Is it sexist to refer to the junior senator from New York as "Hillary"...

In My Humble Opinion
41

Of course the use of “Hillary” is sexist. I’ve met a handful of members of Congress over the years, and on no occasion did I call any of them by their first name. The fact that she campaigned as such is not relevant – she did so to co-opt the familiarity which had already gripped the nation. I don’t believe I’ve ever referred to Sen. Clinton as anything other than by her last name, and I don’t intend to.

–Cliffy

42

The Hillary thing started when she was first lady, and it’s stuck in certain circumstances. I think I hear her referred to as Senator Clinton a lot in reference to official business, but Hillary when they’re discussing non-specifics or spin or family stuff…that sort of thing. I don’t think it’s sexist as much as a sign of likeability. I’ll have to listen more closely now to see if they call her Hillary when referring to her actual job, job performance, or prospective SOS gig.

43

Addressing her to her face is another context entirely. I quite agree that it would be rude to refer to her or anyone by their first name when being introduced. But I took the OP’s question to be referring to the use of her first name in general public discourse.

And there, I suspect that her level of first-name familiarity with the public is not a burden but rather an achievement that most public figures would love to have. Certainly, I don’t think Oprah minds that her audience refers to her by her first name (although if I met her, I’d be damn sure to call her Ms. Winfrey). And as long as we can say Dubya, or Arnold, or (going back a little) Ronnie and know who we mean, I have a hard time seeing sexism when the same is true for Hillary.

44

Absolutely. If I were to meet her, I would call her “Senator Clinton,” or possibly “Senator.” But in general conversation about her, she’s “Hillary” to me.

I agree with this as well.

45

She’s also trying to separate herself from Bill.

46

She mostly brought it on herself. When she decided to take on health care in 1993 when Bill was a new president with very little mandate was really stupid. Hillary care was swarmed on by everyone and not only by the right.
Two for the price of one? Ugh… the arrogance of that statement alone sets most peoples jaw on edge.