Imagine a conservative commentator suggesting Hillary would rather spend time up-close-and-personal in the company of bare-chested warriors than with Bill. Cries of sexism and intrusion on privacy could be expected to echo through the media.
But don't expect the MSM to blink over Mika Brzezinski having suggested the same regarding Laura and George W.
With Joe Scarborough off today, Mika again was in the Morning Joe host chair. One of Willie Geist's light-hearted "News You Can't Use" items focused on Laura Bush's surprise trip to Afghanistan, and the display of the traditional Maori haka dance that New Zealand troops there performed for her.
View video here.
WILLIE GEIST: You heard the President say he can't wait to see Laura, he mentioned her one-surprise visit to Afghanistan. I want you to check out the welcome she got.
MIKA BRZEZINSKI: Oh!
GEIST: She landed at a New Zealand air base here.
BRZEZINSKI: Is she going to be OK?
GEIST: Secret Service, anytime now. This is a topless guy with a spear, is what that was. This is the traditional haka dance of New Zealand. The base where she landed was controlled by the New Zealand military, and she was welcomed by--I don't know if you're going to see all of them here--but a lot of guys with their shirts off with weapons, which is certainly a concern to those of us who love this country.
BRZEZINSKI [imagining W]: Honey, how was your trip?
GEIST: See this picture over here? There you go.
BRZEZINSKI [imagining Laura's response]: It was great!
GEIST: There you go: look at that [see screencap]. Right in her face.
BRZEZINSKI: What--in the world?
GEIST: So you heard President Bush saying "I'm happy to see my wife," this is probably why. He wants to get her out--get her the heck out of there.
BRZEZINSKI: I don't know if she's happy to see him, though.
MIKE BARNICLE: No wonder the Taliban never had [unintelligible].
GEIST: Too much dancing.
BRZEZINSKI: Good one!
That's odd: I don't seem to recall Brzezinski taking any similar swipes, however good-natured, at the warmth—or lack thereof—in the marital relationship between a certain presidential predecessor and his wife. Wonder why?
H/t reader Jamesin619.