<p>Looksism? Nobody said a candidate’s appearance affected a vote. There are so few good choices in an election that I don’t think most Americans would care what a candidate looked like if they agreed with a candidate’s positions on issues of importance.</p>
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<p>Women have always had to deal with how they look, sound, dress, etc-- especially in politics, which has always been male-dominated. That’s part and parcel of the sexism that’s prevalent. I think what these comments reveal–posted here, as well as comments that been made on political radio shows, TV, etc), is that this sort of sexism is not just limited to women now (in politics, anyway). So, these male candidates are suffering from the same sexism as women-- if one considers “looks-ism” as part of sexism, and I do. </p>
<p>This is one reason Hillary’s demeanor, which often appears cold, has never bothered me. I think women who get to that level often have to repress any mannerisms that might translate as “too feminine” (ie, showing emotion typically assigned to women). When she does, she’s criticized for it. Was it real or fake? Was the stress too much? Can’t she just hold it together? What’s her issue?</p>
<p>At any rate, the comments here attest to the fact that, at least in politics, men are subject to the same sexist remarks as women. And if we’re gonna have sexism, I have to admit-- I’m happy about the equal treatment.</p>