It’s the sexism, stupid

OPINION:

Could it be possible that Democratic voters are discriminating against Sen. Hillary Clinton simply because she’s a woman? Is sexism the reason she is losing to Barack Obama? Say it ain’t so, Gloria Steinem.

But Gloria says it is so, and so do some other female pundits. Writing in the ultra-liberal Boston Globe, a woman named Michal Regunberg claims the mainstream media “[has] a tough time with Clinton and criticized everything from her pantsuits to her laugh.”

Ms. Regunberg goes on to say: “They would not excoriate a man for [these things]. What’s worse, they get away with it. They use her as a punchline.” Four words: “Are you kidding me?”

Presidents Bush and Clinton are not used as punchlines? Come on. Did Ms. Regunberg miss Barack Obama being mocked incessantly for bad bowling? What was that — manism?

This is just nonsense. The reason Hillary Clinton runs behind Barack Obama is that he is perceived to be more liberal than she is, and the committed left dominates the Democratic primaries. Among other things, Mrs. Clinton’s Iraq war resume has rankled the far left who, early on, enthusiastically threw in with Mr. Obama.

In addition, because much of the media has moved dramatically to the left and, above all, is ardently politically correct, Mr. Obama’s candidacy was greeted with great joy by many press people. They love him simply for being him. Is it a sexism deal? No. It’s an Obama-mania deal with the press.

If John McCain had a shrill laugh, “Saturday Night Live” would surely use it as a mocking device. If Mr. McCain wore polyester leisure suits (I know where to get some), he would be hooted. The truth is that any trademark, tic or idiosyncrasy will be used as a satirical tool against those in the public eye.

Pantsuit jokes are easy. David Letterman’s writers love them. It has nothing to do with womanhood, it has to do with fabric.

Before the Rev. Jeremiah Wright battered his image, Mr. Obama was perceived as more likable and more energetic than Mrs. Clinton. He remains the new kid in town, as the Eagles sang, and everybody’s talking.

No doubt, Mrs. Clinton is disliked by some for her aggressive demeanor, but so am I. Is that Irish-ism? Some folks like type A’s, some don’t. Both genders get scrutinized for feisty behavior.

Finally, 22 percent of West Virginia Democrats said race was a factor in their vote, which gave Mrs. Clinton a huge win. That, I believe, is a real concern. No vote should be cast for racial or for gender reasons.

But sexism didn’t seem to matter in the Mountain State. Did it?

Bill O’Reilly is a nationally syndicated columnist, host of the Fox News show “The O’Reilly Factor” and author of the book “Culture Warrior.”