You know..I'm not easily offended but this managed to do it. I like reading Slate...I have always thought you did a pretty good job giving insightful, fair commentary. But if you didn't see the inherent sexism in this video, then maybe I need to take this site off my favorites list.

I work in politics and I am a woman. Being compared to a crazy, homicidial fictional movie character who is an overblown caricature played up for comic effect everytime you use a declarative sentence gets kind of old.

Seriously...lose the video...it's in poor taste and not particularly well done. And really below the caliber of this site.

Lighten up! If you're so closed minded you cannot see the genuine comparison between these two personalities in their respective races, perhaps you should just stick to only reading the Hillary website for the duration of this campaign.

Acapan:

I work in politics and I am a woman. Being compared to a crazy, homicidial fictional movie character who is an overblown caricature played up for comic effect everytime you use a declarative sentence gets kind of old.

Have you actually seen the movie Election? She's not crazy or homicidal. She's an overachiever that has an election in the bag, until a charismatic newcomer threatens her plans. Sound familiar?

I think Bill Clinton would be a good Mr. Novotny.

Ahhh...so when Tracy Flick goes running through the halls ripping down opponent's posters...was that supposed to demonstrate how sane she was? I've seen the movie a million times and I actually enjoy it a lot...but don't try to make the argument that Flick is not supposed to be pretty crazy because that just doesn't hold water.

And if I recall correctly...her opponent was charismatic but also a complete dufus. Is that the comparison you are making to Obama? Bit simplistic don't you think? He has a little more depth than Chris Klein/Paul Metzler right?

I would actually be happy with either Obama or Clinton...my point was that this kind of simplistic analysis is unfair and very sexist. I wonder how people would have reacted if Slate had done a similar video comparing Obama and Eddie Murphy in a "Distingushed Gentleman"? My guess is probably not well.

And roithero...if you really think that this video represents a genuine comparison between these two incredibly complex and worthy candidates and campaigns...well I weep for America.

I have to say that I'm shocked at Slate. I'm a regular reader, and Podcast listener (yes I actually can't get enough slate that I download their podcasts for the metro) and this video looks like something I would find on FOX News not Slate.

Not sure why or how this would end up on a online news magazines web site but it is offensive to say the least.

Guess you all are pandering to the lowest common denominator to pick up readers. Should have taken the reality tv banner adds as a hint.

Needless to say my metro ride will have to be filled with something else now.

Genuine comparison? Seriously? There's nothing genuine about the video. It is an unfair depiction of strong, intelligent and experienced woman running for the most important job in the world as a nut job high school student running to be student council president. Frankly, as a regular reader of slate I'm offended that they would even post such a video on their website. It demeans their reputation and diminishes their credibility.

This video is pure genius.

Hillary shares Flick's sense of entitlement ... She seems furious, at times, over the upstart Obama.

I just don't get the sexist charge ... and I'm a feminist.

Are you kidding me? The only similarities are that they are both blonde and female. If that is not a sexist and inappropriate video I don't know what is. Sexism today is not as overt as it used to be and most people (like the creators of this video) have no idea they are being offensive. I am not a Hillary supporter, but I don't think these two personalities compare at all. I don't see Hillary ripping down Obama signs everywhere she goes! More importantly though, I don't see how this is video is appropriate for a respected online magazine. This looks like a really bad version of a Daily Show spoof, but I doubt the Daily Show stoop to this. I am really disappointed in Slate.

Hillary actually got off lightly in this video.

While Tracy Flick was pulling down her opponent's campaign posters, Hillary Clinton was pulling down the tone of political discourse, by allowing her surrogates to play the race card -- subtly of course, to cover their tracks, and hers.

I used to be a Clinton supporter. After these past few weeks, I'd vote for Tracy Flick over Hillary Clinton now.

I saw the clip a couple weeks ago on Chris Mathews show and it was met with loud, knowing, laughter by the whole panel of four.

I read in NY Times that right after word went out that Obama was exploring his candidacy, he approached Clinton - who hadn't even announced yet, and who he always had friendly, cordial relations with - and she turned her back in icy silence. Obama couldn't believe it. Can you think of any other candidate - aside from Tracy Flick - who would act this way?

In Sally Bedell Smith's recent book (which has gone undisputed) she's a cold calculating figure - when she isn't screaming profanities - immediately lowering the temperature by 20 degrees in every White House office she entered. Tracy Flick, actually looks better by comparison. At least she didn't get where she was solely because of who she was married to.

And, btw, on subject of double standards, if Obama - or any guy politician - had gotten all choked up on apparent verge of tears ("Its not easy") because he lost Iowa and looked liked he might lose NH, he would have been laughed out of public life, and folks would still be laughing at the guy 20 years latter.

Does anyone remember the end of the movie, where Broderick's character sees Tracy in Washington as a congressional aide? That's the part of Flick that Hillary most embodies. She's been running for President her entire life. Everything, from her switch to Democrat, to her marriage, to her fake crying - everything - has been building to this moment. I fear for her life if she doesn't get it, she's that obsessed with being the "First Woman American President".

Bludevl21:

It is an unfair depiction of strong, intelligent and experienced woman running for the most important job in the world

The Flick character could be a man and black and still resemble Hillary Clinton. Anytime Clinton gets lampooned because of her aggressive style and harsh personality, a chorus of offended women call sexism and foul. Who said anything about her sex? Clinton could get a sex change and I'd still find him/her unpalatable.

I hope HRC wins so I can travel to DC and throw a milkshake at her limousine.

Bludevl21:

It is an unfair depiction of strong, intelligent and experienced woman running for the most important job in the world as a nut job high school student running to be student council president.

So would you prefer, say, Susan Stanton instead of Tracy Flick?

Everyone offended by this needs to lighten up. If you're offended by this you're probably projecting your own insecurities onto the situation.

I actually noticed the similarities between HRC and Tracy Flick months ago.... they both are overachievers... almost feel as though they are destined to be leaders, and offended when someone dares question their supposed claim on the office or position in question.