A very peculiar thing is happening with a normally feminist media that has the potential to have a huge impact on the 2008 presidential campaign.
As press outlets go out of their way to advance the presidential aspirations of Hillary Clinton, and laud the first female Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, attacks on Jeri Thompson, the wife of soon-to-be candidate Fred Thompson, are quite in vogue.
It appears that feminism only applies to Democrats.
This hypocritical dichotomy was pointed out in the Waterbury Connecticut Republican American Newspaper Thursday:
The mainstream media's bias is usually less blatant than this. In "Will Her Face Determine His Fortune?" the Sunday New York Times "profiled" Jeri Thompson, the "trophy wife" of Fred D. Thompson, "the grandfatherly actor and former Republican senator from Tennessee whose second wife is almost a quarter-century his junior." (He's 64, she's 40.)
After noting her "youthfulness, permanent tan and bleached blond hair" and pointing out "her most dramatic (campaign) statements have been sartorial, like gold-lame wedge sandals on a campaign stop, or a plunging neckline for a Washington dinner," the Times got surrogates to cast aspersions on her character and intelligence, including one who compared her to a stripper. Said one left-wing analyst: "I think women have an innate 'ick' reaction when they see a wife so much younger and vital than her husband."
An innate “ick” reaction? Is that how people feel when they see a man with a younger woman? If such is the case, why are so many women seeking older companions?
The Times’ piece didn’t delve into such a paradox, and instead continued on its disparaging quest (emphasis added): "One writer described the May-December marriage as 'gross,' while others said Mrs. Thompson was an outright liability.”
How delightful.
Yet, maybe more fascinating was that on the same day the Times ran its Jeri Thompson hit piece, the Hartford Courant ran a puff piece on Jackie Clegg Dodd, the wife of Democrat presidential candidate Chris Dodd who is 18 years younger than her spouse:
Chris Dodd first noticed Jackie Clegg on the Senate floor one day about 20 years ago.
She was young and attractive, but the congressional aide was not about to get close with a U.S. senator.
"I was a staff person," she said. "I was rather deferential."
But Dodd had asked her boss, Utah Sen. Jake Garn, about her, and when Garn organized a charity ski event in Park City, Clegg, coincidentally, was designated as Dodd's ski instructor.
Was the Courant at all disgusted by the disparity in their ages? Hardly.
In fact, though her current age of 45 was mentioned, him being 63 was totally ignored. And, for the record, this means that when he first sought her out, he was 43, and she was 25.
Yet, this didn't seem to be a concern for the Courant as it gushed all over Mrs. Dodd:
Outwardly, Chris Dodd's wife of eight years may not seem the ideal match for her bon vivant husband. She looks so sophisticated, so cool, the portrait of the strait-laced businesswoman-cum-proper political spouse in her powder blue suit with the gleaming Dodd 2008 jewelry prominent near her left shoulder.
But the calm, even serene appearance masks a complex woman who can be both soft and hard-edged, sometimes both at once. She can get sarcastic with a smile, and can surprise with a zinger or a quip even as her voice doesn't rise a note. Or she can, on a moment's notice, riff at length on the infrastructure of Zagreb, Croatia, or on the virtues of her husband's national service plan.
Jackie, say her friends, is more organized, more detail-oriented than Chris. Though Chris is highly regarded as a Senate power broker - he's chairman of the banking committee and a master of crafting legislation - his motto has long been to get along with everybody and have a good word for them. And as his wife says of her husband around the house, "He can make cleaning up a utility room fun."
Their age difference doesn’t seem to be a problem, does it?
I guess it’s only verboten for a Republican man to marry a younger woman.
How disgraceful.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.
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Comments Policy
How does a good looking Con
July 13, 2007 - 12:19 ET by terrigHow does a good looking Conservative woman frighten these people so? I don't get it.
It's because it destroys the
July 13, 2007 - 12:28 ET by mattmIt's because it destroys the facade they have built up over time. i.e. you have to be a Democrat if you're a woman. This also applies to any other "group" you can describe, racial, lifestyle, regional - whatever.... It also puts the lie to their characterization of Conservatives as bigots....
