Hillary's attempt to solidify support among women is amusingly sexist,

[cali]

Last edited Tue Sep 8, 2015, 08:37 PM - Edit history (1)

a bit condescending, and out of touch.


Oprah. Martha. Hillary?

In Hillary Clinton’s latest push to activate female voters, the campaign launched Women for Hillary this weekend which, in addition to promoting an explicitly feminist platform, seems to try to position Clinton as more than just a presidential candidate, but a lifestyle brand.

Supporters are encouraged to hold house parties and volunteer for Clinton, but will also receive a “Thx Box” - a campaign version of BirchBox, the home delivery subscription where women get carefully curated beauty products sent to them once a month. In this case, though, supporters will get household products that Clinton likes and uses (as well as campaign merchandise of course). People who order a Thx Box will even get a bitmoji of a pink pantsuit.

<snip>


http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/08/hillary-clinton-lifestyle-brand-dont-roll-your-eyes

On Saturday, the Democratic front-runner will launch "Women for Hillary’’ with a two-week effort to enlist the support of female voters that will include house parties, organizing events and trips by the candidate and her surrogates to early voting states, campaign officials told USA TODAY. She’s also aiming to make a personal connection with women by using a marketing campaign that will offer regular subscriptions for home deliveries of some of Clinton’s favorite household items and branded products, according to Jesse Ferguson, the campaign’s spokesman.
<snip>
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/09/03/hillary-clinton-women-campaign-issues/71657980/

[djean111]

1. That is just weird. No thanks, I will stick with Bernie. n/t

[dorkzilla]

3. That is the first word that popped into my head, too.

Weird. Whoever thought up this genius idea should be fired.

[NightWatcher]

2. You don't like Hillary, that must mean you're sexist

[cali]

4. And I could give a shit what household products Hillary's domestic staffs

like.

[frylock]

23. Yeah, I have to wonder what all-purpose cleaning solution is Hillary's favorite.

[Fawke Em]

116. Well, we know she wipes things with a cloth.

[passiveporcupine]

43. She's starting to sound like Martha Stewart.

Maybe she will start her own line of linens and things. Maybe sell it at KMart.

[HereSince1628]

5. Bernie will strike back with Brill Cream and Old Spice

[silenttigersong]

11. fUNNY

[animalvet]

46. ,

[HereSince1628]

48. That has -possibilities- n/t

[animalvet]

51. Indeed.

A jingle with Bernie fitted in... Bern-a-Shave! *giggle*

[arcane1]

54. Possibilities that are already being explored :)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/128048128

[animalvet]

63. LOVE, LOVE IT!!

thank you arcane1

[zeemike]

61. That brings back memories.

As a kid on a road trip we would look for those signs...they were everywhere and there were in a series of amusing sentences ending in Burma Shave...I think everyone in my age group have seen them.
I found some and thought I would post them.

On curves ahead
Remember, sonny
That rabbit's foot
Didn't save
The bunny
Burma-Shave

Twinkle, twinkle
One-eyed car
We all wonder
WHERE you are
Burma-Shave

These signs
We gladly
Dedicate
To men who've had
No date of late
Burma-Shave

[JackInGreen]

108. I loved

He undertook to overtake
the road was on a bend
his passing choice proved a mistake
and almost proved his end
BURMA SHAVE.

Only one I ever saw in meatspace.

[0rganism]

171. in before all the other Tom Waits fans...

[cherokeeprogressive]

74. Old Spice? Srsly?

Brut.

[Warren DeMontague]

88. Millennials apparently love old spice.

It's like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

People like what their parents hated, or disdained, or ignored, and vice versa.

Basically, take whatever is least cool now, fast forward 30 years and that'll be the next huge thing.

[seaglass]

106. Yep my son uses Old Spice body wash and believe me it is an upgrade from Axe. I think he mostly

uses it because a.) it is cheap and b.) it combines body wash, shampoo and conditioner in one - how efficient! and lastly c.) he does not like to smell like pink grapefruit, virgin mojito or fuji green tea

[Doctor_J]

134. hai karate

[Art_from_Ark]

147. LOL!

[Doctor_J]

148. looks like Lee tergesen

[hedda_foil]

174. Remember his age. it's Old Spice.

[jberryhill]

101. Vitalis. Brill Creme is much too modern

[silverweb]

6. Soliciting single-issue voters.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Sorry. I think single-issue voting is very ill advised. There's so much else that needs to be addressed, and this is minimizing all the rest.

[jfern]

55. This might be appealing to 0 issue voters

I mean what real political issue does having Hillary perfume or whatever address?

[silverweb]

94. Nothing but the "girls' club" appeal.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]That's the only attraction here, and all some voters care about: That Hillary could be the first female president.

It's not even close to being enough reason to vote for her, but it's exactly what this nonsense is going for.

[jwirr]

124. Yes, I might love to see a woman as president and

support women's issues but as the head of my family I have a long list of issues that are important to us all. I trust Bernie to support women and their issues and he gives me the other issues added in.

[silverweb]

136. Absolutely!

[Bjorn Against]

7. Wait a minute, she is giving away household items and branded products?

She is giving away branded products to voters? Is this even allowed under campaign finance laws? I have never even heard of a candidate giving away branded products before, I always assumed it was illegal to do so. Maybe I am misunderstanding, but that line in the article raises some big questions for me.

[elehhhhna]

52. you forgot mitts magical undies?

Lol

[hifiguy]

121. I don't think Mittwit was giving those away.

[elehhhhna]

196. he tried. no takers.

b/ c we know he HATES the takers.

