Every website I have visited for my daily political news is reporting the RNC's shopping spree for VP nominee, Sarah Palin. I have been thinking about what this means for her as a candidate and why we should care. Three main arguments arise as to why this was not a good move by the RNC and how it goes even deeper than her wardrobe.
First of all, Sarah Palin joined the McCain ticket as someone who is not a "Washington Insider". In introducing herself to the American voters she describes herself as a hockey mom with a husband that is a member of a union, school teachers for parents, and an average PTA mom. She talks about how she drives her truck to work and does not have a cook, unlike the other governors of Alaska have. Does this new $150,000 wardrobe provided by the RNC from places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stay in line with Palin's message as a candidate? I think not. Some may argue that this was needed because she is a woman, therefore requiring more than a man in the wardrobe and makeup department. However, I argue that this singles her out as a woman with varying treatment, another thing the McCain/Palin campaign has attacked people for doing.
Secondly, in the beginning of the campaign, through the conventions, and still today we have seen the media compare the wardrobes of potential First Lady's Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. Michelle Obama has appealed to many voters for her Target shopping, as opposed to Cindy McCain's expensive taste. Cindy McCain was attacked after the RNC for her elaborate, although beautiful, Oscar de la Renta colorful suits. After seeing the scrutiny by the media of both of these women and their clothing and accessory choices, I wonder what exactly the RNC was thinking with Palin.
Another argument against the RNC's decision to spend this money is about the money and where it could best be spent. Obama's camp and the DNC have obviously trumped McCain and the RNC in advertising and GOTV efforts. The reason for this: money. While it is clear that McCain's acceptance of public funding has put him at a disadvantage in this department, the RNC spending $150,000 on Palin's wardrobe does not show that they are strategically thinking. Instead of spicing up Palin's wardrobe, that money could have been used for GOTV and gaining Republican support; something that is clearly needed in this close election.
First of all, Sarah Palin joined the McCain ticket as someone who is not a "Washington Insider". In introducing herself to the American voters she describes herself as a hockey mom with a husband that is a member of a union, school teachers for parents, and an average PTA mom. She talks about how she drives her truck to work and does not have a cook, unlike the other governors of Alaska have. Does this new $150,000 wardrobe provided by the RNC from places like Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus stay in line with Palin's message as a candidate? I think not. Some may argue that this was needed because she is a woman, therefore requiring more than a man in the wardrobe and makeup department. However, I argue that this singles her out as a woman with varying treatment, another thing the McCain/Palin campaign has attacked people for doing.
Secondly, in the beginning of the campaign, through the conventions, and still today we have seen the media compare the wardrobes of potential First Lady's Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. Michelle Obama has appealed to many voters for her Target shopping, as opposed to Cindy McCain's expensive taste. Cindy McCain was attacked after the RNC for her elaborate, although beautiful, Oscar de la Renta colorful suits. After seeing the scrutiny by the media of both of these women and their clothing and accessory choices, I wonder what exactly the RNC was thinking with Palin.
Another argument against the RNC's decision to spend this money is about the money and where it could best be spent. Obama's camp and the DNC have obviously trumped McCain and the RNC in advertising and GOTV efforts. The reason for this: money. While it is clear that McCain's acceptance of public funding has put him at a disadvantage in this department, the RNC spending $150,000 on Palin's wardrobe does not show that they are strategically thinking. Instead of spicing up Palin's wardrobe, that money could have been used for GOTV and gaining Republican support; something that is clearly needed in this close election.
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