Dana Perino has been in the politics game for a while. The current host of Fox News's The Five [1] weekday show and Sunday night Perino & Stirewalt: I'll Tell You What [2] podcast and show about this wild election was the press secretary to George W. Bush from 2007 to 2009. Perino hosted a live Q&A on our POPSUGAR News Facebook page [3] on Wednesday ahead of the third and final presidential debate (moderated by her Fox News colleague Chris Wallace) and answered many questions about Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, and her experience with the Bush administration. Here are a couple of highlights.
When asked about the tensions facing our country as a result of the election, Perino gave an answer that many Americans might need to be reminded of — that we are not defined by our president but how we carry ourselves as citizens.
Q: With all the hostility that, unfortunately, our country is experiencing, who do you think will help our United States heal? Trump or Clinton? She gave an answer that many Americans might want to hear.
"We are not defined by who our president is, but by the makeup of our citizens."
A: Here's the thing — the President can set the tone for healing, but Americans must do the rest. We are not defined by who our president is, but by the makeup of our citizens. I have a personal responsibility to do my part — everyone else does, too.
Perino also made a poignant point about how Trump's vile comments on the treatment of women [4] should not be ignored no matter what your political beliefs. "I can respect different points of policy views, but it is impossible for me to separate character from the person," she said, later adding why victims of sexual assault often stay silent for years before sharing their story.
Q: I know so many Trump supporters who overlook all of his sexist comments and behavior. They can so easily compartmentalize his political stances from his personal attitude toward women. What might you say to these Americans? Why is it important for us to bring awareness to this issue?
"I can respect different points of policy views, but it is impossible for me to separate character from the person."
A: To me, elections are mostly about character. I can respect different points of policy views, but it is impossible for me to separate character from the person. To me they are intertwined. I have taken a stand that I think most people agree with — women should be treated with respect at all times. Accusers should not be denigrated, no matter what their political views. I've been fortunate not to have been the target of any abuse, but I have come to know some victims and I know their distress. I've seen them stay silent and only get courage later on to say something. My heart goes out to them. I believe women should be cherished, adored, and respected. We have come a long way as a society, but clearly we have more work to do. I think it will be better in the future.
Check out the full Q&A below and make sure to follow us on Facebook [5].