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Unfortunately in American politics, women are held under a harsher standard than men. The old boys network is still alive and well in certain places in government. Whether they're married or not and have children, the spin doctors point fingers that she's being a bad mother if she's not the one directly rearing her children. I have yet to see male politicians taken to task about how much time they spend with their children. If she's too aggressive then she's a witch but if a man acts in the same manner then he's being strong.
I remember somewhat the story about when Chelsea Clinton was in grade school and was asked to give an emergency number contact. Apparently she said something along the lines of how it was better to get a hold of her dad as opposed to her mom because she's more busy than him. Clinton was governor at the time and I think the press had a field day with that one.
Although there have been improvements with backing women candidates and the creation of EMILY's list, there's still a long road ahead. I was just kid when Geraldine Ferraro was the running mate with Mondale. Instead of focusing on the issues, the media criticized her hair, makeup, and outfits. With Carol Mosley Braun there was such a hoopla over a relationship with some man his name escapes me. I have yet to see men in Congress to be held as accountable. Although with recent scandals that is starting to change.
Someone on GC posted a story about how a female political candidate in Washington state was being taken to task for her involvement in college organizations. No one did a background check on her opponent and the number of times he had probably worshipped at the porcelain God while he was in college.
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