Tom : Well, on the bright side, maybe the effect only applies when women are in competition with each other. Not that I think well of her, actually I hate her, but at least when Hillary ran there was no fashion war to worry about. OTOH, when Sarah was VP candidate there was a lot of stuff about her wardrobe. Billy ------------------------------------- message dated 9/17/2011 11:30:47 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Here we have some conformation that over the past few decades there is more and more truth to ideas like "The selling of the presidency" or that elections are more like a popularity contest than a the selection of leaders based on performance, leadership and quality. Now it seems a new element has risen; the idea that elections are now a "fashion show". Next we will probably see them as beauty pageants or whatever, anything less than solid candidates based on the person and not the persona. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? --- On Thu, 9/15/11, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote: From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: [RC] Are you sure that women's suffrage was really a good idea ? To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Date: Thursday, September 15, 2011, 12:56 PM Washington Times September 14, 2011 The style primary: Palin tops Bachmann in fashion face-off By : Samantha Sault “I think she dresses a lot like my mom,” _Bristol Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/bristol-palin/) , the 20-year-old daughter of former Alaska _Gov. Sarah Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) , snipped to the celebrity tabloid website PopEater in June. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) was referring to U.S. _Rep. Michele Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) , Minnesota Republican, an early, albeit slipping, leader in the race for the 2012 _GOP_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-party/) presidential nomination. As Republican women, savvy leaders in the tea party movement — and potential opponents in the Republican primaries — _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) inevitably are compared to each other. Aside from the occasional black suit or flag pin, however, the two rivals do not dress alike. In fact, their wardrobes could hardly be more different. Between analyses of _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s beliefs and speculation about _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s 2012 presidential aspirations, the conversation often turns to physical appearance, which is par for the course for women in American politics. The usual suspects ritually denounce the media as “sexist” for dissecting female politicians’ shoes and hair while ignoring the ill-fitting suits of the male candidates. Why not examine the women’s attire, though? If they’re like any other women in the public eye, they thought, at least for one second while brushing their teeth in the morning, about the image being projected by their appearance. We’ll never know if the sartorial choices of _Mrs. Bachmann_ ( http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) are coincidence or part of a carefully calculated branding strategy, but either way, these choices give us insight into how these women view themselves and, perhaps, how they want voters to view them, too. Besides, the fashion enthusiast knows that until _Mitt Romney_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/mitt-romney/) and _Rick Perry_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/rick-perry/) show us something more exciting than a predictable suit and tie, we have no option but to examine the clothing of these pioneering _GOP_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-party/) women candidates, who must brave the campaign trail even on bad hair days. Round 1: In the spotlight As the first Republican woman to represent her state in the _U.S. House of Representatives_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/us-house-of-representatives/) , _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) broke a glass ceiling in Minnesota. When she’s in the spotlight, such as during the Sept. 7 Republican debate, her style is reminiscent of another glass-ceiling smasher: _Hillary Rodham Clinton_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/hillary-rodham-clinton/) . Whether calling for lower taxes or light-bulb freedom of choice, _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s staid suits mean business. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) also smashed a glass ceiling as the first Republican woman to be nominated for vice president. She, however, has commendably declined to join the boxy-business-suit club. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is, instead, perfectly polished in tailored jackets and fitted skirts from designer labels. She may be attempting to make up for her less-than-polished interviews in 2008 — or she may simply prefer the cuts of Valentino, Escada and Tahari. Either way, _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is in control and in style. Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) . While they both wear suits, _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s are sleeker. She may have had some help in 2008 from the _Republican National Committee_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/republican-national-committee/) , but her style has remained chic ever since. Round 2: The campaign trail The difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick — and, perhaps, a leather jacket. While touring the country, _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) has embraced the role of “Mama Grizzly,” popping up in leather jackets, t-shirts and jeans. This rugged style works for the wilds of Alaska, but does it work for the rest of America? The foster mother of 23 children, _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) has a look that’s more PTA meeting than town-hall meeting in basic separates and dresses. American women may identify with her casual style, but do they want a casual commander in chief? Point: Tossup. We like _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s edgy style, and leather is hot this fall. We also appreciate that _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) has worn feminine dresses on the campaign trail, even if they are a tad matronly. Sorry — too close to call. Round 3: Formal attire _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) both attended the gala celebrating Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in New York on April 26. Their dark outfits with lace accents may seem similar, but take a closer look. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) ’s ensemble is a fashion “Do” in a trendy black lace jacket, slim pencil skirt and leg-lengthening platform pumps. _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ‘s, on the other hand, is a fashion “Don’t” : an ill-fitting strapless dress and — horror! — shimmery nude pantyhose with open-toe sandals. Is _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) telling the world that she doesn’t care about fashion — or did she really miss the pantyhose memo? Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) . We don ’t love _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s business suits — but we simply cannot condone her pantyhose. Round 4: Shoes! It’s rare to find a woman who doesn’t love shoes. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) has a covetable collection, from the red Naughty Monkey brand peep-toe pumps that made headlines in 2008 for their affordability to her tall black suede boots, similar to those that got Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice attention in 2005. _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) apparently loves shoes, too, because we’ve seen her in a number of youthful, strappy sandals and casual wooden heels. However, they’re often not quite right with her buttoned-up clothes. Point: _Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) . Although both women have lovely shoes, _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is more skilled at pairing the right shoes with her outfits. And as Ms. Rice demonstrated, the right shoes can instantly connote power. Round 5: Signature style Although we worship the runways, every fashionista knows it’s important to maintain your own sense of style regardless of the trends. Both _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) and _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) understand this concept. _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) maintains her serious but low-key look in conservative outfits and predictable pearls a la 1984 Democratic vice-presidential candidate Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman to run for vice president on a major party ticket. But — her hair is the star, as salons across the country have reported that women are requesting _Mrs. Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) ’s updated cut and color. _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) likewise maintains a distinct look with her signature updo and glasses. It’s recognizable and suits her. When your signature look becomes a popular Halloween costume, however, it may be time for a change. Point: _Bachmann_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/michele-bachmann/) . While her style is not especially fashion-forward, her clothing is classic and appropriate and works with her modern hairstyle. Conclusion After tallying the points, _Mrs. Palin_ (http://www.washingtontimes.com/topics/sarah-palin/) is the clear fashion winner. Are Republican voters comfortable with the idea of a polished fashionista in the White House? Or would they prefer the ordinarily dressed woman from the Midwest — or even a familiar navy blue suit and tie? Regardless, it’s a positive step for women that we can be taken seriously as politicians while wearing fitted suits or comfortable dresses. The campaign trail is a long, difficult road, so if you’re going to take it, you might as well wear sexy shoes. -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: _http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism_ (http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism) Radical Centrism website and blog: _http://RadicalCentrism.org_ (http://radicalcentrism.org/) -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: _http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism_ (http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism) Radical Centrism website and blog: _http://RadicalCentrism.org_ (http://radicalcentrism.org/) -- Centroids: The Center of the Radical Centrist Community <[email protected]> Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/RadicalCentrism Radical Centrism website and blog: http://RadicalCentrism.org
