Dem presidential candidate: Why aren't women asked if they'll choose a male running mate?​

Democratic presidential candidate John Hickenlooper invoked the ire of some viewers Wednesday night when he pushed back on a question from CNN town hall moderator Dana Bash about choosing a woman as his running mate, according to Hot Air.

Diversity is a significant point of emphasis in the Democratic presidential primary, to the point that white male candidates such as Beto O'Rourke have received scrutiny for their alleged "privilege."

The exchange

So, Bash asked Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper directly about his commitment to diversity in his selection of a vice presidential candidate.

"Governor, some of your male competitors have vowed to put a woman on the ticket. Yes or no, would you do the same?" Bash asked.

"Well, again—of course," Hickenlooper responded haltingly. "But I think that we should—well, I'll ask you another question—"

"I'm asking the questions," Bash retorted, as the audience laughed.

"I know, I know," Hickenlooper continued. "How come we're not asking more often the women—would you be willing to put a man on the ticket?"

"When we get to that point, I'll ask you that question," Bash responded.

Response to Hickenlooper's question

Some were offended by Hickenlooper's question, wondering why women would need to be asked about male running mates when men are always on presidential tickets.

"There has literally never been a ticket in either one of the major political parties without a man," tweeted Symone Sanders. "LITERALLY NEVER. E V E R. That is why we aren't asking the women about men on their ticket."

Hickenlooper's spokesperson told The Washington Post that the governor was trying to make a point about how women should be considered stronger contenders for the nomination.

"[Hickenlooper was] making the point that the media too often discounts the chances of women winning the nomination themselves," said spokeswoman Lauren Hitt.

The Post's Eugene Scott suggested a more effective line of questioning on the issue that Hickenlooper could have used.

And Hickenlooper, a centrist businessman, could have just as easily asked: "Why aren't women asked if they will run another woman? America is ready for both of its top leaders to be women!"