US Senate Debate Question: ‘Have You Read Fifty Shades Of Grey?’

Forget about the economic crises, foreign policy, or green plans; those are issues long gone if you’re two females representing the senate. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand met with Wendy Long at Skidmore University for a debate, but what they weren’t expecting was the question that came from Liz Benjamin, the host of Capital Tonight on YNN. Benjamin directed the question, “Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey?” at Long, who responded but didn’t sound all too comfortable answering a question about the book that’s been described as “mommy porn.”

Although Wendy Long admitted that she hadn’t read the book, the uncomfortable moment continued when Gillibrand answered it as well saying, “me neither,” and laughed afterward. The Fifty Shades of Grey question popped up in what was described to be a “lightning round” where the two senators would answer yes or no to all questions. Another tamer question included “Do you write your own tweets?”

While the tweet question may seem irrelevant, the answer might give way to how enthusiastic they are in connecting with the people, Liz Benjamin’s question about Fifty Shades comes off as extremely sexist, especially on the heels of Mitt Romney’s binders full of women comment. Not only was the Fifty Shades of Grey question sexist, but the question would have brought zero information about the candidates to the table.

Fifty Shades of Grey is the steamy series by E.L. James detailing the sexual exploits of college student Anastasia Steele and business mogul Christian Grey as they carry on a love affair with whips and other leather-clad weapons. The series has created quite a stir in the media and has even been optioned for a film which is said to be in the middle of casting.

Do you think the Fifty Shades of Grey question from Liz Benjamin was innocent fodder or was it too over the top and sexist? Do you think two male candidates would have been asked this question.