Candy Crowley, CNN's chief political correspondent, is the first woman to moderate a presidential debate since Carole Simpson in 1992.
However, it doesn't seem to matter what her credentials are these days--if the Twitter hecklers berating her for her figure last night during the debate are any indicator.
As one of millions of women who have struggled with, or continue to struggle with, body image, I couldn't help but notice and be disappointed by the misogynistic and disrespectful comments directed at Candy's weight and body. Women are making strides towards equality in both the workforce and academia, but the longstanding tradition of bashing a woman's intelligence by focusing solely on her appearance continues to set us back.
Whether or not you stand behind Candy's performance last night, it's disheartening that a woman's figure was used as the measure of credibility.
I am personally excited to see a successful woman in a powerful position. When I see Candy, I don't see her size; I see someone strong and aspirational. Looks fade, but your inner beauty and your accomplishments will be the thing you have when you're older.
Why don't we all focus more on that?
Candy Crowley looks like a fat SNL cast member in drag.
— Brent Smith (@Brentweets) October 17, 2012
WHAT JUST HAPPENED?Candy Crowley just stepped in for Barack?I've truly seen it all.That fat sow just did it.#debate
— Michael Berry (@MichaelBerrySho) October 17, 2012
Can't we get someone other than a libturd douche bag like fat disgusting pig @crowleycnn to moderate a debate?Like maybe @seanhannity ?
— Martin (@Politix_Junkie) October 17, 2012
THIS IS A MEDIA SCANDAL > Committed by @crowleycnn @cnn who promised to (VIOLATE) her contract and to (INSERT HER FAT ARSE) into the debate.
— ROCKWITHBECK (@ROCKWITHBECK) October 17, 2012
I can tell the President did well because all the conservatives on my FB news feed are making fat jokes about Candy Crowley. #classy
— Christina Uticone (@snowcones) October 17, 2012
CANDY CROWLEY: NEED A SNICKERS?
— Abe Froman (@Pimp_Sausage) October 17, 2012
.@pizzahut asks, "Sausage or Pepperoni?" Candy Crowley answers, "All of the above." #debate
— Men's Humor (@MensHumor) October 17, 2012
@crowleycnn you're a disgrace you fat bias Pig lady! You should quit and work for Obama directly Hog lady!
— Kamikaze Comedy Dave (@KamikazeComedy) October 17, 2012
