aired 7 November 2013, USA
There’s something my grandmother used to do whenever I’d start dating someone. I would tell her his name and she would say, ‘Oh, what part of town does he live in?’ That was her way of asking if my boyfriend was white. Oh yeah, my grandmother was an out and out racist, so I know what prejudice looks like. It’s not about experience, James, it’s about gender. Reston’s saying I don’t have the balls to be president and he means that literally. It’s offensive. It’s offensive to me and to all the women and to all the women whose votes he’s asking for.
“I’m sorry, are you saying Governor Reston is sexist?”
Yes, yes I am. It’s not just Reston speaking in code about gender, it’s everyone, yourself included.
“Excuse me?
The only reason we’re doing this interview in my house is because you requested it. This was your idea and yet here you are thanking me for inviting you into my lovely home. That’s what you say to the neighbor lady who baked you chocolate chip cookies. This pitcher of iced tea isn’t even mine, it’s what your producer set here. Why? Same reason you called me a Real Life Cinderella Story. It reminds people that I’m a woman without having to use the word. For you it’s an angle, I get that and I’m sure you think it’s innocuous, but it’s not.
“Congresswoman Marcus…”
Don’t interrupt me when I’m speaking. You’re promoting stereotypes James. You’re advancing this idea that women are weaker than men. You’re playing right into the hands of Reston and into the hands of every other imbecile who thinks a woman isn’t fit to be Commander and Chief. Yes Governor I’m talking about you. Seven years I served in the United States Army, which is seven more years than Governor Reston ever served. A fact you conveniently omitted from my intro. How about soldier, Lieutenant ...
“Yeah that was an oversight, I’m sorry.”