RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 29, 2008

Chelsea Surprised By Sexist Comments

Campaigning For Mom In N. Carolina, Clinton Says She Was Sheltered From Chauvinism

  • Chelsea Clinton speaks at the Annual Young Democrats Conference in Research Triangle Park, N.C., March 29, 2008. Photo

    Chelsea Clinton speaks at the Annual Young Democrats Conference in Research Triangle Park, N.C., March 29, 2008.  (AP Photo/Sara D. Davis)

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(AP)  Chelsea Clinton said Saturday that she didn't realize how much sexism remained in the United States until she noticed the issue at recent campaign stops for her mother.

"I didn't really get how much sexism there still was in our country until I was at a rally with my mom in New Hampshire, and someone came up to me and said, 'I just can't see a woman being commander in chief,"' Clinton said during a stop in Research Triangle Park.

She also noted another New Hampshire rally that was disrupted by men who stood up and told Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton to "Iron my shirt." And she quietly questioned why some people find humor in a nutcracker doll that looks like her mother.

The younger Clinton said that she didn't understand that sexism still existed because she has always been supported by both the men and women in her family.

"I didn't realize that that wasn't expected yet in the rest of our country," Clinton said. "I have been so profoundly more grateful than I have ever been over the past few months for my parents because of that."

Clinton spoke at the Young Democrats of North Carolina convention in Research Triangle Park - an event that normally draws only appearances for statewide races. On Saturday, campaign officials for both Obama and Clinton sent surrogates to speak, seeking support ahead of the state's May 6 primary. Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker appeared on behalf of Obama.

On several occasions during her speech, Clinton referred to the North American Free Trade Agreement - a pact often blamed for the acceleration of textile and manufacturing job losses across the state - and explained why her former president father and aspiring president mother differed on the issue.

An audience member who said his mother lost her job when it was shipped to Mexico asked Clinton how he could reconcile the passage of NAFTA under the Bill Clinton administration with Hillary Rodham Clinton's opposition of the free trade agreement.

"We don't agree on everything as a family," Chelsea Clinton said. "I agree with my mother on most things - not everything. I agree with my father on most things - not everything. My mother and father agree on most things - not everything."

Clinton, along with rival Barack Obama, repeatedly criticized NAFTA during her successful Ohio primary campaign. She has said she would renegotiate trade agreements and end tax breaks for corporations that send jobs out of the country.

The 1994 landmark NAFTA pact opened trade with Canada and Mexico.

Quote

When I have something to say, I'll let you know.

Sen. John Edwards, declining to endorse a Democratic presidential candidate
Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards also made an appearance at Saturday's event, revisiting his stump speech talking points and taking the stage for the first time since dropping his White House bid two months ago.

The former North Carolina senator praised both of his former rivals, but declined to endorse either candidate.

"I have a very high opinion of both of them," Edwards said. "We would be blessed as a nation to have either one of them as president."

Both Obama and Clinton have repeatedly lobbied Edwards for his endorsement, flying into Chapel Hill to meet with him privately and touting his accomplishments on the campaign trail. Before leaving the race, Edwards won a promise from both Clinton and Obama to make ending poverty central to their ongoing campaigns for the White House.

On Saturday, Edwards pointed out the historical nature of both of their campaigns and said both were better suited in carrying forward his campaign platform than Republican John McCain.

"We are blessed, first, to have an extraordinarily talented African American who could be the next president of the United States," Edwards said. "There's no way to contest the fact that he's inspired this country."

"And Sen. Clinton, who has served America for so long and so well, and has shown so much strength and leadership, has really forged an extraordinarily historic campaign as a woman for the nomination and for the presidency."

Pressed by reporters to detail any endorsement plans, Edwards declined to even say if he would endorse a candidate before the state's primary.

"When I have something to say, I'll let you know," he said.

© MMVIII The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Add a Comment See all 258 Comments
by hypnotoad72 March 29, 2008 10:07 PM PDT
Sexism and racism are alive and well. Trouble is when people use their biological status as a crutch to get special treatment; after a certain point, special becomes something far different.

Reverse racism, reverse sexism, and such are part of reality too...
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 29, 2008 10:12 PM PDT
First, John Edwards is either on his smart game or genuinely smittened with both former Democratic rivals. Good to see him refrain from endorsing either candidate, because we may have to turn to him another time if tensions continue to divide our party much longer--good move, Mr. Edwards.

