Reply #90: I do think in general there's a level of comfort in our society with

[JerseygirlCT]

using demeaning language toward women. So much so that we often don't even notice it. It's perfectly acceptable, and anyone who objects must be some sort of wild-eyed feminist. (The last word said with a sneer).

I'm just not convinced that - for the most part - Hillary Clinton is attacked because of her gender, or primarily because of her gender. I think she's just developed a fairly substantial number of people who dislike her, who dislike her husband as well. In the second case, I'd say it's a stronger version of "the company you keep" argument so many are making about Obama vis a vis Wright.

I do NOT think all the dislike has been "justified" over the years. And I've said so. But I DO think her behavior, and the behavior she's at the least allowed, if not encouraged, from her campaign has been a huge turn-off. I know I'm hugely disappointed, and often disgusted with it now.

Mosley-Braun was in no way as serious a candidate as Clinton was this go-round. Can't say the good and bad of that - we had some extraordinary people who dropped out early on and just never rose to "serious candidate" status. Likewise, Shirley Chisholm, who was pretty amazing, was just too far ahead of her time, I think. I absolutely believe we're ready for a woman president. I just so wish we had a better person carrying the banner this time.