How much of Hillary's support is because she is a woman?

[Clarkie1]

O.K., somebody had to ask it sooner or later (getting flame-retardant suit on).

I think it would be a great thing for a woman to be President of the United States, but

1. The idea of "political dynasties" in America really turns me off. I think it's unhealthy in a liberal democracy, frankly.

2. I'd like to see the first woman President achieve her dream independently of her husband's former achievements, popularity and name recognition. I think it would be a lot healthier and send a more positive message to young American girls that they don't have to be married to a President in order to become President (also see #1 in this regard).

3. I know they say all's fair in love, war, and politics, but Hillary is benefiting vastly from Bill's connections and $$$ raising capability. This just doesn't seem fair to other candidates who are "making it on their own," however the saying goes (see also #2 in this regard)

So now, back to the original question....

[TwentyFive]

1. Depends on gender of the voter. Costs her votes among some men - picks up some from women

I'd say the gender issue is about a wash. If it was an advantage, more women would be running, no?

[Clarkie1]

3. I suspect it's a net advantage among Democrats.

Naturally, Democrats as a group would be more enthusiastic about electing women and/or minorities than Republicans, I think. Of course, that's a broad statement and there would be many exceptions to the rule.

[TwentyFive]

7. No, I think you're correct. GOP men hate/fear women, its almost in their platform.

Besides the religious right who view women's role as subservient to men, many GOP men have issues about women in authority. I'll bet there are more than a few GOP congressmen who pay hookers to perform kinky activities on them with whips & black rubber gloves. Kind of like that John Bolton thing, ya know?

[smirkymonkey]

2. How much of her opposition is due to her gender?

I would say quite a bit more.

[Clarkie1]

4. See my post #3. nt

[MADem]

5. A "certain gender?" What, it's UNMENTIONABLE that she is a female? Sheesh... NT

[Clarkie1]

6. nah...I was just trying for a more interesting and wordy title for the thread. nt

[election_2004]

8. Half is because she's a woman, the other half is because she's a Clinton

She has done nothing in the U.S. Senate that qualifies her to be president above and beyond anyone else who could run for prez (I'm excluding Obama, because I think he'll decide against running).

[mtnsnake]

9. The people I know who like her, like her because they just like her

and not because she's Bill's wife or a woman. People in northern NY where I live fell in love with her like no other politician I've ever seen. She's got that kind of magic, whether you want to believe it or not.