Reply #55: Ok, I've been sitting here for 15 miuntes seriously considering this. Answer this question:

[Political Heretic]

I came into this thread saying to myself, "ok I'm going to really think this through... recognize my biases as a fair-minded by partial Obama supporter." I've been reading and read reading this statement and its not the first time I've seen it.

I just feel like in order to cry "sexism" you really have to squint and look sideways and then maybe, you could possibly make out something that if you really wanted it to, might look slightly that way.

My question is this:

Compare the two statements:

"I understand that Senator Edwards, periodically, um when he's feeling down, launches attacks as a way of trying to boost his appeal."

And

"I understand that Senator Clinton, periodically, um when she's feeling down, launches attacks as a way of trying to boost her appeal."

I would have made either of these statements. I can't for the life of me see the gender specific component to the statement. So, I have tried to think about this as much as I can, and I reject it. Now, contrast that with the statements of Ferraro. No intensive thought is required. There is no debate among serious people about the inappropriateness of her multiple comments. You don't have to "want" it in order to see it. It's unequivocal and right there. It stands out, in such stark contrast that it doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why a strong democratic supporter may decided to use his national platform to criticize a leading democratic candidate for refusing to nip that sort of overt racism in the bud.