I’ve tried so hard.
Tried so hard not to bring politics into my blog, my tweets, discussions at dinner parties.
Usually, it’s not so difficult, really.
I have no illusions about why people read my blog. It’s not for my political savvy.
I’ve always, frankly, wondered at those who post their political views on Facebook, or blast their dining companions with rhetoric at a casual Friday night get-together.
Politics, sex and religion were topics my mother warned me never to discuss.
And usually, I don’t.
I believe in people’s basic intelligence, despite every sign to the contrary in today’s world.
And I believe in people’s basic right to form and hold their own opinions.
I can like you even if we vote for opposing candidates or hold different views on a higher power.
To me, this ability is part of evolution, baby. If you’re still pounding your chest like a Neanderthal and insisting all must follow your tenets, you have some work to do. I’m sure I’m not the first one to tell you that.
Despite the long preamble, here I go. I can’t help myself.
Did you see this clip (second one on webpage)? If you’re in the United States and following the race for the Republican presidential candidate, you most likely have. It’s all over the news today.
For you impatient non-clickers (mea culpa) who slept in today, the quick wrap: Donald Trump was asked, at last night’s debate, about a comment he made in Rolling Stone magazine. When questioned regarding Carly Fiorina’s candidacy, his remark was, “Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?!”
When asked about his comment in the magazine, Fiorina’s response was a measured but icy: “I think women all over this country heard very clearly what Mr. Trump said.”
She got a standing ovation.
And yes, as a woman, I heard him very clearly. As clearly as I heard him when he said “Blood coming out her wherever” when discussing Fox News’ Megyn Kelly.
When challenged on his comment by the moderator in last night’s debate, Trump’s response was that Ms. Fiorina had a beautiful face.
As I look at the bevy of women Mr. Trump has squired, they have a certain pedigree. Physical beauty. Beyond that, I cannot vouch for much.
So to ask him to comment on intelligent, accomplished women like Carly Fiorina and Hillary Clinton (Put aside your like or dislike. They’re both accomplished.) is like asking a first-year biology student to explain brain surgery.
I hope, by the time I’m a grandmother, we finally realize that women running for office has nothing to do with beauty. Nothing to do even with likeability, other than how well she shows up in the polls. Looks and affability should matter no more than they do for male candidates.
The basic question is: Can she do the job? Can she do it better than her opponents? If so, let’s elect her even if she looks like a blobfish on a bad day.
As I said in a former blog post, plenty of women rule the world. And—shocker—some have helmet hair, carry a few extra pounds, need a good whitening toothpaste.
I am so glad they care more about the fate of the world and the countries they run than any of the above.
I thought congeniality contests and taking stock of a woman’s measurements, as well as her skill at applying makeup, disappeared with the Dark Ages (which, yes, I believe was my mother’s generation).
How silly of me.
Perhaps it is no coincidence that Trump sold the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant franchise to a Hollywood talent agency just days ago.
He may not be any more enlightened than he was when making stupid comments to the media. But he may be enlightened enough to know those “assets” were pulling him down in public opinion polls.
Score one for the “public”.
And I don’t say that often. Given all the attention we are giving Mr. Trump, we’re not so enlightened either.
candidkay 
I follow donald trump’s statements too, not because of what he says makes sense but for a good laugh.
Why is this such a huge topic when the elections aren’t till next year?
I think everyone chomps at the bit until there are just two candidates in the final heat. It really doesn’t make much sense, I agree.
Donald Trump is an ignorant buffoon. The scariest part is how his popularity is still high. I pray he talks himself out of any real contention. He has nothing to say and hopefully that will show soon.
As one who also avoids political commentary except with my spouse and those friends and family members I know agree with me, I appreciate your doing so; and my appreciation is enhanced because I agree with every word you wrote.
Maybe there will be two women running in the final showdown on both sides of politics? Now wouldn’t that make history!
That would be amazing, Elizabeth . . . would like to see that in my lifetime!
You are 100% right – and I think any reasonable person would agree with you, regardless of their politics.
Of course I love your writing and I love you called Trump out because really, to me him running is a joke. I didn’t realize he had sold his beauty pageants until I read this! That would be how much I care about him! I could so empathize with Carly Fiorina and was pleased as punch with her retort – pretty much putting him back on his spot as did a few other candidates.
Women can and do rule well. They have for centuries but didn’t have to contend with the likes of social media and all the fake-ism of the media. She put herself out there to do a job as she put it and he is bullying her about her looks. It’s like he is trying to make her run away. I applaud her and agree before last night no one really knew who she was. He actually helped her in some ways. Whether she is The Candidate I won’t even touch that one yet for there is much “weeding” to be done!
It does show what women still have to face on a regular basis and that really sucks!
I am so not really political but am fascinated by the processes, players, etc!
And yes, never supposed to talk about politics and religion! Sex depends on who you’re discussing it with and how! In the southern Bible belt it is kind of frowned upon often!
I think she handled herself very well and I think her best line was when they asked her which woman should be placed on currency. Trump is a buffoon. He had his moment, now he needs to move on but his ego isn’t listenng.
Actually, I’m avoiding Trump like the plague. Didn’t watch the debate. Giving him as little of my attention and energy as possible. My attention is going to the few candidates I’m interested in, and not even very much of that. Too busy living my life lately. Great piece though.
I thought Carly Fiorina’s clipped riposte was excellent, as was her expression of disdain when Trump went into his nonapology apology about her being a beautiful woman. Trump’s bubble may have burst.
His words rang so insincere to my ears, Tom, when he said she was a beautiful woman. Had he really thought that, he would have said it with cameras off. I hear you on the bubble bursting. I sure hope so.
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you’ve said (and said so well) here! xo
I was watching last night, and I’m the exact opposite of you Kay (lol). I can’t wait to talk about politics with friends and family, on social media, on my blog or wherever. Must be my DC roots. I’ve been told that I shouldn’t, but I learn so much from other people’s questions, comments and thoughts — even the ones that make me wince. I saw the hurt and disgust in Carly Fiorina’s eyes as she responded to that question last night. I truly empathized with her in that moment, as I think many women did. Her response was fabulous. I hope we get to see more of her in the coming debates and dialogue and less of him!!
I saw the same thing in her eyes, Shara. I was thinking how difficult it would be, as a woman, to stand under those spotlights and hear what he said. Talk about a lesson in vulnerability (Brene Brown will have a field day!:)). Shouldn’t have had to happen.