According to U.S. News and World Report's Web site, Robert Schlesinger is the magazine's deputy editor and oversees all opinion editorial content. Schlesinger blogs from the Republican National Convention on "Cindy McCain's $300,000 Outfit:"
ST. PAUL—Remember Pat Nixon's "respectable Republican cloth coat?" It's come a long way, baby.To wit: According to Vanity Fair, Laura Bush's outfit cost between $3,400 and $4,300. But of course that's chump-change compared to the roughly $300,000 that Cindy McCain's cost (the biggest line-item being $280,000 for three-karat diamond earrings).
For those of you keeping track at home, Cindy McCain's outfit could pay for a four bedroom, three bath, 3,400 square feet house in Wasilla.
Schlesinger cites Vanity Fair, but he doesn't provide complete information. The Vanity Fair piece concludes:
(All prices except Laura’s shoes and Cindy’s watch are estimates, and the jewelry prices are based on the assumption that the pieces are real.)
That pertinent fact wasn't included by Schlesinger, and you can bet as the story is picked up by other media outlets and bloggers, it won't be added.
Despite my reputation as quite the fashion plate, I wouldn't hazard a guess as to the actual cost of Cindy McCain's outfit. I did check with a manager of a fine jewelry store and was told the estimated cost for the earrings is "highly unlikely." Regardless of the real cost, what is the news here: That wealthy people spend money on clothes and jewelry? Quick, the smelling salts!
If Vanity Fair worked up a similar estimate for Michelle Obama's outfits at last week's Democratic Convention, I must have missed it. Vanity Fair did place Mrs. Obama on the top of its best-dressed list recently "because she's our commander in sheath."
With Sarah Palin on the ticket, the mainstream media are worried and getting increasingly desperate. The over-the-top bashing is obvious and the public is catching on.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
i want to know more about ...
September 4, 2008 - 22:05 ET by pmohbuckthe expense involved in the obama family's private beach vacation in hawaii last month ... of course, such a vacation is common among "us common folk" ... which is why obama is so in touch with "our plight" ... right?
On the beach
September 4, 2008 - 22:10 ET by Michael M. BatesI think Family Obama skimped by staying in the special "community organizers" section.
Yes, Obama's quite the chump
September 4, 2008 - 22:12 ET by balboaYes, Obama's quite the chump for being involved with communities.... :\
Yes Bal
September 4, 2008 - 23:39 ET by well99http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/353829,CST-NWS-rez23.article
It really pays off at the expense of others.
still funny
September 4, 2008 - 23:32 ET by Kirk HallJust when I think we have worn out the community organizer zing, I see it and it makes me laugh.
doesn't she earn the money
September 4, 2008 - 22:09 ET byand aren't diamonds a good investment?
if her last name were Kennedy the MSM would be cheering the return of Camelot
"You can not support the Troops if you do not support their Mission"
If her last name were Kennedy
September 4, 2008 - 22:13 ET by Michael M. BatesAnd they'd be writing of how glamorous it all is.
Jackie Kennedy's jewelry
September 4, 2008 - 22:42 ET by LibraryLadyThe stone was cut from a diamond believed to be the 11th largest gem
ever found. Experts at Sotheby's estimate that it could sell for
$500,000 to $600,000. (it actually sold for 2.6 million)
Several other pieces of jewelry owned by Mrs. Onassis are also to be
auctioned, like an emerald and diamond necklace designed by Van Cleef
& Arpels, expected to bring $100,000 to $125,000.
You may not have heard about some of the other jewelry
that sold at the auction: a beautiful 47-carat kunzite ring that
President Kennedy purchased as a gift for his wife but never had the
chance to give her. This sold for more than $410,000; a beautiful amethyst necklace with graduated drops which sold for $55,000; lovely red tourmaline briolette earrings that dangled from amethysts, which sold for $35,000; a striking cabochon garnet flower brooch from the 19th century which sold for $145,000; a spectacular 17.68-carat ruby ring which sold for $290,000; some cabochon ruby dangling earrings which sold for $360,000; and a cabochon ruby necklace that was a bargain at $247,500. One surprise was an interesting little scarecrow pin in gold and gems that sold for $100,000!
Mrs. JFK
September 4, 2008 - 22:45 ET by Michael M. BatesFor all the heartbreak he must have brought to her, she deserved more.
yes the glamour
September 4, 2008 - 22:43 ET byand the appeal of the strong sucessfull woman
"You can not support the Troops if you do not support their Mission"
Assuming they're real.
