It seems to me that a man who’s been divorced twice, had multiple adulterous affairs and one of whose kids can’t stand his guts, has just a smidge of chutzpah to offer advice on what it takes to be a good wife and mother. He hasn’t exactly been the ideal husband or father himself.
Yes, Rudy Giuliani is shameless (but you knew that already, didn’t you?). In his attempt to imitate a barracuda, he attacked those who criticized Sarah Palin for the impact her campaigning would have on her family:
How dare they question whether Sarah Palin has enough time to spend with her children and be vice president,” Mr. Giuliani said. “How dare they do that? When do they ever ask a man that question?”
Not so fast, Rudester. Who are you to pontificate on this subject? Seems to me a smidge of humility was called for here. But hell, Rudy thinks humility is for sissies and Democrats.
As for the substance of his attack: keep in mind that Sarah Palin is not in the same situation as the average working mom. She would be vice president of the United States, not mayor of Wasilla. That’s a job that requires a huge time and energy commitment. Not to mention that she has a newborn with Down’s Syndrome and a teenage daughter who is five months pregnant. I don’t say that these issues disqualify her. But I know that if I faced running for higher office and had that situation at home, I’d think twice or three times before I did so. And even then, I’d say no.
Personally, I don’t think Palin thought more than a millisecond before saying Yes. And I don’t think she gave her children more than a second’s thought in doing so.
I cannot guess about the time Palin took to consider her option to become a candidate. I can say with personal experience that having a disabled child is an obstacle to unfettered success in the workplace. The demands required to navigate the social, educational and healthcare systems is ‘special’ to say the least. Nothing close to the usual demands of parenting – which we all know are high demands if we want to do our best.
And the demands of the presidency or the vice presidency are likewise beyond the usual stuff of even the most demanding corporate workplace. Having a disabled child is a constant demanding situation and a black hole. i know – I held down an executive position for 9 years with a profoundly disabled child, a supportive husband and caregivers. Its not enough. Society isnt set up for success in this circumstance. I had to work; I’m glad I was able to do so; I had plenty of need for accomodation. The oval office is not a place for accomodation to be made. Why do people think this is a feminist issue? it isnt.
— Marsha ( a feminist from way back and mother of a high needs child)
@Marsha: Thanks for your valuable perspective. Personally, I think you should consider writing about this subject either at a blog or submitting something to Huffington Post or even Ms. or another feminist or political publication. You have a unique viewpt that few in society have fr. which to judge this issue.
When I saw a picture of Sarah Palin in People magazine with her newborn (with Down’s Syndrome) in her arms, she was dressed to the nines, lipstick applied, ready for business, on the phone, no less. My newborn, same age as hers, is hanging off of my breast in my home office, my shoulders are slumped and I am in my bathrobe trying to sound professional, on the phone, looking like hell. Give me a break, what a fake. What a stupid picture, resonating with any mother anywhere to be a lie, lie, lie. Please.