Diamonds and pearls and the b-word

Are we really debating whether Hillary Clinton is facing sexism on the campaign trail?

Published November 16, 2007 11:30PM (EST)

Hillary Clinton had quite a week. A sweet little white-haired lady, a John McCain supporter, called her a "bitch." (They don't make sweet little white-haired ladies like they used to!) CNN's Campbell Brown asked if Clinton is playing the "gender card," and wouldn't take no for an answer. Then the cable network decided to end Thursday night's debate with a young woman asking Clinton whether the front-runner for the job of commander in chief preferred "diamonds or pearls."

Today the Nevada college student who asked the question complained that CNN rejected four substantive questions she submitted and picked the lighthearted one she threw in. CNN tried to put the blame back on the young woman by underscoring that she did originally submit the question herself -- though before the debate, CNN had chosen her question about the Yucca Mountain nuclear-waste disposal controversy, then switched because the issue had come up already. Classy, CNN!

Is Clinton facing sexism on the campaign trail? Watch, and then tell me what you think.


By Joan Walsh



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2008 Elections