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Todd Palin - A feminist icon?
Filed under: Just For Dads, In The News, Mommy Wars, Chores
Todd Palin is the untold story of this election. He is a blue-collar snowmobiling fisherman who is secure enough in his masculinity to hold babies and host teas for the former first ladies of Alaska.
During Hillary's campaign, Bill Clinton couldn't help upstaging her and his narcissistic rantings cost her dearly in a razor thin primary. On the other hand, the "First Dude" of the most macho state in our union coolly stands in the background supporting his successful wife without a trace of resentment or envy.
Maybe that's evolution for you. Boomer husbands talk the talk, but Gen X hubbies walk the walk.
I'm an at-home mom of five who writes a weekly column and is also working on a book. There is no way I could do it all without a teammate. As I write this post at my kitchen table, my husband is cleaning the kitchen. As it happens, I'm married to a cute Midwestern lumberjack D.A. who is as comfortable doing the dishes with a baby strapped to his chest in a Bjorn as he is wielding an axe or questioning a witness on the stand. Now that's what I call progress!
Sarah and Todd's relationship is the embodiment of the "partnership" feminists have been calling for for decades. That's why I cannot understand why feminist icons like Gloria Steinem could not put aside their politics on abortion to celebrate, if not this historic nomination, then this exemplary partnership -- a partnership far more liberated than the strange and unrelatable Clinton marriage. I guess for Steinem, if you're pro-life and pro-gun, it just doesn't count.
When it comes to equality and respect between the sexes, the Palins have pushed the ball further in one week than the Clintons have in a decade in the national spotlight. In fact, the tacky and humiliating Monica Lewinski scandal probably set us back.
As for Oprah, well this whole debate could be resolved by simply inviting Todd to the show. Who better to speak about the conditions necessary for female advancement and fulfillment? Come on Oprah, forget Tom Cruise. Put the hunky, helpful husband on your couch!
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ReaderComments (Page 1 of 4)
9-09-2008 @ 8:12AM
SKL said...Rachel, even though I'm pretty tired of (OK, thoroughly fed up with) the sexist aspects of the Sarah Palin debate, I appreciate your weighing in with another view. I saw some of the extremely rude and unnecessary comments on your previous post and felt sorry for my country. I am becoming convinced that an objective debate in this country is impossible.
I think Todd rocks. From what I've seen so far, he deserves the Man of the Year Award from the feminist front. Now let's watch how people attack him so we can feel even more sad for our country.
Reply
9-10-2008 @ 12:08PM
sheryl said...loved you on CNN!!!
and yes, i agree... i too have no choice but accept MTV in my cable package when i want my CNN!!
keep it up girl!!!
11-19-2008 @ 3:11AM
mrrogers said...well so fair hes made two false reports about mike wooten, between them the heath/palin family has filed 76 complaints with 14 percent
or 11 found to be true
do a search on who build the palins how and you will find out it seems to have been built at the same time in the same town by the same contractor that got the bid on the 12.5 million dollar sports complex in wasilla. so sarah left wasilla 12-14 million in debt when she termed out
not to mention the fact that todd called wasilla pd and told them he didnt want them to hire mike wooten and he didnt get the job. i guess this was so he could keep torturing hire via the state good ole boy network. i who elses spouse has there own phone in the confrerence room of the state headqurters in juneau .
he and sarah may be the reason that mccain was beat before the alaskan polls were closed 8 pm mst.
not only that but sarah and todd have given monegan and wooten
good evidence to sue the palins individualy as well as the state of alaska
so yes sir howdy there good people !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9-09-2008 @ 8:35AM
LS said...I agree completely, with both of you. It's nice to see a partner BEING a partner, instead of calculating how the partner's career can boost his/her own (Clintons).
Mrs. Palin could never have done the things that she has, from "Hockey Mom" to Governor of Alaska to VP Candidate without the firm and unwavering support of her husband and family.
All of this bashing has made me glad that I've never considered myself a "Feminist".
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9-09-2008 @ 9:05AM
Eileen said...I absolutely agree with you guys. He seems to be a real down to earth kind of guy, my husband has fallen in love with Sarah, but says Todd is the kind of guy he would like to have a beer with. I really like them both.
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9-09-2008 @ 10:11AM
jesser said...Sarah Palin's politics definitely aren't to my taste, but I really have been super embarassed for everyone who's been bashing her and her parenting skills and her family. From my perspective, she looks like someone who is to be admired, even if we don't line up on all the issues.
