Reply #75: deja vu script rejected: Less experienced man undercuts more experienced woman to advance self [View All]

[inremembrance]

In talking to professional women in their 50's and older, many have a much strong negative reaction to Senator Obama than they have to any of the other male candidates who are more experienced. The reaction is so strong, I've heard many long time democratic women ask if they can vote for him in the general...

Why? I suspect that it's that: (1) Senator Obama tried to (and succeeded) in undercutting Senator Clinton's credibility,and (2) He used the race card but pinned it on the Clintons. But, it's something else too: It's the deja vu emotional script that most professional women lived: Younger, less experienced, charismatic man gets lots of attention...while he tries to elbow his way past the more experienced woman -- all the while undermining her. We get it, know what she's going through (because so many of us experienced this scenario), and will fight with everything we have on her behalf...... Another man, like Edwards, Gore, etc.... it wouldn't be the same script at all....but, this is script is personal.

In addition, in emphasizing his experience, Senator Clinton leaves open the door for him in the future (with more experience), whereas going after her credibility is way more undermining for her for the long-term.

In any event, the situation with his pastor may make this discussion moot....