The Inescapable Challenge of Talking While Female
The gender dynamics at last night's debate were familiar: The women waited for their moments. The men butted in.
At first, it seemed like the Democrats’ first primary debate would be an exercise in politeness. As the candidates tried to introduce themselves and their agendas to potential voters, minutes went by without so much as a small skirmish, despite legitimate, and often significant, policy differences.
Then suddenly, New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio halted the “Yes, and” chorus—opening the door for his fellow (mostly male) candidates to raise their voices, bicker, and interrupt. It was likely a familiar scene for many women watching at home:
