Republicans spend $150,000 on Palin's look

Yeah, she's one of us. < :-)

Barack Obama wears Hart Schaffner Marx suits that retail for about $1,500

I wear Hart Schaffner Marx suits....but not the $1,500 kind... :)

For Palin, it's hard to tell where she really stacks up. Going from governor to VP candidate means she has to have all of the little things that look bad if they're not there. Maybe it took her $150,000 to catch up to other politicians that have been spending $50,000 a year for the last 10 years...

Much better investment for $150,000 than a 30-second attack ad.

The whole hockey-mom business makes me cringe though.

Still, a $400 haircut killed John Edwards...

Come on... who doesn't spend $150,000 on their image every so often?! ;)

Oh, the common touch, isn't it wonderful! What would Joe the Plumber say about all this? At school in the US they teach that America fought at least one war to severe ties with royalty. Perhaps this is the end of the republic and a return to feudal monarchy, similar to what they have up in Alaska (lol).

Then again, if lightning strikes and Palin ends up in the White House (god forbid as President), it would be interesting to see her "at home lifestyle," hair up in curlers nipping out the front door of the White House while dressed in the latest K-Mart velour sweatsuit to pick up the newspaper. What about hanging out the washing in the Rose Garden. A real mastercard moment.....

While she probably needed to upgrade her wardrobe, I think it could have been accomplished for a lot less by hiring a savvy personal shopper. This would have enabled Sarah Palin to maintain her claim she's a member of the middle class. Few "Hockey Moms" carry USD 400.00 purses.

My Reply to this article: HOW MUCH DOES THE DNC SPEND ON OBAMA? Ah, yes, there's fair coverage for ya....

Blue Tiger - I'm sure Fox News has broadcasted that at some point. The must have some story about his suits being provided by anarchists/terrorists/fascists/socialists/communistsMuslims/Europeans/some other extreme group.

Obama: a few snappy suits, some gray hair-dye, a bunch of exotic salad greens and a few packs of Altria's finest - he's a pretty easy man to please.

Few "Hockey Moms" carry USD 400.00 purses.

And even fewer "Hockey Moms" have personal shoppers. ;-)

The party spent the money, that is what it was collected for, that's what it's supposed to be spent on ... selling the candidate. What's the big deal?

And even fewer "Hockey Moms" have personal shoppers. ;-)

You caught me, I guess I've lived in California too long! The problem here is that she's dressin' like an East Coast elitist not a "small town" American who sensibly dismisses those with fashion pretensions.

soldave - I doubt very seriously that anyone has done any kind of "investigation" on how much the DNC spends on Obama. Even if FOX News has, its a drop in the bucket compared to the wretched amount of scrutiny McCain and Palin (especially Palin) have received...

HOW MUCH DOES THE DNC SPEND ON OBAMA? Ah, yes, there's fair coverage for ya....

Here's a little glimpse into why so many Americans are fed up with the GOP: The GOP espouses a philosophy of "Do what we say, not what we do," on a wide range of platform issue including drug use, homosexuality, divorce, childbirth out of wedlock, political corruption, and abuse of power.

It's no surprise that the GOP spent this much on their candidate, but what's so grating on the nerves is that they're pitching Palin herself as a champion of Everyman, Joe Sixpack, and the common hockey mom. This image doesn't quite jibe with $150,000 makeovers.

None of the individuals who make up those three groups makes $150,000 per year, much less blow a fraction of that amount at Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue. They can't afford to, particularly in the current economy.

Yet ANOTHER example of how far out of touch the GOP is with the needs of true average Americans.

If the GOP wasn't made up of such damnable, loud-mouthed HYPOCRITES, it wouldn't receive so much scrutiny.

Since Obama has clearly demonstrated that people vote for looks and style over substance, I think it makes sense for the Republicans to spend some money on clothes and hair. As the article says, "The better your image is, the better people will receive you.”

I think Sarah Palin would look good in almost anything. So I agree that she probably didn't need to spend $150K on her image. However, I also agree with McCain's spokesperson, Tracey Schmitt. This does not really seem like a very important issue.

I don't know what Palin's income was last year, but Obamas was over $4M, so a $1.5K suit doesn't seem so out of scale. (At least it wasn't Italian!!! Good grief. A shirt and tie would have cost that much.) I agree with SuperLib that her wardrobe probably needed an upgrade. Palin couldn't afford to actually look like a moose-hunter.

It seems whoever was responsible for Sarah Palin's makeover forgot Richard Nixon's famous description of his wife as a "cloth coat Republican." That's definitely what they shoulda been going for.....

