Is Ashley Judd tough enough to take on Mitch McConnell??

[OmahaBlueDog]

From "The Pragmatic Progressive Page" on Facebook

[ChisolmTrailDem]

1. I think she's tough enough to kick McConnell's ass if she decides to run. eom

[chollybocker]

2. The question itself is sexist.

Why wouldn't she be tough enough? No one would ever ask that about a male contender. The fact that she has to answer these questions is an insult.

It's right in front of you.

[Jim Lane]

12. It's actually a frequent right-wing charge against men and women.

Last edited Sun Mar 10, 2013, 06:06 PM - Edit history (1)

You write, "No one would ever ask that about a male contender." I knew it had been said about Obama, and a quick Google search for "'tough enough' Obama 2008" produced plenty of hits. A couple examples:

"Is he tough enough? That’s the question being asked of Barack Obama." from
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/03/obama200803

"From where he stands, he can see his way to the nomination. But is he tough enough to get there?" (in article titled "Obama's Path", from http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/43882/ )

ETA: Not to mention Kerry. He was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts, but that didn't stop chickenhawk Cheney: "Cheney, accepting the Republican Party's vice presidential nomination for a second term, said Kerry isn't tough enough against terrorism." (from http://www.sptimes.com/2004/09/02/news_pf/Decision2004/Cheney_turns_up_heat_.shtml)

It is sexism but in a more subtle way. It's the idea that leadership (for President or other executive office) requires certain traits stereotypically associated with masculinity, like boldness or arrogance, and that you're not "tough enough" if you stop to consider legalities or see nuance in an issue. Republicans long held an advantage on national security issues because they played on this idea and portrayed Democrats as weak. When Geraldine Ferraro won her House seat, her campaign slogan was "Finally, A Tough Democrat" as a counter to this idea.

[freshwest]

20. I agree. Charges made of Obama: weak, incompetent. Kerry: French, surrenderer.

I'm sure she has what it takes, but I predict record money spent will be spent to defeat her. On her life, even what's in the poster, career and political views. Then more economic pressure and threats will be applied to workers to scare them into voting for McConnell.

[chollybocker]

21. I stand corrected.

It's remarkable how these GOP-isms can permeate the political discourse when no logical argument can be offered. And yet, "She bared her breasts in a movie!!!" becomes our daily fodder.

Both responses, +1.

[unblock]

3. the real question is, is mitch mcconnell tough enough to take on ashley judd.

mitch should step aside if he knows what's good for him.

[JaneyVee]

4. Mitch McConnell looks like the least tough person to ever walk the face of the Earth.

[siligut]

13. He is a member of a club that lies, steals and cheats for a living

That said, yes he sure looks, sounds and acts like a wienie.

[Luminous Animal]

5. I'd like a link to her quote please.

[Marie Marie]

6. I think ol' Mitch is already curled up in a fetal postion, sucking his thumb

and weeping. Even if she doesn't win, she will kick some McConnell ass along the way. Go Ashley!

[aquart]

7. Oh, I hope so.

Mitch deserves to meet an angry Turkish woman for what he's done to this country.

[Are_grits_groceries]

8. After what she's been through?

She's tough as old shoe leather.
In addition, add Naomi and Wynonna in and you have 2 more formidable people on her side.

In addition, she has the backing of some powerful people in Kentucky.

[OmahaBlueDog]

9. I'll be interested to see how "The Judds" (Wynonna & Momma) support plays out on radio

Country music radio has, more or less, spouted pro-Republican talking points for yrars. That said, prominent Dems (Jimmy Buffet in particular) do get support and airplay.

[Cha]

11. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are Dems and I've

read Nashville has quite the Liberal inclusion.

If Ashley runs.. I'll be interested to see if the Judds get behind her or what..

[Cha]

10. I'm so sorry to hear Ashley Judd

had to go through that in her life.

It's obviously only made her stronger.

thanks OmahaBlueDog

[Laura PourMeADrink]

14. Tough? yes. She needs to be teflon is the problem. They will throw everything in the

book at her

[siligut]

15. It will be a whole different kind of rape

But it appears adversity makes this woman stronger and that is about the best defense she could have.

[smirkymonkey]

16. I hope Ashley kick's McConnell's ass.

She is definitely tough enough. Are the people of Kentucky ready for her?

[LittleBlue]

17. She could destroy McConnell

if she plays this right. Smart, beautiful, a Hollywood class actress (politicians are just acting most of the time). If she has any skeletons, they'll have probably been rooted out by the tabloid paparazzi already, as private life scrutiny in Hollywood is about 10,000x more thorough than Washington.

I think we have a winner here.

[WillyT]

18. K & R !!!

[GiveMeFreedom]

19. I kick and recommend every

(Future Senator) Ashley Judd thread on DU I run into. She will be a great Senator.

[spanone]

22. the turtle won't leave his shell....kick his ass ms judd...

i've lived in juddworld for years just by being a nashville resident....don't fuck with the judds....

[David Zephyr]

23. Yes.

No doubt.

[Wounded Bear]

24. She handled those assholes in Holllywood....I think she's got game...