Tuesday’s CBS "Early Show" led with co-host Julie Chen exclaiming: "Sexism hits the campaign trail as Rush Limbaugh asks if voters want to stare at an aging woman as president." This harsh accusation was in reference to comments made by Limbaugh during his radio show on Monday, in which he said: "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis? And that woman, by the way, is not going to want to look like she's getting older because it'll impact poll numbers, it'll impact perceptions."
The "Early Show" did not do a full segment on the story, but did feature a news brief at the top of the 8:00am hour by CBS Anchor Meg Oliver:
MEG OLIVER: And now a story that's expected to reverberate throughout the day. The question of sexism in politics. It's of particular interest in Campaign 2008, where a woman has a good chance of becoming a major party nominee. Radio commentator Rush Limbaugh yesterday had some thoughts after seeing this picture of Hillary Clinton posted on the internet. Limbaugh believes Americans are addicted to physical perfection and wonders if this country is ready to watch a woman age in the Oval Office.
Story Continues Below Ad ↓
RUSH LIMBAUGH: Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis? And that woman, by the way, is not going to want to look like she's getting older because it'll impact poll numbers, it'll impact perceptions."
OLIVER: Limbaugh also says, as people age, no matter who they are, America loses interest.
CBS apparently latched onto this idea of defending Hillary’s wrinkled pictures late. On Tuesday’s Laura Ingraham show, Ingraham reported she was called by someone from CBS at 11:15 pm on Monday night to do an interview segment on the Hillary-pic controversy – no doubt hoping a conservative woman would defend Hillary against the "sexists," but she declined to respond to the message. Ingraham did suggest to her listeners that picking on Hillary’s aging appearance would help Hillary, which might explain the sudden CBS ardor.
—Kyle Drennen is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
It sure is rich that the
December 18, 2007 - 11:51 ET by amberIt sure is rich that the news media would criticize this analysis by Rush. Maybe some real reporting on this would have been better. Reporters and anchors could speak candidly about the pressures they are under to maintain a certain youthfulness and how that may translate to a female president.
...as people age, no matter
December 18, 2007 - 12:06 ET by Senior Chief...as people age, no matter who they are, America loses interest.
Even Hollywood- leftoid's haven of their gods and idols believes in Rush. Yesterday Dustin Hoffman, 70, had the same argument. He's going to Europe for he has a good chance to land a movie role. So how many of you leftoids out there are going abroad with Hoffman.
Looking at Pelosi, just wondering how many face nip/tuck she had so far. America is obsessed in how to look young and vigor. Rush, I believed, just conveyed what other won't dare say, because he don't subscribe to political correctness.
It was not sexist at all, it was reality- some fact of life...
That's the problem with
December 18, 2007 - 12:32 ET by HypocriteHaterThat's the problem with most liberals. When people, especially conservatives, try to talk about these issues that are gounded in reality, liberals want to slap a sexist, racist, homophobic label on them instead of actually listening to what's being said. And I thought feminists have always AGREED with Rush's observations. They're always telling us that it's a man's world and woman are literally killing themselves (Kanye West's mom, anyone?) trying to look younger, prettier, and thinner than the next woman.
Just another example of liberals setting the rules on free speech and then changing them when a conservative dares to speak.
Exactly, the MSM is so hyper
December 18, 2007 - 13:03 ET by mattmExactly, the MSM is so hyper about nailing Rush with the sexism label that they can't even discuss his point which was the possibile superficiality of the American public - although, I think the people who aren't part of the pop-culture, Oprah clique, would have more depth than that... But can the MSM, which is populated by the most shallow, vacuous and vain people, see beyond that? No, because they are part of the shallow pop-culture who can't see beyond apperances...
They are listening
December 18, 2007 - 12:10 ET by KC MulvilleI'm sure Rush can respond to this by himself. On the face of it (pun alert), it's a comment I wouldn't have made, but I didn't hear the segment and with the media's history of taking Rush out of context, I won't take sides here.
But it proves the liberals are listening, aren't they?
Typical shoddy reporting
December 18, 2007 - 12:10 ET by Prester JohnThey didn't even mention the Breck Girl.
Rush, You Sly Old Dog
December 18, 2007 - 12:12 ET by V the KRush is just doing his bit to help Hillary over her rough spot. He knows this sort of criticism will make the Sorocrats rally around Hillary. He also knows Hillary is more beatable than Barack in a general election.
Sly, Rush. Really sly.