They can't afford to allow the debate to be about the merits of particular issues. This is not because their viewpoint doesn't necessarily have merit, but because they don't want to admit the possibility that the opposite viewpoint also has merit...and maybe even moreso.
If they were to allow this possibility, they might lose an issue and a voting bloc...They fear this, so they continue on the easier path of demagoguery.
So very true, MattM.
July 13, 2007 - 12:48 ET by terrigSo very true, MattM.
It's called "Child Like
July 13, 2007 - 13:22 ET by chris_gillIt's called "Child Like Vapidness and Petulance". This is same leftists like NOW/Assorted Feminists that defended Clinton when he had an unpaid intern his daughters age giving him BJ's and Tossing his Salad. But I digress.
This is the same group that lauds the Cankle-Master (Hillary) and the Botox-er (Pelosi). Thompson's wife was an accomplished attorney when they met, unlike someone we know whose whole political/professional career was based off of her husband. The main problem is that female liberals... and gay dudes, are the only ones complaining. The liberal women that are complaining are jealous and insecure. For years they have been able to define femininity and woman-hood, then some hot chick married to a senator shows up and everyone forgets their kines.
Do an inventory of noted liberal chicks (Hillary, Nancy, Babara Boxer, Maureen Dowd, Helen Thomas, Rosie O' Donnell, Joy Behar, Katie, Meredith, Ann Curry, Randi Rhodes, Babara Walters, Cameron Diaz "Cute, but dumb as a box of rocks", Babs Striesand). Of this group only Cameron, Ann Curry and Katie pass the grade.
Conservative chicks (Michellle Malkin "smart as a whip... and her hair is the bomb", Laura Ingraham, Thompson's old lady, Laura Bush, Ann Coulter "A freakin' genius... just give her extra helpings of mashed potatoes", Lynn Cheney, E.D. Hill, Megan Kendyll, Kimberly Guilfoyle)
Yeah, I see the female liberal's point. Conservative chicks are hot, and they look like hags.
bah ... jealousy ... a part o
July 13, 2007 - 12:21 ET by pmohbuckbah ... jealousy ... a part of hollywood who happens to be a conservative, has a hot wife and has quite a following ... the left fears this man, it is obvious.
would there be any shock if a piece came out stating hillary clinton is a hideous dog? no ... that's just common knowledge
Feel them squirm around in fe
July 13, 2007 - 12:24 ET by AtheistRepublicanFeel them squirm around in fear of Fred! I admit that my support for Fred! is to the point of being unreasonable, but I love the medias mad attempts to dig up anything bad about him. I wouldn't be surprised if this wasn't near the worst of it. Well except for the whole lobbying for a prochoice org, but that story has lost its credibility.
I enjoy the fan Fred! fact:
July 13, 2007 - 14:04 ET by Challenger GrimI enjoy the fan Fred! fact:
"Anyone who calls Fred Thompson's wife Jeri a trophy wife ends up as a stuffed trophy on Fred's den wall."
Be sure to get your daily Fred Thompson Fact!
Sorry, I simply can't remembe
July 13, 2007 - 12:42 ET by ThisnThatSorry, I simply can't remember -- what did the Times ever say about Jackie O's re-marriage to that Greek tycoon????
Actor Michael Douglas was bor
July 13, 2007 - 12:43 ET by HypocriteHaterActor Michael Douglas was born 9/25/1944. His current wife Catherine Zeta-Jones was born 9/25/1969. That's a 25 year age difference, but I don't recall anyone on the left being grossed out by their marriage.
"She can get sarcastic with a
July 13, 2007 - 12:46 ET by Nortonalec"She can get sarcastic with a smile, and can surprise with a zinger or a quip even as her voice doesn't rise a note. Or she can, on a moment's notice, riff at length on the infrastructure of Zagreb, Croatia, or on the virtues of her husband's national service plan." She poos vanilla ice cream, and her snot cures both heat rash and the gout. What a woman!
Nortonalec
Thanks for a hearty belly lau
July 13, 2007 - 16:37 ET by Cape ConservativeThanks for a hearty belly laugh!!! I've been working hard all day and just sat down to check what's going on...you made my day!
