[Diddle E. Squat]

What a bunch of idiots on this thread.

Think it through, what voting block, more than any other, has thrown races to the Democrats? The women's vote. The gender gap is the single most important factor in the success of Democrats at the ballot box. Now what is one of the easiest ways to tick off a woman, or get her to consider you 'mean': criticize her looks. Well guess what, few women are runway models, and even fewer view themselves as georgeous. So for many women, cheap shots about the looks of a lady who so far has the image of being quiet, hard working, stay in the background, and apolitical is perceived as an attack on their looks, demeanor, and image. I.e., their not good enough, either. Now consider that GOP candidates have often lost the women's vote because many of them in the middle bought into the stereotype of the GOP as 'mean' and 'don't relate to them', and it seems that such cheap catty comments are extremely counterproductive.

And for what, what is gained by ripping on her looks? Its not like his wife is outspoken and on the attack. Why feed old false stereotypes, and risk losing another election for nothing? Why instantly convert for many the presidential race into an emotional battle, instead of a logical one? How much harder is it to reason with someone who has turned the issue into an emotional one?

Apparently stupidity crosses party lines.

[ambrose]

You all are coming across like a bunch of DUers with your shallow attacks on the woman's looks.

[Miss Marple]

You have made an excellent point. Those of us who are less than photogenic understand the point, needless to say.

I DO think it interesting that Dr. Dean keeps her under wraps. Coupled with his choice of Susan Bayh to hostess a governor's convention, I think we can surmise a lot about HIS character.

[Miss Marple]

Also, not in that one photo how he walks ahead of her and the son, like they are flunkies who aren't as important.

I say leave her alone, but hit him twice as hard. I think he is an arrogant twit, anyway.

[concerned about politics]

Apparently stupidity crosses party lines.

Why? how many liberal extremist NOW hags read these threads that vote Republican, anyway? I'm female, and I thinks she's homely. I also think that's why Dean hides her. Isn't hiding her in shame worse than being honest about her looks?

[The_Media_never_lie]

Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but she looks pretty good to me.

[HitmanLV]

So for many women, cheap shots about the looks of a lady who so far has the image of being quiet, hard working, stay in the background, and apolitical is perceived as an attack on their looks, demeanor, and image.

I really can't agree here. I know in my life, women have been more brutal about mocking other women's looks than men are. How many women do you actually know?

[JoeSchem]

Now what is one of the easiest ways to tick off a woman, or get her to consider you 'mean': criticize her looks.

So I guess we're not going to get Ms. Steinberg's vote. But the fact is, women criticize other women's looks all the time, and they're much meaner about it than men. For example, Rush has commented that in his opinion Hillary Clinton actually is attractive, while certain female FReepers seem obsessed with Hillary's 'fat ankles' -- a feature which few if any of us male FReepers have ever bothered to notice.

[teldon30]

good rant...you did it for me...agree 100%