It''s obvious from Chelsea''s comments that "Mom" and "Dad" have basically shielded her from the real world, but maybe Lil'' Hillary and President Clinton made a decision to bring their daughter up to believe that a woman could be anything she wanted to be and accomplish anything as long as she put in the effort. Great parenting--no doubts there. So, maybe in 2028 Chelsea can become president, but certainly NOT a woman in 2008 when we are at war in two hotspots around the world. America needs a MAN with a strong and steady hand to guide our nation to victory and to energize our enconomy.
Reply to this comment
by hypnotoad72 March 29, 2008 10:38 PM PDT
To anybody who thinks what Monica did is worth discussing -- go buy and listen to the album "Funplex" (google it) instead. :P

Reply to this comment
by it_oldtimer March 29, 2008 10:41 PM PDT
My, what sheltered little lives the children of the elite must live.
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 10:41 PM PDT
Maybe Chelsea should go to a Muslim-controlled country. Pick one. Any one. And see what sexism is really about.
Reply to this comment
by realpatriot1 March 29, 2008 10:41 PM PDT
BLKPresident,

Golda Mier and Margaret Thatcher proved beyond any doubt that a woman can lead a nation through war as well as any man.

The issue foe me has never been that Hillary is a woman. The issue is that she is a lying, phony, patronizing, corrupt piece of ***. The issue is that she used her unelected position as First Lady to violate the privacy of citizens, to assist her criminal brothers in securing pardons for some of the filthiest criminals on earth, her use of the White House for fundraising from foreign sources, and a host of corrupt practices that would eliminate any candidate not named Clinton or Kennedy from consideration by the democratic Party..
Reply to this comment
by chitown639 March 29, 2008 10:46 PM PDT
Oh Lord, now Chelsea is playing the Sexism Card. Hillary wasnt a victim on sexism when she got elected to the U.S. Senate without any prior legrislative experience. Men have been turning out in huge numbers voting for Hillary since she first ran for the Senate. Now that it looks like she could lose the Democratic Presidential Nomination, sexism is the blame...
Reply to this comment
by rufisgufis March 29, 2008 10:48 PM PDT
I was sorry to see Chelsea seems to have the same fertile imagination as her mother. She corroborated her mother''s fabrications about her "harrowing experience" in Bosnia. Makes me wonder if there is some kind of LYING DNA that she has inherited.

As for Chauvinism, she should know when she assumes a public role in a hotly-contested political race she has to be prepared for any question or comment anyone in the audience might have. In other words,deal with it. Don''t cry like a big baby who''s been sheltered all her life.
Reply to this comment
by rfcrtl March 29, 2008 11:04 PM PDT
Keep fighting the good fight, Chelsea!
Reply to this comment
by willow49-2009 March 29, 2008 11:04 PM PDT
There are some really sick, pathetic people posting here. Movie-star, I guess we know what type of movies you make.
Reply to this comment
by boatdocster March 29, 2008 11:05 PM PDT
It''s sad to see Chelsea following in her mother''s footsteps, and now trying to blame Hillary''s distant second place on sexism.

For her to say Hillary was against NAFTA from the start is an out right lie. HRC''s recently released schedules show many pro-NAFTA meetings; maybe she was sleep deprived on that one as well (all that sniper fire must be keeping her up at night)!!

The reality of things, Chelsea, is people do not like you mother because she is a chronic liar and only interested in one thing - herself.

For you to try and repackage that sentiment as sexism, chauvinism, or any other "anti-Clintonism" term shows you have been trained throughly by Hillary - Bait and Switch, Confuse facts with fiction, Woe is me, Change the rules, or the old standby, Lie, Lie and more Lies.

That''s why Hillary is running second, why polls show her slipping daily against Obama, why folks just don''t like her, period.

http://www.hillarythemovie.com/index.htm
Reply to this comment
by willow49-2009 March 29, 2008 11:09 PM PDT
Uh, anybody else notice how sweetly Obama "fanned" his face on the View? Very macho image for our Commander in Chief.

Reply to this comment
by docadams3 March 29, 2008 11:11 PM PDT
These people need to get real. Chelsea lived in a fantasy world. It''s pitiful that it takes her this long to get a dose of reality.

