Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus gave Hillary Clinton’s performance at Wednesday’s NBC town hall negative marks because, in part, he didn’t like her facial expression.
Priebus fired off a tweet calling the Democratic nominee “angry + defensive” during the national security-focused event. “No smile and uncomfortable,” he added.
@HillaryClinton was angry + defensive the entire time – no smile and uncomfortable – upset that she was caught wrongly sending our secrets.
— Reince Priebus (@Reince) September 8, 2016
Many on Twitter saw the RNC official’s remarks as yet another example of the tired sexist trope in which female politicians are scrutinized for the way they dress and their body language in ways that male public figures are not.
The Clinton campaign said as much, explaining that her expression was “just what taking the office of President seriously looks like.”
Actually, that’s just what taking the office of President seriously looks like. https://t.co/Pyn92mesom
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 8, 2016
Trump attacked US generals and praised Putin and thats ok but Hillary didn’t smile enough. Got it. https://t.co/xnA2mt2OrD
— Josh Schwerin (@JoshSchwerin) September 8, 2016
Also, did Trump smile? Is a smile an appropriate response to Qs about the VA and war? Chrissake.
— daveweigel (@daveweigel) September 8, 2016
@Reince Smile sweetie.
— pourmecoffee (@pourmecoffee) September 8, 2016
.@Reince pic.twitter.com/jMh6kLUkwo
— Jason Bailey (@jasondashbailey) September 8, 2016
Smile, babe. You’re so pretty when you smile. You are a Presidential candidate but what matters is your face. https://t.co/l6GBwaOqbS
— Ken Tremendous (@KenTremendous) September 8, 2016
Imagine being an adult in 2016 and still not knowing how obnoxious women find it when you tell women they should smile
— Erin Gloria Ryan (@morninggloria) September 8, 2016
#PresidentialFace Women are not here to be pretty & smile for you. There is real work to be done always has @Reince pic.twitter.com/fUeEifinNo
— Michelle Deneen (@ShepsMom) September 8, 2016
Sry @Reince, my #presidentialface is all serious no smiles. My next smile is scheduled for Nov 9. Check back then ?? pic.twitter.com/vZma5NTH32
— Tori Taylor (@toritaylor) September 8, 2016
