By VictorM:

Is the USA ready for either a woman or an African-American to be president? I am of two minds about the question itself. On one hand it's sad that the question is even asked, but given where we have been, it is good that question is being asked seriously because for the first time ever we have a candidate from each group with a realistic shot of winning (even if Hillary's chances are now fading).

So, how do Americans feel about this race and gender issue?

A poll by CNN and Essence magazine released Thursday found that Americans believe the country is more ready to elect an African-American president than a woman...

The good news is that the vast majority of voters think the country is ready for either a woman or an African-American. But I was sad to see lower support for a woman -- though after this campaign, I wasn't surprised. I think it's clear that Hillary Clinton has suffered more sexist abuse than Barack Obama has experienced overt racism this year: men yelling "Iron my shirts" on the campaign trail; Rush Limbaugh and Matt Drudge hyping unflattering photos of Clinton and predicting that Americans will be repelled by the sight of a female president aging, debate moderators telling her she's just not likable, cable commentators trashing her with sexually charged analysis and statements. Remember when that John McCain supporter, a woman, asked "How do we beat the B-word?" about Hillary, and McCain and everybody in the crowd laughed? Imagine if she'd used the same kind of slur about Obama.

Yes, Hillary has been the subject of more abuse, no question about it.