More importantly, do we really need two families to dominate the politics of America for three decades? Can''t we find someone else?
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 11:24 PM PDT
Chelsea said was protected from sexism and chauvinism?

Does that mean she''s never met her father?
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 29, 2008 11:25 PM PDT
realpatriot1,

Totally agree with your comments about Lil'' Hillary; but, where I respect your personal position about a woman being capable of managing a nation in times of war, I''m not trying to hear that. A lil'' woman is NOT what America needs at this juncture in our history, what with two wars raging and our economy sagging of late. Maybe lil'' missy can try back in 2072, but we need a MAN with a strong and steady hand at the helm while we kick some terrorist ***. We certainly don''t need lil'' missy coddling them and baking the cookies.
Reply to this comment
by hillary4us March 29, 2008 11:25 PM PDT
IF SOME OF THESE POSTS ARE AN INDICATION OF THE IQ OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC, I CAN SEE WHY CHELSEA IS STUNNED BY CONTINUED SEXISM IN THIS COUNTRY. BUT, SHE WILL LEARN AS SHE MATURES, THAT THE GOOD OLE BOY NETWORK IS ALIVE AND WELL! HER MOTHER WILL MAKE A TERRIFIC PRESIDENT. HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 11:31 PM PDT
If Chelsea thinks that there''s no chauvinism or sexism in the US, she must have never heard what her married father did with a 23 year old girl in his office.
Reply to this comment
by danstoned March 29, 2008 11:32 PM PDT
Posted by HILLARY4US
HILLARY CLINTON FOR PRESIDENT!

Hillary Clinton (Republicon) has shown her sleeze over the past month. She might even be forgiven. But in the eyes of the Democratic majority (OBAMA SUPPORTERS), she is a pathetic centrist (as Bill Clinton) who has sold out to Corporate America. In no way is Hillary representative of the Democratic Majority.

Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 11:33 PM PDT
Hey Irish Wench,
Maybe Chelsea should move to a Muslim-controlled country and live there for awhile, and see what chauvinism and sexism is all about.
Reply to this comment
by jedi08 March 29, 2008 11:43 PM PDT
Maybe if Chelsea wasn''t treated like a 14 year old girl instead of a 28 year old women she would have a better handle on what really happens in this country.

Its not sexism Chelsea, its Clintonism. People aren''t against a women president, they are against a women who''s whole arguement on why she should be president is because of what her Husband accomplished.

You want to see a women who did it on her own, see Mrs Condaliza Rice.

Plus if you didn''t know about sexism, just ask your daddy about the women her rapped or took advantage off
Reply to this comment
by joyous88 March 29, 2008 11:45 PM PDT
she is a classy younglady;

only the republiCON filth of america

would attack a young woman to get at her parents

but we all know what the rove/bush presidency

really was
Reply to this comment
by antizion March 29, 2008 11:46 PM PDT
Ditch the ***.

If you can''t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
Reply to this comment
by antizion March 29, 2008 11:48 PM PDT
Hillary Clinton (Republicon) has shown her sleeze over the past month. She might even be forgiven. But in the eyes of the Democratic majority (OBAMA SUPPORTERS), she is a pathetic centrist (as Bill Clinton) who has sold out to Corporate America. In no way is Hillary representative of the Democratic Majority.
Posted by danstoned at 11:32 PM : Mar 29, 2008
------------------

Well said!
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 11:50 PM PDT
Irish Wench and rharrin,

My point is that Chelsea sounds like an incredibly naive 28 year old.

And you two sound like bitter, angry Liberals.
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 29, 2008 11:53 PM PDT
"Hillary is a pathetic centrist (as Bill Clinton) who has sold out to Corporate America. In no way is Hillary representative of the Democratic Majority."
Posted by danstoned

I beg to differ.
Bill and Hillary are not centrists.
They are completely amoral compulsive liars who will say anything to stay in some kind of power.

They are Perfect politicians in the worst sense of the word.
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 30, 2008 12:00 AM PDT
rharrin,
Having the DNC be the ones to call things they want to "lies" holds as much weight as a used kleenex.

BTW, what lies are you referring to?
When Bill, Hillary, Algore, Kerry, Peloozi, Kennedy and the rest of the Dembot Politicians said over and over again back in the early ''90''s that Saddam had WMDs?

