First Lady Wouldn't Be Her Full-Time Job

[Khephra]

First Lady Wouldn't Be Her Full-Time Job
By Johanna Neuman, Times Staff Writer


(2003-08-06) WASHINGTON--Dr. Judith Steinberg, an internist in Shelburne, Vt., cherishes her privacy. Fond of taking solo rides along nearby Burlington's lake-hugging bicycle path, the wife of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is --by her own account -- a private person who has not made a public speech in nearly 20 years and has never given a radio or television interview.

And Steinberg says she has no intention of changing that behavior just because her husband is running for president.

Except for an occasional interview, Steinberg said she had no plans to give speeches or stump on the campaign trail. If Dean is elected president, she hopes to move her medical practice to Washington.

Asked whether she would use the bully pulpit of the White House to advocate policy, perhaps on medical issues, Steinberg demurred.

"I really enjoy people one on one. I enjoy listening to them," she said. "I'm not that comfortable speaking to groups. I have my opinions, but they are from a narrow point of view, a doctor's or even a patient's."

more..................

http://publicbroadcasting.net/wnyc/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=530653

[JitterbugPerfume]

1. a TRULY independent woman as 1st Lady?

wouldn't that be wonderful .

[TahitiNut]

32. Yes. Refreshing.

It seems she has integrity, and a clear sense of her own priorities. Howard's probably a very lucky guy. Such a person isn't likely to be swayed by what's "in" or transient whims.

[realFedUp]

2. I wonder what medical practice insurance would be for a first lady?

and she'd have to keep her security personnel in the waiting room
I guess...
I love that she'd keep practicing...it'll be interesting
to see if Dean goes to the Show.

[MadashellLynn]

3. The West Wing

It would be life imitating art! The President's wife is a doctor played by Stockard Channing on that TV show.

[tjdee]

4. Susan BAYH is his surrogate spouse?

"Dean recalled that when he was chairman of the National Governors Assn., there were frequent social events, so he invited Susan Bayh -- wife of Evan Bayh, Indiana's former governor and now a Democratic senator -- to act as his first lady. "Susan agreed to be my surrogate spouse. She's very outgoing; she likes politics.""

Neat.

I'm sorry--I don't know how anyone can be not interested in, or not really a part of, politics--especially when your HUSBAND is so involved! In another piece, it said that she hasn't really seen any of his speeches. HELLO?????????? I'm sure she is lovely and very shy, and I don't view it as in any way reflective of Dean. But when I hear that *anyone* isn't really 'involved' in politics, it bothers me.

[Drifter]

14. I'm a Juggler ...

a very serious hobby juggler. My wife is not the least bit interested in Juggling. She has never tried to learn, and probably never will.

No big deal, just as long as I can pursue it.

Cheers
Drifter

[tjdee]

16. I know what you're saying...but...

Politics, in my view, is *very important* to our day to day living. It bothers me when people don't know what's going on in their government--particularly after 9/11, when our government's foreign policy walked up to us and punched us in the face. And it seems odd that Dean would marry someone who doesn't really care when he so obviously does. Not my business, I know.

But...it still bothers me that Dr. Judy as First Lady wouldn't really care about what's going on.

[maxanne]

17. no where

does it say she doesn't care what's going on.

She's a doctor. She's got work to do. The assumption still seems to be - no matter how carefully couched, that it's her job to go out campaigning and look up adoringly at him.

I admire her for going her way - and him for dealing with it. This is an enlightened couple. She's a real role model - not some simpering twit.

[tjdee]

18. Um, her husband isn't running for dogcatcher.

As I said, in another piece I read she hasn't seen any (or few) of her husband's speeches. Her husband is running for the highest political office in the country against one of the most destructive administrations ever, whose actions affect her and her children. Doesn't she want to see one measly speech? Or the competition? Apparently, many DUers are doing more for her husband's campaign than she is. Personally, I think it's a bit odd. Not good, not bad, just odd.

No one is saying her life should shut down, but come on. If my (nonexistent fictitional) spouse were running for dogcatcher I'd go to a function or two. In fact, I probably would free up a lot of my time to visibly support him as much as I could. As I'd hope he'd do for me. That wouldn't make me a simpering twit.

And her husband was going to functions with another man's wife (Mrs. Bayh)? She is a lot more secure than I am for starters, and I don't know why Dean couldn't just go by himself.

But, she was present at the 'Restoration' speech. I don't doubt she loves her husband very much and is probably making many concessions privately to help him out and support him.

She just fascinates me, that's all. I'm not at all trying to imply anything else. I like celebrity watching.