Hypocrisy, thy name is Democrat - or should it be Democrat, thy name is hypocrisy???? Whatever :-) Hope you get my message!
John McCain's wife is 18 year
July 13, 2007 - 12:46 ET by nythatesusaJohn McCain's wife is 18 years younger, but the NYT did not insult either him or her in 2000 b/c he was taking a number of left-wing positions. All Fred has to do is move left and his marriage will become the greatest love affair since Romeo met Juliet.
I don't know. Maybe it's beca
July 13, 2007 - 12:52 ET by phlatlineI don't know. Maybe it's because I'm 27 & my husbands 47, that I just don't see what the big deal is.
The "big deal" is
July 13, 2007 - 13:27 ET by MightyMouthThe big deal is that he's a conservative with a happy smile on his face.... the libs hate that. :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Bingo MM...We can't have happ
July 13, 2007 - 16:43 ET by bigtimerBingo MM...
We can't have happiness now can we?
Poor lefties, happiness is something they fight against...if they could they would make it a law for NON-SMILES ect.... or fine you if you dare.
Don't know what they are missing do they?
LMAO!
Yes bt,The true "equal
July 13, 2007 - 16:46 ET by MightyMouthYes bt,
The true "equality" that the Dems are trying to give us: we should all be equally miserable. :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Jeri Thompson a liability?
July 13, 2007 - 12:54 ET by Dave R......while others said Mrs. Thompson was an outright liability.”
I can only hope that, when I am the same age as Fred that I, too, will find myself saddled with a similar liability.
Hell, why didn't the NYT just come out and accuse Fred of being a cradle-robbing dirty old man, as that is obviously the idea they are trying to promote with this tripe.
It will be interesting to see what sort of nonsense his detractors in the liberal MSM, and particularly the NYT, are going to come up with once Fred officially enters the race, as I am guessing they aren't even close to hitting the bottom of the sludge barrel.
Help Fred defeat the RINOs, along with the Hitllary-Obama Axis, & win the White House in '08.
Since when has the left been
July 13, 2007 - 13:04 ET by Sonny LykosSince when has the left been adverse to stooping to the lowest possible level to obtain their desired result. Fred represents a real threat to them. That's enough reason for character assassination, a process that has been perfected by the Clintons.
The sleaze represented by, and who the Democrats are is the reason why this family of 8 registered Democrats switched parties many years ago. Each day they continue to prove that we made the right decision.
Not to mention the blackest
July 13, 2007 - 13:09 ET by mostlymoderateNot to mention the blackest of entertainers or sports figures dating the blondest of white women. Oops, I am going to be called a racist. Yikes.
If you actually cared, woul
July 13, 2007 - 13:30 ET by sarcasmoIf you actually cared, wouldn't that particular shoe fit??
JMR
Maybe, in your world.
July 13, 2007 - 13:32 ET by mostlymoderateMaybe, in your world.
Oh, definitely, in mine.
July 13, 2007 - 13:34 ET by sarcasmoOh, definitely, in mine. Frankly, I'm just wondering about your world view now...
JMR
I just say what I feel. Ho
July 13, 2007 - 13:36 ET by mostlymoderateI just say what I feel. Hollywood has been cramming certain agenda down our throats ad nauseum for decades. The only "hipper" thing to do now is show up with a same-sex partner. If it is for love, true love, I have no problem with it. But to make political statements I get a little irritated. But I was just being honest...
I can't see why an inter-ra
July 13, 2007 - 13:43 ET by sarcasmoI can't see why an inter-racial relationship these days would be a political statement to anyone except those who care, and I still wonder why they care, but maybe that's because I simply don't, "in my world"...Anyway, I can't think of any recent example of such a relationship that's made "a political statement."
JMR
Good point. Maybe I jumped t
July 13, 2007 - 13:52 ET by mostlymoderateGood point. Maybe I jumped the gun on that one. I get that way with minimum amounts of caffiene in my bloodstream. I still cant think of any either. I think I would make a bad politician. I should never touch the race issue. Its suicide
The young woman - old man &qu
July 13, 2007 - 13:31 ET by JerryThe young woman - old man "ick" factor? Let's see... Clinton was what... 50+ .... and Monica was what.... barely out of her teens...
