Gloria Steinem says Gov. Palin is the wrong woman for the job

Every now and then a story appears that we know will generate a lot of comments. Little did we think that it would be today in the wake of Gov. Sarah Palin's big speech in Minnesota. Actually, yes, we did think that there would be a huge variety of opinions. But who would have thought that Gloria Steinem would be so against the first woman (possibly) in the executive branch?

From Ms. Steinem's piece in today's opinion section:

Selecting Sarah Palin, who was touted all summer by Rush Limbaugh, is no way to attract most women, including die-hard Clinton supporters. Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Clinton. Her down-home, divisive and deceptive speech did nothing to cosmeticize a Republican convention that has more than twice as many male delegates as female, a presidential candidate who is owned and operated by the right wing and a platform that opposes pretty much everything Clinton's candidacy stood for -- and that Barack Obama's still does. To vote in protest for McCain/Palin would be like saying, "Somebody stole my shoes, so I'll amputate my legs."

This is not to beat up on Palin. I defend her right to be wrong, even on issues that matter most to me. I regret that people say she can't do the job because she has children in need of care, especially if they wouldn't say the same about a father. I get no pleasure from imagining her in the spotlight on national and foreign policy issues about which she has zero background, with one month to learn to compete with Sen. Joe Biden's 37 years' experience.

Feel free to read the whole piece, and if you'd like to chime in with your opinion, use the comments below.

Earlier comments were posted on this message board. While the message board is now closed, we encourage you to read the comments and weigh in here at good old Comments Blog. Thanks!

-- Tony Pierce

Photos: Associated Press

Comments

[Dan]

Steinem thinks her opinions represent most women. Why does this assumption pervert everything we read or hear about women? It is simply not true. It has been proven in numerous polls but since it is not what the media wants to present, it is covered up by the mantra of lies.

[Glenn]

Funny how these libs always want change until its their 40-year Washington insider against one of our outsiders. They're all about change, only when it's convenient and involves a guy by the name of Marx.

[BN]

America's body-politic: 1/3 are right wing and anti-progressive in their ideas (irrespective of race and gender or party), 1/3 are politically oblivious, easy to ignore or to manipulate, and less than 1/3 enjoy some understanding of our politics, history, track record, global role and the massive stakes. Less than half of that enjoy the degree of understanding that would make America great. Look at the NYT map of red and blue states if you disagree. In this ratio, half are women. Whether they see themselves as Clintonites, Palinites, Steinemites, right or left, the ratio applies to them as much as to the men. Republicans are only exploiting the cheap identity politics Americans have learned in which you support a woman, a black, a Jew, a Texan simply because of shared race and gender or geography, not because of genuinely shared values/visions. Palin can masquerade as a "feminist" because Americans still don't know or care for that term. Palin is a product of our failure as a nation (and feminists) to really get beyond identity politics and actually stand for something meaningful to our fraught future. How I wish we deserved Obama instead.

[Kate]

What a bunch of dribble....

[RogerCfromSD]

Steinem's relevance, if she ever had any, is long past over. She has just undercut anything she ever stood for.

With this anti-Palin opinion piece, she reveals her supreme hypocrisy: only LIBERAL women who are accomplished mothers are to be celebrated.

Steinem denigrates all others. ESPECIALLY, Conservative women.

Who's the real sexist, now?

[pacificaharry]

So let me get this straight, in order to further the cause of "women", you have to think a certain way? Is that really furthering the cause of females across the board? What about women who think like Palin, and not SteinHAM? They don't count? Also, like most libs, SteinHAM confuses personal policy and governmental policy. The question is, do you want govt to make policies based on ones personal beliefs or based on whats good for the nation as a whole? I am pro choice, but that doesn't make me automatically believe the govt should be in the business of financing abortions. I support stem cell research, but that doesn't mean I think the $2 Billion Calif stem cell boondoggle was a good idea. You see, people on the left, feel the govt there is to advocate and legislate their position, which is why they see someone like Palin who differs from them and they think - OMG, we cant let this women in the White House. Yet, why does she have an 80% approval rate in her own state? Are they just a bunch of bible thumping morons (of coarse leftiests would say yes)? SteinHAM and her liberal feminists are a one trick pony, instead of praising a woman (who they may disagree with on some policies) who didn't use her husband or aristocratic family to make it to the top, they put her down because she has differing ideas? Wouldn't it be wiser and healthier for feamles to have a diversity (favorite word for liberals when it comes to quotas they agree with) of opinion, rather then a monolithic one like the world inhabited by SteinHAM?