[KoKo]

26. I agree with you tj.......I don't like this......especially Bayh's wife...

Bayh's is one of my most unfavorite Dems.....look at his voting record....and his wife is too casual about this...

Even thought I've donated to Dean.....there are some little loose ends that don't quite do it for me .....this being one of them.......

[wellstone_democrat]

33. "Dr. Judy????"

Must we immediately jumpt to the familiar form with a woman (I'm guessing) none of us actually know?

As for the difference between not being a public part of her husband's job and "not caring"---someone else addressed that below but frankly, I work in the public arena all day and speak and write publicly. My husband would not get out there with a gun to his head. And yet, he's devoted to my work and me and our politics. He cares about the issues and votes but neither of us think he must get on the stump.And no where is it said she is oblivious.

to tell the truth, I'm sick of the assumption that the "first lady" should be Housewife-in-Chief. Pay her for the job if its so damn important.

[blm]

27. Evan BAYH????? Dean must be way more cozy with the DLC than

he wants anyone to believe.

[MostlyBlackCat2]

37. Barbara Bush - Nancy Reagan - Betty Ford - Rosalyn Carter

come on people, MOST first lady's aren't nearly as politically active as Hilary was, Babs stayed out of it completely, Nancy was just an overdressed shrew, Betty had chemical dependency problems, and Rosalyn just redecorated the White House. Ifi t's not her bag, it's not her bag. don't crucify the woman for it, and don't bash the candidate for making a joke.

[meegbear]

5. Why isn't her last name dean?

She embarrased or something?

[Mari333]

6. Many women dont change their last names

I didnt. In Ms Steinberg's case, she is a highly qualified professional, and evidently prefers her own last name.
No big yank.

[Fleshdancer]

7. She uses both names.

She kept Steinberg for professional reasons but uses Dean for personal reasons. They use to work together and having two different last names reduced the amount of confusion when someone asked for Dr. Dean.

[CO Liberal]

10. My Wife And I Were Married When She Was 32

Sometimes she prefers to use her maiden name, sometimes my last name, and other times a hyphenated combination of the two. No big deal.

[MaraJade]

54. This is what I do as well. . .

been married for 17 years. I use my own name for job and legal
purposes and hyphenate for social purposes. Never filed any type of official name change. My great-grandfather of the same surname was
a Sergeant with the 54th Massachusetts Infantry (Colored) during
the Civil War and I wanted to keep his name to honor him.

[mike_c]

11. was that a serious question...

...or were you trolling? Why would you think it has anything to do with embarrassment?

[Orangepeel]

12. Is that a serious question?

what century do you live in?

[realFedUp]

15. that kind of thinking is out of date

.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

30. It may be.

But for many the last name may be an issue. Hard to say how many would think it's a problem. Still I prefer she keep her own last name as opposed to adopting a hyphenated one

[maxanne]

20. why isn't his

last name Sternberg?

[wes_clark_for_pres]

39. maybe for the same reasons

that his last name isn't Steinberg?
:shrug:

[leetrisck]

8. Thought you meant Laura Bush

and I was laughing since we never see Laura Bush anyway. What is Laura Bush's job? Hiding out? Staying as far away from georgie as possible? Does she even live in D.C. anymore? We know she hates the ranch - know she went hiking or camping with friends recently but where does this woman spend her time and what does she do?

[amazona]

9. don't know what to think

For instance, she refused to appear in the August issue of Esquire, which showed all the other Dem. candidates with their families around them.

Even Kerry's wife, who is or was GOP if I'm not mistaken, appeared.

There is nothing wrong with being an independent or solitary woman but I don't think the public is going to accept a situation where another woman is appearing as the "surrogate First Lady." This seems like a situation that just asks to be twisted into scandal. If Dean were a single man, OK, but a married man whose wife doesn't appear to be supportive...?

And people are saying Sharpton has baggage? At least with Sharpton we already know what they're going to say.

Yes, I realize that Laura and * lead separate lives, but the GOP is not held to the same standards. We have not been willing to hit on the issue of *'s debatable sexuality, yet the other side is perfectly willing to distort and exaggerate wherever they can regarding the Democrats' private lives.

Not sure what the answer is. I'm not expecting the good doctor to make speeches -- some very fine practitioners are a bit on the high-functioning autistic side when it comes to dealing with people -- but perhaps it is not too much to ask that she smile and appear at Dean's side from time to time at important functions?

[Orangepeel]

13. My guess is that his daughter will stand in as official hostess

she is involved in the campaign. She probably wasn't old enough before.

[tjdee]

21. He doesn't want his family involved.

That's the whole point....
I don't think his daughter will be standing in.

