Super Tuesday

I would feel remiss if this blog didn't mention the fact that for the first time, a woman is running a serious presidential campaign in the United States. In one of the most exciting primary contests in recent history, both candidates are running on a platform of change and both have had to run a race that acknowledges the race/gender card without overplaying it. My female friends and acquaintances have pointedly not supported Hillary simply because she is a woman and almost no one I know (save Merle Haggard) has even spoken very much about what having a woman in charge might mean for the U.S.


Hillary's gender, however, does appear to be salient for older women, our mothers and grandmothers who remember what life was like when girl power was yet a gleam in Gwen Stefani's eye and before schools were pouring resources into improving boys' performances. Third wavers may not be making gender an issue in this race, but the very few young men who support Hillary's bid indicate to this feminist at least that it is affecting how people evaluate the candidates. Hillary's tears in New Hampshire melted an "ice queen." CNN has talked more about Hillary's laugh or hairdo than her detailed policy plans, and a major Clinton opponent started the 527 Citizens United Not Timid to funnel campaign funds into her opponents coffers. (Get the acronym? Can you imagine a similar one for any other candidate that would not provoke a major outcry? I can't. )

Is the elephant in the room race or gender in 2008? Or are both referenced enough for people to have it on their minds without meaningfully debated?