[Mrla]

I am not sure why Gloria chooses to dislike a woman just because of her party affiliation, especially after the way the democrats treated Hillary. Gloria, it's not the sixties anymore, to vent against the system only limits your choices and options. Step back from your knee jerk reactions and take a fair look at this woman and what she has accomplished once more, she is a most impressive candidate.

[Elian Libby]

It is remarkable that Gloria would compare completely non-related issues in the same sentence as if they were directly linked. Kinda schizophrenic if you ask me.

“[Sarah} believes that creationism should be taught in public schools but disbelieves global warming . . .”

First, the “THEORY” of evolution is being questioned in greater numbers every day because of the lack of evidence. NO transitional forms in the fossil records and NO observation in nature or controlled environments . . . none! Have you ever really listened to the debates between Creationists and Evolutionists? I hear Creation Scientists using scientific facts to demonstrate that the current model of evolution simply does not work. I haven’t really heard Creationists stuffing Jesus down anyone’s throats, rather I hear researchers debating the theory.

AND, to compare this to global warming . . . why would you make this comparison? There are many “well-informed” intellectuals like NASA’s Michael Griffin and the Weather Channel’s John Coleman who both believe that man-made global warming is not true. But I don’t believe you would even consider this for a minute.

“ . . . she opposes gun control but supports government control of women's wombs;”

This is softball and the absurdity of this statement almost makes me feel bad commenting on it. You feel that it’s really about “governmental control of a woman’s womb” and not about the heaping pile of murdered baby corpses that lie in the trash. Hmmm. But we’ll use words like “terminating”, “ending”, “fetus” and other distracters from calling it what is really is. Turn the clock backwards from the moment of delivery and ask . . . “when is the appropriate time to kill a child? 5 seconds before deliver? 30 seconds . . . 10 minutes . . . 10 days?” The “Unborn Victims of Violence Act of 2004” protects a “child in utero” from injury or murder. So why do we turn a blind eye just because the mother and a PhD are the willing participants?

“ . . . she opposes stem cell research but approves "abstinence-only" programs . . .”

Stem cell research using existing cells without the creation and/or destruction of embryonic stem cells may be acceptable. However, coupling the “abstinence-only” comment with the previous comment would have been much more appropriate. If the SADD (Student’s Against Drunk Driving) initiative can help students from drinking & driving, can you imagine the results of a nation-wide initiative on abstaining from pre-marital sexual activity? Would it not cut down on the number of unwanted children? The majority of us had NO encouragement from adults in this area so it’s about time we embraced this topic. I can only dream about how erotic & intense my wedding night would have been if I saved myself for my bride. Think about it.

Gloria has had a proven record of being an intellectual. I believe given the right moment, she could use common sense to see reality.

[N. Hiltner]

My opinion of Steinem is that she is afraid of Palin. She would totally support Palin if she were a liberal Democrat, but is a hypocrite. She and her ilk are not for all women, they are only for the liberal twits out there like Hillary Clinton.

[Terio818]

Gloria Steinem complains that Sarah Palin, "opposes everything most other women want and need".
As a 46 year old woman myself, I can pretty much vouch for the fact the Ms. Steinem has no idea what I want or need and in fact I agree very little with this old school feminist.
Isn't it a little sexist to say Palin got the job because she kissed up to the boss? Maybe she actually has ideas that are different than Ms. Steinems but that doesn't mean she isn't smart and qualified. Heck at least she didn't get there by marrying well, like Mrs. Clinton.
To Gloria I proudly say I need my man, maybe fish might need bicycles and I'm voting McCain/Palin!

[GEAH]

New hotness: Gov. Palin
Old and busted: Ms. Steinem

Pass the torch, Gloria. Your time is up.

