Going Down In Style

With ten days left until Election Day, McCain’s campaign hangs on by a thread of designer clothing. This past week proved to be another struggle for the GOP as they were forced to again defend themselves. For Democrats, the main story was that Obama would leave the campaign to visit his gravely ill grandmother in Hawaii, and for the Republicans it was that Sarah Palin has expensive taste.

Although McCain’s numbers are down in almost every swing state, the RNC believes the most effective use of their dwindling funds should go towards clothes and makeup. On Wednesday, Politico broke the story that the RNC spend roughly 150,000 dollars for Palin’s new wardrobe. Granted she couldn’t sport her typical bikini bottoms and moose sweatshirts on the national campaign circuit, but as the RNC scrambles to compete with Obama’s millions, this figure is surely ridiculous.

Moreover, in the same way opponents used John Edward's 400 dollar haircut to portray him as an elitist, the story is extremely damaging to Palin’s image. How many soccer moms do you know spend 75,000 dollars at Neiman Marcus? That’s more than the yearly income of most American households. McCain was quick to defend his fellow maverick stating, “she needed clothes.” He grew more furious though when a reporter quested whether the RNC paid for his wardrobe, as he fiercely responded with “I buy my own suits!” Ten points down with ten days to go, a debate on fashion is not what McCain needs.

Then yesterday, The New York Times released figures on the highest paid individuals in the McCain campaign. It was not the chief strategist or communication director, as most would assume, but rather a newcomer to the political scene. Amy Strozzi was the highest paid individual, making $22,800 dollars in the first two weeks of October. And what does the highest paid McCain staffer do? She is Governor Palin’s personal makeup artist. Right behind Strozzi at the number four spot, Ms. Angela Lew made $10,000 dollars for her “Communications Consulting” during the first week of October, as she serves as Palin’s traveling hair stylist. Not to say these ladies don’t have the proper credentials. Strozzi was nominated for an Emmy award for her makeup work on “So You Think You Can Dance.”

Now I hope this article doesn’t spark another tirade from Campbell Brown, as I understand women have different standards when it comes to physical appearance, but over $30,000 dollars in two weeks on hair and makeup! Maybe it is the male prejudice as I have never purchased makeup nor any type of hair product, but I just cannot wrap my head around these figures. This expensive attention to style is a direct contrast to Palin’s “hockey mom” image and appeal to the working-class, and also because the McCain camp is so poor. How can they figure this expense is more important than a last minute advertisement in Indiana? I guess it does matter a little more when you have a Vice-Presidential candidate that is all looks and no substance. At least Sarah Palin will be dressed in style when she sits next to a somber John McCain in an Arizona hotel room and watches the Electoral map turn blue.