#CrackTheGlass2016

On Sunday, April 12th, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced her candidacy for president. This, to many people everyone, was no surprise. And while it was no surprise, the big announcement - made via video which you can watch here - carried with it a wave of criticism.

Let me be clear, in case you don't already know. I love Hillary Clinton -  and while in the relm of Democratic politics I more obviously align with Elizabeth Warren-esk Progressive - I think Secretary Clinton's integrated politics and effectiveness in foreign affairs, not to mention her track record of developmental programming for children and families is just divine.... but, alas I'm off topic, so while I  > insert heart-eyed emjoi<  Hillary Clinton, I fully recognize that not everyone does, and that's perfect okay, too! 

I'm not actually here to talk about Hillary Clinton. I'm here to ask you, my friends and countrymen persons, to ask you to put the actual Hillary Clinton aside. 

Whether you've read her books and flash your #ImReady swag, or you can't change the channel fast enough when you see her face on TV... it doesn't matter.

I'm asking you to keep your eye on the race that right now seems oh-so-far away. I'm asking you to be highly engaged, and highly critical of the way that Hillary Clinton, and any other female political candidate that may join the race - this race, any race- are treated.

See, it's been about 24 hours since #HillarysBigAnnouncement has been made, and in those last 24 hours, even within those first 4 hours, the wave of systematic misogyny hit the sands, and hit them hard.

Now, I'm not saying that Secretary Clinton should be immune to political criticism. In electing the highest political office, we have every right and I'd propose obligation to be critical... But, we should also be critical of the news media and its misogynistic projections. What does a political candidate's bra size have to do with her political ability? Why are only female candidates asked about the balance of home and family life and politics? Why are aggressive male candidates revered and female candidates called "unhinged"? 

There's a difference, a BIG difference between calling a candidate unqualified because of their educational background or public policy experience and calling a candidate fat or ugly. There's a big difference between questioning economic strategy and questioning a candidate's clothing.

Over the next two years(ish), let's watch, let's listen... How many times in reference to female political candidates will the news media distinguish them from their male colleagues. Do political parties or party-opponents cite policy weakness or projections of the gender binary? Are candidates described as being "emotional" or "timid"? Do you hear more about their exercise routine than their experience? Do magazines introduce a candidate by what she's wearing on her feet or what is going through her head?

 So, as we gear up for campaign season, as we get ready for political advertisements, and my personal favorite, the SNL skits, be critical, be curious, and be aware.

Get out your power pantsuits, People! We're going to the front lines!