The “lipstick on a pig” phrase was bad, yes, but kind of schoolyard nasty. But this riff, which followed in Barack Obama’s little speech is far worse:
…you know Sarah Palin is an interesting story.” The crowd booed. “No, she’s new!” Obama said. “She hasn’t been on the scene, you know, she’s got five kids and my hat goes off to anybody who’s looking after five. I’ve got two and they tire Michelle and me out!
So now she isn’t even the mayor of Wasilla — she is just the mom of those five tiring kids. That is so condescending and, yes, sexist. John McCain had seven kids, and he doesn’t seem tired. Did anyone question his abilities to govern? Yes, having two is clearly a sign of better taste and breeding… five is just so low class…. But tiring? Does someone who is exhausted by two well-behaved young girls have the energy to be president? Perhaps Todd and Sarah are made of sterner stuff. Perhaps Todd helps with the kids, and Barack does not.
Perhaps Democratic women should not allow their candidate to get away with this insulting nonsense.