Woman’s day

I’ve been watching with interest as Democrats enter the 2020 presidential fray. I’ll keep an open mind over the campaign cycle, but I’ve rolled my eyes upon the announcements of a few of the candidates who think they have a shot at unseating the current commander in chief.

Some of them no doubt are surrounded by yes-men and -women. That happens when politicians reach a certain level—and it’s the only reason I can surmise some of them think they’re a viable challenger. As of press time, nine had officially jumped into the race. However, as we’ve seen over the past couple of months, there are many more would-be candidates forming so-called exploration committees. It’s anyone’s guess how large the field will become by the time debates begin.

So far, more women than men have taken the plunge. Shockingly, ahem, some of the coverage they’re receiving is quite sexist.

A few of the targets in question are well-known. East Bay native Kamala Harris, of course, is the most familiar to Californians. The state’s previous attorney general—now senator—is a former San Francisco district attorney and the candidate I believe, based on political coverage I’ve read over many years, most likely to eventually receive President Obama’s endorsement.

Though common knowledge in the Bay Area, it’s resurfaced as a scandal that Harris once dated former longtime state Assemblyman and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, who, at the time, the early 1990s, had long been separated from his wife. The implication is that Harris is a homewrecker and opportunist who used her relationship to climb the political ladder.

This has played out in garbage publications like Breitbart as well as more reputable news sources, including USA Today, Gannett’s flagship, which I’ve taken to calling the Walmart of newspapers (it’s everywhere and colorful).

One of the other politicians getting special treatment is Amy Klobuchar, a popular Minnesota senator and former county prosecutor. Largely based on anonymous former employees, allegations of her mistreating staff began circulating days prior to her recent candidacy announcement, on Sunday (Feb. 10).

To her credit, Klobuchar acknowledged that she “can be tough” and “push people.” Perhaps the criticism is valid. I can’t say. What I do know is that it’s generally acceptable when men are demanding leaders. Not so much when it’s a woman. We clearly have a long way to go.

It’s probably no surprise that, come November 2020, I’ll be voting for the candidate who is best equipped to beat Trump, but I’d sure like to see that be a woman. I mean, it’s about damn time.

I know a little something about succeeding a man in a job previously held exclusively by men. It hasn’t been easy over the past nearly six years here at the CN&R. In addition to being labeled as strident, along with many other descriptors—you know, bitch, whore, the C-word, etc.—I’ve received death threats. Multiple.

Then again, I’ve gotten the kindest emails and phone calls, the most encouraging handwritten letters, and a beautiful art-filled calendar. Recently, strangely, a woman in Florida sent me a check for $100 with a sweet note referencing the Camp Fire. I didn’t cash it, but I certainly was touched. I love my job.