I'm trying to get worked up about this.

Really, I am.

The only thing that impresses me is how the media looks even sillier here than they did delivering the bombshell revelation that Alaska's Governor Palin sometimes - get this - uses a tanning bed.

She will probably go down as the most expensive, best dressed loser in Presidential history. 150,000 dollars shopping spree on a hockey mom. Wow! Things aren't all that bad on main street after all.

Sudden, liberals care about spending. And it's not even taxpayer-extorted money.

Go figure.

RR

Hard hitting reporting by the A.P on this one. Pretty soon they'll really achieve the journalistic standards of the National Enquirer the rate they are going with all their "Palin" stories. Oh, wait they are pretty much there.

What's next she removed the tag on her new pillow? The one that said do not remove under penality of law? Yup, journalistic excellence at its best once again shown by A.P and the non-biased mainstream media....

Have to agree with some of the other folks here, is this really a story? If the McCain/Palin campaign is really as dead in the water as the mainstream press likes to tell us, what is the issue here? Moreover, aren't there more important issues to discuss than what Palin is spending on clothes (well at least her minders are)?

Then again, news like this is definitely great material for those with a sense of humor, the imagination could run wild with this one.

Meanwhile, with obama so far ahead in the polls, he still sees the need to spend $.5 billion selling himself to voters. And liberals see no problem with that.

Go figure.

RR

Now the American media even attacks on 150,000 dollars? how mean and nasty,digusting. Anything related to Palin is now open for media hostility: the way she talks ,the way she dress ,the she looks,the way she shops...no matter how small and insignificant. Where is all the fairness? what did she do to make the media HATES her so much?

what did she do to make the media HATES her so much?

She's bringing up issues about obama's past that the U.S. liberal media worked so hard to scrub out.

Eh, is liberal a derogatory term in the US of A?

"Eh, is liberal a derogatory term in the US of A?"

Ask Hillary. Even she won't use it.

what did she do to make the media HATES her so much?

She was picked and then without hesitation/consideration/electrical signals passing through her ears, accepted her nomination for VP, and then started talking. McSame chose her but never should have never allowed this latter part, and kept his trophy three paces behind.

CNN survey released today claimed that of independent women voters, who the Repubs were hoping to attract with this mockery of a candidate for VP, 56% percent have now expressed their dissatisfaction with Palin as choice for running mate, up from 28% a month ago.

Have to agree with some of the other folks here, is this really a story?

Perhaps not, but LFRAgain said it well.

It's no surprise that the GOP spent this much on their candidate, but what's so grating on the nerves is that they're pitching Palin herself as a champion of Everyman, Joe Sixpack, and the common hockey mom. This image doesn't quite jibe with $150,000 makeovers.

what did she do to make the media HATES her so much?

She let herself be conned into believing she was ready for the job of Vice-President of the United States, then continued to prove day after day that she very clearly is not. That doesn't mean the media hates her. But it sure does mean it's open season for any foolishness she lets herself get caught up in. She's a public figure. Deal with it.

Tell you what: You take back all the ribbing you gave about Al Gore supposedly claiming to invent the Internet, and I'll call my friends in the media and ask them to lay off poor Sarah.

"what did she do to make the media HATES her so much?"

She's a hypocrite, a liar, and a truly stupid human being, for starters. Add to that her feelings that she and her family are exempt from the law and can also charge the state for flights and lodgings on personal shopping trips, and it's easy to see why ANYONE should hate her while their own savings are being sucked up in today's economy. Your child's future is LITERALLY going towards giving hers handouts. Enjoy!

RomeoRamen,

About the money that Obama is spending--wouldn't that be money that his supporters gave him for the express purpose of continuing to sell himself to voters? If I were a liberal I'd be upset if he spent it for any other purpose or if he lost the election because he didn't spend it.

Ask Hillary. Even she won't use it.

She is a bit sensitive about the L word.

Hahaha... it's hilarious to watch the righties on here desperately try to shift the focus of the thread to Obama, when it's strictly about yet more abuse by Palin! They can't even defend it in the least.

Palin better hope they don't demand it all back when she has to pack up and head back to Alaska in two weeks -- she's going to need it for the trials in her various abuses of power and office.

All the righties on here in two weeks will be saying, "Sarah who?" as she rightfully slips back into political obscurity. Well, at least her run for the white house will be done -- the media won't really let all her uncovered scandals just go back under the carpet.

