It’s O.K. to Not Like Hillary Clinton’s Speaking Style

Jonathan Chait: “Some supporters of Hillary Clinton have dismissed criticism of her speech-giving talents as sexist, a theme I’ve seen from Clinton supporters I respect a great deal. ‘Name a female leader who has soared rhetorically,’ asks Jay Newton-Small, to take one. Well, there’s Michelle Obama, whose speech received universal acclaim two nights earlier. Don’t want to count her as a leader? Okay, Elizabeth Warren tends to get positive reviews. Sarah Palin, whatever her substantive flaws, delivered some speeches in 2008 even Democrats conceded to be electrifying.”

“It may be harder for female leaders to be considered brilliant speakers, but clearly it is possible. It is also possible for people not to dig Hillary Clinton’s speeches for non-gendered reasons.”