In recent days, conservatives have attempted to characterize progressive critiques of Gov. Sarah Palin’s (R-AK) record as sexist. A new McCain campaign ad repeats this strained argument by suggesting Sen. Joe Biden (D-DE) attempted to diminish Palin when he remarked that the “‘obvious’ difference between Palin and himself is ‘she’s good looking.’”
As FactCheck.org summarized, the ad uses quotes from news organizations “out of context in an effort to portray [Barack Obama] and his running mate, Joe Biden, as unfairly attacking Sarah Palin and making sexist remarks.”
Despite what the ad insinuates, conservatives certainly haven’t been exempt from commenting on Palin’s appearance — often using much cruder language. Karl Rove, a McCain adviser, called Palin a “young, attractive, fresh-faced reform governor.” Rush Limbaugh said the GOP had a “babe on our ticket.” Glenn Beck exclaimed, “Man, she’s hot!” Watch a compilation:
At the Republican National Convention, one of the fastest selling items was a button that read “Sarah Palin, the Hottest VP from the Coolest State.”
Update
In March 2007, McCain referred to Obama as a “very attractive young man” on the Late Show with David Letterman.
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