Wonder if Palin has kept the clothes tags and receipts so she can return the clothing after the election (on her way back to Canada, sorry Alaska). Moreover, what is the situation with politicans doing product placements like in the movies. This could be another area through while to raise money?

Republicans spend $150,000 on Palin's look

Heh, that's the same amount the DNC paid Britney Spears' set designer to erect that "Greek Temple" for obama for one night at the democrat convention.

I know all that ,but where is the fairness ,balance in this fight for the WH? When Palin touches a little bit of Obama 's finger,the media screamed for murder, and yet the same media feels free to throw at her every mud available 24/7.

Tell you what: You take back all the ribbing you gave about Al Gore supposedly claiming to invent the Internet, and I'll call my friends in the media and ask them to lay off poor Sarah.

That's it in a nutshell, Al Gore got a good natured ribbing, Palin is getting nothing short of a public execution that isn't even funny. It's viscious.

I might be wrong others might be having a good chuckle at

She was picked and then without hesitation/consideration/electrical signals passing through her ears.

Or

She's a hypocrite, a liar, and a truly stupid human being, for starters.

But my sides aren't just exactly splitting with laughter more like what the heck is wrong with so called "intelligent people" that they are reduced to nothing more than playground level drivel to support their opposition to Governor Palin.

This is nothing compared to how much the Democrats have spent on Obama's look.

"She's a hypocrite, a liar and a truly stupid human being"

She is none of those.

Wonder how much the DNC paid AP to write this hit piece?

timorborder: Don't insult Canada by saying this woman is from there.

sarge: "She is none of those."

Oh, what a comeback! She sure is all of those things I mentioned, and what's more, there are HUGE articles now circulating in where she is actually in the NEGATIVE ratings in opinion polls after dropping more than any single VP candidate in history, and may be the first to actually lose an election for a presidential candidate (many haven't helped win, but this would be the first time such a gamble backfired so badly).

John McCain is likely kicking himself in the fake teeth just about every chance he gets. This woman has ended his last chance at the Big House, and McCain has ensured Palin's life gets turned upside down and she is rightly shown for the farce she is.

You know you're never going to live down your support of this dolt, don't you sarge? It'll be tied to you along with GWB's stink for good.

Governor Palin.

And that's all she ever was. Nyuk nyuk nyuk!

"This woman has ended his last chance at the Big House"

Really? For one thing, McCain got a boost in his poll numbers after he selected Palin, and... get ready, smith... the latest AP poll has McCain trailing Obama by ONE point, 44% to 43%. What's up with THAT?

"what a comeback"

Remember, McCain is the Comeback Geezer!

"And that's all she ever was"

But it ain't all she's ever gonna be, dontcha know! Nyuk nyuk nyuk!

What's up with THAT?

What's up with what? You still can't find a poll that puts Senior McCain in front.

Hmm, what would McCain or Palin have to do for the Repub. posters to not just blindly defend them?

But it ain't all she's ever gonna be, dontcha know! Nyuk nyuk nyuk!

I concede.

Hmm, what would Obama or Biden have to do for the Democrat posters to not just blindly defend them?

"What's up with what?"

Obama should be up by 20 points, not one point, that's what's up with that.

Hmm, what would Obama or Biden have to do for the Democrat posters to not just blindly defend them?

Find a poll that puts McSame in front. No, not the one that has him more than 10 points behind.

Hmm, what would Obama or Biden have to do for the Democrat posters to not just blindly defend them?

Well he's sold out to popularist stances on a few issues, and his choice of Biden as VP wasn't particularly inspired...

Altria - Granted, Obama's choice of Biden wasn't particularly inspired, but what other choice did he have? Hillary Clinton? Nah... Bill Clinton? Nah... Evan Bayh? Nah... Bill Richardson? Nah... John Edwards? Nah...

Hmm, what would McCain or Palin have to do for the Repub. posters to not just blindly defend them?

Well......He's too much "my way or the highway" in my opinion as far as how he would conduct his foreign policy. I give Obama the plus there, he would do a lot to mend frayed relationships that Bush pretty much tattered. Palin great Governor, has done a heck of job running her State kept her promises to her constituents and delivered on her platform achieving an unheard of 90 percent approval rating at one time by sheer grit and determination ( I think Washington needs more of that, a politician that actually delivers on what they said they would do, instead of pander to get elected). Downside lack of any real experience on the National level that really shows and doubts that she is really ready for primetime at this point in her political career.

How was that?

Obama should be up by 20 points, not one point, that's what's up with that.

Sarge is right, Obama just can't put this thing to bed. Everytime he opens a lead, McCain closes in again. And don't forget the "Bradley Effect" which gives lie to the polls. The "Spread the Wealth" thing is gonna jump up and bite Obama before this thing is over. It never pays to quote Karl Marx when your running for office in America.

Sarge - by your reckoning, why "should" Obama be up by 20 points? Did he do a better job in the debates?

The expensive clothes are ridiculous, not to mention she could have bought American.

Pivot - Heck, that's what everyone in the media is saying - that Obama swept all three debates. And yet Obama CAN'T CLOSE THE DEAL!

150k - just outrageous! And these jokers try to kid us that they are with the man in the street.

Old Man McCain is down the tubes. History.

Sarge, no presidential candidate has closed the deal since George H. W. Bush. Obama has come closer than anyone since then.

There's no question that Obama could lose and that McCain could win. Things change. However, the trend of polls seems to me to favor Obama. Here's a visual:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/poll-tracker.htm

sarge: "Hmm, what would Obama or Biden have to do for the Democrat posters to not just blindly defend them?"

Now THAT's funny! You in particular blindly defend anything that is republican, simply because it is republican. You defend GWB like you were his dog, and when McCain says, "I am not GWB" and distances himself from the president, you defend McCain... AND bush! News is circulating that Palin may possibly be the first VP pick to single-handedly LOSE a presidential candidate the election, and you defend her blindly with such quippy remarks as 'she is not', and 'you're wrong'. What makes it particularly blind support is that you can never back up your remarks with an ounce of reason; you simply type a retort to, "Palin is a stupid person for... (umpteen dozen reasons here)" with, "no, you are!".

Anyway, don't you keep shaking your fists that Obama 'can't close the deal'. He's closer to doing so than any president has been in a long time. In the end, he'll win by quite a large margin and you and the McCain crowd will have a whole lot of bitterness to choke on. McCain has now lost the support of over half of seniors -- his final bastion of hope for staving off the 'deal closer' you speak of. It's gone from something like 60% for McCain to less than 30%.

Adios republicans, welcome Obama.

And when that wonderful time comes in two weeks, Palin will be sent packing back to Alaska, hopefully by dogsled and with an overdue bill for 150k.

Just a very general comment, however, isn't this all very asinine? For a country that has a lock on so much that can be admired, when it comes to politics it is kids battling in a sandbox.

Jokes aside, a serious question to ask is at what point does lampooning Palin go to far? Is it just that the media is full of good-old sexist troglodytes who are paying back the GOP for trying to control freedom of speech during the administration of you-know-who? Is it a form of indirect payback to people like Donald Rumsfield and co? On the other hand, is Palin simply a magnet for this given the stereotype she has promoted of the "slighty redneck" hockey mom who is soon out of her depth when it comes to talking about very complex issues?

Moreover, although I personall that Obama is the better candidate in this election is John McCain actually getting a fair deal from the media? This is a guy who has served his country in a myraid of ways. When more rightwing elements of the GOP were conveniently AWOL vis-a-vis military service, McCain was up to his armpits in XXXXXX. He has also put a number of years service in the Senate. To hear some of the media, however, all that matters is that McCain is getting on and Palin would be President if anything happened.

Sarge, no presidential candidate has closed the deal since George H. W. Bush. Obama has come closer than anyone since then.

President Obama will be taking the oath of office in January, and sarge will still be whining that he never "closed the deal."

Have you heard the story of Palin's glasses?They're made in a japanese town,called Obama:-)

Republicans spend $150,000 on Palin's look And it looks good.

I guess Dems would have spent that much, and more on Hillary... but it wouldn't be"news worthy" How much did Biden spend on his plugs??

Wouldn't have been an issue except for the accusations of elitism against Obama. And the Obama Iranian caviar story was false.

http://minnesotaindependent.com/14182/14182

hereandthere: "I guess Dems would have spent that much, and more on Hillary... but it wouldn't be"news worthy"

red herring.... it's neither here nor there, so to speak, since Hilary isn't even a part of the election campaign, let alone the thread.

Sarge...Like your candidates, you seem to have a tendency to mis-state the facts. Obama's latest lead in the CNN "Pole of Poles" is at least 5 percent, not one. And, he leads in almost very battle ground state. (The two exceptions being West Virginia and one other.) Given that all these states went for Bush in 2004, the fact that Obama is ahead in most says he pretty much has "closed the deal".

hereandthere,

There would be a difference, wouldn't there, between Palin spending $150K of her own money to show people who she is and the Republican Party spending $150K to show people who it wants her to be?

There would also be a difference between John McCain (or his wife Cindy) spending $520 on his Italian loafers and the Republican party keeping him so shod. Ditto Obama who certainly doesn't need the Democrats to buy his suits. And your not suggesting, are you, that the Democratic Party was footing the bill for any of Biden's coiffing needs?

that Obama swept all three debates.

Yeah, although it was mostly like arguing with a child.

And yet Obama CAN'T CLOSE THE DEAL!

Can't close the deal? It's over Sarge. Yes, over. That's what you want isn't it Sarge? Over before the polls close. Well Obama's lead is insurmountable. INSURMOUNTABLE. You'd be better off familiarising Palin with the rest of the world over the next four years so that she wouldn't be a complete insult to theoretically the second most powerful position on the planet.

Wait a second. Can't close the deal? Are you selling your own country and soul Sarge? Or just don't know what you're talking about. Take a good look at the link SezWho2 put up. Can you see the widening of the lead there Sarge? WIDENING.

What did Biden's hair plugs cost Delaware taxpayers?

GOP High Command must be rolling the the aisles at how they have screwed over their supporters yet again.

The GOP Implosion of '08 just gets funnier! :-)

Absolutely, it's over. Some bookmakers are already paying out. Obama needs to win Florida or Ohio or just a couple of many of the smaller states and he's there. Deal is well and truly closed.

"GOP High Command must be rolling the the aisles at how they have screwed over their supporters yet again." The GOP Implosion of '08 just gets funnier!"

"High Command"?

What gets funnier and funnier is watching non-Americans make fools of themselves as they obsess over US politics.

I particularly enjoyed reading how the one above, who barely knows anything about the two main parties or their history, nonetheless casually refers to the one he says he despises as "the GOP".

What gets funnier and funnier is watching non-Americans make fools of themselves as they obsess over US politics.

Yes it's obvious you've been enjoying the last couple of months of dwindling GOP support and defections. Like a nightmare isn't it. And there's nothing you can do about it. Nothing.

Moderator: All readers back on topic please.

coulrophobic,

I give up. How much did Delaware tax-payers pay and how and when did they pay it?

coulrophobic - I'd love to see how much the tax payers in Delaware paid for Biden's hair plugs. That's a serious allegation.

Looking forward to your reply. < :-)

jerseyboy: "Sarge... Like your candidates, you have a tendency to mis-state the facts"

Hey, all I can say is AP's latest poll has Obama leading McCain 44% to 43%. If you think I'm making it up, check it out for yourself.

And Obama and Biden are the ones who like to mis-state the facts:

www.ucdailynews.com/politics/i7001536.html

cow76: "Absolutely, it's over."

Don't have a cow or any other animals when John "The Comeback Geezer" McCain gives Obama the surprise of his life on Nov. 4. ( The cops in major cities across the USA are already preparing for the inevitable riots when Obama loses. )

Latest CNN estimate has Obama already over the 270 to win, McCain with 174, and 87 too close to call, which for Sarge's sake let's call them all red, and McCain still comes up short. It doesn't matter how many pro-America dresses Palin buys, how many reformer high-heels or how many pairs of tested Japanese-designed glasses she puts on in the vain hope people think she knows anything outside her tiny hockey field outpost.

http://edition.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/calculator/

Mike Murphy was John McCain's former campaign manager who believed victory lay in a message not attacks on Obama. Obviously, they parted company after mcCain went with Rick Davis. Kinda like a marriage that went bad:

Murphy's latest critique of his former boss is a post on Time's Swampland blog offering sarcastic potential responses to the news of Palin's $150,000 makeover:

I saw the RNC statement on Gov. Palin's $150,000 clothing bender on the RNC's tab. This caper is gonna make for a long day at the office for the good folks at the RNC/McCain press operation. Thought I'd offer a little help in a humorous vein; some other possible spin lines for the RNC. 1.) What you sneering critics in the liberal MSM fail to see here is... a Jobs Program! Saks floorwalkers, cashiers, a team of sweating porters to haul the merchandise from the store to the motorcade... chiropractors to treat those porters. Sarah Palin knows how to create jobs! 2.) What's the difference between a Pit Bull and a Hockey Mom? You can feed a pit-bull for 483 years with 150 grand. 3.) Still cheaper than Mitt Romney's hair products. We're saving money here...

"Obama already over the 270 ( needed ) to win"

Dream on, Lieutenant. When Obama loses, there's always the jumbo around the corner.

