Here's the difference, and I say this as someone who in the past has been critical of both Clintons and will certainly support Obama if he is the candidate. The difference is that sexism is still a wink and a nod and racism is taboo. At least on the surface.

For example, where was the press when Barack made a veiled reference to Hillary's White House experience as having tea parties? Or when Michelle asked how a person who couldn't run their own household could run a country? No press reaction.

Why?

Because sexism is still okay. It sometimes gets  so visceral that women react, as when women protested Chris Matthews continuing attacks, but in general it is greeted with a shrug.

It reminds me of over thirty years ago, when my daughter was six and told me the real reason she wouldn't wear a dress to school. Some boys were surrounding girls on the playground and pulling down their underpants.  I went to the school  and spoke with the female counselor, whose exact words were:

"Well, I'll talk to the playground supervisor but you know, the male will always try to establish dominance over the female."