Why are some women so upset with the concept of Senator Obama winning the Democratic Primary? It may be a matter of fear... fear that there won't be a second shot at the Presidency for women. Fear that if Senator Clinton loses, it will be a step backward for women across the nation. Fear that so much that women have fought for will be lost as people simply assume "women can't hack it" and buy into the "weaker gender" myth that perpetuates even in today's America.
One thing that I find interesting about the Democratic presidential race is the growing sense of desperation among female supporters of Senator Clinton over what her loss would do. One article in the Washington Post quotes a Times Week In Review piece suggesting no other woman besides Clinton could make such a strong White House run. And another article by ABC News suggests that Clinton's female supporters fear that their chance of seeing a female U.S. President ends with Clinton, though how much of that is because these women feel they won't live long enough to see another female candidate, and how many are worried that women won't be considered viable remains to be seen.
There is also the very sad truth that this Presidential election has dragged out a sickening amount of sexism on the part of the Democratic party and their supporters. Look at the things that are said about Clinton and think for a moment how you'd react if these words were laid out against Senator Obama's wife. Or even worse, his daughters. Yet there is no hesitation to toss this derogatory language against Clinton and indeed against her supporters as well. There is a division in the Democratic party... and it has come out of a sense of anger over how Clinton has treated Obama... but the backlash against Clinton is far greater than anything she has said about Obama. While some of the words of Clinton and her staff may sound somewhat racist, the language used against Clinton has been quite sexist, and unapologetically so.
Take, for instance, the demands that Clinton drop out of the primary. Obama has not gained enough Superdelegate and elected delegate support to clinch the Primary. Mike Huckabee remained in the race until Senator McCain actually had the number of delegates needed to be the nominee. And yes, people ridiculed him and Ron Paul for staying in the race as long as they did... but it is their right to do so. As it is Clinton's right to stay in the race.
What can be done to lessen the fears of feminists that Clinton is their only shot of seeing a female President? There are several things. First, lay off the sexist language. Treat Clinton with the same level of respect you show Obama. I don't care how much it rankles (and I despise Clinton tremendously). If Clinton and her supporters are shown respect even as they are defeated... then perhaps it will lessen the anger at being defeated by a male candidate (no matter how qualified). At the very least it's an effort toward party unity... and Obama himself has urged his supporters to reach out toward Clinton supporters and let them know they're welcome as equal partners. Second, Obama should select a female running mate, and work hard to ensure she is a vital part of the administration. I don't think an Obama/Clinton ticket is the way to go. There are too many negatives with Clinton (and indeed, I've heard more than one person say that they'd love to see a female President, but that Clinton is not the woman they want to see in the White House). By working hard to create a viable female partner, in eight years (hopefully) when Obama steps down then Democrats will have a strong female candidate who can continue building on the platform of change that Obama is working off of.
The most important thing, however, is to watch your language and your words. Clinton's supporters are hurting right now and feel that they've been robbed. Think of how you'd feel if Clinton managed to steal victory from Obama through a backroom deal... and this is exactly what Clinton's supporters are feeling right now. It doesn't matter if Obama is "legitimately" winning. The pain is still there. Show these women respect, talk to them with respect and caution, and the Democratic party will unify behind Obama and lead to his prevailing against McCain, no matter how many dirty tricks the Republicans try to pull in the next six months.