[silenttigersong]

8. I thought this was a joke at first glance

now I think she should include a set of white gloves,and a wiping cloth designed for wiping email servers.SARCASM

[cali]

9. it's pathetic.

[hootinholler]

14. Thanks a LOT!

Now I have this image of Charmin flushable Email wipes.

[azmom]

10. What the fuck?

This is all sorts of wrong.

[cali]

12. it's so tone deaf hilly.

[Mnpaul]

73. and on top of all the other things

thx is a registered logo owned by creative labs

[BuelahWitch]

13. I wonder if she'll be selling this stuff on the late night infomercials

"Order the Hillary Pasta Steamer and get a Super Tuesday Spatula FREE!"
Swear to God this campaign gets more bizarre every day.

[hedda_foil]

188. Maybe not, but SNL should

[Bonobo]

15. Your link is broken. You should fix it.

Here it is.

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/08/hillary-clinton-lifestyle-brand-dont-roll-your-eyes

[in_cog_ni_to]

16. How insulting

"She’s also aiming to make a personal connection with women by using a marketing campaign that will offer regular subscriptions for home deliveries of some of Clinton’s favorite household items and branded products"

Are you effing kidding me? Basically, bribing for votes - but she'll let them BUY subscriptions so they can be blessed with branded products she uses? Why does she think women would gives two hoots what products she uses? This is seriously insulting to the intelligence of women. Gaaaawd. What brainiac thought this was a good idea? Pretty damn stupid, IMCPO.

[cali]

18. And that's it in a nutshell.

[roguevalley]

26. I would personally consider hosting a ladies tea for Hilly if she gave me an XBox

so I could play War For Cybertron. Maybe. Personally, I don't think trying to solicit my interest with cleaning products and lavender soap quite addresses the nerdish range of diversity that I sort of represent as an old gal. This is sexist, ill thought out and lame. For a woman that got lambasted for saying that a political wife should stay home and make cookies, she hasn't learned a damned thing.

NO political sense at all. NONE.

[animalvet]

17. To me, she is sending the wrong message.

Message clearly received

[jwirr]

126. Yes, us women are all about cleaning and women's

toiletries. For God's sake we do think some of the times.

[nichomachus]

19. They'll also get

Her recipe for Christmas cookies, which she bakes for everyone at the State Department.

[roguevalley]

27. snicker. nichomachus, you are so bad. ;)

[RufusTFirefly]

33. Her own "private" (but not classified!) recipe.

Hillary's Special "Flash" Christmas Cookies

Makes 256 cookies.
Store locally.
Serve privately.

[hifiguy]

122. Wut?

[demmiblue]

20. Hold on a sec... I totally have to pin this!

[nichomachus]

21. Very reminiscent of Labor's "Barbie Bus"

In the last UK election

[demmiblue]

24. ... and ponies!

Spot on!

[frylock]

22. Bitstrips is still a thing?

I couldn't block that shit from my FB feed quickly or often enough.

[arcane1]

25. Sounds like something the Romney campaign would've tried. "Branding" is in essence a deception

Its purpose is to make you not think about the "product" objectively or even logically, but to make you feel good about the brand itself.

It's a practice that really has no place in politics, and had no place in 2000 when Gore complained about it.

[still_one]

28. If it is as you suggest then the support Hillary currently receives from women should be declining,

and there is no indication of that as of now

and there is no reason to assume the authors represent most American women's views of Hillary based on her support among American women

[Laser102]

49. I didn't know about this. Planning to volunteer for her with or without the products. Great idea!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

29. Srsly? Household products?

Whose brilliant idea was this? Send me a box of dish soap and fabric softener and I'll vote for Hillary, because of course I'm a woman and it's really important to me to have the household products we women covet. Thanks, Hillary!

[dflprincess]

56. Well she damn well better not send me anything that causes wax build up

or leaves a soapy residue.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

58. I'd like a new set of steak knives.

And would an espresso maker be too much to ask?

[passiveporcupine]

77. Let's hope that box comes with a pkg of baby diapers.

I mean women can't just be in the kitchen, or cleaning the bath, they have to be having lots of babies too.

[thesquanderer]

164. Since she had that flap about "staying home and baking cookies..."

...I'm surprised she's going anywhere NEAR these kinds of stereotypes.

[oberliner]

30. Sanders takes pride in no silly attacks on HRC just focusing on policy differences

Too bad not all of his supporters share that approach.

[Scootaloo]

35. It's not Sanders' policy to send gift baskets of hand creams to female voters

[Mnpaul]

50. Maybe he could send driving gloves

to those well off Volvo drivers.

[neverforget]

89. Don't forget the Berniestocks and lattes.

[AgingAmerican]

128. Don't forget the Lemon Pledge

And the coupons for free Botox injections

[cali]

92. I am not Bernie Sanders and I don't think criticizing this is silly.

[oberliner]

93. Clearly not

Many threads attacking HRC for various non-policy related topics have been posted by you here that are antithetical to his admirable approach.

[cali]

99. you're not so innocent yourself when it comes to criticizing sanders

[oberliner]

102. I love Bernie Sanders and would proudly vote for him for POTUS

I also really like Hillary and O'Malley and, for that matter, Joe Biden.

They would all be wonderful choices.

That said, none are perfect and there are certainly reasonable topics on which they can all be criticized.

That's my take.

[Fawke Em]

120. I'm willing to bet Sanders thinks this gift box crap is stupid.

He'd rather discuss her policies that he doesn't agree with.

There is NOTHING wrong with calling this idea tone deaf. It's just the truth.

