Not Just Any Woman

For months we have been bombarded with increasingly amusing analysis regarding the identity politics at play this presidential election. I say amusing because the headlines and articles have featured questions ranging from the inane -- "Is Barack Obama black enough?" -- to the overly simplistic -- "How will black women voters be able to decide who to vote for when faced with both a black and a female candidate?." In fact I have been holding my breath and waiting for the article titled, "Left Handed voters from the South who know black females, find themselves torn between loyalty to left handed candidate or staying true to their Southern Roots."

Yes I am being sarcastic but you get my point.

I was reminded of the complexities of analyzing identity politics when I came across the results of Lifetime Television's recent poll of female voters. One of the poll's most significant findings is that "Hillary Clinton was the only candidate who registered a significant net change in public opinion since January: 26% of women surveyed said they like her less now compared to just 15% who said they like her more." While a lot has been made of the historic nature (and novelty) of the diversity of the two leading Democratic candidates in this election, a lot has also been made of the expectation that their candidacy would translate into automatic support among the communities they represent. The thinking has gone something like this: Wouldn't every black American welcome the opportunity to vote for a highly educated, (and let's not forget as Sen. Biden reminded us "articulate") candidate like Barack Obama? And wouldn't every woman jump at the opportunity to help our country finally make history (long after countries like England and even Pakistan already have) by electing Hillary Clinton its first female president? Regardless of whether you support them or not, one thing that can be said for both candidates Clinton and Obama is that they are two incredibly smart, capable people. (Heck, let's admit it. They are likely smarter than most of us -- which is exactly how a president should be.)

But traditional identity politics are becoming, increasingly, a thing of the past. In the 1960s it made a whole lot of sense for someone like me to vote for someone else who looks like me, for absolutely no other reason than the fact that he or she did. Because at the very least I could be assured that they would believe that I should have the right to vote for them regardless of my skin color or gender. Today the stakes are not nearly as clear-cut. While debates about the morning after pill or affirmative action remain important, they are still less likely to evoke the emotions that debates over segregation and Roe v. Wade did. Furthermore, today it is much less likely that just because someone looks like you they are going to agree with your fundamental politics. An example? Two words: Clarence Thomas.

Which brings me back to another common mistake people make when attempting to make broad generalizations about identity politics, and the role that race and gender play in them.

While much has been written about the role that race and racial innuendo have played in Sen. Obama's candidacy, much more has been written about the role that sexism has allegedly played in Sen. Clinton's. From claims of overzealousness by male Obama supporters, to claims of bias in the media (as confirmed by the media authority known as Saturday Night Live) a number of Clinton supporters have argued, and she herself has inferred, that the barbs she has faced are rooted in the fact that she is a woman. What they all seem to have forgotten is that she is not just any woman.

While no one will ever claim that chants of "Iron my shirt" are anything but the sexist rants of a raving misogynist who should be deplored, denounced, (if not tarred and feathered) accordingly, this does not mean that the majority of anti-Hillary sentiment is steeped in sexism. The reality is that Hillary Clinton was viewed as polarizing by a number of men and women long before she ever ran for president. The reasons why vary. Yes some view her as cold and calculating. While others consider her untrustworthy -- a perception sniper-gate didn't exactly help eradicate. Maybe it all dates back to the infamous cookie comment. Frankly, as someone who grew up admiring her (and yes in the interest of full disclosure I interned for her first campaign) I never really got why so many people didn't like her. Part of me wonders if it's just because she's not as naturally charming and charismatic as her husband. But how many of us are?

Ultimately the reason why some people perceive Hillary Clinton as polarizing is much less important than the fact that they do. This means that having a serious and accurate discussion of the role that sexism has played in the perception voters have of her, and of her treatment in the media is virtually impossible. It would be like trying to have a serious discussion about race in America through the prism of how many White Americans voted for Al Sharpton when he ran for president, and how the media covered his candidacy. That would be ridiculous because everyone knows that there are plenty of people -- including black people -- who don't like Al Sharpton, will never like Al Sharpton, will never vote for Al Sharpton and it's not because he's black. It's because he comes with a certain amount of history and a certain amount of baggage. And while we all have baggage, there's a difference between those who have carry-on luggage and those carrying an entire suitcase or two.

Sharpton is packing a couple of steamer trunks. So is Hillary.

Like it or not she's not just any woman.

Comments

[legalclubs]

I always believed (and still do believe) that the first female president will have to come from the Republican party. All the built in biases appear to require it. First, it is generally perceived that Rupublicans are stronger on the military then the Democrats, while at the same time that men are tougher then women on this same issue. As such, a women Rupublican versus a male Democrat, especially a women Rupublican who takes some seemingly strong pro-military position effectively diminshes the male Democrat by making him look "weaker than a girl". Additionally, there are some women out there of either party who will simply vote for "the women" regardless of party, you see this blind allegence by many Hillary supporters on the Democratic side now. Yeah, this is all based on things that shouldn't exist, but they do, which is why you should expect the first female president to have a R after their name.