I read the transcript
December 18, 2007 - 12:24 ET by HypocriteHaterI read the transcript yesterday from Rush's show because it was linked on the drudge report. He pretty much predicted that by just discussing this topic, there would be a media frenzy. Well CBS just proved him correct. It's such a non-story that it's laughable CBS even found this news worthy. Now let's see who follows CBS's lead and treats this as breaking news.
Apparently no liberal radio talk show hosts have ever said anything negative about conservative woman (yeah, right!), because CBS hasn't had to come to their rescue with a news story about it.
Hillary is hideous looking
December 18, 2007 - 12:34 ET by Adam_MEBut honestly the thought of 4-8 years of that cackle scares me more than the sight of her ugly mug.
Media sexism
December 18, 2007 - 12:40 ET by pocomocoI suggest that Chen and Oliver take a good look at the “sexism” where they work and at the TV news media in general. Notice any ‘aging’ female anchorettes and news readers?
The bias toward aging women in the TV news media is manifest as the TV brass have made it known in their hiring practices that – aging women need not apply.
However, they do have a fondness for aging men.
STOP HATING ON HILLARY!
December 18, 2007 - 12:43 ET by MrShyBEST OF HILLARY
and
BEST OF HELEN
:)
We bid a fond farewell to Professor Talking Points & Cheetos
Those sites are positively
December 19, 2007 - 00:00 ET by DEVILDOCMOMSCARY! You would think with their money she would have better dental work...
Bullseye!
December 18, 2007 - 12:43 ET by Tom1969caOops! You're onto them! Any time the MSM can paint Hillary as a victim of the old-boys club, she gets a ten-point bump in the polls.
~~~
The difference between liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe liberals are wrong, while liberals believe conservatives are evil.
Talking about sexism, not sexism itself
December 18, 2007 - 12:51 ET by nkviking75Seems to me this is a comment on sexism, not a sexist comment. If we were talking about some fictional female candidate instead of Hillary, people might wonder if a female candidate had to be physically attractive to be elected, just as we talk about whether the American people are ready to vote for a woman. And on the subject of physical appearance, it certainly has been a topic of conversation when it comes to male candidates.
Did anyone notice the picture of Rush is an old one, when he was heavier? Like it'd be tough to get a current photo. The MSM likes to make him look as porky as possible.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
At one point, Dick Morris
December 18, 2007 - 14:17 ET by motherbeltAt one point, Dick Morris on some show said the American people would NOT elect a President with the name "Huckabee." Is that "name-ism"?
Come on, guys. One day HRC has those round, apple cheeks, then that pic shows up on Drudge and her cheeks are all flat and wrinkly like two deflated balloons. Inquiring minds want to know why! If it was a guy, everyone would be wondering "does he or doesn't he" Botox or silicone or whatever. you gotta admit, if nothing else the cheeks thing is curious.
Excuse me, but why is this question that Rush asked out of bounds, but "Why do Republicans hate Mexicans?" is considered a perfectly acceptable topic of discussion?
New Fox Babes.....
December 18, 2007 - 12:49 ET by JayTeeRush is correct to discuss this, as I'm sure "looks" are on everyone's campaign agenda, Dem and Republican. Just look at the recent appearance of O'Reilly's babes on Fox News.....he's starting to surround himself with "ratings babes". Enter Katie Couric.
As Ross Perot said on the Campaign debates, "I'm All Ears".
Mitt R. gets the "Best Looking" award... with Hussein Obama coming in 2nd....(my opinion)
As Rush said, "Men get better looking with Age", Women do not.
Certainly Laura Bush looks better than Hillary, but what does ALL this have to do with Politics and presidents ?
Unfortunately, in today's TV world the answer is....TOO MUCH.
Hillary's problem is twofold, no one can stand the sound of her Cackle or her Looks.
Typical
December 18, 2007 - 12:50 ET by Iowa BoyI was listening to Rush yesterday as he was going into the top of the hour break at 1pm CST. He predicted this would happen so be prepared for another "See, I told you so."
The hypocrisy is what gets me. How many comments from the left did we read or hear about Kathrine Harris' appearance during the recount in 2000? How many jibes did Saturday Night Live deliver about First Lady Barbara Bush? Those are only two examples.
Abe Lincoln was butt-ugly. George Washington was toothless. These were two of our greatest Presidents. Looks are irrelevent. Policies are what matter.
IB, your point then, if I
December 18, 2007 - 15:05 ET by Senior ChiefIB, your point then, if I read you correctly, is that...Hillary is toothless, u*ly and have irrelevant policies. Therefore, she can't be near close to be president, much more great president! Wham!! You better lol, IB.
