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I am a 29 year old woman and will be voting for Hillary Clinton in the upcoming primary, much to the dismay of my friends and boyfriend, all Obama fans. Much of my support for Hillary is because I feel it is my duty as a woman to support the first viable female presidential candidate the U.S. has ever had and might have in a long time. But, I also feel she is the better candidate and brings much more experience and knowledge to the table than Obama.

I have been appalled at the blatent sexism I have seen in the media and among friends and co-workers, male and female alike. I have heard comments about her appearance, body, and even sexuality that have absolutely nothing to do with her ablility to be president, and I feel equivalent comments about Obama's race would never be accepted.

I never thought of myself as a strong feminist, but seeing the way Clinton has been treated has made me more aware of the pervasive gender discrimination that is not far beneath the surface in my own life. I have also been disappointed in the reactions of my female friends, some of whom have judged her even more harshly because she is a woman, such as refusing to support her because she never left Bill or saying that she is not "feminine enough".

I truly believe Hillary Clinton would make an excellent president if given the chance. But, I also worry that if she were elected, her actions would be scrutinized and judged far harsher than those of a man. It saddens me to think that an intelligent, powerful woman is still such a threat to "the establishment" that they will do anything to bring her down.

posted 5 years, 1 month ago
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