When Politico revealed the Republican National Committee spent $150,000 outfitting Sarah Palin and her family after she was picked as John McCain's running mate, one would assume it would be worthy of a brief, snarky story buried on the New York Times's "Caucus" page, filled mostly with anonymous Republicans griping about campaign spending priorities.
But Patrick Healy and Michael Luo's "$150,000 Wardrobe for Palin May Alter Tailor-Made Image" made the front page Thursday morning. (The other major papers had more self-control.) The Times played up what they saw as the hypocritical disconnect between Palin's "Joe-six-pack" appeal and the posh wardrobe from Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Yet Republicans expressed consternation publicly and privately that the shopping sprees on her behalf, which were first reported by Politico, would compromise Ms. Palin's standing as Senator McCain's chief emissary to working-class voters whose salvos at the so-called cultural elite often delight audiences at Republican rallies.
The hard-news Times even compiled an online slide show featuring Palin in various outfits, with photos accompanied by catty commentary like this:
But looking at the before-and-after photos, it was not readily apparent what Ms. Palin got from her shopping spree at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue....What the number $150,000 suggests is that Ms. Palin traded up to designer versions of the clothes she wore before stepping onto the national stage, a surprising implication for a candidate who emphasizes her appeal to working-class voters.
Columnist Mona Charen made the point at National Review Online that the Democrats aren't exactly dressing down:
Barack Obama's suits go for $1500 and that Michele wears designer duds all the time (except when appearing on The View when she boasted of wearing an under $200 dress).
Also at NRO, Lisa Schiffren explains why this was money well spent for the GOP. Women's fashion is a bit out of Times Watch's area of expertise, but it sounds good.
—Clay Waters is the director of Times Watch, an MRC project tracking the New York Times.
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Well the media must like
October 23, 2008 - 15:29 ET by kgWell the media must like it. They are always photographing and filming her legs.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
as the Lady Gov, how much
October 23, 2008 - 15:36 ET by JIMMY1660as the Lady Gov, how much did she report tax wise. I'm sure she and hubby did not report $4million like BHO and the Mrs.
The talent search folks, as the candidate moves along, dress them up cut the hair, etc. better The Lady Gov take the hits as a "poor white trash" with no clothes, how can we have her in the White House??
Mrs. BHO=her wardrobe, let's take a look.
Mrs JoeB=lets take a look.
Joe the Plumber they want off the front page along with, wealth sharing, and BHO relationships with ACORN,Bill Ayers, al Monsour, and the Good Rev Wright.
create a diversion. Smoke bombs to cover the facts the voters should have. nice try!!!
And she does look good in the Skirts!!!
all
NYT Priorities
October 23, 2008 - 16:14 ET by Lamb-chopObama's ties to Ayers: Not important
Obama's ties to Rezco: Not important
Obama's ties to Wright: Not important
Obama's ties to Fannie/Freddie: Not important
Obama's ties to ACORN: Not important
Obama's $1,500 suits: Not important
Obama's ties to Socialism: Not important
Hillary's $1,600 pantsuits: Not important
SARAH'S WARDROBE: MAJOR FRONT-PAGE SCANDAL!!!
Lamb-chop
October 23, 2008 - 16:18 ET by NorthCoasterAll your post needs is one last word to complete it;
"Priceless"
Thanks, NC
LambChop and
October 23, 2008 - 16:28 ET by bigtimerLambChop and NC...
Ditto!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
It felt like heaven
October 23, 2008 - 15:44 ET by ThisnThatMuch to do about nothing IMO -- but my God, the wall-to-wall coverage is too much to take. I was stuck in the airport today and of course CNN is the only channel allowed -- and it was the only thing on for over an hour. I was never so happy to get onto an over-crowded, hot plane and sit on the tarmac for 30 minutes before taking off. It felt like heaven.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
TnT... LOL...now that is
October 23, 2008 - 15:52 ET by bigtimerTnT...
LOL...now that is funny...it felt like heaven...
I have been stuck in those airports too... the last time I was there, which has been awhile ago now, it was all CNN...all the time.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT,
October 24, 2008 - 05:10 ET by ThisnThatTotal time spent with afore-mentioned seatmates just taxing on Tarmac: 30 minutes to Eternity
One-word description depicting passengers on this flying coffin: Sardines
Escape from CNN and saving Big $$$ on duct tape: Priceless
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
The New York what?
October 23, 2008 - 18:09 ET by wizardjrAs they slowly sink into the dustbin of history.....
They are probably still wondering how come their paper is just about done for. It must be the vast rightwing conspiracy, right?
I hope they keep piling it on. Even the liberals are finally 'getting it'. And the more they trash Gov. Palin the more friends she finds she's got. I'm really concerned about this election but I'm hoping for a 43 state walkover by the GOP because of these viscious clowns in the media.
The Joe 12-pack that I am,
October 23, 2008 - 18:26 ET by oilcanThe Joe 12-pack that I am, I am pleased that Gov Palin is dressed up to look her part, and looking hot at it too. I can honestly say, she is the one candidate who would end up looking better throughout the night as I sobered up.
I certain the MSM would love to have her meeting some world dignitary in a hockey mom shirt and jeans, pulling up in her motorcade of SUV's and minivans. Actually, they'd rip her a new anyways.
confirmation
October 23, 2008 - 20:07 ET by mom_roxThat confirms that the Houston Chronicle is not a major paper. The photo of Sarah Palin with reference to the amount appeared above the fold in the center area.
The Axis of Taxes: Obama, Pelosi and Reid (source unknown)
No wonder the New York times is losing subscribers.
October 23, 2008 - 20:42 ET by republican_brotherIf only less important news according to the New York Times like how the world financial crisis got started and who was responsible was on the front page.
Can anybody compare this to
October 23, 2008 - 21:25 ET by GrannyGrump42Can anybody compare this to other campaign costs? Say, the cost of the Greek columns? The cost of producing a single ad? The cost of RUNNING a single ad in prime time? Just for comparison.