Last week, the candidates in the Republican primary for the New York Senate seat held by Kirsten Gillibrand held a debate. They were asked to compliment their eventual opponent, Senator Gillibrand. Here is what attorney Bruce Blakeman had to say:
"She's an attractive, bright woman, who I believe is a good mom." Yes, he really said that.
Here is Senator Gillibrand's reaction:
Of course, this isn't the first time the Senator has encountered public comments about her looks, and she was clearly prepared.
Even while Mr. Blakeman insists this was in fact a compliment, we can read his implication readily here: Pretty girl, go home and take care of your babies. It's really only one step removed from the era when women candidates with young children were constantly asked who was taking care of their children while they were running for office.
Monday, August 30, 2010
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I didn't feel it was a compliment but a rather sad patriarchal remark. Sexist, even.
ReplyDeleteI love her response and her delivery. It shows her head is on the business at hand and that she is above the inconsequential fluff.