Surging Democrat Dean's wife shuns political spotlight

[Nambe]

Los Angeles Times

Dr. Judith Steinberg, an internist in Shelburne, Vt., cherishes her privacy. Fond of taking solo rides along nearby Burlington's lake- hugging bicycle path, the wife of former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean is — by her own account — a private person who has not made a public speech in nearly 20 years and has never given a radio or television interview. --

"I really enjoy people one on one, I enjoy listening to them," she said. "I'm not that comfortable speaking to groups. I have my opinions, but they are from a narrow point of view, a doctor's or even a patient's." Before speaking out on policy, she said, "I would have to broaden my viewpoint."

Steinberg, 50, does not seem inclined to. "I don't think I'd have much of a staff," she said. "I don't think I would normally travel because that would take me away from my practice." --

Celinda Lake, a Democratic pollster, agreed that Steinberg's arms-length approach to her husband's career could be turned to political advantage. "I think the public might find it quite refreshing," she said. "It reinforces his profile as an anti- politician. It's who they are." ---

[meegbear]

1. Is this REALLY LBN?

[TahitiNut]

7. No. It's also a duplicate.

This LA Times "news" was posted here by khephra on Aug 06th 2003.

[DagmarK]

2. I think Celinda the dem pollster needs her head examined......

It's one thing for a first lady to want to lay low (example: Pickles). It's quite another for a potential first lady to NOT at least put forth some sort of show of support for what her husband is doing. I am a big Dean supporter.....but gosh.....sorry, the position of First Lady is a time-honored position and the way they are representing what Dean's wife has expressed (ie, sounds more like contempt for the whole WH gig) does not reflect well on the Dean campaign.

She doesn't have to play the big Washington game.....but it would be nice to see a bit of pre-election enthusiasm for it -- whether it's a facade or otherwise.

Her husband is trying to become leader of the free world (and in essence SAVE the free world by ousting the cabal). And she's not REMOTELY interested in anything to do with that? Geeze Louise.

Well, it's refreshing to see that Dr. Dean doesn't dominate his wife in any way; that's apparent.

But sorry.......Jackie set the standard; no 1st lady since has met that standard....

[Eloriel]

4. Oh, baloney

I for one think there's far too much attention, emphasis and unofficial "requirements" placed on President's wives. It was fine for Hillary to be involved 'cause that's what she wanted. Dr. Steinberg doesn't and in THIS day and age, I believe that's just as appropriate.

Otherwise either put the spouses on the ballots andor pay them a salary.

There's very little that's actually, truly "required" of a First Spouse. She'll either warm to some of those which are, or perhaps Dean's daughter can fill in.

Eloriel

[LizW]

5. "Not remotely interested..."? Where do you get that?

I didn't see anything like the "contempt" you see in this article. Dr. Steinberg sounds very honest and likeable to me. I doubt seriously if Governor Dean embarked on this campaign without some very serious discussion going on between the two of them and also their children. It sounds to me as if they are all on the same page about it and they understand and respect each other very much.

I think this situation is terrific. Are we feminists? Do we really really believe that a married woman still has the right to self determination and her own life and career? Or do we think that ultimately a woman should be willing to give up a much-loved career to spend full-time supporting her husband's aspirations?

This couple is putting their money where their mouths are. I love it. They are living equal rights for women. It will be very telling if Democrats make this a big issue and if Dr. Steinberg is chastised for not being supportive enough of her husband's campaign and presidency.

[DagmarK]

8. I like that........First Daughter.......

Well........I would love it if something could be reported showing SOME enthusiasm.....

It wouldn't KILL her to act a little excited, would it?

Heck, if I was running for president, and my spouse acted like "no big deal, whatever, good luck sweetie.....see ya in 4 or 8 years..," I would dump him.

[bluestateguy]

3. About Ms. Steinberg

I believr she is Jewish. Could that help or hurt Dean? Some Jews may be offended by the inter-faith marriage, while others may take his marriage as a sign that he would be sensitive to issues Jewish people care about. Of course, in the south the anti-Semitic Religious Right may run an underground whispering campaign (much like they will do if Lierberman were nominated).

[LauraK]

6. Anybody that attacks Dean's wife, a dedicated professional, ...

is complimenting Dean for his lack of faults to attack. The WH is not a soap opera. If a president can't run the country without the help of a spouse, she/he has the wrong job or the wrong spouse. Dimson's wife puts a foot forward and look at the job he's doing. If Dean's wife can tolerate her husband holding such a demanding job, then she is appropriate. The media will have to find a new hobby. Any one of us could recommend a long list of alternatives.

[VolcanoJen]

9. Dupe, and not LBN... locking

The original, earliest thread on this topic can be found here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=53952&mesg_id=53952

Since this article was originally posted in LBN on Wednesday, August 6, please do not respond or "kick" the article. Please feel free to start a new discussion about Dr. Steinberg in the General Discussion Forum.

Thanks!
VolcanoJen
DU Moderator