[oberliner]

129. Probably

But I think if someone brought it up to him, he'd tell that person it isn't important.

[AgingAmerican]

131. Cuz Hillary's supporters are pure as the driven snow

nt

[oberliner]

132. Definitely not - but this site is about 90/10 Bernie supporters

So there is more exposure to that side.

[Garrett78]

150. This is a non-policy issue that actually is worthy of discussion.

For one thing, this only reinforces the notion that political campaigns are more about marketing than substance. Secondly and more importantly, this Thx Box is anti-feminist. It doesn't combat sexism. Rather, it promotes gender stereotypes and superficiality.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

31. Wait..wait! Isn't the Guardian a well known RW rag?? Is Hillary going to be its Covergirl?

[still_one]

32. Nope, but it doesn't necessarily represent how the majority of American women feel about Hillary

either. It is simply an opinion. Has about as much weight as Huckabee telling Davis she has every right not follow the law

[arcane1]

40. Correct. The actual article is the USA Today link; the Guardian link is opinion about that n/t

[tularetom]

34. This has got to be the Onion, right?

How friggin stupid does she think women are?

Her campaign is close to going seriously off the rails, and the best they can come up with is this?

I hope Trump doesn't see this.

[840high]

80. I was sure it was the Onion.

[Indepatriot]

36. Unf*cking believeable....

She simply cannot run (or hire someone who can) a competent campaign...... this is a new low. Can you IMAGINE the howls of SEXISM!!!!! from HRC's supporters if "Women For Bernie" offered the exact same thing???

[sarge43]

37. Next up - a Tupperwear party, n/t

[hootinholler]

38. If this whole presidenting thing doesn't work out

I bet she would do well with a line on QVC.

Maybe coordinating kitchens towel set for Bed Bath and Beyond?



Toaster cozys?

[retrowire]

39. I agree, it is kind of sexist.

This is literally trying to buy voters with gifts. :/

[AgingAmerican]

41. Free lemon pledge and Oil of Olay?

This is from the Onion? Betty Bowers? No?

Such a cartoonish view of women.

[bvf]

44. OK, I'll say it:

This reeks of Karl Rove (or someone like him).

I'll reserve judgment until I've read a complete disavowal from the Clinton campaign, however. The people running same certainly don't seem to be the sharpest knives in the drawer, as the saying goes.

[Skwmom]

45. So as a white women I am being too hard on Hillary. Really?

Last edited Wed Sep 9, 2015, 12:28 AM - Edit history (1)

"White women voters are harder on women candidates and hold them to higher expectations than male candidates." Just as black voters were initially hesitant to support Obama, "we don’t want the first woman president to be a failure,’’ said Bystrom.

One thing I'm 100% sure of - if Hillary Clinton were a man - I would feel the exact same way. If Bill Clinton were running, I would not support him for the same reasons I do not support Hillary. I'm supposed to give her a pass because she is a white woman like me? Really?

I'd love a woman to be President BUT I want that woman to be someone I can respect, someone who will work hard for the people instead of her big money backers, someone who says what they mean and mean what they say and that is NOT Hillary Clinton.

Clinton and the establishment Democrats have made a mockery of the democratic process. The people of this country deserve debates!

For the past several weeks I have watched your Clinton surrogates on television speaking in a disdaining manner about a very DECENT man who has never shown you anything but courtesy. The conduct of the women surrogates (and writers and activists) have made me ashamed of my own sex. I no longer think that women in politics would make for a better government. Women politicians, journalists and activists are just as unethical and sleazy as any man has ever been. The amount of political manipulation instead of a discussion on the issues is nauseating.

As far as Black voters supporting Barack Obama, I don't believe they were harder on him. You and your husband did everything you could to convince them not to waste their votes on Obama because he couldn't possibly win in the primary and general election. The same drum you are beating against Sanders. I hope the voters today do the same as the primary voters in 2008 and ignore that drum.

[KoKo]

47. What is Hillary's Campaign Thinking! Sounds like "The Onion"..but, it's Real!

Last edited Tue Sep 8, 2015, 10:56 PM - Edit history (1)

but....there it is in the links.

You know...it sounds like she's been "CAPTURED" by the Marketing/Think Tank/Wall Street crowd. I know Chelsea worked for McKinsey after College......and, I guess, it is what it is with that kind of Brand/Marketing solving all the World's Woes.

I don't know...anymore how this Model hasn't had a nail stuck into it so it died after the 2008 Global Meltdown we are still suffering under. But,...IT LIVES! And thousands of Young Kids going off to College and Grad School still suffer from the outdated and no longer useful "MBA SPEAK!"

BTW...I just read the earlier replies which were So Funny and On Mark..I have to give a to all those who posted! The John Oliver Video, and the rest. And, yours about her new Martha Stewart Image selling branded products as a favor for your vote. OMG!

We have some of the best, funniest people here on DU!

[Old Crow]

53. I was going to vote for Bernie.

But now that I know Hillary uses a lavender-scented countertop spray, she's won my vote. ~swoon~



(Thinking the sarcasm tag is redundant but, hey, you never know. )

[haikugal]

57. That's awful....ugh! Marketing herself with a house party? OMG!

I'm shocked...



This is the feminist who doesn't make cookies....as if making cookies somehow makes you less of a feminist..what will they think of next.

Humor...this is part of the new Hillary campaign to show her as more human....right?

Right?!



On edit..

After reading the thread...she DOES make cookies! Who knew...I thought she was the woman who made an issue over it..

[zentrum]

59. Ugg. I speak

…..as a feminist and a woman.

