The XX Factor: What women really think.

How About Some Ageism?

Sexism, racism: Last night's cordial Democratic debate stayed miles away from those toxic topics. But with the race down to two, ageism may now take its turn in the spotlight. Of course, a generational drama has been playing out all along, and Obama has been its beneficiary, especially this past week; with the Kennedys' endorsement, the glow of youthful vigor—that JFK word—has never been more dazzling. During an evening in which most differences blurred, and with the curiously ageless Edwards out of the picture, the contrast between young man and older woman again stood out—but this time it played, it seemed to me, very much to Clinton's advantage. Until now, I'd cringed whenever she invoked a career that began "35 years ago": Why make herself seem so old, an earnest do-gooder long before so many Obama enthusiasts were even a gleam in their parents' eyes? It is tough enough to be the past-her-prime woman, slathered in make-up under the unforgiving TV lights, up against men whose faces the cameras love and cares have barely lined. Yet last night—commanding, gracious, relaxed, confident, funny—Clinton had the je ne sais quoi that can give the older woman the seasoned allure Americans aren't known for appreciating, but may recognize from French movies. It's a glow with the potential power to make a younger man, however compelling, charismatic, and gallant, seem like someone with growing up still to do.