Why This Feminist Won't Vote for Clinton

One of my biggest problems with Hillary Clinton's candidacy is the expectation both from her camp and from the media that women will (and should) vote for her because of gender. While she does have relatively strong support amongst women (although Obama has thankfully pulled more or less even with her), the expectation is getting tiring.

As a feminist, here are just some of the reasons Hillary Clinton is not my candidate.

1. I am discomforted by the idea that Hillary Clinton's eight years as first lady somehow translates into "experience" for the presidency. It strikes me as a woman defining herself by her partner, and that's not a message I like.

2. The Monica Lewinsky scandal isn't doing anyone any favors. I don't think sex and sex scandals are reasons to vote or not vote for a candidate, but I do think how they are handled matters. And I don't like how Hillary Clinton has repeatedly used the Lewinsky affair as an example of her strength, as an excuse to talk about her faith, and as a veiled demand that I, as a woman, identify with her experience of an unfaithful mate. A powerful man getting sex from a woman not his wife isn't interesting, surprising or relevant to my life, and the notion that it is or should be offends me as a feminist.

3. Hillary Clinton talking about the glass ceiling seems a little silly. Yes, people in this country are still sexist in appalling ways and women have to combat all sorts of ridiculous notions to rise in the ranks in virtually any endeavor. However, Hillary Clinton comes from a background of privilege and her becoming president will not, actually, change any of those things. Additionally, with her education, economic background and access to power (really, how many women can just up and move to New York so they can be a senator?) I have to argue that Hillary Clinton's glass ceiling is a lot thinner than that of most women, and therefore, ultimately irrelevant to my own feminist existence.