Sep 3, 2008 5:02 pm US/Central
Local Businesswomen React To Palin Family Drama
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Women who have smashed the glass ceiling in Chicago business think the political spotlight should be shining on Sarah Palin's credentials as a vice-presidential candidate, not on her family life. CBS 2's Mike Parker heard an earful about double standards today at a businesswomen's convention.
Hundreds of business women lunched at Navy Pier to celebrate female entrepreneurship - and it was clear that Alaska governor Sarah Palin was on their minds - especially the incessant media revelations about her family life.
"Everybody's looking for a real fast story and that's an easy one to talk about right now, and I think they're missing the point that we should be talking about issues and not somebody's daughter," said Joanne Stone-Geier, consultant.
"There's a tremendous double standard out there still in today's society," said Sharon Burton, transportation company owner. "I believe we've spent more time on her daughter's pregnancy than we have Mr. Edwards' affair while his wife was fighting terminal cancer."
Mayor Daley said Palin should get used to it. He said personal and family scrutiny goes with the political territory.
Governor Blagojevich spoke at the luncheon event. Palin was on his mind too.
"I'm not aware that if Governor Palin were a man, whether those questions would be asked of him," Blagojevich said. "If there is a double standard, it's a question that you guys ought to ask yourselves."
In an inline poll, Time magazine is asking this: "Is Sarah Palin being treated fairly by the media?"
The national numbers reveal that 70 percent of voters said yes, while 30 percent said no, she is not. The Illinois poll results mirror the national numbers - 70 yes, 30 no. But Alaska respondents are split, 50-50.
More than 100,000 poll answers have been tabulated so far.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Video: CBS 2's Picks To Click
