The XX Factor: What women really think.

What, If Any of This, Is Justified?

When I think of Sarah Palin, I keep coming back to the vice-presidential debate and her winking. For days after that, I kept thinking that if she had been debating another woman who wasn't using the same tactics of using sex appeal, she would have looked even more ridiculous than she did already. As it was, she was up against old man Biden, and as much as I don't agree with the tactic (since it sends the message that those are the tools that women need to use to get ahead, that we don't consider ourselves on a level playing field without them), it's her prerogative to use it, and I'm sure it does work for some people (mostly men, according to this—go figure). I just think once you go down that road on the national stage, you're fair game to have that mocked. Heck, when your own running mate touts you—proudly—as a "direct counterpoint to the liberal feminist agenda," do you really even want the protection that other feminists seem willing to afford you from being so ogled? Whether we should extend it is another question—and in doing so, Emily, I think you're much more charitable than I am. I think she's pretty well set herself up for the ogling—and the mockery that ensues.