We are all Mika

Make no mistake, Trump’s vile tweets about Mika were not simply an attack on her but an attack on all women.  Once again, his method of defense (or “punching back”) carried the residue of an ill-conceived tired notion that woman’s character is tethered to her appearance.

I don’t know how any male members of the GOP who supported Trump can look to their wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters without a sense of embarrassment.

Mika pointed out the fact that Trump had created a Time Magazine cover with his image and displayed this at his resorts.  In other words, he embodied the very “fake news” he so willfully condemns. She’s also been highly critical of his policies and the manner in which he conducted himself on his trips with other heads of state.  This is her work as a professional.  Thinking, researching, reporting constitute the foundation of her participation in the world of politics; yet, Trump’s idea of a response focused (and falsely) on her face.

Trump’s attacks were in no way indicative of a man interested in policy or political discourse.  Instead, they were a reminder of the way in which he views women, as something to be mocked, a body to be observed, a thing a man can do whatever he wants with.

We were all Mika in Trump’s tweet.

We are all Mika in her reply: