Why was the question posed to Michele Bachmann inappropriate?

Question

Hi all,

I've been hearing a lot about this controversy with the "sexist" question Michele Bachman was asked during debate last night. If you didn't hear, the debate moderator asked her what it means to her to be a "submissive wife," and how that would effect her presidency. 

This didn't come out of the blue--it was prompted by a speech that Bachmann gave to her church, in which she described herself as a submissive wife and encouraged other church women to be the same. She went so far as to suggest that she only got her tax law degree because her husband encouraged her to do so. 

Liberals and conservatives alike have since been attacking the moderator who asked her as being "sexist" and "inappropriate." I just don't see how this works. Would we not be equally concerned if a husband campaigning for president had described himself as submissive to his wife and described his wife as having guided his career goals? I would think there'd be a bit of an uproar if that happened. 

So why isn't it appropriate to ask Bachmann the same question?

Esper · Accepted Answer

Dear kagmi 
Under normal circumstances I would have called it inappropriate… BUT She brought up the subject. Sooo… Yes it’s totally “appropriate” to ask for clarification of her previous statements. 
IF she didn’t want them to “step through that door… She shouldn’t have opened it”. 
ESP

Anonym · Answer

Does that mean that we can ask Obama how being black would affect his decision making as president?  Or better yet, can we say that his middle name is Hussein without being called intolerant?  Bachmann's relationship with her husband has no bearing on her being president.  It's kind of like when the left gets to make jokes about Palins kids but nobody can mention Obama's kids.  When was the last time Obama was accused of using his kids as "props" when they are photographed with him.  The hypocrisy from the left is ridiculous.  Oh, and to the person who said we have a right to know if we are electing her or her husband.. did you support Hillary? or do we know if we elected Barack or Michelle?  give me a break.  Sexist crap.

Pamela J · Answer

Given her own statement that she is submissive to her husband, it was a fair question. After all, if Marcus Bachmann is going to be making the decisions, he should be the one running for office.

Love.Canada · Answer

You can't have a President who is submissive to anyone!
The question is based on her religious beliefs, and if those beliefs conflict with the job she is applying for.
If you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.

Matthew · Answer

He did not ask what it means to her to be a submissive wife. He asked if she would submit to her husband if president.

As I recall, no men were asked if they would submit to their wives if president. A very gender biased question that was addressed and answered well by Bachmann.

ℓepetitvioℓet · Answer

She's a lunatic. And it shows just how smart America (or Iowa) is by how many votes she's getting.

Anonym · Answer

She likes to be the victim, even her photo is an attack on her but she looked just like it in the whole debate...

I don't see anything wrong in making her take a side between ridiculous religious dogma and women liberation...

Ronald · Answer

palin was aswered this question and if it was ok to ask she said all questions were ok to ask.i think bachmann answered the question wrong.

Abraham Lincoln · Answer

The question was based on the Bible, and Wallace knew Bachmann is a woman of faith.  Wallace was right in "gotcha" mode on his questions.

The whole thing was about a section of the bible that states a wife will be submissive to her husband.  That is interpreted many different ways.  Wallace seems a bit dirty now.

.

Happy · Answer

.....     People have the right/duty to know if they're electing her or her husband.

Why was the question posed to Michele Bachmann inappropriate?

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