Parenthood and the Political Candidate: Follow-Up

Plenty of people are talking about the Vice Presidential debate. I'll limit myself to one comment. A month ago I wrote about the differences between male and female political candidates when it comes to talking about being parents. That post was mostly about major political speeches, but applied generally to campaign statements. I noted that women often seem more willing to talk about their families and their roles as parents than men.

The number one thing that got my attention in the debate was that when Sarah Palin brought out the Mom card, Biden was right behind her with the Dad card. Here's the partial transcript:

Palin: Being a mom, one very concerned about a son in the war, about a special needs child, about kids heading off to college, how are we going to pay those tuition bills? About times and Todd and our marriage in our past where we didn't have health insurance and we know what other Americans are going through as they sit around the kitchen table and try to figure out how are they going to pay out-of-pocket for health care? We've been there also so that connection was important.

Biden: Look, I understand what it's like to be a single parent. When my wife and daughter died and my two sons were gravely injured, I understand what it's like as a parent to wonder what it's like if your kid's going to make it.

But the notion that somehow, because I'm a man, I don't know what it's like to raise two kids alone, I don't know what it's like to have a child you're not sure is going to -- is going to make it -- I understand.

The candidates this time addressed the issue on about even footing, which is a nice change from both sides. Palin didn't overplay it and Biden didn't let the opportunity to discuss fatherhood pass him by.