Dream on, Lieutenant. When Obama loses, there's always the jumbo around the corner.

Copy, and paste. It's great trying to have some kind of discussion with you Sarge. What does your post have to do with Palin wasting tax dollars in futility? Did you even look at CNN's estimate? No match for Sarge?

Here sarge check your facts next time

Obama 337 McCain 171 Ties 30

http://www.electoral-vote.com/

By the pay you can put a pig in a new dress its still a pig in a dress. By the way Ill take my chances with Obama as far as leaders of the most powerful country goes. Um like so many others I live on this planet too, and the possibility of Palin having control of anything scares me. By the way they should have spent the 19.99 on a VP for dummies, cause she still doesn't have a clue on her job duties.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0w9PNN61Kg

All that money to doll her up so that she can give a speech about how Sen. Obama is an elitist, months after painting John Edwards as an elitist for a $400 haircut.

I've said it before.

Irony is totally wasted on "the right."

Taka

campaign finance reports confirmed that the Republican National Committee spent $75,062 at Neiman Marcus and $49,425 at Saks Fifth Avenue in September for Ms. Palin and her family. More than $130,000 of the charges used to outfit Ms. Palin and her family were initially footed by Jeff Larson, a prominent Republican consultant in St. Paul whose firm has been tied to the onslaught of negative robocalls about Mr. Obama from Mr. McCain’s campaign. Mr. Larson was also the chief executive of the local host committee for the Republican National Convention, in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Federal Election Commission records showed Mr. Larson was reimbursed by the Republican National Committee for charges at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Barneys New York and Atelier New York, a men’s clothing store.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/23/us/politics/23palin.html?_r=3&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

How can they justify spending all this money on clothes to make Sarah look like Joe the Plumber? < :-)

"How can they justify spending all this money on clothes to make Sarah look like Joe the Plumber?"

They're trying to stimulate the, uh, economy. That's how.

Why is this news? Perhaps because Palin is a somewhat attractive woman.

No one reported on how much Hillary, Chelsea, and Bill spent on their wardrobes, accessories, and grooming.

How much do you think has been spent by McCain, Obama, and Biden for nice suits, watches, haircuts, etc. How about their wives and children?

I think this type of story is simply another way to say "She's a decent-looking woman in politics. She must be an fickle air-head".

If you think looks and image aren't important for the men running for pres and VP as well you're stupid. What if Obama looked like Michael Moore and spoke like the guy from The Family Guy? Even if his words, ideas, and message were the exact same - he wouldn't even have made it into the primaries.

Silly stuff here. Move along.

Why is this news? Perhaps because Palin is a somewhat attractive woman.

Or perhaps it's because she kept droning on about how elitist Obama is and how dedicated she is to small-town America, the "real" America. I doubt they spend 150,000 dollars on clothes in small-town America.

I agree it's silly stuff. Silly for the McCain campaign to have started throwing stones from their eight glass houses.

sdmsec, I would completely and utterly agree with you if John Edwards hadn't been raked over the coals by the GOP for a $400 haircut.

The fact that kind of money was spent is not an issue for people like me, it's the hypocrisy involved.

John Edwards was an elitist for getting a $400 haircut.

Yet, we're supposed to believe gov. palin is a Wal-Mart shopping hockey mom after receiving the true, "ultimate makeover."

Taka

sdmsec - It's news because the GOP bought and paid for it from their funds.

Bill and Hillary and Edwards paid theirs from their own wallets. < :-)

What Taka said.

taka,

Good point about the hypocrisy. I don't care what John Edwards spent on his hair cut either - as long as I'm not paying for it as a taxpayer.

As for Palin being a Wal-Mart hockey mom I don't think this makeover for her and her family change what she is. If she has been that Wal Mart soccer mom allowing the campaign to spend this money making her "look" like people expect doesn't change her core values. As I stated in the prior post, people don't get elected to the highest office without a certain image. Right or wrong - people expect a candidate to look sharp and successful. You can't blame her for participating in the same game that her competitors are.

No one reported on how much Hillary, Chelsea, and Bill spent on their wardrobes, accessories, and grooming.

How much do you think has been spent by McCain, Obama, and Biden for nice suits, watches, haircuts, etc. How about their wives and children?

The difference is that the Clintons, McCain, Obama and Biden have paid for their nice clothes, etc. with their own money, not with money donated for the purpose of assisting them in getting elected. It will be interesting to see what impact this has on middle-income supporters of the Republican ticket, especially those who donated to the campaign.

