They were only concerned with feminism while it had a pretty face that they thought would help them win the election. Not surprisingly, conservatives have instantly forgotten their cries of sexism (wolf) and taken to bashing Palin and blaming her for their loss.

Every time you hear these Monday morning quarterback criticisms of Sarah Palin coming from the right, interpret them as outright blows to John McCain’s judgment. She did everything they asked her to, read the speeches they wrote for her, while they used her to rally the base and supposedly appeal to women. It didn’t work, so they’ve decided it’s her fault. It’s always easy to blame the woman.

McCain will go back to being the “old” McCain and people will forgive him for this disgusting campaign. He will scrape what little is left of his dignity out of the gutter and go about his job. Meanwhile, the right will attempt to dismantle Palin’s career and make her a laughingstock.

Sure, she’s not very bright. You chose her! She knows nothing about geography? You wanted her to be next in line for the Presidency? Notice the criticism of her is heavily focused on the shopping and “diva”-ness, rather than on the lack of substance that was missing all along.

Let’s stop gobbling up these juicy pieces of gossip about how stupid she is, unless we’re willing to recognize exactly what these details say about John McCain and the entire Republican party. Instead, let’s get back to work because we obviously have a long way to go.

Shakesville has good posts on this topic here and here.

Some good news for women coming out of this election from EMILY’s List.

UPDATE: Campbell Brown agrees, “You picked her.”