Mike Pence Won’t Eat Alone With Women, and Here’s Why That’s Controversial
A profile of Karen Pence, wife of Vice President Mike Pence, has sparked a debate over the line between being a faithful husband and perpetuating the old boys’ club. It all goes back to a 2002 interview with The Hill, in which then-Rep. Pence said that he “never eats alone with a woman other than his wife,” and won’t attend events where alcohol is served unless she’s there too. The Washington Post brought up those statements Tuesday — and, well, lots of people have feelings about them.
Out of respect for his wife, #Mike #Pence refuses to dine with other women or allow them access to basic health care.
— Daniel Easter (@Thus_Spoke_Dan) March 30, 2017
In a followup opinion piece, also in the Post, writer Laura Turner explains that Pence was following the so-called “Billy Graham Rule,” guidelines the evangelical preacher established for himself during an era when the extramarital affairs of TV evangelists were hot topics. “The impulse that led to the Billy Graham Rule … is a good and honorable one: to remain faithful to one’s spouse and to avoid the kind of behavior (or rumors of behavior) that have destroyed the careers of church leaders,” Turner wrote. Unfortunately, when the rule is followed by a person in power, Turner and others argue, it excludes women from important conversations.
the whole "i, a good christian man, am seen alone only w the mother-wife" thing is also about keeping women out of public space
— Melissa Gira Grant (@melissagira) March 30, 2017
Another problem many have with this rule is that it reduces women to nothing more than objects of sexual lust while also positing that men are completely helpless to resist them.
Mike Pence never eats alone with a woman other than his wife. This says a lot about how he views himself and his self-control. https://t.co/Tg7gMxOiDd
— Laila Lalami (@LailaLalami) March 30, 2017
At the same time, if heterosexual women or LGBTQ people applied this rule to their professional lives, they’d have a difficult time meeting one on one with anyone.
Re the Mike Pence quote: Trying to imagine what my career would look like if I'd refused to dine solo with male editors & interview subjects
— Pamela Colloff (@pamelacolloff) March 30, 2017
Conservatives say those making these complaints are missing the point, and that Pence should be lauded and admired for wanting to protect his marriage — especially when no one else in Washington seems able to.
Wait, so now it's a scandal to try to avoid scandal??? #pence #monogamygate pic.twitter.com/0H2ohdkIcj
— Alex Hairgrove (@hairgrovear) March 30, 2017
However you view Pence’s stance, you can’t deny this debate is fodder for a few good jokes.
Mike Pence Asks Waiter To Remove Mrs. Butterworth From Table Until Wife Arrives https://t.co/gz14KYCvBh pic.twitter.com/9H1fZS4aYt
— The Onion (@TheOnion) March 30, 2017
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