Sen. Heidi Heitkamp is a strong woman who represents the values and beliefs North Dakotans hold dear. I support Heidi, but that's not why I'm writing this letter-I am writing because as a young woman, I've been really disturbed by Rob Port's onslaught of mean-spirited columns . It seems like there's a new one every single day - how many hours does he spend thinking about Heidi?
He describes himself as a "lowly political writer," but the language he uses to describe Heidi and even her staff reeks of sexism.
Port uses words like "nasty," "vicious" and "ugly." Seriously? Can he not come up with a more civil-and less sexist-way to discuss the political disagreements he has? Port's creepy obsession with Heidi is everything that's wrong with politics today-and it's why so many women get discouraged from putting their name out there.
Based on the ratings for his radio show, it thankfully looks like people are tuning Port out-and it's for the best. Heidi has been a champion for all North Dakotans-and an especially good role model for women like myself.
Oland lives in Fargo.