The difference is that the Clintons, McCain, Obama and Biden have paid for their nice clothes, etc. with their own money, not with money donated for the purpose of assisting them in getting elected.

What makes you think that?

Additionally, if Palin doesn't have the deep pockets to fund her own VP-candidate wardrobe doesn't it help prove the case that she's middle America?

Regardless, I'm not voting for McCain/Palin or Obama/Biden. My vote's going to Chuck Baldwin - US Constitution Party. Check out their web site.

sdmsec

My vote's going to Chuck Baldwin - US Constitution Party.

With all respect, this election is too important to vote for someone who has no chance of winning. McCain still has a chance, though admittedly small, and you seem to be leaning towards McCain anyway from your previous posts. Just something to think about.

Helter,

Admittedly, it would be a much tougher choice if my state were a really tight race. As it is, my state is clearly in the McCain column, and I really don't like McCain or 85% of the GOP right now. I'll send a message if I can.

In fact, I don't mind if the GOP crashes and burns down completely right now. They don't represent conservative values at all - they only represent a watered down Democrat party.

Palin probably has been in a Target store more than a Walmart. If it's true she'll give up her clothes after the election. I hope she hasn't thrown away her flannel. lol. I think she should run for Playboy Bunny?

Helter,

P.S. I REALLY do like the Constitution Party's platform and principles better than the GOP anyway. This is just the opportunity I've been looking for to vote my heart.

sarge said:

Pivot - Heck, that's what everyone in the media is saying - that Obama swept all three debates. And yet Obama CAN'T CLOSE THE DEAL!

I keep telling you sarge not to take our word for it. Go see what Karl Rove has to say. For those unwilling to visit his site he has it at "Obama retains the lead in the Electoral College with 306 votes to McCain’s 171 and 61 votes as a toss-up."

http://rove.com/election

sarge I don't know what source you would find more reliable then Rove.

As for $150k, Taka313 said it well by bringing up the point of Republicans being hypocritical on Edwards and also how Palin & Co. have attempted to frame Obama as an elitist. Obama worked his butt off to go to Harvard and make something of himself. Who handed what to Barack Obama?

sdmsec, I couldn't disagree with helter skelter more. You should always vote your conscience. Had he decided to run under the Mickey Mouse party, I would have voted for retired Gen. Tony Zinni. He was my guy. Unfortunately, those of us who urged him to run were able to convince him to do so. From there, my allegiance went to John Edwards, but then he dropped out. Now, I'm down to my 3rd option which is more of a vote against candidate mccain than it is FOR Sen. Obama.

Third party votes are considered wasted by many but they DO serve the purpose of highlighting a cause or belief so they still have merit within the political system.

Also, at least on a state level, third parties DO carry some weight. My home state of Minnesota is a prime example.

Taka

Yeah, it seems big changes within a party have to begin in the smaller elections - state and House of Reps.

Still, there are times when pragmatism has to override idealism. Again, it's much easier for me this time as the outcome seems inevitable at the state level and at the national level as well.

The problem here is that Obama's millstones won't appear to be millstones until a generation or two down the road. Kind of the FDR effect. Bush, McCain, and the current GOP leadership hang millstones on our necks, too. I'm ready for smaller federal government at the international and domestic level.

Funny how the liberals are getting so upset over $150,000 for Palin's look, when Obama is spending $961,000 on one TV commercial.

Taka313 - "my allegiance went to John Edwards"

Now that shows a real lack of good judgement, doesn't it?

sdmsec

They don't represent conservative values at all - they only represent a watered down Democrat party.

I agree with you completely. But mine is more of a vote against candidate obama than it is FOR Sen. McCain. I believe there's a serious enough difference between the two. Better a watered down version of the Democrat party than the far left. And even though your state is red, the popular vote will be affected by a vote for McCain which does make a statement. I never bother voting for third party candidates unless they have at least some chance of winning.

As far as Taka's take on it, if you were leaning toward obama, he'd be making the same argument I am.

This is just the opportunity I've been looking for to vote my heart.

That's very honorable and I respect your sentiments. But I still don't think it makes practical sense. At least not now.

sarge,

A lack of good judgement would be to allow sean hannity to do all my thinking for me (see: nearest mirror).

helter,

Thank you for explaining my beliefs for me. Next time, you may want to get them correct.

Taka

seems fine that the Republicans spend money (donated to the party) on their candidates in order to prep the for election.

from all the comments here and on the news, it is obvious that the Gov. is hated for her looks (she looks good vs the Dems women of choice). Spending money on candidates for campaigning is normal and legal.

and for those poll watchers... seems the Dems lead the last two presidential polls too, so much for that.