September 5, 2008 - 00:11 ET by danboAssuming they're real. Unless you got up real close with a magnifier; you don't for sure know their grade.
Nor do you know how much they originally cost. She may have had them 20 years. May have inherited them...
But any nit picky way to dumb on the hateful evil stingy republicans. Not like wonderful democRATS.
The democRATS are sounding shriller and shriller.
Limited Disclosure: I used to belong to the Sierra Club untill they went crazier. Worse of all, I was bribed by Exxon with free New Orleans Saints glasses with fill ups in the 70's.
Oh, for crying out
September 4, 2008 - 22:15 ET by motherbeltOh, for crying out loud!
It's not like she went shopping for a dress and shoes and spent $300,000. She owns a pair of very expensive, 3 carat diamond earrings!
Any number of Hollywood types probably own diamonds that cost that much or more. But you can bet your bottom dollar liberals won't be criticizing them when they show up at Obama's fundraisers decked out in half a million dollars worth of jewelry!
They will be "ooooh"-ing and "aaaaah"-ing over the glamor and opulence!
Crying out loud
September 4, 2008 - 22:16 ET by Michael M. BatesAt this point, the MSM will use anything - or nothing - to help the messiah assume his rightful position over us all.
One of the commenters at
September 4, 2008 - 22:19 ET by motherbeltOne of the commenters at Schlesinger's blog had this to say:
You can be assured that great prices were paid for Cindy's outfit.
It's not only the money paid by alcoholics trooping in an out of the
stores for a beer fix that paid for the clothes.
Many women were beaten badly by men drunk on Cindy's beer.
Many people died or were injured in car crashes caused by
Cindy's beer. And you are paying for incarceration of a whole host of
DWIs from Cindy's beer.
And I guess that's all Cindy's fault.
Cindy's sins, mb
September 4, 2008 - 22:23 ET by Michael M. BatesAnd I guess that's all Cindy's fault.
Yep, if only she'd gotten rich the old fashioned way - government handouts - she'd be beyond criticism.
How many people went without heat
September 4, 2008 - 22:32 ET by well99during a winter in Chicago for those.Oops wrong candidate.
"Obama, who has worked as a lawyer and a legislator to improve living conditions for the poor, took campaign donations from Rezko even as Rezko's low-income housing empire was collapsing, leaving many African-American families in buildings riddled with problems -- including squalid living conditions, vacant apartments, lack of heat, squatters and drug dealers."
In the ghetto
September 4, 2008 - 22:35 ET by Michael M. Bates"Obama, who has worked as a lawyer and a legislator to improve living conditions for the poor, took campaign donations from Rezko even as Rezko's low-income housing empire was collapsing, leaving many African-American families in buildings riddled with problems -- including squalid living conditions, vacant apartments, lack of heat, squatters and drug dealers."
Maybe, but thanks to Barry, they were organized.
Yes
September 4, 2008 - 22:38 ET by well99Easier for Barry to collect the blood money.
that is good
September 4, 2008 - 23:34 ET by Kirk HallYeah, go after America's beer drinkers. There are only a few of us.
Oh, please,
September 5, 2008 - 00:16 ET by DEVILDOCMOMthese people need to get a life. If I had Cindy's money I would spend it as I wished. Cindy McCain gives more back to those in this country and in other countries than these losers ever will.
Besides, did she pour it down their throats? NO, they did it themselves. Get rid of the victimhood.
Democrats Dont' Drink Beer?
September 5, 2008 - 06:54 ET by allanfI wonder if that blogger thinks Democrats don't drink beer. It is a perfect example failure to take responsibility for one's own actions.
MB
September 4, 2008 - 22:30 ET by ThisnThatThe Hollywood types would spend $300,000 just in transportation costs (private jets, limos) to go buy their expensive diamonds -- and the MSM wouldn't bat an eye.
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Hollywood spending
September 4, 2008 - 22:32 ET by Michael M. BatesSome of them probably spend more than that on cocaine and/or therapists.
Ain't that the truth.
September 4, 2008 - 22:33 ET by motherbeltAin't that the truth.
Those "Hollywood types"
September 4, 2008 - 22:37 ET by balboaThose "Hollywood types" aren't running a campaign on being non-elitist folks.
