(WWJ) "I'm tough, I can take it" is the message from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer -- responding to critiques of her attire.
Following the governor's first State of the State address on Tuesday, comments flooded social media regarding the blue dress she wore.
After a Detroit-area TV station did a story about it Thursday, Whitmer responded:
"Boys have teased me about my curves since 5th grade. My mom said 'hold your head high and don't let it bother you.' That @Fox2News story was way out of line," the governor wrote, in the first of a series of tweets.
"In my speech I was encouraging people to see the humanity in one another in this cruel political environment. In an era when so many women are stepping up to lead, I'm hoping people will focus on our ideas and accomplishments instead of our appearance," she continued. "Until then, I've got a message for all of the women and girls like mine who have to deal with garbage like this every day: I've got your back."
Fox 2 interviewed people for their story, one woman commenting, "She needs a dress that fits," Fox 2 reported, while a man told the station: "She kind of looked like she was pregnant, a little bit."
Many on Facebook offered catty or even sexually-charged critiques; one person posting that Whitmer looked "ridiculous" while another wrote, "nice rack."
In contrast, those replying to the governor on Twitter were largely supportive.
Joannabdenour tweeted: "I never saw a story about Governor Snyder's suit, tie or shoes," while Sydeon Harvey chimed in: "Thanks for being tough and a great leader who happens to be a woman. But people need to realize middle school is over....#growup!!"
Ben Eggenberget responded: "You looked great! I'm a Republican who did not vote for you. I wish you and Michigan nothing but success."
More interested in what Whitmer has to say than what she's wearing? Read about and listen to the governor's State of the State address AT THIS LINK.
