Makeovers are popular. They're featured in magazine spreads and reality tv shows everywhere. Not a new trend either... even Hans Christian Andersen was writing about them in 1843. We like watching transformations. That aside, when the Republican National Committee drops over $150,000 on clothes and accessories for a VP candidate and her family in two months, well, it raises some eyebrows. Including mine.
Sure it's fun to get dolled up before going on the road. Now and then I treat myself to a new top and fresh coat of nail polish before a talk. And yes, appearances matter given psychology tells us how much visual stimuli impact our opinions before a word is spoken. 'Dress for the job you want' they say. And I certainly agree much of the time. However, $150K? Really? No doubt everyone looked lovely at the RNC... Levi and Piper sported new haircuts and the whole family appeared dressed for dinner in the nation's capitol. But still folks, candidacy isn't (or shouldn't be!) a beauty pageant. Perhaps that's lost somewhere in the increasingly blurred line between politics, reality television, and entertainment. But regardless, it's hard to swallow exorbitant shopping sprees from the conservative party at the same time Greenspan is talking about a credit tsunami and our nation faces economic crisis. Anyone else out there reminded of Nero? Furthermore, Halloween season aside, the role of VP isn't about merely looking the part. It's being prepared. And simply put, Sarah is not ready to lead no matter how she's made up.
