Well, the bottom line for me is not that it's awful to be rich or to buy fine things, but that it's awful to pretend - particularly on a political front - that you're "just like everyone else," and call out others for being "elitist" when you are elitist yourself.

Taken as an isolated example, I'd agree. But when it's in conjunction with all the other examples of Republican hypocrisy, it helps paint an ugly picture.

Well, speaking pragmatically, since Obama is kind of GQ in his appeal, he could get away with conservative suits pushing $2,000 apiece, but not much more. Since Biden's appeal is more working class, he gets less of a wardrobe budget.

Neither of them is allowed anything approaching a $400 haircut.

Prediction: If Obama wins, he is People's next sexiest man alive.

I'm sorry, I find lampooning Palin fun. To me, sadly, as a VP cadidate, she is and has shown herself to be a figure of fun by virtue of what comes out of her mouth. Put me in a similar position, God help you all and I would make as much of an ass of myself.

That said, as a fashion statement myself (not) I did find this photo funny of the pre-VP-nom Palin in the local grocery store.

Attachment 778

The RNC did a good thing upgrading her wardrobe. If the people who donated to the RNC don't complain about the $$ to give her a makeover, no worries, money well spent! ;)

On the other hand, would Palin get slammed for looking shoddy if she made a decision to wear pantsuits from Sears? Probably.

Good Lord, what is she wearing?!?!

I have no problems with politicians dressing well. In fact, I expect it. I do, however, have a problem with putting on a painful show of "folksyness" and accusing your opponant of "elitism", and then going on a $150,000 clothes shopping binge with somebody elses money.

Honestly, I don't disagree with the clothing- she's up there with Mrs. 'Haute' McCain, and she's got to have something better than that pink monstrosity Snow showed us. (I still think the tabs excessive, but oh well). But make-up? McCain has facial scarring he needs to cover, yet his was almost half what her bill was.

True that.

For a study in contrast, here's the Obama's on fashion: GQ on a budget

(He's probably going to get slammed as being too elitist to shop for clothes now).