By Daniel Dessinger

June 20, 2008

A woman in politics can’t have things both ways. She can’t be tough, talk trash, eat opponents for breakfast and then try to go into “lady-mode” when her enemies strike back.

What brought this idea to mind is, recently, when he was interviewed by Norah O’Donnell on MSNBC, Obama campaign co-chair Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) made the hyperbolic statement, “The hottest ring in hell is reserved for those in politics who attack their opponent’s families.” He was addressing the speculation some political columnists have put forth that, with Hillary out of the way, the Republicans are now gunning for Michelle Obama.

Now I would think that Hitler or child molesters would occupy the hottest ring in hell, not someone who says nasty things about Michelle Obama. And in spite of the lurid theory about an evil Republican master plan to attack women, I’ve not heard anything negative about Obama, with the exception of after she made the statement, “For the first time in my life, I’m proud of this country.” However, as the months wear on, those in the Obama camp can expect more attacks on Mrs. Obama and here’s why.

While both Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain have been on the campaign trail with their husbands, the difference is, Obama has spoken at rallies by herself, making critical statements about McCain’s policies. On the very few occasions I’ve seen Cindy McCain without her husband, it’s always been for interviews about her family life, her money and tax records and, maybe, her husband’s future plans for this country. Mrs. McCain, either by her choice or because of her husband’s campaign strategy, is rarely seen without her husband and she doesn’t talk politics. Because Obama is putting her neck out there, she shouldn’t be surprised when her husband’s political enemies turn against her.  

Hillary Clinton is the one who perfected the “tough victim” role. When Bill Clinton was seeking the presidency, he stated several times while campaigning that the American voter would get two for the price of one. He boasted Hillary’s background as a lawyer and promised everyone that her pet project would be to clean up the healthcare system. After the election, when she dug in and tried to make changes, surprise!, Hillary was attacked by political foes. She complained about how it was unfair it was for them to come after the first lady and that no first lady in the history of America had to endure such vitriol.

I have no respect for a woman who says, “Why are you attacking me? That’s no way to treat a woman,” after she does something “unladylike”. It reminds me of a little girl bully who goes around on the playground starting fights with boys, and then cries when she gets decked because a boy isn’t supposed to hit a girl.

Let’s face it, a woman can’t put herself in harm’s way, make outrageous statements, become deeply involved in policymaking, and then hide behind her skirt when things get messy. If a woman wants to get far, she has to accept the good with the bad. After all, women in business do it all the time.    

© 2008 – 2010, Daniel Dessinger. All rights reserved.

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