Cindy McCain: Sarah Palin Coverage Is Sexist

Cindy McCain, right, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and Alaska...

Cindy McCain, right, wife of presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain, and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, McCain's vice presidential pick, wait to greet McCain at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Sept. 3, 2008 in Bloomington, Minn.

(Scott Olson/Getty Images)
More Photos

Women and Politics

Upon McCain's complaints about reputed sexism in the media, Sawyer pointed out that Palin, in a months-old video interview with Newsweek magazine that has been posted on YouTube, once said of Hillary Clinton's sexism complaints, "I think she does herself a disservice to even mention it, really. I mean, you've got to plow through that."

Palin also said in the Newsweek interview, "When I hear a statement like that coming from a woman candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or, you know, maybe a sharper microscope put on her, I think, 'Man, that doesn't do us any good -- women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country.'"

Cindy McCain responded, "I don't ever remember her saying that. But that doesn't mean it didn't occur. But in my opinion, what's going on right now, I truly believe, is sexism. If she were a man, these questions would not be asked at all."

Related

Vetting Palin, a Matter of Judgment?

Cindy, Michelle Defy First Lady Stereotypes

Searches for Palin Photos Skyrocket

Differing Stances

Palin has taken a more conservative stance than John McCain on issues like abstinence-only sex education for kids and abortion rights.

"I don't agree with that aspect, but I do respect her — her views," McCain said of Palin's stance on abortion rights, which doesn't allow for abortions even in the case of rape of incest.

McCain said she and her husband do not favor a constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

"It is a state issue. We both believe that these are state issues, and that the states should make the decision."

As for abstinence education, which Palin favors, McCain favors for a more comprehensive approach.

"I taught my children at home about this. I believe that the message should come from the parents and from the family. With that said, our school offered sex education, and I was a large advocate for all — also offering abstinence in sex education. I believe it's two-fold, and I think all of it should be taught," she said.