MARCH 2008

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to NEWSWEEK's Karen Breslau: "I do think it's a more concentrated criticism that Hillary gets on so many fronts ... But fair or unfair, I think she does herself a disservice to even mention it, really. You have to plow through that. You have to know what you're getting into ... When I hear a statement ... coming from a woman candidate with any kind of perceived whine about that excess criticism or a sharper microscope being put on her, I think that doesn't do us any good, women in politics, women in general wanting to progress this country ... Work harder, prove yourself to an even greater degree ... It bothers me a little bit hearing her bring that attention to herself."

SEPT. 2, 2008 

RNC Victory Chair and Senior McCain Adviser Carly Fiorina: “I am appalled by the Obama campaign’s attempts to belittle Gov. Sarah Palin’s experience. The facts are that Sarah Palin has made more executive decisions as a mayor and governor than Barack Obama has made in his life. Because of Hillary Clinton’s historic run for the presidency and the treatment she received, American women are more highly tuned than ever to recognize and decry sexism in all its forms. They will not tolerate sexist treatment of Governor Palin.”

The McCain campaign also e-mailed reporters a Wall Street Journal op-ed titled "Ignore the Chauvinists. Palin Has Real Experience" earlier this afternoon. Next time, maybe they should consult with their vice presidential candidate before throwing around big words like "sexist."

UPDATE, Sept. 3: 

McCain National Co-Chair and Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman: "I actually think it's completely fair for the media to vet Sarah Palin, just as they did for John McCain and Barack Obama and everyone else who's running for office. You're running for the second highest office in the land, so it's the right thing to do... I wouldn't say there really has [been any sexism]."

Somebody's off-message!