Careful, Joe! "Smart Woman" Jokes a Dicey Game
To begin with, let me say that Joe Biden was not my first choice for the number-two spot on the Democrats' ticket. First, he's not a woman. Second, he didn't do the job when it was his turn to grill the two most dangerous Supreme Court nominees (now justices) in recent times: Samuel Alito and John Roberts. Third, he's prone to making gaffes.
That said, Biden did a reasonably good job today in Springfield, Illinois, showing what he brings to the Obama campaign -- until he got the end. Speaking of his wife, Jill, he described her as drop-dead gorgeous. Nothing wrong with that. Who wouldn't want to be described as such by his or her partner? Then he said, that she "has her doctorate degree, and that's a problem."
It was obviously a failed attempt at humor. Or perhaps I'm just a humorless feminist. Either way, one can only hope this isn't a harbinger of gaffes to come.
The best part? Without a doubt, the sight of Michelle Obama and Jill Biden embracing, hand-holding and seeming to genuinely enjoy each other's company. How often do we get to see a black woman and a white woman like that? Black and white women have waded through a torrent of troubled waters in America. We've never quite recovered from the sexual politics of the plantation. Looking at the contenders for First and Second Lady, I caught a glimmer of redemption.
Follow Adele Stan on Twitter: www.twitter.com/addiestan
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"We've never quite recovered from the sexual politics of the plantation
WHOA. Scary thought. More implications than I care to discuss. But seriously. That line is at least as bad as Biden's moronic "doctoral degree is a problem" line. But then, take a look at Biden's grades in Law School, at least according to his wikipedia article.
I hope the bit about her doctorate being a problem was an acerbic comment on women having advanced degrees - and being unable to use them in a still male-dominated professional world. That, y'all, is a real, live, genuine problem. Still.
I think he was just alluding to the fact that his wife is smarter then him.
that is exactly what I thought. I'm glad the choice of Biden has left people this hard up for something to criticize. These silly attacks bode well for November. bring on the nonsense!
That was my take (in the context of marital dynamics) and it made me chuckle. We need to stop becoming so sensitive that we perceive slights were there aren't any.
What the HELL does that mean???
; )
touchy much?
"It was obviously a failed attempt at humor. Or perhaps I'm just a humorless feminist."
The latter. Biden's something of a character, he's prone to making jokes and comments that just beg to be misinterpreted. We know where he stands on what matters though, so I think we should all just forgive him his less than tactful moments.
Not a woman joke. A marriage joke. But I guess, wrong audience.
Obama, Biden and their wives give me hope that the darkness will soon give way to light.
Adele,
You must be smart .... and by definition that makes you sexy (the brain being the most powerful sexual organ according to many bright people). Straight or Gay ... who cares?!! I hope somebody finds you a knock out with a PhD. (Smarty pants). But alas ... through your own tacit admission, you are a HUMORLESS FEMINIST.
Joe Biden in a very sincere if somewhat awkward manner called attention to his wife (whom many people consider his better half) and paid her the highest compliment a husband could.
You response to this minor anecdote reads like a full scale alarm of Political Correctness to those who could only care if they were:
a) Humorless Feminist .... or
b) Femin-NAZIS .... or
c) Wacko Hillary supporters .... or
d) All of the above
If only Bill Clinton respected and revered his wife .... like Joe Biden does his.... Well she would be the nominee of the party.
Joe Biden tuns out ..... is exactly the guy Barrack Obama needs to pull this party together and bring about Change We Can Believe In!!! And Jill Biden is EXACTLY the person (women) in Joe Biden's life that makes him a better man. I couldn't be happier with the pick for VP. And I'm excited by the prospects this newly formed team promises our country.
Hey Beautiful .... lighten up!!
"If only Bill Clinton respected and revered his wife .... like Joe Biden does his.... Well she would be the nominee of the party."
You hit the nail on the head. It makes me sad for Hillary that Bill is the way he is, and I'm not even a Hillary fan.
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