First Woman to First Woman … When I was prime minister, I created a carbon-emissions trading program …  No one called for my execution by firing squad, as a supporter of Donald Trump did for Mrs. Clinton, but a radio talk-show host did say I should be put in a bag and dropped in the sea. Witches can't be drowned, I cynically joked.  –Julia Gillard, New York Times

With Hillary's formal recognition as the Democratic presidential candidate, a number of articles have appeared about how her gender is attracting criticism.

The mainstream media continues its defense of her conduct and personality and uses many techniques to ward off criticism.

We pointed out yesterday HERE a number of articles that question why she is "hated" and then answer in generalities to try to defuse the issue.

Julia Gillard has posted an editorial at the New York Tïmes HERE on the issue, concluding – unsurprisingly – that sexism played a role in her own failure as Australia's prime minister from 2010 to 2013.

She points out that was called both a "witch" and a "bitch" and that there had been proposals to drown her.

I have often reflected how powerful it would have been if, at that moment, a male business leader, especially one who opposed my policies, said, "I may not support the prime minister politically, but Australia must not conduct its democratic debates this way."

Her ultimate point in the article is that Hillary Clinton, whatever her shortcomings, is similarly subject to sexism.

She offers some advice to Clinton as well, explaining that what sustains someone through "the rigors of modern politics" is "passion and purpose."

This includes understanding what you want to happen "for your nation and the world" and building a sense of self-worth that "can survive all the ugly sniping."