Pirate's Cove

OK, OK, writer Nia-Malikia Henderson is pushing that she should stress gender, but, really, what she means is that Hillary should call any attack on herself to be sexist

Hillary Clinton notably downplayed the historic part of her 2008 presidential run until the very end, stressing instead her record in the Senate and as first lady. Well, as she considers if and how to run for president in 2016,  she might want to take a look at a new Gallup poll.

In short, the biggest selling point for a Clinton candidacy isn’t her foreign policy chops, or having Bill Clinton back in the White House — it’s by far her gender. No other reason even comes close — foreign policy only nets 9 percent.

Let’s take a look at that poll

Two points: if the best part or most positive thing anyone can say about a Hillary presidency is that she’s a woman, rather than any substantive policies, well, it doesn’t say much about her qualifications. But, then, consider that all anyone could say about Obama was “he’s half-black! It’s historic! Sure, he has zero experience in anything other than community agitation, and his campaign is based on nothing more than hope and change, but he’s half-black!” How’s that working out for America?

Second, Nia-Malika has misread the poll, because the best or most positive thing that ranks the highest is “nothing”. Being the first female president might be super fantastic if the position was ceremonial, however, there is a lot of power in that position. This is not like voting for Homecoming Queen. The position has a huge affect on not just American citizens, but people and countries around the world.

The super PACs, like Ready For Hillary, know this very well. And even though they still don’t have a candidate, they are busy crafting a storyline for Clinton that would emphasize her background. At a recent event, the group featured a video montage of Clinton photos backed by Katy Perry’s “Roar.”  Lyrics:  “I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire / ‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar. Louder, louder than a lion / ‘Cause I am a champion, and you’re gonna hear me roar!”  (Sure sounds like the modern-day remix or at least a play on Helen Reddy’s 1971  feminist call-to-arms “I Am Woman,” and a certain generation is sure to hear it that way.)

What can Hillary offer? Her time as a Senator included such important legislation as, um, ah, well, nothing. Her time as Secretary of State was, at best, a big nothingburger. It’s not sexist to mention this, but this is what Leftist Hillary supporters are positioning. If any attack on her policies is proclaimed to be sexist, the narrative can shift. This is what they’ve tried with Obama, that any attack on his policies is racist.

Only 3% find her capable/competent/qualified. Attack that, and you’re a sexist.

Crossed at Right Wing News.