Why Clinton Will Run

"It's better not to argue with women. But Ms. Clinton has never been too graceful in her statements. Still, we always met afterwards and had cordial conversations at various international events," Putin said. "When people push boundaries too far, it's not because they are strong but because they are weak. But maybe weakness is not the worst quality for a woman."

Putin is a master of the strategic needle. How interesting that his put-down begins and ends with Clinton's gender. Women aren't significant enough to be worth arguing with. I prefer my women weak.

This gender-specific dismissiveness is as nonsensical in its own way as the walker kerfuffle. Putin is simultaneously accusing Clinton of being too strong (insufficiently feminine and "graceful") and too mild. Either way, in Putin-land, she is a woman; therefore, she is a lesser creature.

Which is why, ultimately, I think Clinton runs. Nothing is going to change Putin's attitude toward women generally or Clinton specifically. But it would be interesting to see if Putin dared to try this overt sexism with a female president of the United States. I'd guess he would tone it down.

Either way, Putin's boorishness underscores the importance of cracking that glass ceiling. Certainly, sexism, overt or subtle, isn't about to evaporate with a single election.

But as Clinton well understands, having more women in powerful positions, and the fact of a woman in the ultimate power position, will both hasten the trend and discomfit the chauvinists. Putin's misogynist elbow-jabbing serves as an ugly -- and timely -- reminder of the unfinished business of equality.

And, at the risk of sounding insufficiently graceful, I'd enjoy the prospect of making Putin endure more of those "cordial conversations" with his fellow world leader.

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Ruth Marcus' email address is ruthmarcus@washpost.com.