Posted on 01/28/2008 6:08:55 AM PST by seanmerc
From the color of her suit to her latest choice in hairstyle, Hillary Clinton and her appearance is a common topic of conversation, and according to political analysts, the female presidential candidate is scrutinized for her looks more so than her male counterparts.
"There's no doubt that [Clinton] is held to a different standard — the evaluation of appearance has always been traditionally different for female candidates," said Sarah Brewer, the associate director of the Women and Politics Institute at American University.
"It's really very sexist," Geraldine Ferraro, a former vice presidential candidate, told ABCNEWS.com. "Nobody is going to say they don't like how [Illinois Sen.] Barack Obama looks and nobody is going to say that about [former North Carolina Sen.] John Edwards."
Throughout the campaign season, Clinton's appearance has made headlines — particularly after an unflattering photo was featured on Matt Drudge's Drudge Report in December 2007 — zooming in on every line and wrinkle on the New York senator's face.
Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh spoke about the photograph in December, posing the question that was on many people's minds: "Will Americans want to watch a woman get older before their eyes on a daily basis?"
"And that woman, by the way, is not going to want to look like she's getting older, because it will impact poll numbers," Limbaugh said. "It will impact perceptions."
While it's too soon to tell whether a droopy physical appearance will translate into drooping support at the polls, political gurus told ABCNEWS.com that gender bias is responsible for the media's willingness to openly discuss Clinton's Botox options while hardly mentioning Obama's worn-out appearance.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
xs, I totally knew what you meant. I know that you and I are on the same page...and are both heartbroken that he’s not in it anymore. He’s a great man and true leader. Have a great day, xs. Hope all is well with yunz.
my day will be better tomorrow if Rudy finishes third or lower : )
Emily is setting Hillary up for the big fall. Now the foundation is in place for the great excuse when Hillary either doesn’t get the nomination or loses the election. It was lookism. Nothing to do with her persona, mind, lust for power, etc. It’s all looks.
It’s also an interesting, if indirect, slam at those women who have succeeded, whether on the tube or in politics. Had nothing to do with their abilities, if any even existed. Looks alone.
My EYES!
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