Why are Female Executives Giving Palin's Thin Credentials a Pass?

I had an unusual seat for the Palin-Biden debate last week. Like Arianna Huffington, I was surrounded by female titans of industry, all of whom were gathered for a conference of Most Powerful Women organized by Fortune magazine. So my fellow watchers were leaders from Wall Street, insurance, design, Silicon Valley, aerospace--a truly impressive crowd. Only, Arianna and I had different listening experiences. Whereas she reported that the women around her were clapping and guffawing in a liberal-leaning kind of way, I must have chosen the conservative side of the room. My chunk of the audience was dead silent when Palin contorted sentences and cheered when she winked at the camera. Such was these women's sympathy for Palin that, when the governor strode onto the stage at the beginning of the debate, a woman sitting next to me, who had identified herself as a staunch Republican, leaned over to a friend and said, "I really feel for her."

Why was this woman "feeling for" Palin, I wondered? Was she identifying with Palin's underdog status, a place women in business know well? Or was she projecting back to a time when she herself might have had to best a man--a very experienced man at that--in public. These are scenarios any working woman is all too familiar with.

Or maybe she was feeling for the fact that Palin, after hitting her high note during the Republican Convention, was now having to rehabilitate her image after bumbling her way through a week's worth of interviews with Katie (Mad Dog!) Couric. Everyone's had a bad week at work like that.

Whatever her specific reason, this woman was saying: Been there, done that, and we're rootin' for ya Sarah! And I get what she means. Sexism still exists. It's alive and well even in women-centric industries like fashion, beauty, and publishing. In one way or another, we're all in the bunker with Sarah Palin. But here's my question: Is that enough to justify giving her thin resume a pass? For a job that puts her in line to become the leader of the free world? Plenty of us have experienced that moment when the job of your dreams seems to drop into your lap--but just too early in your career, when you know you're not really ready, not really qualified. When you just have to say, thanks but no thanks.

As a women's magazine journalist, and now Editor of More Magazine I've spent my entire career championing, celebrating, highlighting, supporting, and raising money for any and all women trying to shatter the glass ceiling. What surprises me, however, is how the passion for shards has gotten even smart women thinking with their hearts instead of their heads. First older women castigated younger women for being infidels if they didn't support Hillary Clinton. Now another group of women wants us to ignore Palin's flyweight credentials for a heavyweight job. My question is: Would any of these corporate success stories hire a similarly thin-resumed job candidate (male or female) to be their number two? To run their multi-billion dollar banking division? To launch their satellite into space? We've all interviewed the candidates who've been pushed too rapidly up the ladder, who can talk the talk but can't really walk the walk. They aren't yet equipped for success in the job that we have to fill. And if we're smart, we say to those underqualified up-and-comers, thanks, but no thanks. For now.

 

 

Comments

[missbelladog]

Thanks but no thanks...for now?

Let's see. Palin can't complete a thought or a sentence. When she doesn't know something she chops water rather than confess to her unpreparedness. Her cronyism, expense account reporting and abuse of power are all suspect. She poses as supermom but keeps are young children out of school to employ as props.

I don't give this candidate a high rating for potential--now or in the future.

[Franksa]

Because it is all about the bottom-line. When Palin is in the White House, (McCain won't last four years) she be just as lassi-faire as Bush & Cheney. She'll give them the keys to US Ttreasury too!

[mlorrey]

If Palin is so unqualified to be number 2, then Obama is more than unqualified to be number 1. Try replacing every use of the word "woman" or "women" with "african-american" in your article, and then ask yourself if the african american CEO community is giving Obama a pass....

[ByersL]

Good try, no cigar. You are ridiculously wrong on this.

[tuttlemsm]

The difference is that Obama is demonstrably brilliant and Palin is not. That's all the difference in the world. There's a reason we say someone "looks good on paper" regarding their resume. Resume is just a starting point. Beyond that are the intangibles, and Obama's intangibles vastly outclass Palin.

[scrutiny1]

Let's see the candidate for the presidency has been vetted. Has been on the scene now for 18 months. Has a Harvard Law Degree in Constitutional Law. Graduated Magna Cum Laude. Intelligent. Can speak in complete sentences. Has well formulated plans. Is up on domestic and foreign policy issues. Has a unifying vision for the country. Is black .

... vs. ...

I've only been at this for five weeks. No one knows anything about her. Speaks her own special language using circular logic and mangled syntax. Thinks she can see Russia from her backyard and is therefore a foreign policy expert. Will not answer policy questions ... because obviously doesn't know what they are, and therefore she can't. Can't run her own family, but wants a chance to possibly put the nation at risk. Took six years and five colleges to get a four year degree. Appeals to the base (read lowest) of the Republican Party, i.e., like attracts like. Is white.There is nothing about her that qualifies her to be VP of the U.S.

