Response to Hilary Rosen's comments

[inlet13]

I'm curious if feminists (and their supporters) will come out in mass to condemn these remarks by Hilary Rosen. Or will this be swept under the rug because she works for Obama?


http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/04/debuts-on-twitter-to-counter-dnc-advisors-insult/

Ann Romney Fights Back: Debuts on Twitter to Counter DNC Advisor’s Insult
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Ann Romney’s debut on Twitter couldn’t have come at a more opportune time.

Ann’s first tweet came just moments after Democratic strategist and DNC adviser Hilary Rosen lobbed an insult at Ann Romney, suggesting that the 64-year-old mother of five and grandmother of 16 had never held a job.

“Guess what, his wife has actually never worked a day in her life,” said Rosen, who was being interviewed by CNN’s Anderson Cooper about the “war on women.”

And then, just like that, a familiar name popped up on Twitter: @AnnDRomney.

“I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys. Believe me, it was hard work,” Ann tweeted.

The Romney campaign confirmed to ABC News that the account belongs to Ann Romney.

The tweet came just as husband Mitt wrapped up a second day of campaigning that all but entirely focused on the “war against women,” packing events with female business leaders and accusing the Obama administration’s economic policies of hurting women.

“I could not disagree with Hilary Rosen any more strongly. Her comments were wrong and family should be off limits. She should apologize,” Obama campaign manager Jim Messina said in a tweet.

Top Obama campaign strategist David Axelrod also tweeted his disapproval: “Also Disappointed in Hilary Rosen’s comments about Ann Romney. They were inappropriate and offensive.”

Following the interview, Rosen herself tweeted, “I’ve nothing against @AnnRomney. I just don’t want Mitt using her as an expert on women struggling $ to support their family. She isn’t.”

Rosen kept tweeting, not appearing to back off of her comments.

“@AnnDRomney Please know, I admire you. But your husband shouldn’t say you are his expert on women and the economy,” said Rosen.

Then Rosen offered a welcome message to Ann, tweeting, “oh and @AnnDRomney welcome to Twitter. You will find it a very exhilarating and often unforgiving place!”

[cincybearcat]

What I got out of this:

1) I hate twitter
2) I love daycare, so I know it's hard work for stay at home mom's. But the struggle is far different then being a woman i a workplace, so Hilary is correct in that Ann Romney shouldn't be the poster child for the Romney campaign about women in the workplace/economy.
3) When discussing any topic nowadays, words have to be so carefully chosen that we will be missing out on good thoughts and ideas for fear of a misstep. We need to create open dialogue instead of just rush to be outraged about everything.

[maj4e]

Perfect example of an election year issue.

[inlet13]

What I got out of this:

1) I hate twitter



2) I love daycare, so I know it's hard work for stay at home mom's. But the struggle is far different then being a woman i a workplace, so Hilary is correct in that Ann Romney shouldn't be the poster child for the Romney campaign about women in the workplace/economy.


3) When discussing any topic nowadays, words have to be so carefully chosen that we will be missing out on good thoughts and ideas for fear of a misstep. We need to create open dialogue instead of just rush to be outraged about everything.

My response - I was more "outraged" by her twitter comments, which followed the original comment. But, the original comment that women who stay at home "don't work" is complete and total BS, regardless of the person involved. It's out of line.

Even if that was mis-speak (and she had a different argument that wasn't articulated correctly)... everyone understands that happens, so why not simply apologize for it and be done with it? She hasn't; instead she reigniting the flames on twitter.

But further, my real issue is - Who the F is she to be saying who CAN and CAN'T be a spokesperson on "the economy" or on "women"? What's her background in economics to dismiss another person's background? Ann Romney is also a Mom and has female parts, so I think she's got the woman thing down. Hilary Rosen is a political commentator - she has no background in economics to my knowledge. I think it's pretty hypocritical to make a snap judgment that another woman can't make economic arguments due to her work background (as a stay at home Mom), when she has little economic background herself.

[inmytree]

just wondering...did Ann have any Nannies helping her out...?

[whygohome]

But the struggle is far different then being a woman i a workplace, so Hilary is correct in that Ann Romney shouldn't be the poster child for the Romney campaign about women in the workplace/economy.

This, I believe, is what Rosen meant.

It is so amazing to see idiot after idiot put their foot in their mouth. Amazing.