[Mr. Anchor]

And this from a woman who, when she was in her '60's, finally wed wistfully wondering about it as I recall, why she had waited so long.

[Melissa]

Gloria Steinem is sadly out of touch with reality and the majority of American women. She is an old hasbeen who has become just another talking head for Obama and the far left. She does a good job of spouting the leftist propaganda but doesn't have the journalistic integrity to really talk about Sarah Palin's true views and record. It facinates me as a 34 year old woman (who could care less what Gloria has to say) that NOW does nothing to help Iraqi women fight oppression. Yet, they tout that they are so intouch with women's rights. They are not intouch with my views and as far as I'm concerned they have screwed things up for women my age. For all the supposed inroads they claim to have made, they have done a lot of harm that they have never answered for. Go into retirement Gloria and let my generation do it right this time!

[Sara]

Gloria Steinem gets one thing right with this article: Hillary and Sarah don't have much in common.

Sarah Palin has values, morals, and character to stand on. She is able to identify with the typical American mother and wife, and is willing to stand up for them.

Hillary Clinton was running on her husband's name and her female genitalia.

I'll take Sarah, thanks.

[tanstaafl]

Sarah Palin is the real deal and, as such, stands in sharp contrast to the NOW gals and even to Phyllis Schlafly types.

Your litany of Sarah indictments is hyperbolic. The claim about creationism is outright false. Once elected governor, Palin absolutely supported the state guidelines relative to not "teaching creationism" in the classroom.

Palin wasn't chosen for her "value to patriarchs". She was chosen for her record of achievement and for her close match to the values and goals of McCain. She was chosen for her knowledge of energy and her willingness to promote a new area for drilling in Alaska that is smaller than the acreage of LAX.

"Selecting Sarah Palin, who was touted all summer by Rush Limbaugh..."

It was Bill Kristol who mainly promoted Sarah Palin during the summer.

[Sally Simon]

Gloria is one bitter woman, who can not stand anyone who doesn't agree 100% with her politics. What a joke!

SS

[bruce]

Well said. Palin is nothing but an embarrassment to the plight of women's rights and issues.

[len grzbek]

glora--you must been sitting on your brains when you wrote this column
or your just missing the point--we want change in Wash.

[joel paige]

Gloria Steinem's idea of what a WOMAN should be, think like, look like act like is her....luckily for this world, most women don't agree...maybe she should get off the robo kick and have a child, have a career, have a original thought...Sarah Palin has more true Woman in her than Steinem ever did...

[David Whitlow]

I'm very glad S. Palin and H. Clinton only share a chromosome. Mrs. Palin is a leader who will have the best interest of everyone in mind when she makes decisions not just a slice here and a slice there like Mrs. Clinton. One thing I've seen is that Liberals need protection from themselves. As a conservative, I can handle any "lib" that is thrown at me. Nothing the Democrat party stands for is actually good for the country. Today's democrat shares nothing with the ones that participated in the building of this great country. When the "base" of your party are the failures and pretenders in our society you've got problems. Mrs. Palin doesn't have time to be a "feminist", she's to busy doing her best to do what's right. I can't wait to vote for her in 8 years after McCain is out.

[dennis]

You are defunked old, dried and past history.

Palin did only what you dreamed you could have ever accomplished.

Here you could have taken a positive stance for women and made yourself proud of the work you did for the betterment of women, but instead you stick with the "Good Ol Boys" club and look like a chump.

The men and media owned you and still do. You can't and have never thought on your own. You have always been a pawn and you deserve all the loss that you have and get.

Congrats the GOP ladies are making strides while you die on the side of the road.

Your bra is your lasting memory and believe me Victoria's Secret has some very sexy one's nowadays.

[Marie McCormack]

Ms. Steinem, Ms. Steinem, put your bra back on. Maybe YOU and I only share a chromosome too but where the heck were YOU when the democrats were raking Hillary over the coals???? Funny I didn't hear you spouting anything then in HER defense. Believe me, I'm a Hillary supporter (one of 18 million) who is DEFINITELY voting for John McCain with or WITHOUT Sarah Palin. The democratic party has shown this year their lack of respect for women and say what you will, this year they've lost a HUGE amount of women.

