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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



Clinton: Sexism, the downfall?

Posted: Friday, June 13, 2008 9:24 AM by Domenico Montanaro

The New York Times pens the big talker of the day: did sexism play a role in Clinton's campaign demise? CNN's Candy Crowley set the terms of the debate as well as anyone in the piece: "Candy Crowley, covering the campaign for CNN, said that for the most part, she did not see a drumbeat of sexism in the daily reporting, “but I certainly did see it in the commentary.” Still, Ms. Crowley said, “it was hard to know if these attacks were being made because she was a woman or because she was this woman or because, for a long time, she was the front-runner.”

VIDEO: Gail Collins of The New York Times sits down with the "Morning Joe" team to discuss Hillary Clinton's failed presidential bid.

Another important quote: “Jeff Greenfield, a political correspondent for CBS News, said that charges of sexism often came through a political prism. ‘Throughout this campaign, people’s perception of the press has been in line with what they wanted to happen politically,’ Mr. Greenfield said. ‘If my person lost, the press did a bad job.’” 
 
Never say never: “Though Clinton folded her campaign last Saturday and endorsed Obama, a few Hillary activists still hope to somehow convince superdelegates to award her the nomination at the Aug. 25-28 convention in Denver. Others want a Clinton write-in campaign for the November ballot. Some plan to sit the election out. And then there are those now behind Republican John McCain. …
 
“Will Bower, an ardent Clinton supporter and co-founder of PUMA, which stands for "Party Unity My A--," recently helped launch Just Say No Deal, a coalition of 80 groups nationwide dedicated to defeating Obama. Bower, 36, of Washington, said he still harbors some hope Obama won't officially be crowned the nominee in Denver, but, meanwhile, he's urging voters to back McCain.”

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Mr. Bower, Nice way to unite the Democratic party.  Let go already.  
Was there some sexism in this primary election - maybe.
Was there some racism in this primary election - maybe.
Was there some agism in this primary election - maybe.
There are all even on this count - they all have received some unfair scrutiny, comments etc. due to all of these things. Enough already!
PUMA - you run the risk of being remembered as the Ralph Nader of 2008.

The common term for this sort of behavior is "spoiled."
Ponzi,

Bobbi has shown true colors by admitting to being a small business owner.  He/She is most likely someone in the upper brackets or wants to be.

Bobbi,

We here in Chicago are familiar with and know Senator Obama as a person who works with but is not part of the system.  He somehow managed to work with the Daley machine without becoming mired in it.  That is an accomplisment in itself because if he had become part of the machine he would pretty much have guaranteed to be comfortable and have high income for the rest of his life.  Instead he chose the more difficult route of state and national government.

As a skeptic that claims not to know anything about him, you might get answers from his Senate office here:
http://obama.senate.gov/contact/
or go to his campaign website here:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/contact/ to get answers.

I don't understand people like Will Bower.

Don't issues and policies matter one iota?

How can you do a complete 180 to a candidate with views that totally contradict those of your first candidate?

Time for psychotherapy, I'm afraid -- I just can't see any other explanation other than some sort of unresolved personal issues.
Bobbi,

Have you taken the time to find out anything (on your own) about Senator Obama or are you content to sit on the couch and let the nightly news do it for you? Unfortunately that method does not cut it anymore.  I'm curious - What specifically is it that you need to know?
Never, in the history of primaries, has a candidate been asked to leave a race.  Why now?  Why Hillary?  Sexism is rampant and most do not see it.  The media has made blatant sexist remarks, repeatedly.  The media has become part of the electoral process, not a reporter on it.  Hindsight is 20/20 - go back and take a look and tell me there is no sexism.
New Indi (Sent Friday, June 13, 2008 9:49 AM)

Our time include any and all that want to be part of the "our".  I guess you see a hidden agenda there don't you?

Try being part of something constructive for a change, we can all be complaining, bitter, and defeated but it takes a special person to sign on to be a contributor to a greater good overall.

Far to often we place our personal desires and wants before our collective needs.  I don't particularly like the NY Yankees but I would not cheer for a foriegn team to beat them just because they beat the Red Sox.
Join the movement, Just Say No To Obama;
http://blog.pumapac.org/
I was a Democrat. But, first and foremost, I am an American. I cannot vote for Barack Obama because I feel he is not the right candidate for our country. So, when people say "You aren't a real Democrat" because I cannot in good conscience vote for an inexperienced candidate, it intrigues me that they would rather be lemmings and follow what's put in front of them.

As far as sexism. You bet your bippy there was sexism in this campaign, Sweetie.

Not only were Matthews, Olbermann, Schuster and many others guilty of it, but so is the "beloved" presumed candidate.
I think it is a disgrace that this country refuses to admit its sexism.  If we were not a joke before , we sure are now.  So many other countries have outdone us in the regard, but then maybe Americans prefer to return to the dark ages.
As a Hillary supporter there is no way I will vote for Obama.  I am voting McCain all the way.
Go PUMAs


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