The findings also revealed that 65 percent of the respondents – “majorities in every demographic and political group” – also said that male and female candidates are held to different standards on the campaign trail. Twenty-nine percent thought the expectations were the same.

“Women gave male candidates the edge on every item tested,” the survey said.

Were the female candidates taken seriously by the voters? Eight out of 10 said it was easier for male candidates to communicate with the electorate, with just 5 percent citing an advantage for women.