A feminist for the candidate with the really pro-family, pro-human, pro-egalitarin, anti-war, anti-trade deal values—Bernie!

[Gman]

60. What a coincidence

My wife is hosting a party. 25 RSVP'd already. Can't handle more than 30. Everyone is excited.

[SoapBox]

62. Ain't going to work with my single, divorced, widowed neighbors...

They HATE her with a passion.

I've also run into some at work...biggest cheerleaders have been a couple of gay guys.

However, almost all have been open to hearing about Bernie.

[2banon]

64. omg, please say it ain't so.

she didn't go there. omg.

[postatomic]

65. I have a penis and I ordered one of the boxes

I'm also a male member of "Women for Hillary". Just gives me a chance to donate more and support her campaign.

[Bonobo]

67. Here's a great use for it!

[senz]

79. I always enjoy this video.

Hope that doesn't offend anyone.

[thesquanderer]

66. What's next, Jews for Bernie?

Did Obama have "African Americans for Barack"?

If these kinds of things pop up independently, okay... but to have the campaign specifically create something like this somehow rubs me the wrong way.

[MADem]

151. Already here.

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-jews-for-bernie

https://www.facebook.com/jewsforbernie

https://twitter.com/jewsforbernie

[thesquanderer]

163. Again, I don't have an issue with the concept...

...what bugs me a bit is for it to be an official campaign strategy.

If one or more Jewish groups want to organize "Jews for Bernie," fine. But If the Sanders campaign itself decided to create a "Jews for Bernie" sub-campaign, wouldn't that feel a little off? Like pandering? Maybe favoritism? Kind of divisive? "Vote for me because I'm one of you" may be a subtext to any campaign that can claim some differentiating demographic (Jewish, female, black, Hispanic, Catholic, whatever), but to officially campaign on it is something I find off-putting.

[MADem]

172. It doesn't bother me at all. Freedom of Religion doesn't mean Freedom FROM Religion.

Muslims for Bernie would be fine, too--Flying Spaghetti Monster Practitioners for Bernie wouldn't bother me, either.

It's a form of endorsement. "This person shares OUR collective values," or "This person UNDERSTANDS our wants and needs."

It's not exclusionary (I don't perceive it that way, anyway, I don't feel 'defensive' about it) --it's just "Hey, our crew likes this one." No one minded the "Irish for O'Bama" thing going on, but some people did get touchy when BLACK people organized for him..."How DARE you so OPENLY support someone from your own TRIBE!!!"

Oddly enough, though--come to think of it, no one minded when the IRISH got together to support Kennedy, so maybe there's a racial element there...hmmmm. Gotta mull that one over, there! Of course, they did go a bit ballistic when the CATHOLICS got all organized and excited about him. So maybe there's a religious component, too--like you're not ALLOWED to tout one of your own, or something? Of course, when the Mormons went all in for Romney, if anyone said anything, it was "Hush--don't talk about religion!" Harry Reid had plenty to say to those Mormon elders, though--and Mittsy didn't get as much help as he'd hoped for...!

I'm free associating here a bit...don't mind me!

USA is all about the E Pluribus Unum...and Jews and other religious groupings are part of that 'pluribus' so more power to 'em. If members of a faith want to organize on those lines to support a particular candidate, go for it, so long as they aren't stumping from the pulpit and some religous official isn't demanding that everyone in the house of worship vote a certain way!

[thesquanderer]

183. Sure, Muslims for Bernie is fine...

...but wouldn't it strike you funny if the organization were actually created BY the Sanders campaign, as opposed to by some Muslim groups? That's the only distinction I'm making.

I'm sure Catholic groups were happy about Kennedy, but I don't think Kennedy would have said to his campaign folks, "hey guys, let's create a separate Catholics for Kennedy campaign." Or a "Jews for Kennedy" campaign, for that matter. It's not about whether, as you said, "members of a faith want to organize on those lines to support a particular candidate" -- that's great and, like you said, very American. It's about the campaign itself organizing along these lines.

Somehow I feel that if the Sanders campaign itself created "Jews for Bernie," there would be unfortunate consequences, like people saying "See? He's going to put Israel first!"

The point is, at the highest level, campaigns usually strive to be all-inclusive. What other, independent groups do is another matter entirely.

[MADem]

193. Not at all, particularly if there was a strong constituency there.

I think Kennedy's team DID reach out to Catholics, in rather obvious ways, too--and hey, what ever! A few samples:

For me, growing up in a Catholic family in the midwest, very active in the social justice activism of the time, Kennedy was a very big deal. My dad was a priest then and his colleague at the Catholic diocesan newspaper took this photo of him with JFK during a 1959 campaign fundraiser in Lafayette, Indiana. You can imagine my surprise in finding that one in the family photo album when I was studying American history in middle school! I also remember discovering the Vaughn Meader First Family parody album. Does your family have any photos or memorabilia to share?

This is from this guy's blog: http://blog.historypin.org/author/jon/

?m=1384879310


?m=1384879306

http://www.uml.edu/News/stories/2013/JFK-50-Anniversary.aspx



Of course, they had to counter all that "taking orders from the Pope!" stuff and they did that as well:

http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/JFK-and-Religion.aspx

[thesquanderer]

195. I'm not saying the groups can't be courted

I expect to see pictures of Sanders meeting with Jewish groups, and Hillary meeting with women's groups. But actually creating a public sub-campaign specifically to address these constituencies just seems off to me. Obviously you see it differently, okay.

