Last week’s episode of The Weeds spends some time on why HRC’s nomination isn’t being celebrated more, or as much as Obama’s. Fatigue of knowing HRC? The fact that it didn’t surprise anyone? That Obama came out of nowhere after almost not getting into the Senate? Sexism?
Ezra Klein referenced some articles recently that ask whether HRC is is being unfairly measured against either: 1) standards that aren’t applied to men; and 2) standards that are applied to men, but men are generally given a pass on, being that they’re men and all.
It’s hard to argue against the first point because duh. But I was intrigued by the second. In the conversation it included charisma, charm, working a room, strength, and of course likability. Which led me to wonder, how many other candidate in our lifetimes have been dinged for these?
Not saying HRC doesn’t face sexism of many types (and she gives a great interview with the hosts of Another Round talking about the ways she has dealt with it over the years). Not saying there isn’t a pro-male attribute to what people look for in Presidents. Not sure what I’m saying, aside from that comment feels too blunt.
In at The End of The World 
It is easy to forget how incredibly difficult a job it is to run for office, especially at the national level. For fun, invite some friends over to your house. Have them crowd around you, shine bright lights in your face and a bunch of cameras and then have them start asking you questions. And see how much warmth and humanity you project. Or sit in a room for a full day with lights and cameras and pretend to conduct two dozen six-minute interviews with local television stations. And see how sincere you start to sound.
I always thought that the Bush Wimp Factor thing was pretty unfair.
Here’s an entertaining nine minute documentary about the Dukakis tank ride.
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