How I wish that were true. But I have heard on more than one occasion expressions of fear for Obama’s life — not because of his economic policy but because he is black. And I have heard praise and damnation toward Hillary (and now Palin) — not because of her health care plan but because she’s a woman. And then there’s some who are afraid of McCain because he’s a senior citizen.

American politics has been more about these issues (and personalities, and the cuteness/ugliness of family members) than policy issues for a long time. You really don’t think critiques of Hillary’s “aloofness” were related to her being a woman? You really don’t think Palin’s boost to the McCain ticket is related to her being a woman? You really don’t think American voters give a rat’s ass about gender and race? Really?

So, I wish there could be an honest debate about issues (including those involving race and gender, e.g. wage disparities between women and men, immigration). I wish we could have honest debates about racism and sexism, both of which are alive and well in America. Unfortunately, however, we’re caught up in debates about lipstick. At least Revlon will be happy.