Ann Coulter, Michelle Malkin, and Sarah Palin: their mantra is that "conservative women" are specially targeted for contempt by the "liberal, lamestream media."

Most real "conservative women," however, don't get that contempt. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine comes to mind - as do GOP strategist Bay Buchanan, former New York Representative Susan Molinari, columnists Meghan McCain and Kathleen Parker, and former New Jersey Gov. Christie Todd Whitman.

The reason is that they are well-informed, take reasoned positions, and conduct themselves like grownups.

In some quarters, however, that just makes them secret "liberals."