There is a battle raging over how we define manhood — and the stakes are higher than ever for women.

Throughout Judy Woodruff’s career, she’s been a trailblazer in terms of women’s leadership in political coverage. Now, at a point in time where more women are running for president than ever before, Woodruff is uniquely situated to examine how both politics and political journalism benefit from a diversity of voices in the conversation.

“There’s a group of veteran women candidates who are running together this cycle, and we call ourselves The Badasses,” says the former Air Force captain favored to win Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District. Of their unofficial team name, she adds with a laugh, “we were advised that it may be off-putting — but true to the badass brand, we really didn’t care.”

I say we start by laughing at what genuinely makes us laugh. Even if the joke comes at our own expense. Especially when it comes at our own expense. It’s so important to stay funny in these unfunny times, not only as an escape valve from headline horror but because making a joke about a serious issue is not making light of it; it’s controlling the spotlight on it.