Bal, I don't believe
September 4, 2008 - 22:48 ET by ThisnThatBal,
I don't believe Cindy McCain went around and flouted her outfit to anyone, saying "lookee here". The MSM conveniently ignored the expense of putting Obama's collesium together in Denver, yet chooses to focus on what Cindy is wearing. This is simply an attempt on the MSM's part to start a class warfare argument by focusing on one side and ignoring the other.
Don't tell me you can't see through that.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
I was pointing out the
September 4, 2008 - 22:52 ET by balboaI was pointing out the irrelevance of comparing Mrs. McCain with Hollywood stars.
Hey Bal
September 4, 2008 - 23:30 ET by well99Kinda like Jon Steward did the other night.Nice that Jon pointed out double standards of BOR and Rove but not Dems.That was irrelevant.
well99, that was just
September 4, 2008 - 23:33 ET by balboawell99, that was just DELICIOUS examples of Rove, BOR, and many many others talking out of both sides of their mouths.
Well Bal that is true
September 5, 2008 - 00:09 ET by well99Jon could of also used some Dem talking heads to show how politics works.There are plenty of examples from both sides.Instead it make him look like a shill.There are enough in the msm without Jon being added to the group.
I agree with bal on this one.
September 5, 2008 - 23:49 ET by UphillI watched that episode and was surprised by the obvious double standards. And it wasn't as if they went back ten years to find a soundbite, either.
Is John McCain's campaign
September 5, 2008 - 07:19 ET by motherbeltIs John McCain's campaign theme that they are"non-elitist" regular folks?
The media just get more
September 4, 2008 - 22:34 ET by suzycreamcheeseThe media just get more bizarre as the days go by. They are up to their nips in quicksand and clutching at twigs. I can smell the desperation from my computer chair.
Who cares if Cindy McCain can buy me a house with what she paid for her jewelry? It's her money and she can buy what she darn well pleases.
Her money, suzy
September 4, 2008 - 22:40 ET by Michael M. BatesIt's her money and she can buy what she darn well pleases.
Not if BO has his way. . .
Really? Are you one of those
September 4, 2008 - 22:42 ET by balboaReally? Are you one of those that believes if Obama wins he'll suddenly impose Communism or some bizarre Muslim form of an economy?
Obama has announced he is
September 4, 2008 - 22:51 ET by ThisnThatObama has announced he is going to impose an additional "rich tax" -- and this is going to be done according to his definition of rich. So basically he's saying that instead of Cindy deciding how she can spend her money, she has to give it to him so he can decide how to spend her money. That's called communism: "From each according to his means; to each according to his needs".
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
So basically he's saying
September 4, 2008 - 22:54 ET by balboaSo basically he's saying that instead of Cindy deciding how she can spend her money, she has to give it to him so he can decide how to spend her money. That's called communism: "From each according to his means; to each according to his needs".
That's a stretch.
You need to brush up on the
September 4, 2008 - 23:03 ET by ThisnThatYou need to brush up on the Communist Manifesto. Item 2, page 57 states: "2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax".
It's not a stretch.
___________________________________
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is in English, thank a Soldier. - My barber
Yes, the slippery slope from
September 4, 2008 - 23:12 ET by balboaYes, the slippery slope from "Democratic President" to "Communism" in one easy step! Huzzah!
No Amigo, as the manifesto
September 4, 2008 - 23:38 ET by MightyMouthNo Amigo, as the manifesto states, its a "progressive" move to communism, not one "easy step".
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Umm...
September 4, 2008 - 23:53 ET by Mr. BishopYou are avoiding the answer to the initial question about where Obama has said he would deny someone with money the ability to buy stuff with their money. Avoiding, or ignoring, I can hardly tell which.
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If homosexuality is genetic, then it must be a birth defect. If it is a birth defect, then stem cell research might provide a cure.
Yes.
September 4, 2008 - 22:52 ET by UphillBut you'll have to wait for my proof.
I'm holding my breath with
September 4, 2008 - 22:56 ET by balboaI'm holding my breath with anticipation.
Maybe I’m missing
September 4, 2008 - 23:18 ET by USA4freedomMaybe I’m missing something here. Did the government/public pay for this? Did anyone’s taxes go up?
If someone pays for the things they wear, then who’s to say?
Every rich person in Hollywood wears what they want, fly where they want to, (my only issue is when they lecture us on how we should be driving a skateboard)
So unless you and I pay for this, then the MSM should shut up. (not that they will)
Ronald Reagan, 1962: I did not leave the Democratic party, the party left me.