[Garrett78]

154. I don't have any problem with...

wanting a woman POTUS (we're long overdue). But the Thx box contents promote gender stereotypes and superficiality. It's anti-feminist. It also reinforces the idea that political campaigns are more about marketing than substantive policy matters.

[Live and Learn]

68. Can they really be so out of touch? This is truly frightening. nt

[ismnotwasm]

69. ...

[AlbertCat]

70. I want to see the infomercial

[Metric System]

71. I don't see anything about household products in the USA Today article. All it mentions is

campaign merchandise, which seems more likely.

[Bonobo]

72. Because it was in the Guardian article.

" In this case, though, supporters will get household products that Clinton likes and uses (as well as campaign merchandise of course). People who order a Thx Box will even get a bitmoji of a pink pantsuit."

[cherokeeprogressive]

75. Hmmm. I wonder if the Thx Box will come with Server Wipes. n/t

[grasswire]

76. JOKE?? THE ONION????

Wow.

Creepy.

[senz]

78. She seems to be trying to hang on to her base

what with Bernie and maybe Biden joining in.

I've noticed a flurry of "girly" stuff from the Hillary campaign over the past few days. Can't find all of them, but here are a few...

Ellen DeGeneres Interview Offers Hillary Clinton Chance to Connect With Women
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/us/politics/ellen-degeneres-interview-offers-hillary-clinton-chance-to-connect-with-women.html

Hillary's favorite things: 'House of Cards,’ chocolate, and sleep
http://www.politico.com/video/2015/09/hillarys-favorite-things-house-of-cards-chocolate-and-sleep-025051

There was something else about Hillary’s emails showing her pleasure in yoga, tea, etc., but I can’t find it.

There's also her humanizing campaign, clearly the brainstorm of her paid handlers...

Hillary Clinton to Show More Humor and Heart, Aides Say
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/us/politics/hillary-clinton-to-show-more-humor-and-heart-aides-say.html

Hillary’s “I’m a real person” rebrand: Why her latest recalibration is self-defeating
http://www.salon.com/2015/09/08/hillarys_im_a_real_person_rebrand_why_her_latest_recalibration_is_self_defeating/

[zazen]

81. maybe the box will include a friggin' CLUE, because her campaign clearly doesn't have one

[sheshe2]

82. ...

[zazen]

83. so her campaign "brand" to help American people is The Welcome Wagon?

This is so friggin' tone deaf.

I'm a lifelong feminist too and I'm trying really, really hard not to loathe her campaign, mostly because there's a small chance I might have to vote for her next November.

In combination with the shameless behavior of Debbie and the DNC, I'm ready to drop out of the Democratic party too after voting for Bernie. This is pathetic.

[SMC22307]

84. I guess scented candles are to make up for her refusal...

to take a stand on any number of issues. That'll appease those silly ladies wantin' to know *stuff.*

It's so gimmicky, and I don't do gimmicky. Hopefully The Box will include a big bottle of Resolve. Or Woolite. Or Febreeze. Whatever you like, Hillary, I'll feel so at one with you!

[Juicy_Bellows]

86. Image of the first recipient.

Oh wait, that was the Thx1138Box - my bad, same effect.

Cheers!

[McCamy Taylor]

87. By this logic, Blacks who voted for Obama were the dupes of racism.

I don't know about the women you know, but the women in my part of the country still make a fraction of what men make, they still are afraid to walk alone at night for fear of being raped, they still find barriers when they try to end abusive relationships, they still perform a disproportionate share of household chores in addition to holding jobs---and they still trust another woman more than a man to listen to them and help them with their problems as second class citizens.

There is nothing "condescending" about showing appreciation for women's culture. You know. Child rearing. Cooking. Cleaning. All of which women still do---in addition to their out of the home jobs. Oh, and if you think "beauty" is condescension, try applying for a job in our sexist culture without makeup or stockings.

I am a little bit tired of being told that I should trust a man to know what is better for me, as a woman, than another woman. Substitute "white" for man and "Black" for woman and you will know what I mean.

[beam me up scottie]

96. And I'm tired of being told a rich white woman knows what's best for me.

Last edited Wed Sep 9, 2015, 06:57 AM - Edit history (1)

Just being a woman isn't good enough for me, I support Bernie because he is the best candidate for women, minorities and everyone who is sick of lip service from so called liberals.

I choose the candidate who has the best track record on civil rights, one who never had to evolve and won't pander to the right wing.

Hillary isn't the best when it comes to women's issues and a fucking gift basket won't change my mind.

I vote with my brain, not my vagina.

I'm insulted that Hillary and her handlers think women can be wooed in this way.

[Ino]

98. Men rear children, cook and clean

Why is that women's culture?!

Sanders isn't offering subscriptions of cleaning products to women in an attempt to make a "personal connection." Would you think it condescending if he did? I would!

Why not when Hillary does? Why doesn't Hillary show a little appreciation for women's intelligence instead.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/09/03/hillary-clinton-women-campaign-issues/71657980/

[Doctor_J]

135. some of them were

[magical thyme]

149. Obama offered "blacks for O" subscriptions to home deliveries of his favorite black culture stuff?

Who knew?

I find this condescending to the point of contemptuous. And tone deaf. How many women do you know can afford home deliveries of anything beyond 'meals on wheels'?

My friends and acquaintances are mostly digging through the sofa trying to find enough change to pick up 'store brand' whatever on their way home from work.

And we're supposed to believe that Hillary actually touches those products? She's been waited on hand and foot for a couple decades now. Criminies, her emails show she can't even directly email her lowly kitchen workers....she has to email an aide to email the kitchen to fetch her a friggin' iced tea.

