Kirsten Gillibrand: Harry Reid declares New York senator 'hottest member'

While speaking at a fundraiser for New York City's mayor, Michael Bloomberg, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid was full of praise for New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. He admires her "skill and tenacity" and thinks she's good and effective at her job. But that's not what he led with.

Instead, Reid decided to go with "many senators are known for many things ... We in the Senate refer to Senator Gillibrand as 'the hottest member.'"

We have no idea if this was an unscripted comment, but can't imagine that would have made the cut if he had jotted down his thoughts before opening his mouth. Either way, it made Gillibrand blush.

Granted, Gillibrand did make The Hill's "Most Beautiful" list which is fun. But when her Senate seat challenger, Republican Bruce Blakeman, called her "an attractive, bright woman who I believe is a good mom" in August, it was hardly meant at a compliment.

What say you? Should someone's looks be ignored or is it just a matter of context?

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