I guess the fact that she's white gives her an automatic pass in your mind.

[tuttlemsm]

"I guess the fact that she's white gives her an automatic pass in your mind."

That's exactly it. That's what, in right-wing world, entitles Sarah Palin to ask "Who is Barack Obama?" She has white privilege to ask the question, even though she's been on the scene five whopping weeks.

[LoyalJane]

We've only known about Palin for 5 weeks and no one is talking about her socialist ties in trying to get Alaska to be separated from the US. If Obama was trying to separate Illinois from the US he would have been blasted as a traitor. Palin is a pretty face that real female executives know why she got where she is. All that winking and crap and cutesy talk is an insult. She is a former beauty queen baby making machine tongue talking, moose shooting, seperatist that white America (and Im bi-racial) so I know both worlds, is drooling over because of fear of another race being in the white house.
Honey. Americans are not afraid anymore. The black boogey man and the muslim boogey man is not the real threat to the US it is the hate mongers like you that draw them in by hatefilled words and dishonarble deeds done by the US govt and approved by the good ole citizens of US of A. You fear filled people are more of a threat to the national security of this great land than Obama or biden could ever be and your surrogates are Mcsame and Pitiful.

[agirl714]

How ignorant are you?

Palin's been on the SCENE of politics for TWELVE years! 10 years as mayor (I'm not talking about a small town, here...small businesses are known for giving enough experience to managers to do well in large roles) and 2 years as governor - she knows how to RUN an area...started small, worked her way up.

Heck, BIDEN's been on the scene for 5 weeks if your ONLY considering the campaign.

Obama has been on the scene for 2 years as a senator. He's never had to run ANYTHING.

Who's more qualified? Palin as VP or Obama as President?

[Lilliput]

"Dangerous" and "evil." That's what's being said here in comments about Sarah Palin. It was also said many, many times about Hillary Clinton. Two more different women could hardly be found, yet they're both viewed as dangerous and evil.
The one thing Clinton and Palin have in common is that they're both women. Isn't it possible that they're both being judged by a different set of rules than male candidates are judged by?

[TeeLolly]

Perhaps you could say that relative to WHITE male candidates. I still think O is as much the target of racial bias as either HRC or Palin was or is the target of gender bias, even in light of the additional bias against HRC for not being traditional enough (wearing pantsuits instead of skirts, not being a hockey mom, "wasting her time" on higher education and a law career rather than beauty pageants). The bottom line is that there is still a bloc of voters who won't VOTE for O because he is Africn-American. You didn't hear nearly as many people asserting that they wouldn't vote for HRC because she is female. While females may be subject to harsher judgment than a white male, they don't appear to be rejected out of hand solely because of gender.

[formerprosecutor]

Ok, I thought about this all day amd made many analogies. And my conclusion is that some obviously accomplished women are supporttng Palin because she has LOWERED the bar for all women. If a woman with a BA in Journalism with no real acheivements; former mayor of a town of 6K resdients, then anything is possible for the rest of us. Lowered the Bar. That is all it is. Self centered "look at her, she is the VP and I have better credentials". Not one thought for country or consequences.

[yhgtup]

"Why Are Female Executives Giving Palin's Thin Credentials A Pass"?


I'm a woman. I'll answer that. Because she has boobies like them & they share the same kind of plumbing. That's all!!!

[brt929]

No so. They are giving her a pass for various reasons, some are angry with how they perceive the DNC treated Hillary Clinton, and some are giving her a pass because she is Republican.

I am a woman, and I would never vote for Palin. Her rabid right viewpoint is diametrically opposed to furthering women's causes.

[MM216]

And let's face it......sexism exists.
Men AND women....yes, women....are guilty of it.
The PUMAS are guilty of it. The women who support Palin just because she's a woman are guilty of it.

[pauleric]

I think a big issue is that many within the GOP like having the "leaders" in their party be something less than the smartest person in the room. The GOP's operatives essentially put forth a candidate in 2000 (George W. Bush) whom they could control and use as the front-man for their policies. Having Sarah Palin a heartbeat away from the most powerful office in the land would serve this same cabal equally well -- as they would continue to be the real powers behind the throne. This desire exists equally among both the women and men of the GOP's top echelon.

[tdbach]

Absolutely spot on.

[Mewcatone]

I think some women perceive her as being confident and that's why they like her. Personally I see her as being overly confident, just like GB. While she may be knowledgeable about her own state of Alaska, she is horribly uninformed about the rest of the country (and the rest of the world).