[mengwise36]

What you are suggesting is that the "weakness" of a woman will be compensated by the "toughness" of the Republican party. However, as long as the Republican party is supported by the Christian Right, it will never happen. The Christians, right or wrong, do not believe that women should be the ones wearing pants.

[newshawk14]

I originally felt Hillary had been unfairly tarred by the republican machine, but I'm now inclined to
quote Daffy Duck "You're Despicable". I wish she would fade into the woodwork.

[AdultFilmLegend]

I would vote for a woman for president...no problem. Just not Hillary. Keli Goff is cute. She should run.

[betch]

Chris Rock said this really well. Something like, I would love to see a woman President . . . but does it have to be *that* woman?

[bar1ed]

do you think Mr. Rock used "that" as an excuse to support a black man for president? how can a person truly judge another person from so far away? how well does Mr. Rock know either candidate? rambles of a comedian! ! and we'll use it to judge someone.

[MouthFountain]

I view her as polarizing, but liked her as an example of a strong woman. Unfortunately she chose to acquiesce to Bush and support the war, in spite of the evidence against its rationale.

I strictly travel with carry-on, even for weeks in Europe! This has nothing to do with my politics.

[rationalthought1]

Strong is not the same thing as toxic. Clinton and her campaign have been so repugnant (injecting all the wedge issues and Rovian tricks) that I sometimes feel physically ill when I hear her speak. I'm someone who had always defended her and voted for her husband twice. Now Barbara Boxer is strong.

[cylindar]

I was for Hillary when the campaign started but as it progressed I did not get a good feeling from her. I began to feel that she was dishonest in what she was saying. She has changed her positions on a variety of issues that are important to me. The problem is that she was not there from the beginning. Only when she saw that it would make some votes did she decide to change those positions. This is not good news. Yes, there are women haters and people who definitely hate blacks out there. Too many to count. But, I do think this noimation is beyond those issues in many many ways.

[mengwise36]

When you say that this nomination is beyond race and gender, did you even bother to find out that 80-90% of black voters voted for Obama?

[stepintothelight]

Because 80 to 90 % are smart enough to see the Clintons for who they are.

[lifterus]

I have nothing constructive to say, other than this article was awesome! Please keep it up!

[LeonBNJ]

I am quite sure many Democrat and American women would love to finaly be able to vote for a woman as President - but Hillary Clinton isn't that woman. People will support a female canidate that stands on her own, doesn't need to ride the coattails of her husband and where they or their husband doesn't have significant character issues. Hillary fails on all of those counts.

[MouthFountain]

She could have been that woman, simply by apologizing for her war vote, and not running a negative campaign.

I do not understand the intellectual masturbation that accompanies the defeat of somebody who has created a losing strategy. We did not forget her vote, and she banked on the fact that we would.

Get some humility.

[mengwise36]

Why should she apologize for her war vote? What will that accomplish? Did Edward, who did apologize, change anything? She is actively asking for the DoD to think about exit strategy. To me, that is more important than an apology.

As for negative campaign, you just proved that Obama's negative campaign has worked beautifully. People, at least the Obama supporters, are all focusing on that vote and bought Obama's "questionable judgment" crap. Has anyone asked why did Obama, if he was truly anti-war, deliver his speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004 for John Kerry who voted FOR the war? How come nobody questioned John Kerry's "judgment" when he endorsed Obama? How come nobody say a word about Kennedy and Kerry jumping on the Obama ship when their state voted FOR Hillary but everyone is just outraged if a super delegate from a state in which Obama won even hints that he/she will vote for Hillary? Can you say "hypocrite"?

[NicoleAnonymous]

I think you're missing the point. The problem isn't that some people have a problem with Clinton, it's HOW they express those problems that is the issue. It's the WAY she is insulted, it's WHAT she is insulting for and it's HOW people talk about it. If Al Sharpton ran for president then I'm sure people would be angry about it - there are many reasons he shouldn't be president. But if people made racist insults against him, if they implied he should stick to working on a plantation, if they insulted his skin color or used derogatory stereotypes about black people when they're insulting him, then it's mean they're focusing on his race, not on him.

When people say Clinton is "crazy" or has a "split personality" or is "shrill" or is "too emotional because she might cry" or "wears the wrong colors" or "just needs to take a vacation - women shouldn't work too hard!" then that is more about her gender and NOT her abilities to do the job.

Also have you noticed that some men feel compelled to mention your appearance here? Why do they need to mention that? It takes away from your writing, and you're an excellent writer - I'm jealous, and instead puts the emphasis on your appearance.

