Sunday, October 21, 2007
fashionista politicians
Last night I was flipping through the October issue of Allure magazine and came across an article entitled "The Year in Beauty," by David DeNicolo. The pictures on the first page included pretty much all of the tabloid favorites--Paris Hilton exiting jail, the guy from American Idol who had the weird mohawk, Anna Nicole Smith, Victoria Beckham...and Hillary Clinton.
Instead of focusing all of the "beauty" commentary on rehabilitated celebrity youth, the story had a twist. A large part of piece had to do with the image of political candidates and how their clothing choices, advertising, make-up and even spouses contribute to their appearance. When it comes down to it, appearance is crucial to politicians and if people don't like what they see the candidates won't get favorable press.
For example, Washington Post critic Robin Givhan wrote an article about Hillary's cleavage surfacing at a Senate meeting, which prompted a serious discussion about the appropriateness of boobs in politics on NBC's Meet the Press. People commented on Fred Thompson's "excessively young, excessively blonde" wife and John Edwards' grooming habits. John McCain allegedly freaked out on staffers who suggested that he wear a casual sweater. Obama Girl and Giuliani Girl featured on YouTube sport heels and halter tops while promoting the candidates.
The point the author is trying to make is many voters will make instantaneous judgments based on appearance. It might seem shallow, but it's true. Just as celebrities must look fashionable and interesting, politicans do as well but in a more understated way. Voters aren't going to listen to a candidate who fails to present himself or herself well.
No one wants the next president to be incompetent. Or a fashion disaster. ¶ posted by Claire at 8:23 PM •
Instead of focusing all of the "beauty" commentary on rehabilitated celebrity youth, the story had a twist. A large part of piece had to do with the image of political candidates and how their clothing choices, advertising, make-up and even spouses contribute to their appearance. When it comes down to it, appearance is crucial to politicians and if people don't like what they see the candidates won't get favorable press.
For example, Washington Post critic Robin Givhan wrote an article about Hillary's cleavage surfacing at a Senate meeting, which prompted a serious discussion about the appropriateness of boobs in politics on NBC's Meet the Press. People commented on Fred Thompson's "excessively young, excessively blonde" wife and John Edwards' grooming habits. John McCain allegedly freaked out on staffers who suggested that he wear a casual sweater. Obama Girl and Giuliani Girl featured on YouTube sport heels and halter tops while promoting the candidates.
The point the author is trying to make is many voters will make instantaneous judgments based on appearance. It might seem shallow, but it's true. Just as celebrities must look fashionable and interesting, politicans do as well but in a more understated way. Voters aren't going to listen to a candidate who fails to present himself or herself well.
No one wants the next president to be incompetent. Or a fashion disaster. ¶ posted by Claire at 8:23 PM •