Sure, the magazine is tech fluff. Sure, it's not supposed to delve too too much into serious topics. But really, did Adam Rogers and Brad Stone really need to think up a female-presidents-on-tv smack-down in this month's print edition (February 2006, page 036)?

These two men, who could not in all fairness be accused of holding feminist views, have decided to pit Battlestar Galactica's President Roslin (played by Mary McDonnell) against Commander in Chief's President Allen (played by Geena Davis).

Consider how they compare on style:

President Roslin: Power suits, spaceships
President Allen: Power suits, stretch limousines

or "The Takeaway":

President Roslin: The battle of the sexes is nothing next to the battle against killer robots
President Allen: Maybe Hillary could do it

I suppose we're supposed to get all warm and fuzzy with notions of "President Hillary" and forget all the dismissive, superficial comparisons offered up in this sidebar tripe. (Or maybe we're supposed to get scared?)

I cannot imagine fans of either show particularly appreciating the stereotypes offered up of both shows. In Battlestar Galactica, the Cylons are not quite robots -- something Mssrs. Rogers and Stone should have realized that Wired readers (who are probably more likely scifi fans than your average magazine reader) would know -- and in Commander in Chief the politics aren't quite so savvy that the nuances of independent voters are explored.

But hey, it was an opportunity for a couple of boys to poke fun at women in power. Why not? It's a laughable concept, right?

I find it particularly ironic since Commander in Chief at least strives for making the untried idea realistic, and Battlestar Galactica is not just the best show on television, it's the most feminist show on television.

Now if only President Allen could do something besides look worried and serious. Geena Davis is in a straightjacket in this show. It shouldn't be impossible, CIC writers. Think CJ Craig.

As for Wired, well, as they are wont to weigh in on other cultural events, they should know that their "Presidential Showdown" is expired. Way way, dudes.

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