It's a man's world - keep you mouth shut, be quiet, don't complain, don't be ambitious, do what we tell you, don't fight back, stay demure, and NEVER EVER do a man's job. We all

[Nommo]

Al Sharpton has run for president.

[NicoleAnonymous]

Now that would be scary. I might be completely wrong about this but didn't he once encourage a black woman to lie and say some white police officers had attacked her?

Anyway time for me to go. I'm starting to turn into some raging, bitter activist...

[divaatty]

This is an example of why people as turned against Hillary. It is not sexist to state that this reaction is a "crazy" attempt to avoid answering a very valid and relevant question regarding potential conflict of interest. You need look no further.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGeQ6dxGMFA


What would you call this behavior? Acceptable?

[RuleofLawNow]

Thanks for calling it like it is....identity politics making its dying gasps. The reality is that the women's movement and the civil rights movement failed to gel around larger common issues to the detriment of all. Clinton's die hard female support is still "bitter" about that fact. The frank reality is that the real progressive voice represents all of us who want to see a better place where everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. We may just yet arrive there.

[pedrothemigrant]

you're hot

[onedivasinger]

Keli...balderdash! I am a woman.I was a Clinton supporter. Worked for both Clinton's campaigns, both times. I defended them, and believed in them. This has been very hard for me, but I have made a complete turnaround. I am proud of it. I have seen things from these two and her campaign that I never thought that I would see. Win at all costs. Slash and burn. Take no prisoners. Turning on another Democrat in worse ways than republicans would do to each other and to a Democrat. I am out. Done. Finished. That ain't sexism honey. That's reality. An awakening. The truth. And you know what Keli? I didn't have to give up my va-ja-ja to make that choice. Obama baby. Because I am a strong enough woman to know that I have a choice, and the right to make it!

[pchdriver]

Always enjoy you on Reliable Sources, Keli.

I find a candidate's skin tone and/or gender utterly irrelevant. I just vote for the person I think will do the best job. And I voted for Obama in the California primary because I thought he was a better choice than Clinton. That simple.

I will say, though, that I look forward to achieving diversity in the White House so we can finally get over all this silliness and start talking about something -- anything -- that actually matters.

-- Christian Gulliksen

[larry278]

True, pchdriver. The thing that maters is the brains, intelligence & how the candidate uses these gifts. Skin color & gender don't count for jack....in 2008. Thanks for your comment CG.
l lynch

[mariemburns]

As an older woman who fits perfectly into Clinton's demographic, I can tell you why I will not vote for her. She looks down on me. From the cookies & milk to the 'things she's going to do for all us little folks' to her demeaning Iowa Christmas ad where she was passing out goodies to us little people to her thinking she doesn't have to follow the rules we do to her changing her accent to whatever part of the country she's in to the 'let every vote count as long as it's for me,' I resent her talking down to me & to other Americans, even if she actually does come from a loftier place than some of us. I don't think either Barack on John McCain wants to sip white wine with me, but I think if they had to, they'd be gentlemen about it. Hillary, on the other hand, would look annoyed unless there was something I could do for her, in which case, she'd look enchanted by my every word. All politicians are opportunists, but the good ones hide it way better than Hillary does. When Barack says people are bitter, he's tapping into the resentment we feel at being ignored and/or pandered to by somebody we suspect (& now we know) says 'screw 'em' the minute we're out of earshot.

[AJTheReverb]

2 things I dont understand. And I am sure these questions have been raised before. Why do some in the Clinton camp call sexism on people who choose Obama. But would be aghast if you suggested they Chose Hillary because of Obama's skin color?

2nd thing, has anyone else noticed the sexism against Michelle Obama that comes from some in the Clinton camp? I.E. "that woman should keep her mouth shut."

I wish we as democrats could take a minute look at what we are doing, and realize that the Repugs are laughing at us because we baught into their BS yet again.

Can we PLEASE STOP LETTING REPUBLICANS DEFINE THE AGENDA!

[pedrothemigrant]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[MouthFountain]

I like Michelle in the same vain that I once liked Hillary. A strong, opinionated, intelligent woman...

How people have tried to frame her thoughts is disturbing.

[mengwise36]

Oh, trust me, the Democrats don't need the Republicans for BS. There are plenty of BS in your own comment:

1. sexism and racism are two completely different things. If you don't understand, then look them up. If I call you a sexist, will your come back be "prove to me you are not a racist"?

2. who in the Clinton camp said "that woman should keep her mouth shut" about Michelle Obama. Is Michelle Obama MORE articulate than her husband? Is she more insightful than Obama? If not, I can only conclude that whatever she was saying is hurting Obama, instead of helping. Then why would anyone in Clinton camp say that?

3. the Republicans will define the agenda because their base care MORE about anti-gay and anti-abortion than the Democrats care about war and economics. It is called religious zeal.