Thanks for this nice perspective on her and her marriage.
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9-16-2008 @ 5:58PM
Jim said...She should NOT be admired! She is nothing more than a dog with lipstick (her words). She lies about her record and her positions. I lived in Ketchikan Alaska and she campaigned for Governor on the platform that she was FOR the bridge to Gravina Island. Also, she didn't kill the deal. Congress removed the notation that the millions was for a bridge. So instead, she kept the money is spending it on other things... like a $27 MILLION dollar "road to nowhere" on Gravina Island.
Furthermore, when she began as Mayor in Wasilla, the tiny town of roughly 5,000 year round residents, had ZERO debt. When she left her post they were over $20 MILLION in debt... this AFTER receiving tens of million in earmarks after hiring a lobbyist, something her campaign now is against. FYI: $20 MILLION is roughly $3000,00 for every resident of Wasilla.
Speaking of earmarks, as Governor she has brought in more than $453 MILLION dollars. She tries to say that Obama is worse since he has requested almost $1 BILLION in earmarks. Truth is, Obama has only requested $311 MILLION in the same span as Palin Governorship. Even more telling is that 'earmarks equal only $76.00 per Illinois resident while Palin's requests equal $1,100.00 per Alaskan resident. Whose the greedy one here? Also, ALL of Obama's earmarks have been for State projects while some of Palin's have gone to private industry. Wake up the numbers people!
Did you know McCain claims to have NEVER asked for an earmark. Well he is lying to! http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/18/politics/18earmark.html?_r=1& And that is for a "pet project."
As for her husband. He is more than happy to play second fiddle to his wife. He DOES work for the Big Oil.. and everyone in Alaska knows that Big Oil OWNS the State Government.
People really should fact check this candidate before they fall for her. Anything less is ignorance... and WE don't want ignorant people picking our Presidents... not now, not ever!
Sources:
www.nytimes.com/2006/02/18/politics/18earmark.html?_r=1&
news.aol.com/political-machine/2008/09/09/save-us-from-earmarks/
afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jyQGCGlETyTLRngkxZgiWC0Im4Wg
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/08/politics/animal/main4426851.shtml
www.politico.com/news/stories/0808/12987.html
9-09-2008 @ 10:24AM
mamaloo said..."That's why I cannot understand why feminist icons like Gloria Steinem could not put aside their politics on abortion to celebrate, if not this historic nomination,"
And that's because the nom has nothing to do with Palin as a person and everything to do with the fact that she has a uterus. And, no, I'm not going to fall all over myself to drool over a father who is being a father.
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9-09-2008 @ 10:36AM
SKL said...One could just as easily say: at last, a Republican nomination that isn't dependent on possession of a penis. If we were capable of independent thought.
9-09-2008 @ 10:45AM
mamaloo said...@SKL, I think that's a different point entirely.
Palin could be a golden retriever for all it matters. She is a body that has certain criteria that the Republicans think will matter to women who would've voted for Clinton, namely a uterus. She is female, has children (in spades! Bonus points for the cute little baby!) and, well, uh, it pretty much ends there. Palin is little more than a cardboard cutout in the shape of a woman.
The Republicans think they're doing something that will give them cred as being radical and progressive but what they are doing is insulting the women of their party and all the women they hope to woo from the Dems.
And Todd? Yeah, he's just a husband and father. He's no more special than my husband and noone writes a blog post about him when I go to a 24hr birth and he watches both kids alone. Well, OK, I may write that post, but really it's nothing special.
It blows my mind that it's remarkable to the OP that Todd is special because he's not an a$$hole. He's amazing because he's not a jerk. And, really, I believe Bill Clinton was supporting his wife with love and devotion as much as Todd has supported his wife, the only problem was that Bill happened to get a little over-zealous.
9-09-2008 @ 10:57AM
SKL said...Just so you know, there are intelligent women voters who see something in Ms. Palin other than her uterus. Including people who would not vote for Clinton. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with our opinions, but you don't make your IQ look any higher when you deny that reasonable minds can differ.
10-29-2008 @ 1:28PM
jim said...How about this, Todd is a separatist. He, along with his wife, supported an organization that aims to split the state of alaska from the rest of the country, to avoid "spreading the wealth" that this oil rich state has. Of course, he's in the background....for now. Imagine a meeting with heads of state, she wearing her 3000 dollar outfit....I shudder. Let's learn more about them personally before we crown them second husband in command and second in line for the presedency....YIKES!
