I believe you're right.  There are many Old White Guys (some not so old) who believe a woman's place is in the kitchen or bedroom, or elsewhere under a man's control.  Many are members of Congress.  To them, Hillary is an 'uppity woman' who from the beginning refused to fit into their mold for her.  I believe they will do anything, including cozying up to V. Putin and his hackers, if it will keep Hillary out of the White House.