[Orangepeel]

35. His daughter is working for the campaign already

.

[tjdee]

36. Yes...but that's a bit different, IMO,

than going to dinners, etc. Working for a campaign can be somewhat behind the scenes work that doesn't get much attention in the way that a "wife" would.

I think that'd be a good solution though. Maybe you're right.

[amazona]

25. daughter didn't stand in for Esquire piece

There was no family member that was photographed with Dean. For the "Democrats in their natural habitat" story, they had to do Dean with staff! Everyone else had family around them, even if just a wife (Sharpton and Kerry). Gephardt (spelling? sorry) actually looked wonderful with a large family around him.

If Dean's daughter will get out there, that's great, and I think it's acceptable, but I do not believe the South will accept him if no family member comes forward.

[KoKo]

29. Many presidents in the early years had "stand in's." So, I guess

the early model would be brought back. But in those cases the wives were ill, or had died and family members stepped in. I think one President's wife was extremely shy....maybe it was Wilson's?

But, I hope she will reconsider. It's an important job for both of them. And, after the Garden Nome, it would be nice to have someone with some ideas they could express and some livliness. We Americans need a little "pizazz" in the White House after these years of gloom and before that of fighting about Hillary (who really was a neat person, but independent) Babs was a frump but did have those dogs to write books about....and Nancy Reagan was a fashion plate..but okay enough in that she didn't do much that was too controversial......

[phgnome]

38. Nancy Ray Gun

I somehow remember her taking a very public role in the "war on drugs" which ended up being a witch hunt on South Americans, as I recall. But I was just a kid then ... I might not be remembering that clearly.

[geomon]

47. Just say NO

was her motto...

[Catt03]

19. I do not think this is a good idea

No matter how you feel about the First Lady, whether she should be independent or a Laura, she needs to be visible.

The press and right will cheww her up in little pieces. There will be more press about her "independence" than about the issues.

[ewagner]

22. The press will make something of it

You are correct on that count. There will have to be at least a minimal effort on the good Dr's part to appear to be part of the support group.

When I was an elected official, my wife hated the whole experience but she endured countless rubber chicken dinners and horrible cocktail parties because she didn't want people to think there was something "wrong" with our marriage. (her choice not mine)

[maxanne]

23. no matter what she does

it will be wrong. Look at how Hillary was crucified for her hairstyles, her black pantsuits....and look at how Stepford Laura gets a pass on her dowdiness.

Judith can't win. I don't see why she should have to even try. These are their decisions to make. I wouldn't vote for a candidate because of his wife. :eyes;

[chimpymustgo]

24. But many voters in middle America will see her as "weird".

I'm sure she's a lovely woman. But American politics demand a certain image. Different last name? I think most people are used to that. A doctor? Fantastic. But a wife or husband who doesn't help her/his spouse on the campaign trail? Voters on the whole are going to question it.

As do I.

[preocupied]

28. Very true......

[newyawker99]

56. Hi preocupied!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[Eloriel]

42. Yeah, but we know WHY you question it

You're a Kerry supporter.

This discussion is just bullshit, and fairly sexist bullshit too. I agree with the poster who said: if the job is so damned important, let's pay the First Wife a salary.

Eloriel

[tjdee]

45. Actually, chimpymustgo supports Edwards.

Are people who don't support Dean not allowed to comment EVER on anything that concerns him?

Geez.

[ronnykmarshall]

43. I hate that this is an issue.

But sadly it is. Hillary went through hell in Arkansas because she went by "Rodam" and remember the shit after the election when she started going as "Hillary Rodam Clinton".

This sucks.

[inthecorneroverhere]

31. she needs to show support

Agree. She should show up at events and demonstrate her support, rather than being aloof in any way. At this stage in the campaign she doesn't need to develop fancy policy speeches, but just be there to show enthusiasm.

Later on, as an M.D., she might need to work with a speechwriter/'image consultant' and give some talks about health care and other topics of her choosing.

[Isere]

34. This isn't going to fly!

Oh, my... this is not going to work in Dean's favor!

I wish with all my heart that a private, professional woman would be acceptable as a First Lady for America, but I fear that this is not the case in today's reality.

Like it or not, we are a celebrity-driven, media-dependent country. We are not France where political families are allowed the proverbial "zone of privacy" that Hillary has so often lamented.

If Dean comes close to the nomination, his wife will be forced into the limelight and, like it or not, will be pushed into a public role. If she refuses, it is to his peril.

I wish it weren't so.

