CNN Anchor Accuses McCain of Sexism and Chauvinism for Shielding Sarah Palin from the Media

As we progress through the fourth week that Sarah Palin has been John McCain's running mate still without any meaningful media interaction with her, the attacks on McCain's protectionism of his VP choice have been increasing in number and intensity. So far McCain has done a pretty good job of deflecting or ignoring these criticisms, most of which tried to argue either that McCain had an ethical obligation to provide access to Palin (he does) or that he was hiding her because she's not ready or able to answer tough questions (he is, because she isn't).

This line of attack, however, will be much more difficult for McCain to ignore: CNN anchor Campbell Brown directly accusing the senator of sexism in demanding special treatment for Sarah Palin:

"Tonight I call on the McCain campaign to stop treating Sarah Palin like she is a delicate flower that will wilt at any moment," said Brown. "This woman is from Alaska for crying out loud. She is strong. She is tough. She is confident. And you claim she is ready to be one heart beat away form the presidency. If that is the case, then end this chauvinistic treatment of her now. Allow her to show her stuff. Allow her to face down those pesky reporters... Let her have a real news conference with real questions. By treating Sarah Palin different from the other candidates in this race, you are not showing her the respect she deserves. Free Sarah Palin. Free her from the chauvinistic chain you are binding her with. Sexism in this campaign must come to an end. Sarah Palin has just as much a right to be a real candidate in this race as the men do. So let her act like one."

Right on all counts, of course, and McCain has opened himself up to this by whining falsely about "sexism" towards Palin whenever it was convenient for him.