Back in those days the NYT had a different opinion.... "everybody does it" ... "personal sex life"... "nobody's business"...
When asked if he went to war with Iraq to derail the impeachment vote: “I don’t think any serious person would believe that any President would do such a thing." - President Clinton (Dec 1998).
But Billy was married to an
July 13, 2007 - 16:16 ET by Dan The Man 2But Billy was married to an old hag, not in age but in demeanor.
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark. -- save my gun, shoot a liberal.
and never forget..."it a
July 13, 2007 - 16:40 ET by Cape Conservativeand never forget..."it all depends on what the definition of is is"
"It appears that femin
July 13, 2007 - 13:32 ET by robert108"It appears that feminism only applies to Democrats."
This became obvious during the Clinton Administration, when a most obvious case of feminist-style "sexual harrassment"(an older, powerful man having sex with a young woman with little power) went completely unnoticed by the fems. In fact, they defended him.
They even said they woul
July 13, 2007 - 15:47 ET by kathleenirishThey even said they would gladly put on their 'presidential knee pads' for the scumbag. Maybe they should let him rape them, too, but since they would be more than willing to submit to their Man....
Anyone who says they support the troops but not the mission is a liar.
This is aimed squarely at the
July 13, 2007 - 13:36 ET by Ten7sThis is aimed squarely at the insecurities of women over a certain age, especially (but not exclusively) married women, a key demographic for Hillary. Its Soap Opera politics of the absolutely lowest-common-denominator type, and we can likely expect a lot more of it from the media.
MATH QUESTIO
July 13, 2007 - 13:46 ET by ricklailA 40 year old man marries a 10 year old girl. He is 4 times her age.
In 5 years she is 15 he is 45.- 3 times her age
In 15 years she is 30 he is 60-2 times her age
In 30 more years, she is 60 he is 90-1.5 times her age.
How long before she catches him?
All this stuff from the NYT is being put out by Hillary. Look at how they went after Rudy the other day with the firefighter union bosses-not the rank and file. It is just going to get worse. I wish that she would go after the bottom feeding, silky pony.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
A 40 year old man marries a 1
July 13, 2007 - 13:49 ET by Jack BauerIs this man the muslim prophet Mohammed, by any chance?
It is Mohammed. How did you f
July 13, 2007 - 14:00 ET by ricklailIt is Mohammed. How did you figure that out? Not to make fun of it but I am originally from the foothills of NC. I live on the flatland now. Girls getting married at 10 was sort of uncommon in the hills but it did happen. And they married older men. Most waited until around 12.
A bonafided and certified member of the beer guzzling, NASCAR watching middle class.
Wild guess..And apart from Je
July 13, 2007 - 14:05 ET by Jack BauerWild guess..
And apart from Jerry Lee Lewis, the pedo-inclined Mohammed the only man I heard of who married a ten year old!
(Yeah okay I know Jerry's bride was a tad older, but it's a gag.)
oooh, better watch out ther
July 13, 2007 - 14:03 ET by MightyMouthoooh, better watch out there Sir Jack Rushdie. :-)
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
MM -- But I only wrote The Sa
July 13, 2007 - 14:14 ET by Jack BauerMM -- But I only wrote The Satanic Nurses.
It's like Stephen King meets Larry Flynt
Ooh! When does it hit the
July 13, 2007 - 14:16 ET by Free StinkerOoh! When does it hit the theatres?
It kinda depends on when the
July 13, 2007 - 13:59 ET by mandrakeIt kinda depends on when the old guy dies. I believe they stop counting age when you're dead! Of course, if she dies first then she never catches up..But the old guy should be arrested anyway..that'll 'catch' him :)
I think if a 40-yr old man ma
July 13, 2007 - 14:18 ET by BruzillaI think if a 40-yr old man marries a 10-year old girl, the father of the girl should be allowed to ensure that the 40-yr old man never sees age 41 yet alone age 45.
How dare you impose your outd
July 13, 2007 - 14:27 ET by Jack BauerHow dare you impose your outdated white, European, Christian-inspired western values and culture on others. Talk about fascism.
