Election: Double standard for women candidates

Re: “Clinton not very presidential” (letter, 4-16).

We still see a sexist double standard in how we assess women public servants and candidates. The writer called Hillary Clinton’s performance at the New York debate with Bernie Sanders “shrill” and said she was “ranting,” words always used to silence women who are too confident and assertive.

The writer overlooked Sanders’ constant finger-wagging, shouting, eye-rolling and interruptions; apparently that is acceptable and presidential when that conduct is displayed by a man.

Clinton is by far the best candidate for the job. You don’t have to agree; just don’t judge her by a different and harsher standard than her male counterparts.

Women will continue to be second-class citizens until we all (including women) stop imposing this double standard on women.

This story was originally published April 18, 2016 at 9:58 AM with the headline "Election: Double standard for women candidates."