9-09-2008 @ 10:39AM
tmc said...Finally, a blog that doesn't make the Palins seem like a "bad" family! Thanks, Rachel, for this blog and your last on Sarah Palin. It's nice to see a blog of support for this family instead of one tearing them down and making them seem terrible!
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9-09-2008 @ 11:02AM
Jennifer said...Hey tmc...can you give me the address of those "bad" blogs. I'm tired of everyone glamorizing and canonizing these folks. Ha!
9-09-2008 @ 11:06AM
EK said...I have no problem with males stepping up in the marriage and being a true partner. But folks, please don't forget that this couple will be leading our country should something happen to McCain. Equality aside, are the Palin's really the best choice to handle global security, economy, diplomacy? It's not about baby Bjorns, it's about what's best for the entire country.
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9-09-2008 @ 10:49AM
KG said...Rachel, you are the only reason ParentDish is still in my RSS feed.
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9-09-2008 @ 11:06AM
jen said...Feminism is about a lot more than just who does the dishes!! I challenge any of you to actually read the full Gloria Steinem op-ed piece Rachel linked to in her column. It explains in great detail why SP cannot be considered a feminist by any definition.
As far as questioning the "strange and unrelatable" marriage of the Clintons - it worked for them, and they've served their state(s) and country amirably for their entire adult lives, while managing to raise an intelligent, productive, loyal daughter. Just because it's not a relationship you can understand, doesn't make it "strange".That's just another example of the of the judgemental, condescending mentality of the uber-conservative right.
P.S. Isn't it sexist to refer to Todd Palin as "hunky"? You would jump all over anyone who comments on SP or Cindy McCain's physical attributes!!
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9-09-2008 @ 11:10AM
dana said...Rachel,
From your commentary, it seems that you've known the Palins for years. Wow, comparing him to Bill Clinton -- no way, no how, sweetie. For all we know, we'll be hearing within the next week or two that either she or he had a torrid affair in the past! Then how will you candy-coat that????
There's still so much we don't know about the Palin family, so don't assume too much -- you may be disappointed.
And why does everyone go back to bashing the Clintons? He's been the BEST president we've had in years. And talk about a GREAT MOTHER and a GREAT FATHER. Look at Chelsea -- Stanford graduate, classy, intelligent, well-spoken -- they did an amazing job as parents. Compare tha to the 17 year old pregnant Palin engaged to a self-proclaimed "redneck." Now that's class!
I'm just saying.
Rachel, open those big brown eyes even wider. Maybe a shred of intelligence will sneak through and touch your brain.
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9-10-2008 @ 8:30AM
Kelly said...Exactly!
Bill and Hillary raised a daughter who has degrees from Stanford and Oxford. The Palins have raised a daughter who doesn't know how condoms work.
Hmm, who's the better parenting team here?
Rachel, I can't wait until you and your holier than thou, conservative "family values" crowd are firmly in the minority where you belong.
9-09-2008 @ 11:22AM
mckenna said...I think it says a lot for the Republican party that they could even consider a female candidate on their ticket. I'm also encouraged by the fact that Todd seems to be so supportive of his wife's ambitions...but...
I take everything of this campaign worth a grain of salt. The picture the party is trying to paint for us has turned out to be "a bridge to nowhere" on many points, and I've been lied to by the previous administration as well (don't think the same spin-dr's aren't at work here either). So basically, I'm not going to assume how the conversations go behind closed doors between the husband and wife. Maybe he's on board, maybe he's dragged to the convention and told how to act just as his wife is told what to say.
Also, given the fact that there were other smarter and more experienced (if not as cute) women in the Republican party to choose from, doesn't it make you wonder why they chose her? No, mamaloo, it's not just her uterus. I'd have to say she "prettied up the ticket" too. I agree it's insulting IN THAT it's such a sexist choice. They didn't pick the best woman for the job. Just the one who could possibly win the election for McCain by being a great cheerleader.
Oh and BTW, it's not so much about how the Palins' live their lives, but how they will expect us to live ours that causes such icons as Steinem to take issue with her. Yes, it's politics and it's far more important to determine how she will invade my private choices. Everyone says to stay out of the Palins' lives, but take no issue with her intent to invade mine...
If this ticket wins, McCain dies, and she's called on to actually govern, it will set us back eons when she causes a further debacle in our country as the first female leader.
I find it both disgusting and a bit scary.
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