Smile, but not too much — the issues a woman running for president faces

If you are running for president, it is important that you smile. But not too much. Smile for the proper duration of time and make sure it is a good smile. Especially if you are Hillary Clinton.

Commentary about Clinton’s grin from prominent media talking heads during the first presidential debate ignited social media, prompting critiques that such feedback is a double-standard applied to women in politics.

In the past, the Democratic nominee has been criticised for not smiling enough. During the debate, she was criticised for doing the opposite. “Who told Hillary Clinton to keep smiling like she’s at her granddaughter’s birthday party?” tweeted David Frum, who was a speechwriter for President George W. Bush.

Fox News Channel’s Brit Hume spoke about how both candidates looked when they were not speaking. “The Trump expression is one we’re all familiar with from the earlier debates. He looked annoyed, put out, uncomfortable.” Clinton “looked composed, smug sometimes, not necessarily attractive”.

“Hillary’s condescending smile is NOT likable,” tweeted Richard Grenell, former Bush spokesman for the United Nations.

Those who take offence at such commentary view it as applying stereotypes about women — that they be friendly, polite and pleasing — to someone running for the highest office. “Prepare, but don’t be over-prepared. Smile, but not too much. Be strong, but not shrill. When interrupted, grow wings & fly to the moon,” tweeted Variety television critic Mo Ryan.

Some who have been criticised for talking about Clinton’s smile (or lack thereof) in the past have argued such commentary is fair game, an aspect of politics about whether someone is trustworthy and received well by voters.

Clinton was asked this month about whether there is a double standard for women running for president. “I’m going to let all of you ponder that last question,” she told reporters. “I think there will be a lot of PhD theses and popular journalism writing on that subject for years to come.”

Last week, Clinton went on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon where she was asked about balancing coming across as fun and likable while also projecting strength and toughness. “It’s especially tricky for women. It just is,” she responded. “These are important issues that the country needs to talk about. And the Republicans were saying, ‘Oh she looks so serious.’ Well, you don’t talk about Isis with a big grin on your face.”