Comments on: National Organization for Women Slams Newsweek for ‘Sexist’ Portrayal of Bachmann

By: dawn

dawn — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 22:17:36 +0000

I’ve never seen a photograph like this one of a serious male Presidential candidate on the cover of a major publication.
True, the media did make fun of what Al Gore supposedly said and of Howard Dean’s alleged scream, but they generally used nice-looking, representative pictures of them on magazine covers.
I have no problem with Newsweek analyzing Michelle Bachmann’s words, actions, and ideas and drawing conclusions about her fitness to lead. But there’s no justification for choosing a photograph of her that makes her look insane.
That is sexist and not what men have to put up with to run for office.

By: Cheryl Graham

Cheryl Graham — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:24:45 +0000

Isn’t it sexist to say that a woman *should* be photographed in a flattering way? Isn’t it sexist to complain about the way a woman looks on the cover of a magazine? To use NOW’s double-standard test, imagine if Pres. Obama or John McCain, et al, let this bother them. We’d be crying out for them to focus on the issues, not of stuff like this!

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:39:12 +0000

I’m very shocked that and organization dedicated to women’s rights and issues can find the time to comment, let alone the president of the organization going on tv, on this non issue. If Mrs. Bachman wishes to be taken seriously she needs to let these types of things roll off, not whine about a magazine not making her look pretty.
So many issues important to us and this isn’t one of them.
My comment on the way she looks is simple: you can’t airbrush out crazy.

By: Matteo

Matteo — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:26:19 +0000

What this story really says to women is, don’t expect to get special treatment because you have a uterus and breasts. This is what happens in politics to EVERYONE. Especially those that are seen as serious contenders. If you want to play with the big boys be prepared to fight and fight hard. I’m so over women who want equal rights but want special treatment and that’s who is running NOW is these days. This is Equality.

By: Matteo

Matteo — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:11:00 +0000

Terry O’Neill of NOW is dead wrong. This has indeed been done to men who were front runners for the presidency. Can you say Howard Dean or Al Gore? This is not sexism. It’s exactly what you’ve been fighting for all this time Miss O’Neill. It’s equality. Wake up and get used to it.

By: CND FOX

CND FOX — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:43:42 +0000

I’ll tell you ONE THING Terry O’Neil. She might be a ‘contender for the Presidency’…but a ‘serious one’…???? I believe that anyone with a functioning, rational and intelligent brain would say NO to that. I’ll bet that if you dug ‘deep enouigh’ on that ‘picture’ you would find that it was instigated by a GOP supporter. Why??? Because Bachmann is crazier than bat**** and is a total distraction to the GOP primary process.

By: whathappened08

whathappened08 — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:02:43 +0000

THANK YOU DOING THE RIGHT THING AND SPEAKING UP EVEN THOUGH YOU DISAGREE POLITICALLY.

By: The Liberal Lamp Post

The Liberal Lamp Post — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:41:48 +0000

Announcing a candidacy makes you a “serious contender” now? That’s mighty weak. Bachmann’s extremism doesn’t make her a ‘serious’ candidate – and Newsweek’s portrayal is fairly insightful into her extremism – not her sex.

By: Don

Don — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:25:47 +0000

I have often thought ill of NOW when they failed to rise to the defense of conservative women (e.g. Sarah Palin, Condeleeza Rice). They deserve due credit for this. May it be the start of NOW consistency.

By: Katherine

Katherine — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 18:51:47 +0000

So happy to see that NOW is finally defending the media treatment of a conservative female candidate. Until this incident, they have utilized a double standard.
Carole-While I’m sure there are plenty of men intimidated by powerful women. Newsweek’s editor is a woman. As a woman, I’ve seen women tear down one another as frequently as men. Look at tabloids, social media, any high school hallway. In many ways, we are our own enemies.
As far as I’m concerned, Newsweek has just become another form of People magazine. Next week, it will feature, “Who wore it best and who’s got cellulite for the female congressional members”. I’m so disgusted.