Jack...Amen! Hehehehehehehe!T
July 13, 2007 - 14:30 ET by Clear thinkerJack...
Amen! Hehehehehehehe!
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
I think history has shown tha
July 13, 2007 - 14:43 ET by BruzillaI think history has shown that at many times throughout history, white, European, Christian men have often found reasons to marry girls even younger than 10, so I don't see this as a white, European, Christian values issue.
I tend to see it more as imposing my "Her dad is 6'6", weighs 330lbs, is built like a linebacker, knows lots of cops, and has lots of guns, so you better find someone older" values and culture on you. :)
I like that... it gives it
July 13, 2007 - 18:24 ET by BlameTheMediaI like that... it gives it a lot of perspective. So, Thompson is about 65+?? And she is 30ish? I don't think she'll catch up.
and you know... good for him. Hollywood did a good thing for him. He's got a babe for a wife who flaunts her boobs and she is smart. How lucky can a man get? I just look at her perspective and think... eewwww gross.
William Jefferson Clinton b
July 13, 2007 - 13:48 ET by happyuscitizenWilliam Jefferson Clinton born August 19, 1946 had a sordid exploitive relationship with a Monica Lewinsky born July 23, 1973, Some 27 years his junior but only 6 1/2 years older than his only known child Chelsea Victoria Clinton February 27, 1980. Hmm and they are eluding to Fred and his wife's age difference as creepy or nefarious?
Monica Lewinsky was an extremely naive young girl that like many of that age group think they are more savvy than they truly are. She will forever be known with moniker of "former White House Intern..." in front of everything she ever does. Can you imagine what it is like for her on a blind date let alone a first date? I feel for her but I don't pity her, she was naive but she should have known that nothing but bad would come from her interlude with Cyrano DeBUBBArac!
The difference between Thompson's wife and others is this, maturity and life experience prepares them for such "May-December" relationships, (or is it December-May?). Personally I can admire an attractive younger woman and can see an appeal, but such a wide age gap like that is not for me, but hey I'm not Fred Thompson or any one else. I did read a recent article where lots of Fred's ex-girlfriends and his ex-wife couldn't say enough good about him, and they adored him.
I hope the press and everyone make a big deal about his wife, because as pretty as she looks I think she will give whoever a run for their money and make them look really stupid for essentially smearing their marriage and relationship.
"I'm just a big fat hairy American Winning Machine!" - Ricky Bobby
It was "cool" and
July 13, 2007 - 14:00 ET by mostlymoderateIt was "cool" and "hip" when Clinton and JFK played around with younger women. It goes against the liberal casting of Republicans for a Republican to date a hottie.
or as noted earlier by anothe
July 13, 2007 - 16:48 ET by Cape Conservativeor as noted earlier by another poster, when Jackie K became Jackie O - or was there any mention whatsoever of her relationship with another older married man. I just keep forgetting...Dems can do whatever they choose and no one is allowed to comment, only Republicans are fair game!
Personally, I hope Mrs. T knocks their socks off! She's smart and should be more than able to hold her own. A pity it has to be this way, though. Lord, why does anyone even consider running for public office.
Let's see, gay marriage, be
July 13, 2007 - 14:16 ET by DontFeedTheTrollsLet's see, gay marriage, between any two same sexed individuals is A-OK with the left, but heterosexual marriage between any two opposite sexed individuals is wrong.
Did I pass the test? Can I be a lib now?
Yuk!
D
I don't support our liberals or their mission.
I think you passed the "
July 13, 2007 - 16:49 ET by Cape ConservativeI think you passed the "libtard" test with flying colors!
I hope the media and their bu
July 13, 2007 - 14:21 ET by Clear thinkerI hope the media and their bunkmates the liberals go after Fred's wife with a vengence. Not that I want her to be dragged through the mud, but to show all Americans how damned hypocritical the left can be.
On a lighter side.... I'm just glad they are giving Fred more print and air time.
Run Fred Run!
The liberal MSM has become an enemy of the USA.
I wonder how the MSM would be
July 13, 2007 - 14:29 ET by Michigan TboneI wonder how the MSM would be treating her if she were NOT a hot younger woman, but a less than attractive , frumpy younger woman?? I think the fact that she is good looking bothers them more than the age thing does, but they will not say that out loud. They keep referring to the "trophy" aspect of their marriage, which as we all know is a reference to her looks, not her age.
