America needs an attitude makeover

By: Colleen Kopp

Posted: 11/3/08

The Republican National Committee spending $150,000 on Sarah Palin's campaign wardrobe is not political excess; it is actually proof of good taste.

It is ridiculous for Palin to get such an onslaught from the press and the public for looking presentable. Is it a crime for someone constantly in the spotlight to look chic? Honestly, how would you dress if you were going to be seen by millions upon millions of people worldwide? Gentlemen, I hope you'd whip out your most dandy suit. And ladies, it would be your priority to look your absolute best.

The way a woman chooses to present herself speaks volumes about her character. We live in a materialistic world. A politician's public appearance greatly affects an American's judgment. It is much better to be known for classy, albeit pricey, attire than gag-inducing pant suits.

Numerous Web sites and blogs attacked the Republican National Committee's spending spree and labeled it as detrimental to the McCain campaign. They've carefully listed the $75,062 spent at Neiman Marcus and the $49,425 at Saks Fifth Avenue. It is as if Palin's visiting campaign stops in a polished skirt, heels, and a well-cut jacket are bad for the campaign's image.

Another "excitement" was the $98 spent at Pacifier (a baby boutique) and assorted purchases at Macy's, Barneys New York and Atelier New York. So the Republicans take care of their candidates. Good for them.

A frequently overlooked part of the expenditures is that, after the campaign is over, the committee plans on donating the garments to charity.

The Republicans are not the only politicians with eyes for style. Michelle Obama has floored the press with vibrant dresses and daring accessories. Where is her designer of choice Maria Pinto's clothing collection available? Saks Fifth Avenue, Barneys New York and Takashimaya. But why is it the Republican National Committee that gets grilled for purchases at the same high-end shops?

The press made less than a whisper about Hillary Clinton's tailor-made pantsuits by designer Susanna Chung Forest. Each jacket cost around $3,000 and pants around $2,000. What about her two hair styling sessions that cost close to $3,000? Was she distancing herself from the average American by trying to look nice?

Why are people trying to fool themselves into believing any politician is an average American? In order to be a politician one has to be above average. You think McCain woke up 18 months ago and decided to run for president with no money in his pocket?

So why bother to criminalize politicians for life's accessories they've worked hard for? Besides, high-dollar purchases benefit our country. Look at it this way: When the Republican National Committee shelled out thousands upon thousands to dress up Palin, they were stimulating our economy.

Perhaps the people who are most outraged by the McCain campaign expenditures are just jealous that never in their entire lives will they look as good as Cindy McCain does in her 50s.

She is by far this election's fashionista (and queen economic stimulator). It was Cindy McCain who encouraged Palin to pay her traveling hairstylist $10,000 for the first two weeks of October. The McCain family has done much more than the other candidates by boosting the economy with buying 13 cars and eight houses.

Although Michelle Obama looks stylish and Palin has a completely revamped campaign wardrobe, Cindy McCain blew both Palin and Michelle Obama out of the water in a single night. According to calculations by Vanity Fair, Cindy McCain's Republican National Convention ensemble, complete with three-carat diamond earrings and Chanel watch, totaled over $310,000.

OK, so Cindy McCain looks smashing. After she advises Palin on her appearance, Palin looks great. It follows that Cindy will help her husband once in office and, since she gives good advice, with the McCains in the White House, just imagine the potential transformation of America's society.

We have to face it, right now our country is a mess and our economy is just plain ugly. What America needs is a makeover - a genuine McCain makeover.