Two years after John McCain’s choice of Dan Quayle in a ponytail, a few questions remain, like: “Who is Sarah Palin? Presidential material or material girl?”

A better question posed by some cynical feminists, and by me, is, “Why is Sarah Palin?” This question hangs like a thought bubble over Susan B. Anthony’s grave.

Palin is coopting the unmarried, childless, more gazelle than grizzly Susan B. for her own brand of, uh, feminism.

SarahPac’s Susan B. Anthony List is the rightwing, teabaggin’ and fundraisin’ version of EMILY’s List, the twenty-five-year-old organization that funds pro-choice, progressive candidates. EMILY is the squeam-inducing acronym for “Early Money Is Like Yeast.” It causes the dough to rise. Get it?

Susan B. was an actual early feminist who wrote fiercely and spoke fearlessly as she slogged through upstate snowstorms, hostile conventions, long-winded debates, and endless speaking tours for the equal rights of all women.

Sarah P. is a recently self-proclaimed feminist who flits tirelessly through Twitters, Facebook, and selected high-paid appearances that she arrives at by private jet.

This is but an excerpt from Kate Clinton’s column in our September issue. To read the full article, and to subscribe to The Progressive for just $14.97 (a 75% discount!), simply click here.