At last, an issue the media understands
By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune
In this presidential race, which some media commentators are painting as the most important in a generation or two, there seem to be few issues being examined very closely, perhaps because both candidates are a bit fuzzy on them and keep shifting positions. At least, that was the case until last week when it was learned that the Republican Party had spent $150,000 on clothes for vice presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin at upscale clothing stores.
Suddenly, the press was galvanized into action, describing the clothes, criticizing them, wondering how the grand old party could be so desperate as to blow that much money trying to dress up its candidate.
Yet, there seemed to be no stories about the clothing worn by Sen. Barack Obama — whom I envy for his ability to wear fine suits. Does he spend $1,000 on his suits, $2,000, $5,000? And how about Michelle Obama, who also dresses well? What does she spend. Did some couturier charge her $1,000 each for her skirts, for her dresses, for her jackets? If that is the case, it wouldn’t be surprising. If Obama wants to spread the wealth, why not start with spreading it around to the folks who sell his wife and him clothes? Or did the Democratic Party do that? If so, so what?
And how about Cindy McCain? Her clothes are beautiful, as you would expect the dresses, skirts, blouses and jackets worn by a wealthy and stylish woman to be. Does the GOP buy her clothes? If so, it’s money well spent.
And Sen. John McCain’s suits — well, they look good on him, but I hope the GOP didn’t spend $150,000 on them. If so, they were robbed.
One thing for sure: Neither Obama nor McCain will need a $400 haircut.
