Tom Harkin compares Joni Ernst to Taylor Swift, because sexism

[Adam]

Tom Harkin compares Joni Ernst to Taylor Swift, because sexism

Here's a Fix rule for politicians. Never, ever, ever comment on someone else's personal appearance. Nothing good can ever come of it.

Retiring Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin just broke this rule into a million pieces. Here's what he said about state Senator Joni Ernst, the Republican nominee running to replace him, courtesy of Buzzfeed:

In this Senate race, I’ve been watching some of these ads. And there’s sort of this sense that. Well, I hear so much about Joni Ernst. She is really attractive, and she sounds nice. Well, I got to thinking about that. I don’t care if she’s as good looking as Taylor Swift or as nice as Mr. Rogers, but if she votes like Michele Bachmann, she’s wrong for the state of Iowa.

If you watch the video, what Harkin said isn't just him riffing and going off script. Nope, he has clearly given some forethought to what he said and doesn't think it's sexist or problematic. He likes the line. He thinks it's cute and clever and the audience seems at least slightly amused.

There go those Republicans with their War on Womenâ„¢ again.

What an asshole.



And then:

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[Norm dePlume]

Not to mention the Melee on Mr. Rogers.

[Michele]

He's kind of a creepy old coot.

Next he'll be saying that she's articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking gal.

[Norm dePlume]

Harkin will never get re-elected now. This is huge.

[Norm dePlume]

I take it Republicans must really hate Taylor Swift.

[Adam]

I take it Republicans must really hate Taylor Swift.

No, it's just that conservatives don't like the Leftist double-standard and aren't sexists.

[phillygirl]

This was clumsy. And maybe sexist. But I honestly don't think it's that big of a deal.

[Norm dePlume]

No, it's just that conservatives don't like the Leftist double-standard and aren't sexists.

You're saying Harkin's comment was sexist?

[Adam]

You're saying Harkin's comment was sexist?

Yes.

[Norm dePlume]

Yes.

The part where he compared her to Mr. Rogers? Was that sexist, too?

[Adam]

The part where he compared her to Mr. Rogers? Was that sexist, too?

I see you're into "defend the indefensible at all costs" mode again.

[Norm dePlume]

I see you're into "defend the indefensible at all costs" mode again.

I haven't defended anything or anyone in this thread. I may step up for Mr. Rogers if things get ugly.

[Adam]

I haven't defended anything or anyone in this thread. I may step up for Mr. Rogers if things get ugly.

Bullshit.

[Norm dePlume]

Bullshit.

Hey, you think I won't go to bat for Mr. Rogers, you just try me.

[scott]

Harkin will never get re-elected now. This is huge.

It shows the concessions the Democrats are going to make in an election.

The War on Women isn't being waged by Republicans, it's being waged by misogynists in both parties. But please do your best to deflect while trying really hard to claim that you aren't defending this.