Are those the lies you''re talking about rharrin?
Must be.
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 30, 2008 12:02 AM PDT
Hey Irish Wench,
Chelsea''s the one who''s campaigning for her mother.
If she makes lame, naive comments in public, she''s going to get called on it.

So get used to it.
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:09 AM PDT
rharrin1,

Contrary to your notion that my term man somehow meant OLD man McCain, please let me say that the only man getting my vote has never fallen asleep during the State of the Union Address. The only man I''m voting for won''t be at risk to nap through critical intelligence briefings concerning the safety of America. If you haven''t figured it out already, let me make it crystal clear for you: lil'' missy needs to get back to her kitchen stove and grandpa can become a geritol spokesman, because America deserves better.
Reply to this comment
by texanow March 30, 2008 12:18 AM PDT
Monica''s former boyfriend''s wife for President "08"
Go Hillary!
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:18 AM PDT
Okay, IrishWench, your point about sexist and sexism is well taken. But even you have to admit we are at war in two hotspots around the world, which brings me to this follow-up? Does "Mrs. Clinton" have any military tactical skills training/background? Any military oversight, administration and leadership background? Does she know the difference between Moscow, Idaho and Moscow, Russis? This election isn''t about women; it''s about do we want to be safe from terrorist. Do you honestly think baking a batch of cookies and coddling terrorist is sound foreign policy? You seem so much brighter than that.
Reply to this comment
by tucano2 March 30, 2008 12:19 AM PDT
It appears to me Mrs. Clinton is made of sterner stuff than her husband, and certainly the scrambling, fighting, "never give up" attitude is 100 percent American. I like that attitude. Mr. Obama comes across as an "Empty Suit" who learned most, but not all, of what the actor Robert Redford''s character in "The Candidate" learned, or not, in that movie, asking his handlers after a victorious vote "What do I do now?". Harry Truman had the "right stuff", and it seems to me Mrs. Clinton learned a lot from him, rather than from a character in a movie.
Reply to this comment
by seattlemark3 March 30, 2008 12:30 AM PDT
When she gets into a tight spot, Ms. Clinton always tries to rally the older women to feel sorry for her (for men supposedly being "sexist" against her)--remember the "Hillary tears" and the "iron my shirt" episodes. She fabricates or embellishes stories that are designed to galvanize her base of older women. Since Hillary''s been recently busted for her lying, she''s now got Chelsea spinning for her. The sooner the Democrats can rid themselves of this disgusting family (the Clintons) the better.
Reply to this comment
by hawksprings March 30, 2008 12:32 AM PDT
"The sooner the Democrats can rid themselves of this disgusting family (the Clintons) the better."
Posted by SeattleMark3

Amen, SeattleMark, Amen.

I''m sure it was the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy that put Chelsea up to saying these things.
Reply to this comment
by yongamerica March 30, 2008 12:37 AM PDT
Well Chelsey, seeing as you''ve led a literal sheltered life, there is a lot about reality you are not aware of. On that note, you have the perfect background to be a politician.
Reply to this comment
by rowdytexan2 March 30, 2008 12:39 AM PDT
Does "Mrs. Clinton" have any military tactical skills training/background?"

Yes, she''s had opportunity to observe militar tactics for years. However Mr. Obama has not, not ever. It shows in his naive exit plan for Iraq.

You know that''s why we have the Pentagon.
Reply to this comment
by rowdytexan2 March 30, 2008 12:40 AM PDT
Posted by hawksprings at 12:32 AM : Mar 30, 2008

The republicans would just love to get rid of the Clintons and their successful administration. Especially since that haven''t had a successful administration in decades!
Reply to this comment
by xraytwonine March 30, 2008 12:41 AM PDT
"Chelsea Clinton said Saturday that she didn''t realize how much sexism remained in the United States until she noticed the issue at recent campaign stops for her mother." hahhaha sheltered ***..... same with racism, its only human nature; you can fake it, you can hide it, but for a number of people that hate and misunderstanding will always be there; thats why we hear about "tolerance" more than anything else.
Reply to this comment
by yongamerica March 30, 2008 12:44 AM PDT
Does "Mrs. Clinton" have any military tactical skills training/background?"

She has 30 years of experience in office. That''s like the military brat saying they spent 18 years in the service.

The question is: Does her machine have any military training/experience? That is the unknown, but judging by Billy''s tenure the answer is a big NO.

