It is more nuanced than just misogyny. It is targeted vilification for political purposes. The incitement is hidden behind social media sock puppets and the crazies so it can’t be traced back to anyone but I reckon a lot of politics these days operates two campaigns - the official regulated old media stuff and an unregulated underground shadow campaign.

It is rare for people to dislike Hanson because she is a woman or in her 70s. Arguably its irrelevant to the politics she espouses. Women inside the Liberal party were copping a lot of shit inside the party but outside the attacks were relatively benign compared with the shit aimed at Gillard. I swear GamerGate hyping up the lame man-o-sphere during Clinton’s run was not a coincidence either.

So yeah, attacking people on shit like this is weak and pathetic and easily dismissed by anyone with half a brain. But straight forward emotional appeals clearly have an impact with more ignorant voters and its a very cost effective ploy to appeal to a prejudice to sway a voter.