This is clearly part of her "more spontaneous" and "warmer, friendlier" Hillary v3.0 or 4.0 or whatever she's up to now launch. F.A.I.L.

[Unknown Beatle]

90. At first, I honestly thought this was satire,

a la the Onion.

[Garrett78]

91. "A lifestyle brand."

In 2008, Team Obama won Ad Age's Marketer of the Year Award. Link: http://adage.com/article/moy-2008/obama-wins-ad-age-s-marketer-year/131810/

And he wasn't the first presidential candidate to do so. But it seems Camp Clinton has taken branding to a whole new (and disturbingly weird) level. So much for combating superficiality.

US politics keeps getting stranger.

[wyldwolf]

95. 1. Wake up. 2. Google for negative Hillary news. 3. Spin non-negative Hillary news 4. Mega DU dittos

[MADem]

152. Don't forget five!

5. Bask in smug satisfaction that a corner of the internet that doesn't make a damn bit of difference, big picture, has been "SKOOOLED!!"

Harummmmph! So there!!!!

[wyldwolf]

153. Or #6

Alert on anyone who disagrees.

[MADem]

158. Ha! The article is actually VERY POSITIVE. The hectoring spin that the OP

is trying to put on it is a bit ... sad. Really over-working an attempt to push a meme. Dragging the "sexist" word all over the place...but it doesn't really cut it if one reads the link.

This OP is a fail. It's certainly not "Ready for Bernie." He doesn't approve of what the OP is doing at all--he has said as much!

[Garrett78]

159. The Thx box promotes gender stereotypes and superficiality.

Household products, beauty products and a pink outfit for one's avatar. It's anti-feminist.

[MADem]

160. No, it doesn't, but thanks for trying so hard! Your concern is touching and noted!

Go click the link, read the article.

Context always matters. Do be capable of some, now!

[Garrett78]

161. And I quote...

"...supporters will get household products that Clinton likes and uses (as well as campaign merchandise of course). People who order a Thx Box will even get a bitmoji of a pink pantsuit."

The only thing I listed that isn't mentioned specifically is cosmetics. But that doesn't change the fact that it promotes gender stereotypes and reinforces the idea that political campaigns are just big marketing ventures. That's why several presidential campaigns have been awarded Ad Age's Marketer of the Year Award. That's not a sign of a healthy democratic republic. It's a sign of a corporate takeover.

So, "thanks for trying."

[wyldwolf]

162. Quoting the article somehow makes you right?

[Garrett78]

166. I quoted the article...

because it was suggested the article doesn't say what I said it did. But it does, minus the cosmetics part. If you don't think household products and a pink outfit promotes gender stereotypes and that mass marketing of consumer products is perfectly suitable to a campaign for POTUS, more power to you.

While you're at it, overlook Clinton's strong ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Monsanto, Burson-Marsteller, Corrections Corporation of America, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure you already do.

[wyldwolf]

167. which was redundant because we've all read it

It still doesn't make you right - and you're bring nothing original to this discussion.

[Garrett78]

170. Your circular reasoning is making my head spin.

First I'm told I was wrong about what the article said. Then I quote the article to show that I'm not. Then I'm told quoting the article is redundant. Wow, talk about damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Instead of telling me I'm wrong, why don't you explain how this Thx box (with its household products and pink outfit) doesn't promote gender stereotypes. Or how it doesn't reinforce the notion that mass marketing of consumer products is perfectly suitable to a campaign for POTUS. Do tell.

While you're at it, you can address Clinton's ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Monsanto, Burson-Marsteller, Corrections Corporation of America, etc., etc., etc. Or the points raised here: http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29052-five-reasons-no-progressive-should-support-hillary-clinton

[wyldwolf]

173. What's making your head spin is the realization everyone doesn't see things like you do

[Garrett78]

175. Well, no. It's quite evident that we don't all agree. But nice try.

Nice cop-out. But let's try this again. First I'm told I was wrong about what the article said. Then I quote the article to show that I'm not. Then I'm told quoting the article is redundant. So, I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.

Instead of telling me I'm wrong and instead of offering up more cop-outs, why don't you actually address the matter at hand. Why don't you explain how this Thx box (with its household products and pink outfit) doesn't promote gender stereotypes. Or how it doesn't reinforce the notion that mass marketing of consumer products is perfectly suitable to a campaign for POTUS. Do tell.

While you're at it, you can address Clinton's ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Monsanto, Burson-Marsteller, Corrections Corporation of America, etc., etc., etc. Or the points raised here: http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29052-five-reasons-no-progressive-should-support-hillary-clinton

[wyldwolf]

176. I hit a nerve. You throw all these 'progressive' buzzwords around and expect people to be in awe

When, in fact, we're just yawning.

[Garrett78]

177. You haven't hit anything. You've missed badly every time. Buzzwords?

But I'll give you one more shot.

Instead of telling me I'm wrong and instead of offering up more cop-outs (your latest has something to do with 'buzzwords'), why don't you actually address the matter at hand. Why don't you explain how this Thx box (with its household products and pink outfit) doesn't promote gender stereotypes. Or how it doesn't reinforce the notion that mass marketing of consumer products is perfectly suitable to a campaign for POTUS. Do tell.

