A question about the role of a president's spouse at Saturday nights' Democratic debate set off a firestorm on Twitter, with charges of sexism directed at ABC's moderators.
"First ladies as you well know, have used their positions to work on important causes like literacy and drug abuse, but they also supervise the menus, the flowers, the holiday ornaments and decor. I know you know where I'm going here," moderator Martha Raddatz asked Clinton as the debate was wrapping up. "You have said that Bill Clinton is a great host and loves giving tours, but might opt out of making flower arrangements if you're elected. Bill Clinton aside, is it time to change the role of a president's spouse?
Clinton laughed uncomfortably before attempting to answer the question.
"I am probably still going to pick the flowers and the china for state dinners, and stuff like that," Clinton said. "But I will certainly turn to him as some presidents have for missions and advice, and particularly how we’re going to get the economy working, which he knows something about."
The questioned was pilloried on Twitter.
Wow, hard turn in debate. is it time to change the role of the president's spouse? I feel for @HillaryClinton on this silly question.— Dawn Chmielewski (@DawnC331) December 20, 2015
Next up: Which member of the first family will be responsible for making sure you don't run out of milk? #DemDebate— Karen Tumulty (@ktumulty) December 20, 2015
The questions in this debate were good, up until that ridiculous "first spouse" question. Do better. #nprdebate— Jessica Taylor (@JessicaTaylor) December 20, 2015
Raddatz went on to ask former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley if his wife would be able to keep her job as a judge in Maryland if O'Malley were elected president. That also drew head scratching from the Twitter crowd.
Poor Katie O'Malley is being asked to choose between her career and her husbands even though her husband is highly unlikely to be nominated.— Ginger Gibson (@GingerGibson) December 20, 2015