Not sure I get your meaning, SC
December 19, 2007 - 02:31 ET by Iowa BoyGawd, I'm gonna get creamed for writing this.
OK. Deep breath. Here goes.
Hillary is much better looking now than she was in her Welsley and Harvard days. 60's feminist fashion was definitely not a good look for her. Her eyebrows then were thicker than mine are now and I could give Andy Rooney a run for his money in that department.
It wouldn't matter to me if Mrs. Clinton looked like Diane Keaton (still stupifyingly beautiful in her 60's) or Bea Arthur (um...not so much). If she's a liberal socialist Democrat, she not getting my vote.
I wonder if Ms. Chen
December 18, 2007 - 12:54 ET by Chris NormanI wonder if Ms. Chen appreciates the fact that Rush really doesn't care what the media think of him and his "sexism". They just keep trying...
Being a sexist
December 18, 2007 - 12:57 ET by sarcasmoIs a lot less-fun than it sounds!! (Ok, old-joke, but sometimes I simply can't resist recycling!)
JMR
Rally online with fans of Dr. Ron Paul. (All purpose anti-slander-link, sadly-needed these days...)
Rush is
December 18, 2007 - 13:12 ET by bigtimerRush is right!
Period....
First Mrs. Moonves vs. Trophy Julie
December 18, 2007 - 13:57 ET by CaringwhiteguyJulie Chen (Mrs. Les Moonves) is 21 years younger than her husband. They were married in 2004 after Les and his first wife (Nancy Wiesenfeld) were divorced after 26 years. I wonder whether Julie realizes she took over for the aging first wife. Les obviously didn't want to see Nancy's aging right before him.
Excellent point, CWG. And
December 18, 2007 - 15:58 ET by fitzfongExcellent point, CWG. And here I was thinking she got the job for her "intelligence".
at least the picture of Hill is current
December 18, 2007 - 14:38 ET by Tidy Bowl ManAt least the ill looking Hill is a current picture. The picture of rush must be several years a hundred pounds and an Ex-wife ago.
Like the left never said
December 18, 2007 - 19:32 ET by the strugglerLike the left never said anything bad about Linda Tripp. They had John Goodman playing her on SNL!
I heard Rush say all this
December 18, 2007 - 21:51 ET by Peg C.and pretty much agree, but thought oh no, this will start creating a victim of her again and she always profits from being perceived as a victim. My other thought is I don't mind at all seeing women in the public eye or public office aging (or men for that matter). What I do mind is seeing female politicians (ok, Queen Bee Nancy) vary from day to day with eyes popping out and rictus smiles and then sags and bags; then back again. THAT'S what I mind.
And John Kerry turning orange and his wrinkles disappearing overnight, only to swiftly return.
I can handle graceful aging just fine, but not this Botox/nip-tuck quick change artist thing so many Dems have going on. As Elaine said, fake-fake-fake-fake-fake!
Swiftly return? Was that
December 18, 2007 - 22:30 ET by fitzfongSwiftly return? Was that intentional? If so, congratulations! Great word choice.
Anyway, Hillary plays it as if she's extremely sensitive about her gender because that's really the only asset she has in a Presidential run. There is literally nothing to recommend her as a Presidential nominee, she's a dreadful candidate with zero executive experience and even less competence. Real leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir or Indira Ghandi were too busy doing their jobs (i.e., leading) to engage in lame, focus group driven gender politics. The likes of Hillary and Stretch Pelosi have no leadership qualities and therefore seek refuge in the phony culture of fame to apologize for their massive shortcomings. Thus, Hillary can act like an obnoxious, robotic bully and still escape from that weak exchange with Rick Lazio looking like a sympathetic "victim" to a bunch of idiots in New York State. She acts like she gets "attacked" because she's a woman...that makes her a liar. She gets "attacked" because she's a liberal who feels the need to enact a bunch of stupid ideas into law.
Peg
December 18, 2007 - 22:38 ET by botgwell said
they can't all be IT girls like you eh?
"how would i know? if i knew everything i'd run for God" ----crpl Klinger
Official Business
December 19, 2007 - 03:40 ET by WesenWe know that Presidents age prematurely so this is a timely issue. I believe it is in the best interests of the Country to have a Police sketch artist take the information we know about aging and draw Hillary's picture as she will appear in 2012 and 2016.
On second thought, maybe this one will do:
http://photobucket.com/mediadetail/?media=http%3A%2F%2Fi53.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fg49%2Fweege_2006%2Fold-lady-smoking-cigar.gif&searchTerm=old%20lady&pageOffset=0