Posted on 08/15/2006 1:36:40 PM PDT by pissant
When it comes to style, most of the 535 members of Congress wear conservative suits that reflect the power on Capitol Hill.
For some of their fresh-faced interns, however, skimpy tank tops, jeans, short skirts and flip-flops are the "underdressed" norm.
"In what I'm wearing, you can see a lot of skin, and I've seen a lot of girls walk around maybe not buttoned up," said Erica Matson, a congressional intern. "These girls wear tight pants, too, and they think maybe they're not pushing the limit, but they are."
With hopes of one day entering the political work force, as many as 20,000 interns begin that summer climb on Capitol Hill. Many will arrive at the most-popular address — the White House — with their tongues wagging.
"These kids all come out, and they're still wearing tank tops and flip-flops, and that's where the action is," said Alex Pareene, editor of Wonkette.com, a political Web site.
The site sponsors a "Hotties on the Hill" contest, highlighting the sexiest interns on Capitol Hill.
"The easiest way to stand out is to not dress conservatively, and maybe if you can get noticed, you might get a full-time position," Pareene said.
The intern "skin" debate, however, isn't limited to the nation's capital.
"Gen Y — or millenials, as they are often called — don't have the same sense of respect for hierarchy or authority as older generations do," said Tory Johnson, founder and CEO of Women for Hire. "What is often happening in that case is, we are leaving an impression of young and sexy instead of young, smart, sophisticated and savvy."
Nicole Williams coaches young women entering the work force, and says while some interns are calculating, others are just clueless about real-world business attire.
"This isn't a frat party. This isn't about who's the hottest chick out there. You are working for someone," Williams said.
Not all interns are on the same fashion page about what's hot and what's not.
"We're here with some very important people," said congressional intern Billy Williams. "This is a privilege to be working here."
Still, some interns say looking hot is their ticket to a better job.
"You've got the summer to prove 'I can work here' or 'I can't work here,' so to get noticed, why not?" Matson said.
We all remember what happened to Monica Lewinsky, who just wanted to be noticed.
These "skinterns" need to be reminded that Bill isn't President (thank God) any more.
Congress is still Congress.
These are way better than Clintoons intern WAY BETTER.
Slut#2 looks pretty good.
Their parents must be so proud......
Simple solution is to apply a dress code. If the Interns don't adhere to it - send them home. They do that in the corporate world - why not here?
Not that there isn't enough rampant skankiness to use them in every other rank of politics. Seriously, anyone who would let his daughter be a politician's concubine, err, intern may as well pimp her out.
Wonder if the one in the middle can bend over just a little bit more.... /sarc
"This isn't about the hottest chick out there. You are working for someone."
Who says? It seems that they are getting hired!
Exactly. Congress Critters and Senators are not known for their fidelity.
Exactly. Who the heck hired them? I'm sure they got their jobs dressing like that. It's like Hollywood and the casting couch.
Monica wanabees.
Jeez... just like Monica!
"These "skinterns" need to be reminded that Bill isn't President (thank God) any more."
I suddenly have a desire for a cigar.
Perhaps I don't know what it's like when you don't have to justify your expenses, but I wouldn't put up with Miss July in a string bikini if she couldn't do the work.
And if she could, I'd ask her to put on some clothes so the guys could concentrate. With the possible exception of casual Friday.
Shalom.
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