While you're at it, you can address Clinton's ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Monsanto, Burson-Marsteller, Corrections Corporation of America, etc., etc., etc. Or the points raised here: http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29052-five-reasons-no-progressive-should-support-hillary-clinton

[wyldwolf]

179. I'll bet you're going to tell us Hillary was a goldwater girl next? C'mon! Amaze us.

[Garrett78]

184. Okay, okay, one more chance.

No more cop-outs. Buzzwords? Goldwater Girl? Wow. Anyway, I'm generous, so I'm going to give you 1 last chance to actually address the matter at hand:

Instead of telling me I'm wrong and instead of offering up more cop-outs, tell me how this Thx box (with its household products and pink outfit) doesn't promote gender stereotypes. Tell me how it doesn't reinforce the notion that mass marketing of consumer products is perfectly suitable to a campaign for POTUS. Saying "you're wrong" is not an argument. Talking about buzzwords (still don't know WTF you're talking about there) and Goldwater doesn't address the matter at hand. So, c'mon, give it a shot.

While you're at it, you can address Clinton's strong ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Monsanto, Burson-Marsteller, Corrections Corporation of America, etc., etc., etc. Or the points raised here: http://www.truth-out.org/opinion/item/29052-five-reasons-no-progressive-should-support-hillary-clinton

[wyldwolf]

190. You're giving me one more chance to be in awe of your massive 'progressive' knowledge?

Thank you, kind sir.

[Garrett78]

191. Nope.

I was giving you a chance to actually support (a novel idea) your assertion that I'm wrong. A chance to actually address the matter at hand.

Oh well.

[beam me up scottie]

97. Can you imagine the outrage if Bernie pulled a stunt like this?

Or if Carly what's-her-face did the same thing?

Who here thinks Hillary's female supporters would appreciate being pandered to like this by a man or a Republican?

[eridani]

100. Not really--just based on a really narrow view of what "women's issues" are

Sure women care about reproductive rights and equal pay, but lots of us want to put a stop to endless war, endless outsourcing, coddling of banksters, etc.

[Gothmog]

103. As the father of two daughters, I am excited

Both daughters are voting for Hillary Clinton

[cali]

104. this mother is not excited about her. I think she's a disaster.

[beam me up scottie]

105. My mother taught me not to vote for someone because of their gender.

I think she'd be proud that I chose the progressive who has the best civil rights record.

Bernie is a damned fine feminist.

[Gothmog]

107. That is your right

We will have to agree to disagree. I am proud that all three of my children are strong Democrats

[Garrett78]

113. What are you disagreeing with?

Nobody said anything about you being proud that your daughters are Democrats. What's upsetting is the gender stereotyping that the reported contents of this Thx Box promotes. To say nothing of it being yet another example of how consumer capitalism has overtaken every aspect of political life.

[progressoid]

117. As the father of two daughters, I am excited

Both of my daughters are caucusing for Bernie.

[7wo7rees]

109. Incredibly sad. Hillary, fire your handlers and mkting team.

I am shocked and beyond belief. Please this has to be satire. If this is real you have lost it already.
Smacks of desperation.
Sorry, do not want to offend HRC supporters, but this is offensive.

Ms. 7wo7rees

[bunnies]

110. This is sexist and condescending as fuck.

Household products? Seriously?

[Garrett78]

111. I don't find it amusing.

I'm not a Clinton fan, but I don't take any comfort in the idea that this could hurt her. Actually, I don't necessarily think it will hurt her. No more than her neoliberal history will hurt her. But it's damaging to women, and to feminism. And that's anything but amusing.

[bunnies]

114. Im not amused either.

First thing that popped into my head was this:



You'd think someone who considers herself a feminist champion wouldnt be so oblivious. She thinks we're so stupid as to be won over with fucking cleaning products? Its an insult.

[arcane1]

115. I was hoping I had imagined this thread yesterday.

Alas.

[progressoid]

118. The HRC campaign called our house to invite my wife to a house party.

However, they didn't invite me even though I am also a registered Democrat.

[SunSeeker]

127. She probably donated before or got on some list as a supporter.

Those sort of calls don't go to all registered Dems.

[Fawke Em]

119. A pink pantsuit bitmoji?

Is it not enough that pink has taken over the traditional orange and black of October? Is it not enough to assume all women love pink? Because, personally, I'd rather wear baby-poop brown than pink. I HATE that color.

I use to forgive the Koman people for the pink in October until they pulled their series of stunts because I thought it was for a good cause, but a politician pandering to women by using pink is just, well,

[SunSeeker]

125. Pantsuits are Hillary's symbol, like Bernie supporters show his hair in their sig line.

It's just letting the supporters have some fun. Lighten up, Francis.

[Fawke Em]

130. I get the pantsuit.

It was the color I objected to. That "pink is for girls" nonsense.

I figured you'd get that since I bemoaned the color and not the pantsuit.

Why not make it red? It's a much bolder and prettier color.

[SunSeeker]

133. I think it is to harken back to that pink suit she wore in her famous Beijing Women's Rights Speech.

Wearing pink was just to further invoke women, IMO. Whether we like it or not, pink is associated with female and blue with male.

I get your aversion to pink. I hate the color too. But the color of Hillary's pantsuit does not seem like a reason to hate her.

[hifiguy]

123. To say that this bounces off the ol' brainbox at an oblique angle

is understatement.

[emulatorloo]

137. The Guardian op-Ed is positive in tone, yet you spin it negatively

You've totally flipped the author's argument upside down. Why exactly?

"It’s a shrewd move to connect with voters and humanize Clinton - especially in light of recent low poll numbers. But there’s an awful big difference between wanting to vote for someone and wanting to be like them. Do women really want to be Hillary?