Funny how the liberals are getting so upset over $150,000 for Palin's look, when Obama is spending $961,000 on one TV commercial.

You’re missin’ the bigger picture, Sarge. It’s the Republicans who are groaning over having John McCain’s campaign closing upstaged by the issue of his running mate’s wardrobe. He's now having to wade into the specifics of the cost of a woman lookin' good, a topic far outside the comfort zone of most men.

The base no doubt will rally ‘round Sarah Palin once again, viewing her as the victim of the liberal media, “eyes wide shut” to the hypocrisy of promoting herself as a regular ole hockey mom while struttin’ about in Jimmy Choos as her running mate, who can’t remember how many homes he owns, tries to convince the Joe Six-Pack’s of America that he feels their economic pain.

The truth be told, many professional women would admit a 150 grand wardrobe is not out of line for a high-powered job. But few of them are voting for Sarah Palin after being vilified as “elitists.” Cultural elitists, that is of course, no mention is made of the widening gap between the affluent, or rich, and the beleaguered middle class.

In fact her wardrobe has inadvertently opened the door to the way the upper crust lives. Specifically, you tell a personal shopper this is the look I’m going for and she will bring the clothes to you, allowing you to try them on in the privacy of your own home, paying only for the ones you want to keep. I once got a classy purse this way, a gift which became a treasured accessory the price of which I remain blissfully ignorant of.

Had they gone this route it would have been a lot cheaper. Instead it appears somebody scooped up over 70 grand worth of clothing on one expedition to Needless Mark-Up. Is this something Joe the Plumber’s wife can relate to? Don’t think so. Palin’s wardrobe may exceed the value of their lifetime of accumulated assets (after debts have been subtracted).

Personally, I look at how the person is put together rather than scanning their attire for a designer label. Sarah Palin always looked good and well turned out since her national debut in Ohio. I certainly can’t see where the money went. Betcha a lot of Republicans feel it could have been better spent, however.

sdmsec,

It may be true that allowing others to upgrade you from Walmart to Nieman Marcus doesn't change your core values. However, it can certainly compromise them. And compromise is a pathway to change.

Obama's income was about $1M before his big bump to over $4M last year because of book sales. I don't even know how much money McCain has access to through his wife--certainly millions. Biden's been in the Senate for 30 years or so and his income has plodded along at the hundreds of thousands per year. Why in the world would you think that any of these people did not buy their own clothing?

Incidentally, the Palins have assets of about a million. It seems to me that they should have been able to wardrobe Palin for a new job if they were committed to it. If Palin's new rags will really be sold or auctioned off to the sniffer set, they can't properly be called clothing. They are costumes.

Betzee- Personally, I look at how the person is put together rather than scanning their attire for a designer label.

yet you still seem to endorse Obama.... interesting.

Sez,

I don't have any facts to back this up, but I figure McCain, Obama, and Biden have easily spent similar amounts from campaign funding on wardrobes and image enhancements.

If you have facts that dispute this I'm interested in seeing your source.

On another topic: I think that those who say we should spread the wealth should have all of their wealth spread first. Only then should they ever have any claim on anyone else's wealth.

sdmsec,

Let's see now.

You are asserting that "McCain, Obama and Biden have spent campaign money for personal clothing". You have no facts. But you want me to prove that "McCain, Obama and Biden have not spent campaign money for personal clothing."

You're asking me to dig through all their campaign expenses to prove their legitimacy or to find an authority who has done that digging and made that proof. I'm asking you only to find one instance of what you say being true.

On your other topic, you know, don't you, that Obama was not actually talking about spreading the wealth. There is no federal wealth tax. Obama was talking about redistributing income which is exactly what our income tax system has done since its inception.

The phrase "spreading the wealth" is common parlance for "sharing". Obama was talking about his plan for persons with taxable income of over $250,000 to "share" 39% on each marginal dollar instead of 36%. Obama's proposal would have cost him over $100K last year.

Here's an interesting video interview with Jeri Thompson, the wife of Sen. Fred Thompson (she asks some pretty good thought provoking questions, not to mention putting Alan Colmes in his place):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGLagLETYv4

What thought provoking questions did she ask? Which one of Colmes questions did she answer? How did she put Colmes in his place? What is his place? Liberal whipping boy on FOXNews?

SezWho2 - I guess you missed it where Jeri Thompson asks why Palin is lambasted, while Michelle Obama gets a pass, and all Colmes could do was sputter.