[wabeewoman]

40. My, oh my!

For a minute there I thought I had stumbled into a freeper forum. Where are all the enlightened demos? A doctor trains at least 7 years to do a job that is for many like a calling. Why should she give it up because her husband wants to be president? This seems like a good time to redefine the role of first lady. As to the name, she uses her maiden name professionally and Dean at home(according to Time or Newsweek. I use my maiden name everywhere. Why should I give up my name? I can't believe some of these comments. We could have an intelligent accomplished first lady (as opposed to whatever it is we have now) and you're dissing her? No doubt she will be fried in the press no matter what she does. But sooner or later these tactics are going to backfire on the gop. And this may be the time. I support Dean because of what he believes, what he will do and his courage in speaking up. I certainly don't hold it against him that he has a smart, independent wife.

[ronnykmarshall]

44. Laura? Not accomplished?????

"We could have an intelligent accomplished first lady (as opposed to whatever it is we have now)"


How DAAAARRRRREEEEEE YOU!!!!! She's a ROLE model for ALL you gals to follow! :silly:

[janx]

41. HOORAY! It's about time! We have the makings of history

here--for the very first time, we'll have a First Lady who is a physician. Imagine that!

I knew that Dean's wife was also an M.D., but think of it this way:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the First Lady of the United States: Dr. Judith Steinberg..." !

[amazona]

46. no, Susan Bayh will be the First Lady, read down in article

Dr. Steinberg is not going to serve as the First Lady of the U.S. She did not serve as First Lady of Vermont. Dean had what he called a surrogate spouse, Susan Bayh, and apparently the Dean/Steinbergs are under the impression that this will somehow work on a national level.

Now, I like to think of myself as a modern woman. I have often escorted a close male friend to events, for many many years. But I am not in a position of running for public office nor is my friend. And I can assure you that, even though we are not in the public eye and our personal doings are of no importance to anyone, there is plenty of gossip and speculation about our relationship. How much more so for a presidential candidate.

I think Steinberg is being completely unrealistic to assume that she can continue practicing medicine while surrounded by Secret Service agents. Dean is being completely unrealistic to think that he can win an election without a supportive spouse at his side in the modern era. Susan Bayh may be the next Dolly Madison, for all I know, but in this era where the media is looking for every angle to jump on the Democrats' private lives...well, I just don't think having a "surrogate spouse" (an unfortunate term) is the way to go. This is not France, and there are plenty of Americans who are just not all that sophisticated. They wouldn't accept a "walker" escorting their own wives or husbands about, and they aren't going to accept it in a potential presidential candidate. Like it or not, many people will assume it is a scandal waiting to happen.

[janx]

49. Dr. Steinberg doesn't HAVE to "serve" as First Lady all the time.

C'mon, you and I both know this is another hit piece.

ONe question: If/when Dean is nominated, will you support him?

[geomon]

48. Hate to say it...but..

like it or not this could be the beginning of the end for Dean..too many out there in voter land will be afronted by this.. both dems and reps ...sucks though...

[corgigrrl]

51. Dr. Judy is not a Hermit

She has appeared at major events in the campaign so far (I know, I've seen her in campaign pictures, at the announcement, I believe) and its been made clear that she will be around more, espec. if he gets the nomination. She's just trying to keep her practice going for now and have as much time with her patients -- she will probably open a practice in DC if he wins.

So I don't think this will be an issue, by the time mainstream america is paying attention, she'll be visible.

[blm]

53. Personally, I think his wife is the coolest part of Dean.

She's acting pretty much how I would act. I can't stand to be out in front of an audience. I prefer to be way in the background and understand her unwillingness to be in the foreground.

[MiltonLeBerle]

50. How would something like that work, Secret Service-wise...?

It seems to me that it would be a security nightmare.
I think that Mrs. Howard Dean should re-think her priorities and her decision soon. Even during the campaign, voters like to see a candidate show up at events with a wife by their side

[DFLforever]

52. What planet are we on?

Let's wait until Dean is the nominee before we worry about his wife's role, name, clothing, hairstyle, whatever...

[Lost_Stash_Of_Dubya]

55. The fundies are going to LOVE this!

A first lady practicing as a doctor? Full time? A real career separate from her president husband?

The attacks on Hillary are going to look like compliments compared to what Judith Steinberg has coming her way.

I feel sorry for her and Dean. The politics of personal destruction aren't gone, they are merely dormant, and if/when Dean moves into the WH, it is going to get ugly.

[genius]

57. So where does Dean stand on malpractice limits that encourage malpractice?

It is almost impossible to get accurate information out of his campaign on where he stands on the issues. Where the malpractice limites are low, doctors feel they have a license to malpractice at will. Doctors like the limits. Patients and those who care about patients or potential patients see them as a death sentence for the innocent.