[hedonist]

What I got out of this:

1) I hate twitter
2) I love daycare, so I know it's hard work for stay at home mom's. But the struggle is far different then being a woman i a workplace, so Hilary is correct in that Ann Romney shouldn't be the poster child for the Romney campaign about women in the workplace/economy.
3) When discussing any topic nowadays, words have to be so carefully chosen that we will be missing out on good thoughts and ideas for fear of a misstep. We need to create open dialogue instead of just rush to be outraged about everything.

Definitely with you on your first and third points, cincy.

As to your second one, I'm not a parent but can imagine the difficulties on both sides of working women, be it inside or outside the home. Each have their own hurdles but are dissimilar situations and not necessarily comparable.

[cincybearcat]

What I got out of this:

1) I hate twitter
2) I love daycare, so I know it's hard work for stay at home mom's. But the struggle is far different then being a woman i a workplace, so Hilary is correct in that Ann Romney shouldn't be the poster child for the Romney campaign about women in the workplace/economy.
3) When discussing any topic nowadays, words have to be so carefully chosen that we will be missing out on good thoughts and ideas for fear of a misstep. We need to create open dialogue instead of just rush to be outraged about everything.

Definitely with you on your first and third points, cincy.

As to your second one, I'm not a parent but can imagine the difficulties on both sides of working women, be it inside or outside the home. Each have their own hurdles but are dissimilar situations and not necessarily comparable.

And the thing is a working mom is still raising her kids too. It's not like that just magically happens during 8-5 or whatever. Both are tough for different reasons. Both a great options depending on personal choice.

[brianlux]

I have no trouble supporting the notion of motherhood being a full-time, important and difficult job. What I do have a problem with is the idea of having five kids (all hers) in a world with a population that recently topped SEVEN BILLION!

[CH156378]

I have no trouble supporting the notion of motherhood being a full-time, important and difficult job. What I do have a problem with is the idea of having five kids (all hers) in a world with a population that recently topped SEVEN BILLION!

http://i.huffpost.com/gen/452240/ROMNEY-CARD-1.jpg

[usamamasan1]

I have no trouble supporting the notion of motherhood being a full-time, important and difficult job. What I do have a problem with is the idea of having five kids (all hers) in a world with a population that recently topped SEVEN BILLION!

Seriously going there? How many children is she allowed to have? What if those 5 children are better prepared to live awesome lives than most others. Oh, wait, nobody should drive SUV because if everybody on the planet did we'd be doomed for sure right?

But further, my real issue is - Who the F is she to be saying who CAN and CAN'T be a spokesperson on "the economy" or on "women"? What's her background in economics to dismiss another person's background? Ann Romney is also a Mom and has female parts, so I think she's got the woman thing down. Hilary Rosen is a political commentator - she has no background in economics to my knowledge. I think it's pretty hypocritical to make a snap judgment that another woman can't make economic arguments due to her work background (as a stay at home Mom), when she has little economic background herself.

True that. Our President hasn't even worked in the private sector has he?

[dignin]

I have no trouble supporting the notion of motherhood being a full-time, important and difficult job. What I do have a problem with is the idea of having five kids (all hers) in a world with a population that recently topped SEVEN BILLION!

this is exactly what I was thinking. Having 5 kids is irresponsible.

[blackredyellow]

My response - I was more "outraged" by her twitter comments, which followed the original comment. But, the original comment that women who stay at home "don't work" is complete and total BS, regardless of the person involved. It's out of line.

The comment is "complete and total BS", because she never said that women who stay at home "don't work."

This is how a pointless election diversion works... everything gets taken out of context, and in the grand scheme of things, the issue is pointless and is just fodder for talking heads and bloggers.

[Kat]

It was a really dumb thing to say and is being all blown up because of the elections. She'd have a hard time saying something more stupid, unfortunately. What a huge waste of time too.

Hillary, this one's for you.

Also, if she felt she had to call a campaign on something, she sure could have said it better.

Hilary Rosen ‏ @hilaryr
When I said @AC360 Ann Romney never worked I meant she never had to care for her kids AND earn a paycheck like MOST American women! #Truth

[brianlux]

It was a really dumb thing to say and is being all blown up because of the elections. She'd have a hard time saying something more stupid, unfortunately. What a huge waste of time too.

Hillary, this one's for you.

Also, if she felt she had to call a campaign on something, she sure could have said it better.

Hilary Rosen ‏ @hilaryr
When I said @AC360 Ann Romney never worked I meant she never had to care for her kids AND earn a paycheck like MOST American women! #Truth

Ah ha! Now we know who come up with the new smilies!

Seriously though, it was a dumb thing to say. I would love it if all politicians, either while on the computer or at least in their heads, would use the "preview" button or at least the "edit" button. It's saved me from more than one verbal blunder!