[IITS JO]

It is very unfortunate Ms.Steinem is so blinded by her Savior, Hillary the Liberal/Socialist, that she's attacking
Gov. Palin. Incidentally Gov. Palin is an Official Executive whose experience in Alaska is far superior to that of Both Obama & Hillary-who rode on her husband's coattails becoming NY Jr.Senator w/the sympathy votes she milked due to MonicaGate.
Being a 'First Lady' doesn't entitle one for Coronation of POTUS as Hillary/Bill thought they had sewed up. Ms. Steinem you are biased & it's NOT because Gov.Palin is unqualified-she's just NOT one of YOUR Libs. Where was N.O.W. when Clinton was raping, molesting and exposing himself to other women-YOU, didn't speak up then did you? It would have crimped Hillary's jaunt into the Wh.House, right?

[Claire]

MeeeOW, gloria!

People who wish for things, usually get what they wished for but when they get it it isn't exactly how they envisioned it. The "powers that be" has a wicked sense of humor about stuff like that. *lol*

[Spaulding1]

By her relentless attack, Steinem has shown just how afraid of this REAL woman she is. Steinem has tried to redefine what "feminine" is. Here's a little newsflash for her- like good art, we all know a real woman when we see one. We're all excited about The Arctic Fox, Sarah Barracuda.

[Cookie]

In addition, Gov. Palin's state has one of the hightest number of STD cases. The abstinence only education is really working for them up there in Alaska.

[tas13]

Since virtually all other left-leaning feminists have reacted with panic to the rise of Governor Palin, I'm not surprised that the one feminist out there who is actually older than John McCain (and even more outdated) has joined them. Governor Palin's nomination has exposed the inauthenticity of the left. Apparently, for the leftist feminists, only liberal women are qualified to be trail-blazers. How very sexist of you, Gloria "I'm 74" Steinem.

[Marta]

very strong and articulated opinion from a women that really understands what the presence of women in politics and affirmative action are all about. Women who get to legislative bodies or to the executive in their countries have a huge responsibility to uphold the agenda of women everywhere: equity, autonomy, respect for her choices and dignity. I feet H Clinton would've been such a good choice not only for America, but for women all over, and I hope that Obama advances the gender agenda. Palin? she's still got a long way to go.

[tom dent]

gloria,
you are the wrong woman with the wrong message. you are a rediculous, self serving, egotist who's opinion matters to like minded pathetic excuses of women. Sorry, that is the way I se you. Your time has come, you have been exposed for what you're group is yet you think your opinion carries weight, on the contrary, it is a joke that people laugh their asses off at. Lot's of luck with your campaign smearing tactics. They are backfiring. Sarah Palin has more character, spunk, zest for life, and truthfulness than your entire organization does combined

[ReaganRepublican]

Big surprise, Gloria Steinem does not approve of Gov. Palin. Most thinking Americans know that the feminist movement doesn't care about women, just those who share their twisted liberal ideology. She decries Gov. Palin for being another Phyllis Schlafly; we embrace her for it. I look forward to reading more of the left's incoherent ramblings, knowing how frightened they are of the imminent downfall of their false Messiah. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be over here clinging to my guns and religion, and preparing to elect our first female VP. God bless America!

[James X]

Gloria Steinem, is a woman whose beauty and virtue has decades ago fled. Leaving behind a bitter, sour, fascist left, extremist outer shell of a woman. Whilst she speaks from a jutting, shovel jawed face.

Your day in the sun, your day of relevance, has long since passed. Thank you for NOW's former leadership. Now get the hell out of the way!

You, and your Paleo-liberal friends, are seen as the fascist, power mad, goose steppers that you are!

Your former president put Japanese Americans into "internment" camps.

Your ideology voted against both Civil Rights Acts of the 60's....just ask Al Gore senior!

Your ideology beat the civil rights marchers, then turned fire hoses and dogs on them...just ask George Wallace and Bull Conner!

Everything in your L.A. Times screed shows you to be the inheritor of, and the standard bearer for, the knuckle dragging, fascist, Neanderthal, Paleo-liberal, America hating, Left.

