Don Draper is a loathsome excuse for a human being. He’s a serial philanderer who lies to everyone and takes his family for granted, and somehow didn’t lose his job after disappearing for weeks without a phone call or explanation.
Yet, the arrogant user at the center of the cultish series Mad Men inspires women to bat their eyelashes, including several on Twitter who’ve tweeted things like “I’d like to take a meeting with Don Draper. Mmm.”
Really? Because it’d be so great to have an exchange like this one with a guy who shows you so much respect? Here Don and his boss Roger meet with a female client.

Ms. MAGGIE SIFF (Actress): (As Rachel Menken) You are right, Roger. This place really runs on charm.
Mr. JON HAMM (Actor): (As Don Draper) This is ridiculous.
Mr. JOHN SLATTERY (Actor): (As Roger Sterling) Don.
Mr. HAMM: (As Don Draper) I’m not going to let a woman talk to me like this. This meeting is over. Good luck, Ms. Menken.

I’ll momentarily hold aside the sexist power fantasy of Mad Men, a world where professional men openly comment wolfishly on the attractiveness of the subservient secretaries, or in some cases, seduce and/ or marry them.
What is it about Don Draper? It’s not just the period costumes of the stylish series, which typically put him in dapper suits and hats, a real contrast today’s jeans and T-shirt ethos.
I think it’s the swagger. Draper’s supreme confidence is sexy, in spite of what an ass he is.
Much has been made of men typically being attracted to pretty young things, while women are attracted to power and money. I think we women have learned that the men with power and money generally carry themselves like men with power and money.
But ladies, I think there’s a difference between finding a man in a great suit attractive and letting said guy treat us as badly as Don treats Betty. I think one of the most important choices we make in our lives is spending it with a life partner who shows us respect, gives us affection and generally makes our lives better, not worse, for the companionship.
Have you been seduced by swagger?