Hillary: The Mother

[bmstee01]

As I think about this election I wonder what Hillary would say to these Questions:
What was it like the day you became a mother?
Did becoming a mother influence how you see the world?

I love the movie, The Iron Lady. Mwah Meryl! And in it I thought the unique position of motherhood really hit home with people. At the convention they showed Hillary as a mother to humanize her, as if she's not? But I think being a mother is a source of strength for women.
That message would resonate with Liberal and Suburban women.

[malaise]

1. When they start asking men those questions

I'll agree

[bmstee01]

2. I think motherhood is a strength.

And I can entertain a conversation about the fairness of it. I'm sure you have valid and interesting points to make. However, I think to a large segment of the voting electorate they would connect to her as a mother and most people see motherhood as a strength.
So for me it's not about the ideal, it's more a question of a winning strategy and get people to relate to her.
I hope that doesn't come across as rude or dismissive to your point. Your thoughts are valuable to the larger discussion.

[Skittles]

6. malaise has a point

why are only women asked such things - motherhood is strength, what does that even mean? People need to connect with her as a LEADER, not a MOTHER

[REP]

3. Good lord I hope not

How many degrees does she have? What position did she have in the Cabinet? What does she hope to accomplish in her term(s)? Asking her "mommy" questions (she's 68, by the way) is insulting to her and almost every woman. "Forget what you've accomplished by intelligence, hard work and determination. Let's talk about your biology."

The Clintons made a point of not using their daughter as a campaign tool during the first Clinton administration. Why do it now that the Clinton running for office is a woman?

smdh

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

4. horrible idea

firstly, it perpetuates the notion that women are measured by the output of their uteri. Secondly, it marginalizes those women who either choose not to or medically/biologically cannot have children.

I'm in the latter category - however, I am accomplished, well-educated, and so on. My worth as a woman and human being should not be centered on my inability to not be a mother.

Motherhood is definitely difficult and challenging. I'm sure it is rewarding. But it should not be a consideration in play for a presidential candidate, a CEO or any other occupation and it should not make mothers any more special than other women who are not mothers.

[athena]

5. There are also some horrible mothers out there.

Giving birth does not automatically make one a good person. Some of us were unlucky enough to be born to narcissists or sociopaths, who are literally incapable of feeling love or empathy. These people often act like a great parent in public and then turn into monsters when they are alone with their children. You can't assume that someone is a good parent unless you are their child and know that they are a loving and caring person.

(Excellent post, by the way. You stated my thoughts without getting angry or emotional, as I would have.)