The Other Doctor in Dean's House Shuns Politics

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/13/politics/campaigns/13JUDY.html

Eddie Kasperowicz, 74 and retired from the Seabrook, N.H., auto plant that Howard Dean was touring the other day, had a question unrelated to his union's hot-button issues of trade and health care. "When," he wondered, "will America have a chance to meet your bride?"

No time soon, Dr. Dean told him, "unless you get sick in Shelburne, Vt., in which case she'll probably see you."

In 23 years of marriage, 18 of which Dr. Dean has spent running for, or serving in, office, his wife, Judith Steinberg Dean, has developed an unusual role for the political spouse: invisible.

During Dr. Dean's two years of relentless campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination, Dr. Steinberg has stood by her husband's side at a political event exactly once, at his official announcement speech here in June. A country doctor who still makes the occasional house call and attends PTA meetings, Dr. Steinberg has given about a dozen interviews — none televised — two fund-raising letters and a cameo on a half-hour advertisement.

[KittyWampus]

1. First Ladies Are An Interesting Topic. Judy Is Different & Unique

In the article it mentions that she "reluctantly" danced at 2 inaugural balls when Dean got elected in Vermont and then after that no more balls... just open houses where she didn't bother to attend.

I am very sorry. But this is just odd. I can understand a wife wanting her career but to not be willing to go to a ball... a ceremony and ritual that are part of her husband's career is.... odd.

This isn't a matter of expecting a politician's wife to be a barbie doll. But to not be willing to play the role of hostess on occassion is beyond me.

[liberalnurse]

2. So, it's still a free country.....I think???

Have you ever met someone who is dedicated, shy and prefers to be private?

How would you like your potential employer judge you on your spouse's willingness to be interviewed repeatedly before you were considered for the job?

Think about it......

[RamboLiberal]

3. Exactly - I'm electing the president not their spouse or kids

But you know this will be a big issue. Hey the damn Repugs should have nothing to complain about - look at the issue they made of Hillary being "unelected" and doing the country's business!

[KittyWampus]

4. Perhaps She Needs Some Lessons On Socializing In Official Settings

it's not like we come out of the womb knowing how to dance or make small talk or preside at public functions.
There are some who are born into families that do this all the time... everyone's personality is different.
There are people who teach how to "Hold Court".

And by the way, I was intensely introverted when younger and did not know how to interact very well with my peers.

I am still learning. My greatest discovery on how to interact with people is just being interested in them, asking them questions and paying attention to them.

[liberalnurse]

5. I doubt that is the problem. She is a highly educated woman.

She comes from a fine Jewish heritage and I believe social skills are not her issue. She has made it clear, she does not wish to be in the lime light and be a "prop". She can serve tremendously as First Lady.

[KittyWampus]

7. Education Has Naught To Do W/ Successfully Presiding Over Social Functions

and showing up at inaugural balls in a gown and dancing and meeting and greeting is not being a "prop" in any way shape or form.

[RetroLounge]

9. So you have a problem with her not being arm candy?

Sheesh...

[KittyWampus]

10. Arm Candy? Attending A Function With One's Husband Is Being Arm Candy?

Just out of curiosity... is attending your CHILDS EVENTS as a show of support being "Arm Candy"?

[spooky3]

11. Didn't the article say that was what she spent some of her time doing?

She's the one helping with school events and being there for the kids. How much time do you think he's been able to spend doing that in the past year? Who do you think is doing it?

[KittyWampus]

18. I Only Referenced The Inaugural Balls

But would also include other State Functions.

By the way, the Deans have millions. They can afford help ON OCCASSION... such as an Inaugural Ball.

[liberalnurse]

13. Well said, I wish I had thought of it .....

:bounce:

[isbister]

6. The republicans will not hesitate to make this an issue

If they can treat Max Cleland like they did, treat our military as if they were cannon fodder, does anyone seriously think they'll be respectful of Dean's wife because she's shy?

He's with friends now and the stuff he's facing now reflects that... wait until the general election, if he gets there, the republicans have no soul when it comes to politics, remember?

[spooky3]

12. there is an easy answer to this

Say to the Republicans: "if the President were female, would you demand that her husband quit his job and host teas and pick china patterns?"

Democrats understand that we are in the 21st century.

[SadEagle]

15. Also,

"are you saying she should not be taking care of her family?"

[Ramsey]

16. Who gives a flying fack!!

I mean really, aren't we supposed to be the progressive party? What the hell is up with these archaic pronouncements? How many times have I seen people criticize Laura Bush for being the perfect little Stepford wife?

Let us not forget that the lovely Republicans largely still believe women should be seen and not heard, barefoot and constantly pregnant. And that's not much of any exaggeration. They lambasted Hillary for saying she didn't stay home and bake cookies, but guess what...I totally empathized with her statement because neither did I. Didn't have much time for that during 12 years of post-graduate training.

Dean's wife is by all accounts a very busy full time practicing physician (and being one myself, I can tell you that's a lot of hours working) who takes care of their high school age son as well. That is eminently admirable.

Why do we constantly let THEM define the terms of the debate? We should all be standing up for hard working intelligent career women like Dr. Steinberg. To hell with the Republicans and their so-called family values!

[meow mix]

8. ive never seen her

so mysterious, im spooked
this person actually does exist?

[Rose Siding]

14. Here she is at the Announcement Speech

[meow mix]

17. shes the invisible woman? laf

guess that makes dean dr. fantastic
bleh, as-if..

[bain_sidhe]

19. Oy. This is newsworthy?

Memo to NYT and the rest of the media: Leave the woman alone. She's not the one running.

Sheesh. :eyes:

[babzilla]

20. in her own words

Interview with Judy Dean
For all of Howard Dean's political life, his wife Judy has maintained a private profile. VPR's Bob Kinzel interviewed Judy Dean in Fall 2003, as her husband was establishing a strong position in the Democratic presidential race. Dean discusses why she doesn't participate in Howard Dean's political campaigns, how she feels about the former governor's presidential bid and the importance of her medical career.

Interview Part 1
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=540619

Inteview Part 2
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/vpr/news/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=541062

[dkf]

21. This is the thing I love BEST about Howard Dean.

My goodness, if all husbands were so considerate, we women would be in heaven.

He's such a sweetheart.

Love ya Gov!