The December 31, 2007 issue of People magazine contains an interview with President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. People asked President Bush about his daughter Jenna’s engagement to Henry Hager.
People Interviewer: Tell us about your future son-in-law Henry Hager. Did he do right and ask for Jenna’s hand?
The President: He did. They were up here [at Camp David], I think it was on my birthday…
Mrs. Bush: Fourth of July weekend, yes.
The President: He kind of sidled up to me and said, “Can I come and see you?” We were sitting outside the presidential cabin here, and he professed his love for Jenna and said would I mind if he married her? And I said, “Got a deal.” [Laughter] And I’m of the school, once you make the sale, move on. But he had some other points he wanted [to make]. He wanted to talk about he would be financially responsible.
Mrs. Bush: It was very sweet.
This backwards talk that makes women the subjects of “deals” for “sale” is shocking.
-Bridget Crawford
