Dear Hillary, Do You Prefer Diamonds or Pearls?
November 15, 2007
In the final moments of the Democratic debates at the University of Nevada this evening, a young woman stood up and asked Senator Clinton whether she preferred diamonds or pearls.
Why on God’s green earth would anyone ever waste the nation’s time with such a question? I understand there were only 30 seconds left, but if you’re going to throw a softball to a candidate at least ask her to say something meaningful. That question only reinforced the idea that women are frivolous and preoccupied with jewelry.
If I had been there that evening, I would have asked Senator Clinton what her advice is for the next generation of young men and women who want to create a more equal society.
Shame on the CNN for airing such a stupid question, and shame on the woman who asked it.
Update 11/16/07: Many thanks to Mark for updating the conversation about the diamonds vs. pearls girl. I hadn’t taken into account the fact that the whole thing was completely scripted and that CNN forced this young woman — who was very nearly a Truman Scholar — to ask the question.
Double shame on CNN!
Hillary likes diamonds, but her husband prefers giving pearl necklaces.
(Unfortunately, the drycleaning bills get pretty expensive…)
Well, umm, I’m kind of interested in her answer….what did she prefer?!?
Teresa, I completely agree on all points. (referring to that diamonds/pearls girl–>) Thank you, young lady, for embarrassing the younger generation by presenting such an idiotic question. If you couldn’t treat this debate seriously and show that you can respect Clinton as a presidential candidate rather than another “material girl”, than I wish you would’ve given up your seat to somebody who really had something intelligent to contribute.
She said she preferred being asked serious questions and that America should choose its President based on qualifications, rather than fashion preferences, “likeability”, and “who we’d rather drink a beer with.” Kinda didn’t go well in 2000 and 2004.
She said she wanted both.
The questioned was planted by CNN and the question was supposed to be about the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository….
http://marcambinder.theatlantic.com/archives/2007/11/diamond_v_pearl_student_blasts_1.php
Isn’t it great when the news networks broadcasting the debates pre-approve all questions asked and pressure people into doing crap like this?