Your day of relevance has passed! Can you hear the freight train coming?

[John Izzo]

Palin is what every feminist has said women can be if they wanted to and now when they have her they run like chickens. Compare Palin with Hillary - of the two, which got where she is on her own and who got there by sleeping with the boss?

[Krisp]

I get it now - all along Gloria, you and other "elite", left wing women have perpetrated the biggest fraud of all time on those of us, born in the 40's, 50's and 60's. I'd call this an act of discrimination against one of our sisters - isn't that what we've worked so hard to defeat? Funny, its ugly head is being raised by Gloria and others.

[Glenda]

Ms. was a money-maker for you, Gloria. You used us and took our cash and we went to your speeches and bought your books. But if a woman gets close you turn like a scorpion. I supported HRC and I will vote for Palin because real women stand together. You are simply out for yourself.

[Heidi]

Gloria needs to HANG IT UP!!! Her, Jane Fonda and Susan Sarandon are hypocrites, they need to move to France.

Michelle Malkin has a GREAT article, than his one about sexism on her website.

[Gloria...............]

You've had your head in the sand for so long, you can't even recognize that Sarah Palin is acheiving as a full-fledged woman, what you have been chasing for 30+ years as a "feminist"!!!!!

She is the RIGHT WOMAN (sorry, absolutely not Hillary) for this job and I hope that she becomes PRESIDENT when the time approaches! And to infer that McCain is just "using" her is ludacris.

And how much time is Biden going to have to provide for Obama's ON THE JOB TRAINING?!?!?!?

GO SARAH!!!! You've got my vote!!!

[B. Sklar]

Hear, hear, Ms. Steinem!!! I agree completely with your opinions. So far the only people who have commented on your article are against you. Ms. Palin needs to go back to Alaska.

[Ellie]

Steinam speaks for the majority of men and women who fought long and hard for equal rights for women and freedom of choice.
Palin, the Barracuda wants to take away not only a woman's freedom of choice but even he right of all Americans to practice birth control. I'm appalled.

If anyone thinks that the Alaskans nicknamed Palin as the Barracuda out of affection better consult the dictionary/encyclodia. This dangerous fish is described in part as "predator" "large mouth with powerful jaws" "harmful to humans."
The slang term is "treacherous, greedy person."
One definition of the adjective treacherous is: deceptive, untrustworthy, or unreliable.
Check it out.

[jpm]

From 'CrossTabs' on Real Clear Politics:

"John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as vice-presidential running mate is proving more shrewd by the hour. As Blackfive points out, Governor Palin, as Alaska's chief executive, has shared strategic command of the 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard:

One area of Sarah Palin's background that may help her is Alaska's unique role in our national security and homeland defense. Several folks have have mentioned this but Tom W. was specific and his info jibes with the record.

Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It's on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.

As governor of Alaska, Palin is briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified

[mr.j]

sarah palin is a proverbs 31 woman ! begin at verse 10 to see what i mean. she is the real deal ! loves the LORD JESUS CHRIST AND LIFE ! IT'S THE PRO LIFE PARTY VS THE PRO DEATH PARTY ! DO YOU THINK THE REASON WHY SO MANY PEOPLE VILLIFY HER IS BECAUSE SHE IS SOLIDLY SAVED ? I BELIEVE IT WAS JESUS CHRIST WHO SAID : THEY HATED ME SO THEY WILL HATE YOU ALSO . JOHN 3 : 16

[Sandy]

Ms. Steinem - Did I misread this statement? ". . . the folks with a headlock on the Republican Party -- are trying to appease the gender gap with a first-ever female vice president." Have you forgotten Geraldine Ferraro?

You are correct though at Palin. She's the wrong woman for the job. She may have come a long way baby but her policy positions would set us back decades. Any Hillary supporter who votes for McCain/Palin because Palin is on the ticket or because they're still angry, never believed in what Hillary has worked for and what she stands for. How could they and vote for this woman?

[George's Mom]

"drivel"
katie
not "dribble

[mrtelco1948]

Elian Libby is right on, righton, right on!! Nothing remains to be said. Thank you Elian!