Right now she is trying to fight her way out a paper bag. The paper bag is her own doing. Look out for that sniper!
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:48 AM PDT
IrishWench,

You''re well spoken and pretty much a deep thinker. Lil'' Hillary though, contrary to your trust/faith that she does, does NOT know the difference between Moscow, Idaho or Moscow, Russia. Here''s why: While most US Senators, especially those on the Senate Armed Services Committee (where she "serves" coincidentally)plan and prepare for ways to protect us from Moscow, Russia, "Mrs. Clinton" percieves the world in a different light. She wants to be ALL things to ALL people, not realizing that what is good for Moscow, Idaho is certainly not in our best interest when dealing with Moscow, Russis. America needs a strong and steady hand, IrishWench, not a OLD feeble and trembling hand mind you, but a strong MAN''s hands at the helm given this jucture in our history. You''re smart. Please vote smart too.
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 12:49 AM PDT
Right now she is trying to fight her way out a paper bag. The paper bag is her own doing. Look out for that sniper!


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Posted by yongamerica at 12:44 AM : Mar 30, 2008
did Bush or does Obama have military experience? nope
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:50 AM PDT
RowdyTexan2,

Thought it was past you and Lil'' Hillary''s bed-time, but alas you draw your sword and enter the fray again. Name one instance where "Mrs. Clinton" has actually cared enough to visit our brave troops in Iraq--just once--if you''re stumped I understand. Lights out for lil'' missy after PA. votes anyway.
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 12:51 AM PDT
but a strong MAN''''s hands at the helm given this jucture in our history. You''''re smart. Please vote smart too.


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Posted by BLKPRESIDENT at 12:48 AM : Mar 30, 2008
Strong hand? not if your doing crack
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 12:55 AM PDT
So be specific now.


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Posted by IrishWench at 12:54 AM : Mar 30, 2008

he doesn''t have one he just likes to run his big mouth.
Reply to this comment
by rowdytexan2 March 30, 2008 12:55 AM PDT
Posted by BLKPRESIDENT at 12:50 AM : Mar 30, 2008

Yes, sir, she visited the troops in Kosovo, remember? Sniper fire? ROFL! She visited the troops in Kuwait. And she''s visited the troops several times in Iraq.

Mr. Obama has NEVER visited one troop!
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:56 AM PDT
Good morning, Kstar42. In response to your question about Bush or Obama''s military capabilities, it''s suffuce to say both these men can kick some butt. Terrorist actually fear and respect men.
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 12:56 AM PDT
Mr. Obama has NEVER visited one troop!


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Posted by RowdyTexan2 at 12:55 AM : Mar 30, 2008
totally agree.....he''s lost this election, looks like another republican''
Reply to this comment
by andersenme March 30, 2008 12:56 AM PDT
DISPATCHES FROM THE GROUND WAR...

THE NEW YORK TIMES'' FRANK RICH REMEMBERS ...

Hillary%u2019s St. Patrick%u2019s Day
Massacre

By FRANK RICH
Published: March 30, 2008

MOST politicians lie. Most people over 50, as I know all too well, misremember things. So here is the one compelling mystery still unresolved about Hillary Clinton%u2019s Bosnia fairy tale: Why did she keep repeating this whopper for nearly three months, well after it had been publicly debunked by journalists and eyewitnesses?

In January, after Senator Clinton first inserted the threat of %u201Csniper fire%u201D into her stump speech, Elizabeth Sullivan of The Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote that the story couldn%u2019t be true because by the time of the first lady%u2019s visit in March 1996, %u201Cthe war was over.%u201D ...
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 12:57 AM PDT
Terrorist actually fear and respect men.


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Posted by BLKPRESIDENT at 12:56 AM : Mar 30, 2008
''Yeah fighting really solves the problem huh?
Reply to this comment
by blkpresident March 30, 2008 12:58 AM PDT
Kstar42,

In response to the implications about crack, I have nothing to say other than I believe Obama when he said "that was then, this is now".
Reply to this comment
by kstar42 March 30, 2008 1:00 AM PDT
In response to the implications about crack, I have nothing to say other than I believe Obama when he said "that was then, this is now".


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Posted by BLKPRESIDENT at 12:58 AM : Mar 30, 2008

whatever BLK thats weak!
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