Wow Noel, Good-afternoon to y
July 13, 2007 - 14:31 ET by bigtimerWow Noel, Good-afternoon to you....
I wrote about this exact comparison late last night on Clay Waters blog post about Thompson and his wife...what blatant hypocrisy when it comes from the msm and Presidential Candidates...you didn't happen to catch it did you? (LOL)
I knew Chris Dodd had a wife years younger and young children so I did a search too....hey if you have a 'D' after your name it is always okay if it comes to sexual harassment, ie Paula Jones, accused of rape regarding Juanita Broderick, on and on it goes, the silence from the NOW crowd and the so-called feminist media are silent, they are raging loons, as if nobody is not going to eventually point all of this out, whether it be via the internet, it will make it's way to the television screens eventually....the idiotic leftist fools.
My post from late last night said the same thing.....
bigtimer Says:July 12, 2007 - 20:14
I want to know where the MSM is on another man running for President and his trophy wife...they hypocrisy is unbelievable.
Chris Dodd anyone...a DEMOCRAT....he and is wife have two very young girls, she is something like twenty years younger than him if memory serves me correctly...may be off a year or two, but same difference.
Mighty silent on this aren't they....shhhhh...mums the word.
Attack on Fred's wife fair or foul?
July 13, 2007 - 14:36 ET by CTThe attack on Fred Thompson's wife's age is what it is, fair or foul it doesn't matter. A man's wife is or should be a fair reflection of the man as far as his desire is concerned. We have seen candidates in the past with wives we would not want to see as First Lady and judged the candidate accordingly. The problem Fred has is that he appears fatherly if not grandfatherly, but his beautiful wife ain't no granny!
CT...We have seen candidates
July 13, 2007 - 14:45 ET by bigtimerCT...
We have seen candidates in the past with wives we would not want to see as First Lady and judged the candidate accordingly.
Oh really? What does that say about BJ and Hillary then?
LOL....
Just curious ya know....
BJ and Hillary?
July 13, 2007 - 14:51 ET by CTWho is BJ? As far as Hillary is concerned I had nothing but contempt for her in 1992 and its been down hill ever since.
re-worked
July 13, 2007 - 14:39 ET by Gary HallCigars In The Oral Office
July 13, 2007 - 17:04 ET by Junk Science SkepticUnlike a former president, Thompson has quite capably shown that he doesn't need the Oval (Oral) Office or cigar tricks to get a younger woman's attention.
Perhaps that means he'll be able to keep his attention on affairs of state, instead of trying to pick up on dopey looking interns.
Thompson/Giuliani 2008
Gary,Post of the week. I th
July 13, 2007 - 18:52 ET by BlondeGary,
Post of the week.
I think you may have hit upon something quite fine, actually. Rewriting this liberal drivel with a modicum of truth and a conservative perspective. I particularly liked the allusion to recent current media events...."on the pole".
Great stuff, keep it up, or I may have to steal it.
Well, the pole comment..
July 13, 2007 - 19:02 ET by Gary HallWell, the pole comment.. Blonde.. was really more expected out of someone like Chris Matthews, rather than Scarborough; but then again - it was all on MSNBC.
And - thank you for the gold star. I put it on my forehead. (;~>
Well, Gary, I've had a pretty
July 13, 2007 - 19:08 ET by BlondeWell, Gary,
I've had a pretty good week....but your post just was kind of like the cherry on the sundae.
One never knows where the idiocy will pop up next....kind of keeps it interesting and amusing. Matthews, Scarborough, Sawyer, Couric.
You're rewrite is classic....seriously...keep it up.
Okay, I'm out for a bit....thanks for the giggles.
The Media
July 13, 2007 - 15:10 ET by pocomocoLet’s face it. What it comes down to is that the old farts in the MSM are jealous. And I’d bet that many of them have their own honeys on the side.
Of all professions, those in the news media are the most hypocritical as it relates to female extra curricular activities of reporters, editors, and yes, even news anchors who have been the subject of many exposes.