Sexism on Display Talking About Vice President Harris

12.16.21

Sir:

I am always open to Brett Stephens ’s ideas even from a quite differing political sensibility, and especially enjoy his dialogues with Gail Collins as they respectively disagree but aim to find common ground on many vital issues we confront. But his remark that Vice President Harris “seems lighter than air” seem below a level of journalism and frankly sexist if not racist. We know well that the standards for women in our culture and scrutiny of their behavior if in politics are far higher a bar . There are numerous examples of males who misfire in major ways and are forgiven including our ex president who has dramaticially endangered our democracy and displays behaviors even a lay person could associate with mental illness, but he remains popular . We know that many of the actions of our VP are not covered by the media , but her headphones were. Does Mr Stephens truly believe that Mike Pence, and Dick Cheney have gravitas? I hope Gail Collins can address his rudeness with him. At a time when the assault on women’s right to reproductive health care is rampant, we hope journalists will share their viewpoints in more respectful ways.

Sue Matorin