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Oh, those pesky open microphones -- always there to catch celebrities and politicians saying things not meant for public consumption. The latest victim of an open mic is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who was caught earlier this week at a press conference saying that Barack Obama's choice for Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, is perfect for the job because she has "no family" and therefore "no life."
CNN anchor Campbell Brown took Rendell to task for his comment, noting that both prior male Homeland Security secretaries had families. Brown asks, "Anybody remember having a debate about whether they would be able to balance the demands of work and family?"
Rendell later apologized for the comment, claiming that, "What I meant is that Janet is a person who works 24/7, just like me."
Tell us: Does Brown have a point, or is she making something out of nothing?
Oh, those pesky open microphones -- always there to catch celebrities and politicians saying things not meant for public consumption. The latest victim of an open mic is Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, who was caught earlier this week at a press conference saying that Barack Obama's choice for Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, is perfect for the job because she has "no family" and therefore "no life." 
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Thursday 04 December
By Bob Burchfield
Campbell Brown is a reporters legend in her own mind. I would like to buy her at her true worth and sell her for what she thinks she is worth, Although I am not sure what BS is selling for at the present time. The only reporter worst than her is the Getry broad.
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Thursday 04 December
By Jane
Well said Bob Burchfield. Campbell Brown is a legend in her own mind. She was one of the pathetic reporters asking John Kerry when he was running if he really earned his Purple Hearts. She followed along with all the other sheep. I have no respect for her to this day because of that encounter I caught with her and John Kerry 5 years ago. She is shallow.
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Friday 05 December
By Ed Halbert
Campbell Brown is a reporters legend in her own mind. I would like to buy her at her true worth
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Friday 05 December
By DV
I totally agree with Campbell. Never would this even come up with a man in the job. I am going to guess that Janet does in fact have a life. Since when does not having a family equate to not having a life. My thoughts... family or not...get the job done or go home - to a a family or not.
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Saturday 06 December
By Maggie Kortchmar
Oh! I just cant stand Campbell Brown and thank you for posting this so I can rant on about how empty headed she is. All her shows lately have been about sexism..taking the fellas to task or defending Sarah Pailn's wardrobe buying spree because "women are judged on their looks much more than men" NOT in politics Campbell, maybe as a tv presenter. And the Gov. was right, you can't have much of a life outside of politics at the level of serving in the Presidents cabinet! Rahm Emanuel spoke on this: saying he knew his family life would suffer but he chose to take the position. I think Campbell is doomed to Wheel of Fortune if she doesn't start talking about issues that truly affect the American people.
What all these pundits need to do is get on the ground with the average citizens in Pakistan, India, Israel, Palestine and start educating the populace on what really is making the world turn. Thanks, I needed that.
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Saturday 06 December
By neoclassicgirl
Whether you like Brown or not, she brought up a valid point. If the pick for Homeland security had been a male, Rendell would never have made those comments. Why would having a family or not make a female more or less qualified for a job? Would men appreciate having a potential employer thinking there is something wrong with them if they're of a certain age and not married? Whether a candidate has the education and experience necessary to handle the job is all that should be considered. But in our still biased society, as exemplified by Rendell, a woman who has no family is perfect for the job (while a woman with a family is less qualified?) With someone in a governor's position perpetuating this type of flawed thinking is a problem in employment fairness.
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Monday 08 December
By workaholic
Gov. Rendell could have said it better, but I understand what he means. In fact one of the reasons I supported Hillary Clinton for President was that her family could have easily existed without her for long periods of time. I am concerned that Obama will always be stressed out that he won't be there for his two young children on a regular basis. I think, in the end he will greatly regret missing out on their childhood. It's very difficult to maintain that kind of balance when you are in a high pressure position. Or perhaps clinging to a job for dear life so that your family has a roof over their heads?
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Tuesday 09 December
By lynn m
Sorry, his comment has some truth to it. If your married, with kids and work you cannot give as much time to your job then if your single with no kids. Kids get sick, there are scheduling conflicts,etc. It doesn't matter if your a man or woman thats single. Ex. I'm a sub. teacher and most of the people who are out on short notice are the married or single teachers with children, because guess what kids get sick, need to go to dr. appt.s during school hours, or they need off for the kids school functions. It's all about time/scheduling responsibilities when families enter the equation. Campbell Brown wants to be the female Chris Matthews IMO. She needs to act a little more professional and stop making everything a man vs woman issue.
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Saturday 13 December
By W. James
I can not see what the big deal is about his statement. With no family she can devote more time than someone who is married. That makes sense to me. Brown, take a break. You missed it this time.
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