Clinton Backer Backlash

Supporters of Senator Clinton raise sexism as the main reason that S. Clinton may not be the Democratic Nominee.

[W]e're being told to sit down, shut up, and get with the program.

A reader noted in a comment to this article that its appears that majority of persons telling women to "sit down, shut up, and get with the program" are women supporters of Senator Clinton (example: Emily's List to NARAL). I am ready to support either candidate (S. Obama or S. Clinton), although I have a clear preference. I would never coerce another person to vote for my candidate of choice (or stand to be coerced). Moreover, I would not be upset if people did not vote in my direction of choice (regardless of his or her motivation). People have to recognize the real challenges that we face.

To argue sexism when many other factors as to why S. Clinton probably will not be the democratic nominee exist deeply offends me. Likewise, I would not be arguing racism had S. Obama not received the large support he is receiving. It is true that there are people that will not vote for either candidate because of gender or skin color. But at this rate, John Edwards could have argued that this nomination process had been so caught up with gender and race that he was unjustly dismissed as the media and others salivated over the first woman president or the first black president. Can we put sexism and racism aside for this nomination process and the election -- as both these candidates are fortunate to overcome many obstacles -- and direct our attention to combatting sexism and racism that sting and affect people that cannot speak for themselves?

The media has certainly affected the nominating process, but I think both candidates have suffered by improper media coverage. People see through their own lenses -- whether they are susceptible to media's bias or reject it. Many people note that S. Clinton may have benefited from the negative coverage because women are a majority base of the democratic party and seeing her unfair treatment in the media helped bring out more women supporters. I think what is most unfair is the speculation as to what has been going on -- created by the media. Everyone should vote, including delegates voicing where they will be placing their support, and let the numbers be the deciding factor (whoever has the requisite delegates). And no arguing after a person has been nominated. In the end, voters made up their minds -- regardless of the influence, it is fair game.