Media Matters put together a long list of unfounded criticism leveled against Hillary during her 2008 presidential bid. (Links below are all from Media Matters).
Conservative media figures are not shy in expressing their negative feelings toward Clinton. Time blogger Andrew Sullivan recently referred to her “cootie vibes” and declared, “I just can’t stand her.” MSNBC host Joe Scarborough described her as “very shrill.” Glenn Beck previously labeled her the “Antichrist.” But the expression of such views is not limited to conservatives. The Hotline’s blog, On Call, posted excerpts from speeches by several Democratic hopefuls at the Democratic National Committee winter meeting. But, while Clinton was by no means the only speaker to raise her voice, she was the only one described by On Call as striking a “discordant note.”
Calling Hillary Clinton a Bitch
So many members of the media have called Hillary a bitch that I can devote an entire section to it.
Glenn Beck, March 15, 2007, The Glenn Beck Program
Neil Cavuto, February 18, 2008, Fox Business News’ Cavuto
Alex Castellanos, May 20, 2008, CNN’s The Situation Room
Even the pro-Trump merchandise routinely labels Hillary a bitch. Although, considering his crass language, is anyone surprised that Trump supporters are okay with misogyny? After a Trump rally in Raleigh this summer, one reporter wrote, “Hillary Clinton was called a “bitch” more times that I could count.”
Some Hillary supporters have reclaimed the bitch label.
In The Bitch America Needs, Andi Zeisler (founder of Bitch Media) embraces the slur.
The power of “bitch” to shame is, with a perspective adjustment, also its power to shine. All that’s required to reframe the word is to point out that the things bitches are often guilty of can be both unexceptional and necessary: flexing influence, standing up for their beliefs, not acting according to feminine norms and expectations.
Sexism in Politics is Nonpartisan
Hillary Clinton is not the only female politician to face sexist attacks. For a hilarious overview, watch my all-time favorite SNL skit.
Michelle Bachmann empathizes with Hillary Clinton.
Apparently being sexist is one thing that ties together liberals and conservatives.
We should all be better than that.
Additional Reading on Sexism Against Hillary Clinton
7 Sexist Attacks Hillary Clinton Faced in 2008 — and How She Can Combat Them in 2016
8 Sexist Hillary Clinton Comments From Members Of The Media Who Really Should Know Better
3 Ways to Tell if Your Distaste For Hillary Clinton is Sexist
Watch Hillary Clinton Endure 40 Years Of Sexism In Under 3 Minutes
The hidden sexism that could sway the election
None of this I write in direct support of Hillary Clinton. However, I do share this information to support women in politics. Hillary Clinton is the most prominent American female politician. The sexism she has endured is just a prime example of what most female politicians have faced.
If you don’t support Hillary, I feel you. I’m not voting for her either. But I highly encourage you to do a little soul-searching as to why you don’t support her. Your reasons could be perfectly valid. They could also be tainted with sexism.
If you do support Hillary, that’s your prerogative. I hope this blog post is a handy source for any Facebook friends whining about the “woman card.”
If fighting for women is "playing the #WomanCard," what card is Trump playing?https://t.co/PRoFKATQAE
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) April 29, 2016
(I get feminist shivers when she responds, “Deal me in!”)
If you want to vote for a politician solely because she’s a woman, go ahead. Quite frankly, based on firsthand conversations I’ve had over the last decade, plenty of men still vote based on gender. So I have no problem with women voting based on gender either.
Side note: I find it HILARIOUS how so many people suddenly care about “sexism” the second women want to vote for a woman.
The good news? Recent studies find mostly equal media coverage of male and female politicians. Times, they are a changing.
One day, I might even be able to blog about the lack of sexism in politics.
One day…
Do you notice sexism in the media coverage of politicians? How do you think misogyny has affected the 2016 presidential campaign?
Bill’s reply in that debate was already sexist. (“You ought to be ashamed of yourself for jumping on my wife.”) The allegation was that Governor Bill Clinton had mishandled state money, directing it to an associate’s law firm instead of using it for legitimate government purposes. It didn’t matter whether the money was shuffled around under the name of his wife, a school buddy, or Buddy the Labrador retriever: the point was that Governor Clinton had allegedly siphoned off some state money. Bill twisted it into a double entendre, invoking a property-crime understanding of sexual impropriety.
And he doubled down on the “protecting his wife” angle during the same event that led to the “cookies and tea” comment. I’m not sure if you read that whole link, but it’s quite fascinating to see how the Clintons really struggled to present both “traditional” and “progressive” sides of their marriage. Bill really used some old-fashioned language to appeal to voters who love the whole protective husband thing.
The chapter is frustrating as well. One of the critiques of this whole thing said that you can’t be gallant about a feminist.
Dan comes to my defense as needed. But I also come to his defense as needed. And we both defend other people we love, friends and family, regardless of gender. No one says anything if I defend anyone. No one says anything if Dan defends anyone except for me.
But on multiple occasions, when he has spoken in my defense, the person attacking me either accuses Dan of being sexist for not “letting” met stand up for myself or accuses me of not being strong enough to stand up for myself.