[Ziggy]

All I can say in respone to "Sarah Palin shares nothing but a chromosome with Hillary Clinton" is "YES!!!!!!! Do you PROMISE?"

As far as the creationism half-truth goes, the next day she clarified her position. From the Anchorage Daily News, October 27, 2006
---------------------------------------------------
In an interview Thursday, Palin said she meant only to say that discussion of alternative views should be allowed to arise in Alaska classrooms:

"I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum."

She added that, if elected, she would not push the state Board of Education to add such creation-based alternatives to the state's required curriculum.

Members of the state school board, which sets minimum requirements, are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Legislature.

"I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism," Palin said.

Palin has occasionally discussed her lifelong Christian faith during the governor's race but said teaching creationism is nothing she has campaigned about or even given much thought to.

-----------------------------------------------------

I know that freedom of thought and discussion of issues are SCARY ("The Earth has A FEVER !!!!! The science is settled !!!! Blah, blah, BLAH) but they are part of adulthood.

Hey Gloria, really bites it to see a lady who's off the plantation make it, huh?????

It may well S**K to be you come November.

[sheryl]

I am scared, very scared, when I see the comments posted thus far criticizing Gloria Steinem's argument. With the exception of possibly one post (and I am not saying the facts in that post are 100% accurate) all are personal attacks on Steinem, not the facts or logic in her argument. I am scared because this says something about the responders' lack of ability to intelligently approach the issues and make sound decisions.

[Alexandra Jule]

Gloria - go slither back into your hole. You don't matter anymore. Not sure if you ever really mattered. All your life you espoused feminism. Why the insanely liberal attacks on Palin? Is it because she is a Republican? You are so very transparent these days. Good bye.

[Dan Healy]

Ms. Steinem is entitled to her opinion, but I am amazed at how sexist (treating a person differently, holding to different standards due to their gender) the left and the media are being. Questions like "should Sarah stay home w/the family because of a special needs child and a daughter pregnant?" Where were these same voices when John Edwards decided to forge on after his wife was diagnosed with cancer, for that matter where was the outrage when the Pres had an affair with an intern, and told the Secret Service she was a stalker when he wanted to break it off. Hypocrisy abounds.

[Amy]

Excellent points, Ms. Steinem. Let's focus on the issues here. Palin is against "choice" even in the event of rape and incest. She is anti-environment and anti wildlife and doesn't believe in Global Warming. She wants creationism taught in public schools. She thinks the Iraq war was the will of God. And she doesn't know what the Vice President does. Just as Shlafley before her, Palin tows the misogynistic GOP party line (she literally read that line in the form of a speech last night!), which is the ONLY way a woman can advance in their world. She is a potentially disastrous choice because of her positions on the few issues she has ever addressed, many many of which are most definitely not in the best interests of the average American woman.

[M. Delgado]

I think that Ms. Steinem is the one that is out of touch with today's women. She is obviously ticked off that her candidate was not chosen. Perhaps she should direct her anger at Obama and not Sarah Palin. Ms. Steinem alleges in the article that she supports Obama because he supports women's rights and feels they should be equal in every way. Apparently, he did not feel that way when he chose his running mate. Apparenlty, women should be equal except in politics. She also suggests he supports government programs to help these poor women. Is keeping them dependent on welfare and other programs really helping them or holding them back? There are hundreds of thousands of women, like myself, that have a career and family, are the soccer and baseball mom, drive the carpools, and get involved in the PTA and other organizations. We are not feminist, we are not fighting that great fight against men, we simply work hard, know what we want out of life, go after it and suceed. We are not your old definition of feminist....we are independent, confident and sucessful women. Whether you like Sarah Palin or not, she has made great strides for woman by gaining the nomination for VP. As a feminist Gloria, you should be proud.

[Lynn]

Gloria doesn't speak for me either. Seems she is confusing feminism with liberalism. While she points out the ratio of men:women on the Republican side, she is being dismissive of the inroads that have been and are being made for women of which Sara Palin is now a historical part.

Get with the times Gloria as times, they are a changing!