I've been lucky to work around some truly remarkable women in my lifetime and Sarah Palin doesn't hold a candle to any of them.

When I look at Ms. Palin I see a woman who still believes she's running for class president. I see a woman who wants to win the beauty pageant at any cost. What I don't see is a fully matured woman with a genuine sense of self and a loving spirit.

[diahni]

Why , indeed! Palin is a demagogue. Even her breathtaking stupidity pales in the light of this. One can't even get to the "credentials" part of who she is without finding her demagoguery disturbing. She has been quite amusing, though I would never say so if I thought she had a snowball's chance in hell of becoming the VP. Come to think of it, she IS a snowball from hell, eh?

[formerprosecutor]

"breathtaking stupidity "...brilliantly articulated!

[zenaby56]

I find McCain's choice for Vice President to be reckless at a time when this country grows ever more vulnerable! I have worked hard for most of my adult life for the rights of women. I am glad we have reached a time where women can run competitively for a major political office. We still have a long way to go. Electing a woman into an office because of her gender is stepping backwards.

I expect a lot from leadership. No, they don't have to have "executive experience" such as hold the office of governor. They do have to be able to prove they understand foreign policy, the complex relationships in the middle east, south asia, africa and europe. They need to have a demonstrated grasp of the economy and again, its complexities. Having a middle class experience or being Joe 6pack is not enough for me. I want to have someone who can inspire cooperation, participation, vision and guide this country into the direction it needs to be a strong and thriving country.

Ms. Palin is an opportunist. I am sadly appalled she chose to be on the Republican ticket. If she honestly considered her qualifications or had concern for the direction of this country, she would see her glaring limitations. Watching her attacks of Senator Obama, it is extremely clear to me that she is not someone who will bring this country together but will work expertly to divide. She does not represent me in any way.

[NewHampshire]

And Obama for president is not a reckless choice? I am smiling now.

[formerprosecutor]

stupid people smile a lot

[stayinsouth1981]

In my opinion, she is soooo narcissistic, she has noooooo idea. Not a clue that she is inappropriate. Doncha just hate it when women don't know they are being used?

[ibsteve2u]

I didn't want Hillary because I don't like her politics - I feel that she is in fact a neoliberal who works for Business while making patty-cake attempts at passing compassionate legislation.

But Palin?

All I can say, women, is as a man I would not want Andrew Dice Clay as the Vice President.

Competence at slinging cutting insults is neither a good character reference nor a sign of leadership capabilities.

[agirl714]

I find it very interesting that most of you are unwilling to let a slim resume pass for the 2nd position in your multi-billion dollar banking firm, but you're completely willing to let someone with a resume slim enough to rival Palin's into the number 1 position.

I'm not a Palin fan, but neither am I an Obama fan. If anyone in this election is at all qualified for this race, its McCain and Biden - Palin has only been Governor of a small town (at least she was elected) and Obama has hardly served one term as Senator...and was never elected for that position.

If you want to talk about qualifications and resumes, then be consistent - Obama is just as unqualified, if not more so. Why the "more so"? He's vying for the number one position of your banking firm - a job that makes the vast majority of major decisions in that corporation. The VP position is NOT that rigorous a position, in that it does not make a lot of the decisions in the organization of our political offices.

Palin wasn't chosen as VP for her rigorous knowledge of politics - she was chosen as a figurehead to spearhead McCain's campaign and give someone for women to rally behind. It was a very shrewd and political move - even though it is not the best. But since when did politicians choose best over shrewd and political? Isn't that why Hillary Clinton is no longer in the

[Clavis]

Obama has proven that he has good, intelligent, detailed answers for all the questions that face an incoming President. Palin has proven that she can badly rattle off talking points and read from a teleprompter while mugging for the camera.

The fact that you can even compare the two shows that you really don't have the brains to vote.

[agirl714]

including, but not limited to, "I agree with John."

[onlyinla18]

You said that "Obama has hardly served one term as a Senator...and was never elected for that position." ??? What position, Senator??? What is your definition of elected?

Is it running a campaign, appearing on the ballot, being voted in by the constituents in his district, that's how he did it. If this is not how he did it then how did he become a Senator representing Chicago? How did he assume his role in the Senate? I'm at a loss. Clue me in!!

[agirl714]

From what I know of his position as senator, he had no opposition on the ticket.

The seat was handed to him on a silver platter.

[sherpeace]

There is NO comparison between Obama and Palin. Obama (as well as Biden) was a professor of constitutional law. Sadly, under Bush, the constitution has been stepped on and ignored. Hopefully, under Obama, we will get back to the laws that make our country great.

