Letters to the Editor
-
@ AKA Smith
I am saying plainly that Obama supporters (most of them) do not want to discuss the role that sexism has playing in the treatment of Hillary Clinton (throughout her life), her campaign of 2008, or the ugly sexist attacks on her supporters, some of which I have directly experienced here at Salon.
Firstly, I should say that I believe my initial interpretation of your cliche comment was not inaccurate...and that my response of a "gender/race blinded" test does provide a reasonable response/rebuttal.
Saying that (some) Obama supporters' claim that they would support another woman candidate is cliche is, to me, quite different from saying that they do not want to discuss sexism - and its effect on Hillary - in this nominee contest!!
Well, at any rate let me address your given interpretation of what you were saying. I myself - an Obama supporter - certainly agree that sexism has played a role in this primary contest. I certainly can agree that sexism against Hillary has hurt her campaign.
But....BUT...
a.) The unspoken implication (not necessarily by you, but certainly by other Clinton supporters and perhaps Hilary herself) that sexism has by itself cost Hillary the nomination is utterly WRONG.
This is where the great divide is: Clinton supporters simply REFUSE TO BELIEVE/ACCEPT that we Obama supporters might actually have reasons not to support Clinton THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH HER GENDER.
Look, AKA Smith - I can and do accept that you have valid reasons to not support Obama that have absolutely no basis on racism.
To refuse to grant even an iota of comparable acceptance to an Obama supporter in terms of sexism is not only myopic, but also speaks to the distaste that many progressives feel towards Hillary's campaign and its supporters.
****************
b.) There seems to be wilful refusal on the part of Clinton supporters to ignore the role racism plays in negatively affecting Obama's campaign. Odious as it may be, listen to Rush Limbaugh on his show at any given time, and count the seconds between his mention of Obama and his subsequent Negro jokes, "Touched by a Negro" song parodies, etc. Better yet, listen to Michael Savage rant sometime, and admire the magnanimous restraint he employs to not 'pull a Coulter' (c.f. Edwards = "Faggot") and call Obama outright a towelhead ni**er.
**********
Strange as this may sound, I think Hillary Clinton may end up being the Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton of females in the realm of Presidential nominee races. Which is to say: one day in the future, a female candidate (the Obama of females) will enter the picture who is free from the baggage/gender/sexism mess that surrounds Hillary...and the Presidency will be hers for the taking.
From Jackson & Sharpton to Obama? An undeniable move forward. The next female Presidential candidate, I believe, will be the same with respect to Hillary