Rebecca Macatee said when she first heard the Second Lady of America would be a guest star on the Lifetime series , 'Army Wives,' she scoffed. Why was a prominent well-educated social advocate acting on an overly simplified primetime drama?
Rebecca said she's wary of combining politics and entertainment . The moment you throw actors into the mix, informative messages are quick to become salacious, rating grabbing, made for TV plots. but Sunday night , Rebecca is pleased to say, Dr.Jill Biden disproved her 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 obstache course of sorts.The proceeds from the event were going to send military kids to summer camp. Dr. Biden was the guest of honor.
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 proclamed to be a military mom herself, expressed gratitude and thanks on the 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 expressed her appreciation and admiration of those in the military and their families and veterans initative she's working with as part of serve.gov.
The fan base of Army Wives is, in large part, real military families. By appearing as herself on 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.
If you miss the segment of Dr. Biden ...it will be re-broadcast this month...check your local TV guide. for date and time.
