Jill Biden's 'Army Wives' Guest-Spot a Hit for Vice President's Wife

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Aug 9th 2010 05:00PM

Pop-Ed: When I first heard the Second Lady of the United States of America would be a guest star on the Lifetime series, 'Army Wives,' I scoffed. Why was a prominent, well-educated social advocate acting on an overly simplified primetime drama?

I'm wary of combining politics and entertainment. The moment you throw actors into the mix, informative messages are quick to become salacious, ratings grabbing, made for TV plots. But Sunday night, I'm pleased to say, Dr. Jill Biden disproved my skepticism.

Dr. Biden played herself in the much-anticipated 'Fun Run' episode. Teams of women representing Army, Marine, Navy and different military branches competed in an outdoor obstacle course of sorts. The proceeds from the event were going to send military kids to summer camp. Dr. Biden was the guest of honor, coming first to meet with the Army wives who organized the event, then kicking off the race and presenting medals at the closing ceremonies.

In a roundtable discussion over iced tea, the show's main characters talked about the trials and tribulations that come with being a military family. Dr. Biden, who proudly proclaimed to be a military mom herself, expressed gratitude and thanks on behalf of the entire White House for the sacrifices of those serving our country and their families.

The conversation was light and didn't turn partisan or even political. No timelines for leaving Afghanistan or Iraq were addressed, and no touchy topics like, "Don't ask, don't tell" were mentioned. And while Dr. Biden is a very attractive, eloquent woman, it was clear from her choppy delivery she doesn't exactly come from a theater background.

But Dr. Biden's purpose on the show wasn't to get an Emmy nomination, and 'Army Wives' wasn't looking to start any heated debates. Dr. Biden wanted to express her appreciation and admiration of those in the military and their families. She wanted to draw attention to her work with the military families and veterans initiative she's working with as a part of serve.gov.

The fan base of Army Wives is, in large part, real military families. By appearing as herself on the Lifetime drama, Dr. Biden was able to reach more of her target audience than she would have if she'd appeared on 'Larry King Live' or '60 Minutes.' Her role on the show drew significant attention to her PSA for Serve.gov, and she made effective use of primetime TV to target those most affected by her campaign.

Tags: army wives, Jill Biden

Comments

(12)

Monday 09 August

By Mary Locke Macatee

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I thought this was an excellent article. it was extrememy well written.

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been watching since the begining. I thought adding this cheap political spin brought the show down. Biden was clearing reading a message and trying to caring water for the BO administration

By Lou

I saw the show last night and have been watching since the begining. I thought adding this cheap political spin brought the show down. Biden was clearing reading a message and trying to caring water for the BO administration. Stick with what made the show great and stay out of the mud.

By omraee entertainment LLC.

1 st i have seen of jill biden good to see all is good . leno was messing with phonics and implied mr. biden family was in trouble and had hartship. it was obvious to me they where messing with mr bidens statement on leno. I thought it was kind of blasfamis.

By Dee

I am not a big fan of this administration, but thought the second lady did a great job because no matter what your politics it is important to support our troops. Next why so harsh to the show? "Over simplified drama" I love this show and the messages it sends are excellant and there are real life issues within the show. I have a lot of respect for military families and what they go through.

By rggirt

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Jill Biden is a politically correct idiot, flounting her so called "PhD.

By Retired Military

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I think her heart was in the right place. Thank you Dr. Biden.

By C.K. CLAY

I thought Dr. Biden's appearance last night was most gracious and truly heart-felt. I don't subscribe to the politics of her husband, but as a mother, I can't imagine the heartbreak and uncertainty of having your son serving in our military at this time. I respect her son's courage, as I respect all of our military--sons and daughters all.

By Marcia

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I thought Dr. Biden did a nice job on Army Wives. I love that show. It's well written and covers a wide range of topics on the show. I like the wives/family aspect of it.

By rich

Another feeble attempt at the Obama administration to illustrate how gullible the people that watch the show are. What's next? The View? What's amazing is that it showed the night before the annoucement was made by Gates that the military was closing bases in Virginia. Pull the support for the military and replace it with social engineering.

Tuesday 10 August

By mbtmvp

I love that show. It's well written and covers a wide range of topics on the show. I like the wives/family aspect of it.

By uggtop

What ’s the most important is that you can meet the one who you're looking for!!! Thousands of sing-les have found their true love there.

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