I’m going to say yes. The constant barrage of sexist hate that Clinton faces will make young women voters more sympathetic to her, her cool grandma texts-from-Hillary online presence has been organic but smartly cultivated, and the female cultural icons of the moment - cough, Beyoncé, cough - are powerful. And what’s more powerful than the first female president?

That’s not to say that the move won’t get its fair share of eyerolls. A lot of people love to hate on Clinton - almost as much as they love to deride traditionally female endeavors. So a box of household products from Clinton is perfect fodder for sexist diminishment."

So the author thinks it is good idea and young women voters will like it, but recognizes that right-wing Clinton haters will use it for sexist diminishment.

I guess I am not clear why you would post a link to a positive op-Ed and then spin it as a negative op-Ed.

[Garrett78]

138. It should get "its fair share of eyerolls."

Household products, cosmetics and a pink outfit for your avatar. Holy anti-feminism, Batman!

[emulatorloo]

139. Op-Ed says will get "eye-rolls" from people who "love to hate on Clinton"

That’s not to say that the move won’t get its fair share of eyerolls. A lot of people love to hate on Clinton - almost as much as they love to deride traditionally female endeavors. So a box of household products from Clinton is perfect fodder for sexist diminishment."

That's sort of opposite from Cali's view, so that's why I was curious.

Anyway doesn't matter much in the big picture, I guess:

[Garrett78]

140. It will get eyerolls from feminists.

Myself included. Regardless of what the Op-Ed said, this Thx Box is an affront to feminism and the effort to combat superficiality and gender stereotypes. It's also more evidence that political campaigns are more about marketing than substantive policy matters. Tough to combat the corporatocracy when you contribute to it.

[beam me up scottie]

141. It got an eyeroll from this one.

It's insulting.

[Garrett78]

143. I rather hope her supporters will make it clear how anti-feminist this is.

Maybe it's not too late to alter the contents of the Thx Box.

[beam me up scottie]

144. I don't think they care.

If a man had done this they'd be furious.

[Garrett78]

146. I've learned to remember the D and keep it holy.

Apparently a letter (be it written, typed or digitally produced) insulates you from all criticism. I'm learning so much. Whee!!! Er, I mean Deee!!!

[emulatorloo]

142. Agreed.

[MADem]

156. I guess I am not clear why you would post a link to a positive op-Ed and then spin it as a negative

op-Ed.


That's a damn good question!



Why would anyone do such a trippy thing?

[cali]

182. yes, it's a positive piece. no, I wasn't spinning anything

I assume that you and others are fully capable of clicking on the link and reading the story yourself. I find the fact of this campaign gimmick both odd and sexist. The author of the guardian piece disagrees.

[Hollingsworth]

145. This is embarassing and sexist.

How would Bernie having a house party for exclusively for men pushing men's products go over? I can't even imagine it. Whoever had this idea for Hillary should be fired.

[sarge43]

194. It's not who thought up this bizarre idea; it's who approved it.

Had to be a Repug undercover operative.

[HooptieWagon]

155. Hey, it worked 51 years ago for the Goldwater Girls!

Are they going to spin 45s too?

[cali]

165. what bullshit, dear Darb

And sorry but you have no right to speak for others.

You're incessant whinging is a bore. Don't like me? Don't like my posts? Too bad.

[beam me up scottie]

168. Someone is stalking you.

But I've heard that only happens to Hillary supporters.

[cali]

178. I really seem to bug some folks to a bizarre degree.

[beam me up scottie]

180. They have issues, don't let them get to you.

[arcane1]

192. How DARE you post actual things the campaign is doing.

The nerve!

[historylovr]

181. Is this for real?

Well then, I guess I'll just have to switch support. Squee! Household products!

[beam me up scottie]

185. Well...if they throw in an espresso maker I might reconsider.

KIDDING!!!

I would just say that so I could get a free one and use it to make lattes for Volvo driving Bernistas.

[historylovr]

187. LOL

This is just the weirdest thing isn't it.

[hedda_foil]

186. Hillary totally wants me to have one.

Search your email, gals, I bet she wants you to get the goodie box too! I have no idea why I'd get this solicitation, except I did have a DNC card when Dean was running it. I never supported Hillary's campaign in '08. I was all in for Obama from the get go. So, with that caveat, here's my email.

Hedda --

Good: A heartfelt thank you.

Better: A heartfelt thank-you surprise package.

Best: A heartfelt thank-you surprise package from Hillary delivered straight to your door!

Sign up right now to get on the waitlist for a THX Box from Hillary.

THX Box is our new way to say thank you to our very best supporters. We’ll send several throughout the campaign, and each limited-edition box will include special Hillary gear, plus behind-the-scenes stories from Hillary herself.

We’ll only have a limited number of boxes, so don’t miss your chance to get one! Sign up for the waitlist right now to be first to know how to get your box:

https://www.hillaryclinton.com/thx-box/

Thanks,

Official Clinton Campaign

[Garrett78]

189. Can't imagine why anyone might get the impression...

that the marketing of consumer products in a campaign for the highest office in the land might have some correlation to neoliberlism (or economic liberalism) and the massive amount of legalized bribery that determines election outcomes.

Or why Clinton has strong ties to Beacon Global Strategies, Burson-Marsteller, Monsanto, Corrections Corporation of America, etc.

Or why past presidential campaigns have been awarded annual marketing awards over Apple, Coke, etc.

Or why Robert Jensen would have written, "No matter who votes in elections, powerful unelected forces—the captains of industry and finance—set the parameters of political action. Voting matters, but it matters far less than most people believe, or want to believe."

I'm sure this is all perfectly healthy for a democratic republic. Nothing to see here.