Palin has nothing to offer this country abnd it is becoming more glaringly clear everyday. The Vp position DOES matter, especially given McCain's age and health. I for one do NOT want a figurehead! Or a Miss Alaska!

It is an insult to all women to think that an incompetant woman is as good as a competant man OR woman. The Repugs blew it on this one. And the polls are slowly showing that Americans are waking up from their slumber.

[kit1544]

After 8 years with a man who can hardly complete a full thought (fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice ?????), seems to have little understanding as to what he has done to this nation (just about broken military) (trying to destroy Posse Comitatas), I can hardly wait until Obama takes office. It will be so nice to have a person with intelligence, who can conprehend the world picture and put together the right and smart things to do for himself and his country.

Why do you want a woman who hates other women, 'pay for your own rape kit' Palin to be a heartbeat away from the presidency? Do you really think Putin or Chinese President Hu Jintao will be impressed by her 'winks?' Taking a city like Wasilla and running it into debt, using your clout as Governor to persecute your ex-brother-in-law, taking money from the federal government for a 'bridge to nowhere' and then not returning the money when you decide to not build the bridge are not what I think of as the experience or judgment I want in a president!

[agirl714]

Why do you want a woman who hates other women

Whoever said I wanted this woman as vp?

I think I made it quite plain that I am not in favor of her and think it was not a good choice by McCain. Lrn2Read?

What I AM saying is that Obama (going for the #1 slot) is not much better equipped for this. Heck, you talk about Bush who not only was educated by top schools, but also ran several terms of Governor of Texas and call him poorly qualified for president!

If he's so poorly qualified and Palin is so poorly qualified, what makes Obama so much more qualified?

Dear me, but the most QUALIFIED democratic candidate ended up with not enough votes - does that make the democratic party all that bright for tossing the best resume in the waistbin to put this greenie up for running the country?

[DeniseD]

Obama unqualified? Really?

What do you call his Harvard law degree or his experience as a Constitutional law professor at the University of Chicago? What about the fact that he was a civil rights attorney? He was also one of the most prolific senators in the state of Illinois writing hundreds of pieces of legislation (yes, he was elected and served 8 years in the Illinois state senate). His most significant achievements include ethics reform and health care for children. As a U.S. senator (elected in 2004), he has been successful at creating more transparency in Washington. Barack Obama and Senator Tom Coburn (R-OK) passed a law to create a Google-like search engine to allow regular people to approximately track federal grants, contracts, earmarks, and loans online.

People, please do your research before you spout your ignorance.

[JimBullis]

Perhaps Palin would be a viable candidate one day. The danger is that she knows how to be popular with voters, but is not really up to the job. Sometimes people step up to the job.

However, in the present case there is a real issue. In the NOW video which is one of few we can trust, see

http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/434/video-webex.html,

it appears that Sarah Palin believes that Alaska owns the natural resources in that state. Didn't the USA buy Alaska from Russia? Not to quibble about all of US history, I checked the US lands map, see

http://nationalatlas.gov/printable/images/pdf/fedlands/ak.pdf

and this seems to show that much of the land in Alaska is federal land of one sort or another. This is especially the case for the North Slope lands.

So in the NOW video where it is shown as a great and popular thing that Palin raised taxes on big oil, surely this is good politics, but does it really amount to leadership?

The word might better be opportunism. She saw corruption which was operating to limit taxes on oil and moved in like Robin Hood. She raised taxes on oil company profits, which effectively means she taxed a federal resources. So Alaskans get an even bigger check and continue to pay no income taxes.

NOW says she is wildly popular. So is Hugo Chavez.

[janereally]

The insiders - Meg Whitman, Carly Fiorina - would never have employed Palin within their corporations beyond a middle-level manager's job, if even that, with her resume. Fiorina spoke the truth. These soulless CEOs aren't really women, they're corporate bots.

[Mjlew]

Palin has the star quality that Paris Hilton has. I still don't understand the Pick, But I'm begining to think that McCain picked her because a LOT of women will back her based on gender alone. Women who were big Hillary supporters are now in Palins corner? WTF? Did they ever look at the policies and the stances on anything? Palin and Hillary are polar opposites politically.

It's an amazing and frightening thing to watch, considering the stakes are so high.

now is not the time to "make a statement" about sexism. Its time to do whats best for AMERICA.

[jojojo]

"now is not the time to "make a statement" about sexism. Its time to do whats best for AMERICA."

What do you mean" make a statement about sexism"? They are practicing sexism.

[DeniseD]

Actually Obama is leading in the polls with women. He is even leading in the polls among just white women. I would say that McCain's pick seems to have backfired on him.

[aofh]

I'd wager that McCain picked her because he is smitten with her. He doesn't impress me as a thinking man.