Monday, October 27, 2008

why it's not sexist to criticize palin's wardrobe

If people were making fun of Gov. Sarah Palin's wardrobe choices, then The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck might have had a point when she was out stumping for Palin and her running mate, John McCain, but instead her attacks fell flat as she called criticisms of Palin's shopping spree "deliberately sexist."

Sorry, Elisabeth, but you're just flat out wrong on this one.

As we explained last week, the RNC spent $150,000 on a designer wardrobe for Palin's campaign appearances. This is relevant because Palin is attempting to appeal to Joe Sixpack and Joe the Plumber while painting the Democrats out to be the ones shopping at Neiman's while sipping their lattes. She can't have it both ways.

And there is no double standard here. First of all, the Obamas shop on a budget, and much ado has been made about the fact that Michelle Obama shops at H&M instead of pricy boutiques or department stores. Secondly, Democrats have come under fire for similar hypocrisy as Palin's. For instance, John Edwards' message of "Two Americas" fell flat after it was revealed that he received a $400 haircut.

Edwards is a man. The right endlessly criticized him for trying to appeal to blue-collar voters and leading an elite lifestyle. Now Hasselbeck and her ilk are going to have to suck it up when the Ferragamo is on the other foot.

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