It’s just another trap that women can’t win. Apparently I can’t be a feminist AND enjoy the support of my husband.
I am loving these posts, Brita. Being Canadian I haven’t really followed American politics until this election mostly because no one can look away from the train wreck that is Donald Trump. Keep them up! I was more of a Bernie fan but I think I would vote for Hilary if my choices were Donald Trump and Hilary…
I’m so glad! I sometimes feel like the only lifestyle blogger who writes about politics. It can be nerve-wracking at times because as a libertarian, I attract criticism from both “sides,” so to speak. And what you don’t see are the comments I won’t publish…
But I’m passionate about politics, and I fervently believe in encouraging informed voting. Based on my search traffic, I’m pretty sure tons of people who didn’t vote in the primary elections don’t realize they can still vote in the general election… *facepalm* Unfortunately, a lot of political information just isn’t available in plain speak. I hope I’ve changed that at least a little.
I don’t tend to comment on political posts in general but this one caught my attention because of the topic (especially since it was more about information than pushing a side!). We definitely have a lot of sexism, racism, and judgement that happens in our political campaigns in this country. These are all problems that have not gone away with time. Thanks for shedding some light on some of the underlying issues that have less to do with the people running and more with society in general.
You’re welcome! Sexism (and racism) in politics is sadly nonpartisan. South Carolina elected Nikki Haley, a Republican, as our first female governor. I couldn’t find a good source on any sexism she’s faced, but I do remember some of the racist remarks made about her when she first ran for office. (She’s only the second Indian-American to be a US governor). And as much as Democrats say the right things about sexism/racism, too many are comfortable using sexist/racist language about conservative women and minorities.
Check out my politics tag for more nonpartisan-ish blog posts. I don’t pretend to be 100% objective; pure objectivity is a myth. That said, I’ve written several posts with basic factual information about the election process and voting strategies, all with lots of links to outside sources.
So I wasn’t going to comment on this (though that’s probably obvious since I waited more than 10 days). But for some reason this weekend I really couldn’t get it off my mind. I honestly have no clue what even made me think of this post again this weekend nor why it suddenly bothers me so much. But here goes.
I’m so glad you find me “HILARIOUS.” Yes I’m sure there have been others who expressed their concern with people voting for women just because they’re women. But because I mentioned it in my comment on your last post about Hilary, I feel targeted. Anyway, for the record, I think voting for a man just because he’s a man is absolutely ridiculous and always have. It’s the same with race. I won’t vote for someone just because they’re Caucasian, African America, Indian American, etc etc. And I don’t think anyone else should either. And frankly I think it’s a little immature to say that because another group does it, why not? Why can’t people be bigger than that and vote for someone because they agree with that candidate’s policies? Or because they think that candidate will do a good job? Or they agree with their morals? All the reasons you gave in your “how to vote” post.
On another note, I appreciate the rest of this post. It’s ridiculous that we still have so much sexism. I got really angry reading all these quotes. I’ll be honest, I didn’t know most of these things went on. I’ll chalk that up to not being interested in politics at all until the last few years. I am absolutely appalled at the whole staying home and baking cookies thing. I’m not surprised people give Bill credit for Hilary’s success. It’s pretty sad that I’m not surprised, but unfortunately it’s true. And the sexist language just makes me mad over and over again. I was a little surprised to see that it’s still used so blatantly. Ugh
Charlene, I wasn’t targeting you at all. I honestly didn’t even remember you had mentioned that on my previous post. I wrote these posts 2 months apart, and what I remember most from my previous post are the comments that I did NOT publish.
I wrote “I find it HILARIOUS how so many people suddenly care about “sexism” the second women want to vote for a woman.”
You’ve addressed sexism many times before, so that quote doesn’t apply to you. I think voting for someone just based on their demographics is a terrible idea (unless all the politicians running are equally good/bad, then yeah, I vote for the women). But a lot of people in my online social circles, who certainly haven’t posted about sexism or feminism before (except to criticize it), have started whining in the past year about how sexist it is to support Hillary just because she’s a woman. I just can’t take them seriously at all.
I knew very little about the Clintons until maybe 6 years ago. In fact, if Hillary had won the 2008 nomination, I would have voted for her over McCain. I didn’t even know the Libertarian Party existed until I moved to France in 2009. I’ve been passionate and informed on my “pet” issues for a very long time, but it’s really only since graduating Furman that I’ve learned more about the complexity of politics and politicians.
Thanks for this, Brita. I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I guess I thought you were talking to me because my comment on the last post specifically said I assumed you would address this in the future. Also, I’m a little hesitant to talk about feminism on my blog and social media. And like I said, I have no idea why I felt so strongly that I needed to get this off my chest today.
Anyway, thanks again for writing these posts. You are far more brave than I.
“There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
I’m really glad you commented so we could clear up any misunderstanding. I greatly value our friendship. Even when we disagree, I respect your opinion, and I would never belittle your thoughts or intentionally hurt you.
<3