Insert: your name, 2008, and the Republican party.
Shut up
September 4, 2008 - 23:22 ET by Michael M. BatesSo unless you and I pay for this, then the MSM should shut up. (not that they will)
The class struggle continues.
Absolutely. And as I said, I
September 4, 2008 - 23:23 ET by balboaAbsolutely. And as I said, I found it an interesting blurb, nothing more.
BUT, you can see how a Dem pundit might say "Um, 6-figure earrings and WE'RE the elitists?"
Has it been so long balboa,
September 4, 2008 - 23:58 ET by Mr. BishopHas it been so long balboa, that you forget that the definition of elitism, is thinking that you are better then everyone else, that you know what is best for everyone else, and that the general public doesn't know what is good for them at all? Simply having money, is not elitism -- that is where you go wrong. Redefining words, will not make them fact. So... um... knock it off, you know I won't let it fly.
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If homosexuality is genetic, then it must be a birth defect. If it is a birth defect, then stem cell research might provide a cure.
exactly right Mr. Bishop
September 5, 2008 - 00:05 ET by Dee Bunkwell said
"Really? Are you one of
September 5, 2008 - 00:41 ET by ckc1227"Really? Are you one of those that believes if Obama wins he'll suddenly
impose Communism or some bizarre Muslim form of an economy?"
Not suddenly. He'll have at least 4 years should he win. Seriously, do you not know what his church of 20 years is all about?
Cindy McCain spent her own money Obama spent other people's
September 4, 2008 - 23:46 ET by Dee Bunkmoney on extravagance. It's a clear difference and a clear choice. Obama is very generous and extravagant on himself with other people's money.
An elitist thinks they deserve these extravagant things at the expense of others. Cindy McCain gives of herself to poor people. She doesn't solicit their hard earned money and then waste it on extravagance like Obama
Generous to a fault
September 4, 2008 - 23:58 ET by Michael M. BatesObama is very generous and extravagant on himself with other people's money.
Like other libs, he struts his compassion by showing how much he wants to help folks with someone else's money.
inheritance
September 4, 2008 - 23:51 ET by WesenThese people forget that John's first home was a prison cell and his salary allows Cindy a little more disposeable income. If I was him I'd encourage her to buy (almost) anything she wants. Every man wants his wife to be well appointed. Nobody batted an eye over Pelosi's wardrobe, facelift and hair.
Well appointed wives
September 4, 2008 - 23:54 ET by Michael M. BatesEvery man wants his wife to be well appointed.
Indeed. BO saw his wife get appointed to a much better paying job within weeks of his election to the U.S. Senate.
Excellent point Wesen - Pelosi's face lifts had to cost more
September 4, 2008 - 23:55 ET by Dee Bunknot even including the other things.
Plus, she probably took the taxpayer funded jet to get there. Just like Obama, no matter how much money they have of their own - they still spend the people's extravagantly.
Cindy Spends her own and give lots of her time and money to those less fortunate.
How Vanity
September 4, 2008 - 23:56 ET by danboHow Vanity Gauche.
Limited Disclosure: I used to belong to the Sierra Club untill they went crazier. Worse of all, I was bribed by Exxon with free New Orleans Saints glasses with fill ups in the 70's.
Cindy's Outfit
September 5, 2008 - 00:40 ET by BlondeWell....I finally saw what Cindy McCain's pin was all about (the pin she's worn every day this week).
NAVY..USMC.
I liked it even better than a flag pin.
Mrs. McCain....class act.
Mrs. McCain....next great First Lady.
David Gregory, do you know which damn network you lie for? ~ Uncle Jimbo, @Blackfive
Mrs. McCain, next great First Lady, Blonde
September 5, 2008 - 01:41 ET by Michael M. BatesMrs. McCain....next great First Lady.
Compared to the competition, she's at least a 10.
You know Barack
September 5, 2008 - 01:00 ET by well99With the money he saved from his house/land deal with Rezco Barrack could buy Michelle some ear rings like those.
I wonder how many millions
September 5, 2008 - 01:25 ET by cocodrieI wonder how many millions Barack Hussein will have to have before he can spare his brother a dime.
Brotherly
September 5, 2008 - 01:39 ET by Michael M. BatesObama told the Rev. Rick Warren that "we still don't abide by that basic precept of Matthew: that whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me."
