ok, now let's try...

sexism.

In an 11th hour "Hail Mary" attempt (ooh, is that sexist?) to rationalize why she isn't winning, Sen. Clinton has finally called the media out for being sexist. In an interview with Lois Romano of The Washington Post, "Clinton criticized the 'vitriol' from 'misogynists' and said that the race factor was often discussed but not gender".

Well, whose fault is that? It seems to me that this campaign that has been going on for about six years now was the perfect time to address this issue. Sen. Obama reluctantly addressed the race issue that was thrown ad nauseum in his face - to try and start a dialogue of healing. Why didn't you do the same?

HRC: "...I really don't stop to worry about it because there's nothing I can do about it."

Really? You've never stopped to worry about your mistreatment by the media? Your husband and numerous surrogates sure have. Didn't they mention it to you? I seem to remember your campaign complaining after a certain debate last fall that you were being "ganged up on" by the boys and that you "always get the first question". Isn't the polite rule "ladies first"?

So, there's nothing you can do about it? Nice attitude for a person seeking the presidency. Don't you think you are THE perfect person to deal with it? You have 24/7 media coverage, a national -- no, international platform with every man and woman on the planet listening to you...don't you think there is something you could do or say to make a difference or at least bring the problem to the forefront of the political conversation in a good way?

For me personally, (ala Jerry McGuire) she lost me at the "as far as I know" comment tacked on to her response that Obama is not a Muslim. [And, by the way, he's not - just so you "hard working, white" Americans in West Virginia and the rest of Appalachia know.] I think her candidacy has done a great service to all women and is historic and broke through many glass ceilings. A woman was seriously considered in the election for the Presidency of the United States. Think about that -- it's huge. But (there's always a big but...damn, is that sexist too?), for you to be here, at this place in history and NOT take the opportunity to start a discussion on the lingering sexism problems we have in this country is unacceptable. And then, at this last hour, complain about it is...I'm not even sure what that is, but I know I don't like it or agree with it.

And can you please get Geraldine Ferraro to shut her immature pie hole? She is doing more to set back the feminist movement every time she opens her mouth lately than anyone else. Can someone explain to me how after HRC tauted her gun-slinging with her grandpa that referring to her as "Annie Oakley" is sexist? It is a blatant call out to her new panerous claim to like to shoot guns. But sexist? I think not. There have been some real dangerous and misogynistic thinks said about her, but this is not one of them. If you truly want to have a debate about gender politics, then come to the table with something of intelligent substance -- not a lame victim card excuse.

This election season we have seen identity politics played to the extreme. Sadly, I fear there is only more to come in the general election with Karl Rove and his ilk having had ample time to sharpen their attack strategy. The bright side? The cancerous hate that still fills our country - whether it be in the form of racism, sexism, anti-semitism, anti-immigrant sentiment, etc. -- has been exposed. And while it makes me truly sad and a little sick to my stomach, that is the only way for us to decide we are better than that and get past it. Dare I say, grow.