The XX Factor: What women really think.

Hillary and Male Flattery

"I'm well aware that my opponents on both sides are paying a lot more attention to me," Hillary Clinton said. "I'm reminded by some of my friends that when you get to be my age, having so many men paying attention to you is kind of flattering." I like this--it's relaxed, undefensive, self-deprecating--a good example of putting on your big-girl panties, as Melinda would have it. And a welcome respite from some of the horrified reaction to the Hillary cleavage story, which I found overly sanctimonious. She's the first female candidate. Like it or not, her femininity is at issue. And when she can pull it off, disarming will usually work better than huffy or stern. Or am I skimming over what are really murkier waters?