Reid calls Gillibrand "the hottest member" of the Senate

[I spent the winter writing songs about getting better]

Look Reid did absolutely nothing long. All he did was state a fact and compliment Gillibrand. It's no different than if I get a lapdance from a stripper and tell her she's the hottest one at the club right now.

[??????????]

The "pet" comment about Coons was creepy, but this one seems harmless, in my opinion at least.

It's seen as sexist, and that is the mistake.

I never could understand what can be sexist about calling a person of another gender attractive.

[Beet]

States: It's supposed to be sexist because it implies valuing her looks over her role as a Senator. Coming from one of us or even some commentator it would be harmless, but coming from a senior colleague its legitimately inappropriate.

Time to retire.

After he defeats Sharron Angle, please.

[Torie]

You know, if he says more weirdly inappropriate things like this and calling Coons his "pet", I would seriously consider it a possible warning for developing dementia. He's 71, so it's not unreasonable. Does he have a track record of comments like this?

It's not uncommon for people his age to start losing their "filters", brittain33, in fact it's quite common.

That reminds me of my 96 year old grandmother (back when, she would be 125 years old at the moment) when she lashed out at me at a Thanksgiving dinner before the assembled clan, for my effete hand gestures. Her filter was gone - totally - and she had a mean streak underneath it all. But it was all good. I "machoed" up my hand gestures. This was all before I jacked up my free testosterone count of course. Now I do it "naturally."

Yes, one can argue that my own little filter is degrading - rapidly.

[Ronnie]

Look Reid did absolutely nothing long. All he did was state a fact and compliment Gillibrand. It's no different than if I get a lapdance from a stripper and tell her she's the hottest one at the club right now.

I know, but it's rather awkward in my opinion.  Reid is married, after all.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Look Reid did absolutely nothing long. All he did was state a fact and compliment Gillibrand.

He's in a position of authority over her. And is also seventy. It's not especially serious, but is completely inappropriate.

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Might want to reflect on whether that was quite the best choice of anecdote to use.

[Lunar]

Look Reid did absolutely nothing long. All he did was state a fact and compliment Gillibrand.

He's in a position of authority over her. And is also seventy. It's not especially serious, but is completely inappropriate.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Might want to reflect on whether that was quite the best choice of anecdote to use.

Are you saying that female professionals shouldn't be treated like strippers?

[Tender Branson]

Look Reid did absolutely nothing long. All he did was state a fact and compliment Gillibrand.

He's in a position of authority over her. And is also seventy. It's not especially serious, but is completely inappropriate.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Might want to reflect on whether that was quite the best choice of anecdote to use.

Are you saying that female professionals shouldn't be treated like strippers?

[SPQR]

Lol,it's blatant you guys are not used to what Berlusconi says (and does...) about girls.

[Joe Republic]

Lol,it's blatant you guys are not used to what Berlusconi says (and does...) about girls.

That the US political scene is puritanical in its prudery compared to Europe is certainly not news to anyone.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

[opebo]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

Because you interpret sexual overtures as a harm.

[Joe Republic]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

Openly admiring the female form is frowned upon as "inappropriate" in the Anglo-Saxon culture, regardless of whether it's you, me, or a 70-year-old married politician who does it.

[RI]

I've never understood why the right complains so much about political correctness, but I think this instance right here is a good example of what they are talking about. Seriously people, this is a bunch of BS. There is nothing sexist about what he said. Period. He actively complimented Gillibrand on several areas of expertise; it's not like he said she was only good for her looks.

[opebo]

I know, but it's rather awkward in my opinion.  Reid is married, after all.

Marriage bars noting or commenting upon attractiveness of others? What a horrible institution.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

Openly admiring the female form is frowned upon as "inappropriate" in the Anglo-Saxon culture, regardless of whether it's you, me, or a 70-year-old married politician who does it.

Oh, cod psycho-sociology. Great.

Could someone remind me what percentage of Senators are women? And, aha, what percentage of this forum are as well?

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

Because you interpret sexual overtures as a harm.

And you're a sex tourist and established misogynist.

[minionofmidas]

Lol,it's blatant you guys are not used to what Berlusconi says (and does...) about girls.

Yeah well, between these two extremes I might actually prefer the US.

Marginally.

[Joe Republic]

I don't see what this has to do with prudery.

Openly admiring the female form is frowned upon as "inappropriate" in the Anglo-Saxon culture, regardless of whether it's you, me, or a 70-year-old married politician who does it.

Oh, cod psycho-sociology. Great.

What's that even supposed to mean?

[Brittain33]

Imagine for a moment if Nancy Pelosi had made this comment about Brad Ellsworth in 2008.

[Joe Republic]

Imagine for a moment if Nancy Pelosi had made this comment about Brad Ellsworth in 2008.

Ok, done.  She comes off as a cougar.  Now what?

[Brittain33]

Imagine for a moment if Nancy Pelosi had made this comment about Brad Ellsworth in 2008.

Ok, done.  She comes off as a cougar.  Now what?

I think she'd get a world of crap for it, we'd never hear the end about how trivial, weak, and girly she is. Women in power can't say things like this, ever. No one seems to have picked up on Reid saying it. Although how much of that has to do with Reid's already damaged persona is at issue.

[SPQR]

Lol,it's blatant you guys are not used to what Berlusconi says (and does...) about girls.

Yeah well, between these two extremes I might actually prefer the US.

Marginally.

Of course...at least in the US you have to resign if married and caught with multiple *hores.