“She’s brilliant and she’s dedicated, she’s tough. She also happens to be, by far, the best looking attorney general.” — President Obama, quoted by the Washington Post, on California Attorney General Kamala Harris (D).
Yes, it was a comment, and yes, a compliment, on Harris’ appearance. But it is also a joke. He said it to get a laugh and a cheer. He obviously did not say it to belittle her, as some who are yelling sexism are saying. To the contrary, he said as a joke, or a bonus, after he listed Harris’ true and most relevant characteristics.
Rhea Hughes, a stellar sports radio host who happens to also be a beautiful woman in a male-dominated and sexist sports world (and thus would be familiar with sexist attacks and comments on her appearance), tends to be my barometer on what is sexist and offensive and what is not. She is outspoken when she is offended, and this morning, when Angelo was trying to make a big deal about “the President is in trouble in making a sexist remark, and may have to apologize,” Rhea immediately jumped in and said “No he doesn’t, it was funny.”
So you know my thoughts, what are yours?
BuzzFeed, in response, compiled a list of the 12 hottest attorney generals, all male. The winner? Delaware’s own Beau Biden.