Like millions of Americans, I carry deep, emotional trauma. I was always picked last in gym class for dodgeball, kickball, etc.

That’s why I set an alert on my phone for the NBA All-Star game — I couldn’t wait to watch the live “draft.” Who would get picked last? But before the selection, my excitement dissipated the minute Candace Parker was introduced as the first female announcer in the history of the NBA All-Star games.

In the 70-year history of this event, a woman had never announced. Had there never been one woman qualified enough to sit at the table and announce the All-Star game? A game that, let’s face it, isn’t competitive. Rather it’s a demonstration of dunks, three-pointers, half-court shots, and “Did-you-see-that’s!?!”

And Candace Parker isn’t just any woman. This is “Ace.” Maybe the best WNBA player of all time. And she was a class act, noting to her colleagues, “representation and opportunity matters [sic.].”

Better said, “If you can see it, you can be it.” In short, if you can see someone that looks like you in positions of power, roles, etc., then you can aspire to such positions. There are many professions that have been and continue to be primarily occupied by men.

The most prominent example would be the highest office in our country: the presidency. The field of candidates continues to be lopsided. While the Democratic Party nominated a woman as a presidential candidate (Republicans have yet to do this), and we do have our first female vice president, we have yet to have a female president. And. It. Has. Nothing. To. Do. With. Qualifications. I know it, Hillary Clinton knows it, millions of women know it.

And Nikki Haley knows it too.

When Haley announced her candidacy at a rally earlier this month, she caused a bit of controversy by calling for mandatory competency tests for presidential candidates over the age of 75. An obvious dig at President Biden (who

presumably will announce) and former President Trump, it seemed a risky move. Did Haley thereby also mean to imply anyone over the age of 75 is incapable of rational thinking? Maybe they aren’t capable of choosing a president? Should they lose their vote?

Pundits were fascinated. CNN morning anchor Don Lemon took the discussion in a different direction, saying Haley “isn’t in her prime.” After pushback from his colleagues, Lemon clarified, “… a woman is considered to be in her prime — in her 20s, 30s, and maybe her 40s.” Telling them they should, “Google it.” (Haley is 51. Lemon is 56.)

The suggestion of women “in their prime” refers to child-bearing years. Lemon was tying it to Haley’s ability to run for president. Though historically speaking, Haley’s age puts her in the sweet spot for a political run for president. Lemon’s comment was a textbook example of sexism. The fallout was instantaneous. His on-air colleagues, both women, were stunned. Women viewers were furious. Haley relished the opportunity to put a middle-aged host of the “liberal media” in his place.

But it doesn’t stop there. Lemon’s public apology was a non-apology. It offered regret, but no actual apology. When he returned to work this week, no one mentioned the incident on air. Another “apology” was offered on social media. This time it included “I’m sorry,” but it still fell flat.

I could spend my time writing about how Lemon missed the mark, or what a bad journalist he is, or how CNN executives botched this. But I won’t. It’s not that it isn’t important, it’s just that I’d rather spend time highlighting how it shifted the attention away from the only female presidential candidate. A candidate who deserves equal time and discussion to any male candidate.

Fair enough that the media is constantly discussing Trump’s candidacy. But Haley lost coverage this week to men like Govs. Ron DeSantis and Chris Sununu, who haven’t even declared their candidacy. Even Lemon received more discussion than Haley.

Haley raised a valid question. Should there be competency tests for presidential candidates? I’d argue there already are. We call them primaries. But it’s hard to gauge the competency of candidates if they’re ignored.

I own a signed copy of Haley’s book, “If You Want Something Done …” It’s not very well written, but it’s interesting — though, brace yourself, it’s all about women. It offers her thoughts on leadership, something to consider when evaluating candidates’ true competency.

Lemon’s remarks were sexist and shouldn’t be ignored. But let’s acknowledge that for Haley (and all women) the CNN fallout extends beyond Lemon making hollow apologies and attending “formal training.”

Candace Parker earned her seat at the table, as has Nikki Haley. I won’t be voting for Haley, but she’s earned the right to be heard and seen.

“If you can see it, you can be it” may be true. So is this: “If you can’t see it, you won’t be it.”

Hilary Koch lives in Waterville. She can be reached at: hilarykoch@pm.me

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