In February 2016, Gloria Steinem, who died on Wednesday, appeared on "Real Time With Bill Maher" and made a comment that seemed sexist. When asked about Bernie Sanders's support from young voters, she said, "When you're young, you're thinking: 'Where are the boys? The boys are with Bernie.'"

Nina Turner, a prominent Sanders surrogate, called the remark "insulting" to both the senator and women, saying they were treated as "airhead ditties" searching for men. Critics ignored the broader context of her appearance, where she noted young women were "way more feminist" than before.

Steinem tried to backtrack, writing on Facebook, "I misspoke," and emphasized that young women are activist and feminist in greater numbers. Katha Pollitt, a feminist writer, said, "No one is ever smarter from going on Bill Maher." Mark Longabaugh, a Sanders strategist, didn't see it as a damning comment on her feminist record.