Hillary Does Tyra

If that sounds titillating, I'm betting you watched American Idol last night rather than the debates. Well tune in kids, because Hillary Clinton, US Senator and presidential candidate, will appear on the illustrious Tyra Banks Show January 18th.

They will discuss such meaty subjects as what title to bestow upon Bill, should she be elected, and which reality show Hillary could envision herself on. (Apparently, "First Mate" and "First Laddie" were both rejected, but Hills proposed a reality show in which contestants would come up with an appropriate title. Also, Hillary, although longing for Top Model honors, settled for Dancing With the Stars as her dream reality show.)

Well. That certainly helps me decide which direction to cast my vote, how about you?

I was surprised to hear this. No, let's go with flabbergasted. I understand the candidates are looking for publicity. Oprah, OK. Phil Donahue back in the day, fine. Anderson, Larry, Katie, absolutely. The late night talk shows, well, that's become routine as well, giving the candidates a chance to show their human side and throw in a bit of everyman humor. But Tyra? Criminy, Senator, what's a classy broad like you doing in a dive like that?

One can only assume she's going after the young female demographic. The polls show that her female support comes largely from women of a certain age, and we all know how reliable the polls are. I'm sorry, Senator, but if Tyra is your chosen medium, exactly what demographic do you think you're targeting? Because, personally, I'd consider going after one that votes. (Yes, that was snippy and presumptuous. Flog me. Whatever.)

As a woman, I detest Tyra's TV offerings. I'm not saying she should become a political pundit or change the types of shows she does. You want to do a show about America's next superstar model, fine, that's not my beef. You want to do the Oprah wannabe thing, no problem. Practice that inflection in the mirror all you want, honey. It's not the shows themselves, it's the way they're done that bothers me. She is in a position of influence, with the potential to be a strong positive model for young women on issues like standards of beauty, weight, self esteem, and self worth. Unfortunately, her influence is more harmful than positive.

As the mother of a teenage daughter who does, to my chagrin, enjoy watching Top Model, I have a real problem with the message that Tyra sends to young women --- particularly to young women of color. From the time they were born, my daughters have learned from the media that white is right, thin is in. So forgive me for holding Tyra to a higher standard, but yes, as a woman of color, a woman who has struggled with weight, she should know better. She should damn well know better, and she's in a position to do something about it, but she's blowing it. And in her vacuous wake, young women are left with the message to be thinner, whiter, dumber in order to be beautiful and sexy.

Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, is a healthy role model for young women, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. Here is a woman who can kick ass and take names, even while her opponents are commenting on the color and style of her jacket. She is a woman who sends a message I'd like my daughters to hear, regardless of where our votes go. Senators Obama and Clinton both being viable candidates for the White House tells my daughters - and my son - that women and people of color are leaders, leaders who have a realistic chance of leading this country. That's one hell of a message. So when candidates whore themselves out to the Tyra Banks show for votes, I'm disappointed. Come on, Senator, have some pride.

What's next, Springer?

Sadly, I'm still undecided at this late date. I was nailing down the issues and my opinions until recently, when all this bullshit bickering started, along with pandering to whomever they think will be most beneficial. I know that's to be expected, but still. This nonsense about the "racism issue" just makes me sick. Both Obama and Clinton should know better. They DO know better, and I absolutely hold them to a higher standard. (Higher even than I do Tyra, if you can imagine that.) Using Dr. King's name in that way, bandying the charge of racism about, not for positive dialogue in any real way, but to score points ... they should both be ashamed of themselves. It's inexcusable. After the hijinx of this last week, I'm back to feeling unsure of whose button I'll punch in that booth. And I most certainly will not be tuning into The Tyra Banks Show to help me make my choice.