I've been lurking and posting on many message boards, and as a woman, I'm disturbed that many women would vote for McCain to prove some misguided point.

After watching this clip from the Women's Media Center (<link>) I too am very upset. But I don't see how blaming this on the DNC or Obama - and his supporters - is dealing with it AT THE SOURCE. Those of you who are upset - have you written to MSNBC? Fox? (Well, Fox is a given.) Producers for Hardball? The corporate sponsors of these shows? Have you made it known that this stuff is NOT okay?

Or are you just planning to vote for McCain and not say anything? McCain had a blog from David Sullivan on his campaign web site for months before it was pulled down today - it referred to Hillary as "The Bitch." McCain did nothing but laugh when an audience member said "How do we beat the bitch?" on the campaign trail. McCain did nothing. This stuff is okay with you? I don't get it. Restricted reproductive rights is okay with you? I don't get it. This is a guy who cheated on his first wife after she waited years for him and called the second one a "c*nt" in front of reporters. You still prefer him to Obama? Maybe you need to evaluate, then, how pissed you really are about sexism.

Please, we need to make a concentrated effort to send the message to media hosts and producers that these attitudes are not acceptable, and that we are not supporting their corporate sponsors. "Showing Howard Dean" is not the answer.

Excellent point, that I've tried to make in other threads as well.

If you believe that someone did or said something sexist, call him or her on it!

Seek a remedy or a censure.

Call attention to the incident.

Do something to address the problem.

Voting for McCain because of perceived sexism against Hillary does not address the perceived sexism against Hillary in the slightest.

THANK YOU.

Really, this is the issue. If women (and men) are upset by sexist comments in the media about Clinton (and they should be), they need to let the media know. Write to the producers of the shows that are giving these kinds of comments a platform and express your displeasure. CC their corporate sponsors. Yes, there were totally inappropriate and inexcusable comments made, but they were not made by Obama, they were made by reporters and commentators and talk-show hosts, and those are the people to whom you need to direct your anger. If you are upset by a comment made about Clinton by an elected official or candidate for office, write to that official or candidate and let them know they won't be getting your vote or your money. Target the source of the comments if you want to see real change. Voting for McCain will do absolutely nothing to advance the cause of women's rights and equality in politics.

While you're at it, find out what women are running for your local or state officers and support them. Channel your anger to help create a larger pool of women with political experience who can run for national office. See what you can do to help get other women elected to the Senate and the House. The more women hold political office, the less acceptable sexist comments about politicians will be.

"Do you know why Chelsea Clinton is so ugly? Because Janet Reno is her father." -- John McCain