Michael
September 5, 2008 - 02:22 ET by cocodrieDec 2 2006 Rick Warren said on Larry King Live " There are all kinds of fundamentalists, Larry, and they are all based on fear. There are Christian fundamentalists, there are muslim fundamentalists. I've met some Jewish fundamentalists. You know there are secular fundamentalists. They're all based on fear. Secular fundamentalists are afraid of God". Most of Warren's bible references are taken from The Message which is a new age corruption by Navpress. I am a Christian fundamentalist and I find it offensive to be equated with muslim fundamentalists that have vowed to kill all Christians and Jews. A good place to begin researching this is at the Lighthouse Trails Research Project. Thanks.
I Love her outfit
September 5, 2008 - 02:17 ET by DelsaIf I win the lotto this weekend I'll by one too.
I love the fact she has the ability to purchase whatever she wants!
GOD Bless Cindy McCain
At least Cindy didn't have
September 5, 2008 - 02:25 ET by cocodrieAt least Cindy didn't have to be reworked by her handlers to look like a lady.
Ahhh.....Good old fashion
September 5, 2008 - 02:26 ET by obxrayAhhh.....Good old fashion class warfare.Yes lets piss off the loser's out there.Even though those numbers are bs, they never tell you how much money (buying high price goods) is going back into the economy and that it increases production.I can't think of one single issue the crats can make any since.This is one important election.I hope you folks work hard as hell to get McCain/Palin in.I sure am. We really got to make sure to fight voter fraud because you know they are going to do it more than ever this time.
"Estimates" and
September 5, 2008 - 04:27 ET by Clear thinker"Estimates" and "assumptions." Translation... we made it all up.
Liberal View Of Historical Events = Crappola
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
What Qualifies...
September 5, 2008 - 07:34 ET by Sua Sponte 75for reporting anymore? The vetting process for journalism has pretty much boiled down to.....welcome to XYZ community college, thanks for your $20 for this class, now here's your certificate....
"PDS.....the new and improved BDS"
I'll bet she used her own
September 5, 2008 - 08:49 ET by ConservativeRexI'll bet she used her own money for whatever outfit/ear rings she wore. At that point, it's nobody's damn business how much she spent.
Cindy McCain
September 5, 2008 - 09:26 ET by Tom in NCTo tell you the truth I wouldn't care if she wrapped herself in pure gold, what's really important is that she is an entrepeneur, philantropist, devoted wife and mother.
She has done more in her life than B. Hussein Obama, Michelle Obama and Joe Biden combined and has more class in a single hair follicle than Michell Obama has in her entire body.
Cindy will make a great First Lady!
We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give. Sir Winston Churchill
British politician (1874 - 1965)
Desperately looking for dirt
September 5, 2008 - 10:03 ET by doug1950One need ever apologize for being blessed by God. Cindy McCain is simply living a life where she is blessed, reaping what she has sown. She gives of her resources and herself liberally, therefore she reaps bountifully. Liberals will have to take it up with God, it's his law.
Great Job, Cindy!
September 5, 2008 - 11:26 ET by bradbenj5952Great! Even if that is true, let's look at the economic value. Cindy paid various stores $X for each of the items in her ensamble. Each store owner made some profit as did the distrubutors and manufacturers which in turn help pay the salaries/wages of the accountants, buyers, salespeople and production workers. And I'm sure there was a "little something" in there for good ol' Uncle Sam. Wow!! Shazzam!!! Double Shazzam!!! The ol' trickle down economics really does work. Great job, Cindy!
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." Acts 16:31
Cindy's outfit
September 5, 2008 - 11:30 ET by Cool ArrowLike those diamonds are just perishables she'll donate to the local thrift store when they go out of style.
Rocky & Bullwinkle '08
I presume they're talking
September 5, 2008 - 12:03 ET by marpelI presume they're talking about that FABULOUS gold dress that she wore on Tuesday night. If I had the money and the figure, I would have found a way to buy that GORGEOUS dress. Good for her! If I could afford it, I'd be wearing the most expensive and the best. That's the way of today's woman!
Are they insuating that as
September 5, 2008 - 23:08 ET by cocodrieAre they insuating that as First Lady and as VP Cindy and Sarah will be overdressed? Will Barach Hussein as president put twenties and Vogues on all the presidential limos? The secret service will have trouble holding a gun in one hand and holding up their pants with the other.