The U.S. Government - Little people from the unwashed masses need not apply.
"We should be learning that for all of this nation's nattering on about race and gender, the most powerful prejudice is one of class. The betters know who they are (on both sides of the aisle), and are willing to champion some of their lessers' causes, but are resistant when one of them seeks a place at the table, and embarrassed if they elbow their way in anyway.
They will say it's about competence, but you know how that goes with the elites. They can bumble on about visiting all 57 states or yammer on about FDR going on the telly to address the nation and after a few yucks all is forgotten. Misstatements are only disqualifiers for the second tier people.
They will say it's about ethical baggage, but you know how that goes with the elites. Hillary's cattle futures, Barack's sweet real estate exchanges, Cholly's apartments, Geitner's tax "problems" - none of that ultimately matters for the ruling class. Only for the little people are such obstacles insurmountable.
We saw it with Sarah, and now we're seeing it with several candidates who have dared to rise up from among the great unwashed.
You go, O'Donnell. It's clear you're not one of them. That makes you one of us.