While “real” journalists waste their time on immigration reform, unrest in the Middle East, and Justin Bieber’s latest public relations misstep, my focus remains firmly fixed on what really matters – handicapping the 2016 Presidential race.
In August 2013, it’s all about Hillary. She’s “prohibitive”. But they are some red flags. Her hairstyle is tired. Her wardrobe wrinkled. Her make up dry. In short, she’s a female in a man’s world. Did I mention her age? Everyone else has.
Alas, the country may not be ready to judge the political accomplishments of a woman with the same objectivity as a man. If men in politics were judged by the same standards as women, it is likely that this would have been the news announcing Obama’s election 5 years ago:
Obama Wins the Presidency; Promises to balance job with family responsibilities
By L. Ledbetter, Style Columnist
January 20, 2009: His ascension to the Presidency ushers in a new era of liberalism inside the Beltway, but will his influence also usher in a new world order of power fashion? Mr. Obama promises to offer substance over image but his fashion choices to date foretell a legislative direction that bears closer scrutiny.
Barack H. Obama, 1-term Senator, father of two, was sworn in as President of the United States today, becoming the first male to hold the post since the last one. The face of the historic Democratic victory is unquestionably new President Barack Obama’s —and his outfit is a dark blue pinstriped Armani suit, with cordovan wing tips and silver cuff links.
On this historic occasion, Obama selected a tailored dark blue single breasted suit for the ceremony, and close observers detected a fresh coat of hair dye with silver highlights emanating just so, neatly from the center of his scalp. His daring hair color choice at once announced his embrace of change and his reluctant to let go of the past. The subtle use of accessories projected more banker than gangster, and his deft use of the three-point pocket square demonstrated a quiet self-assurance that should serve him well during upcoming policy debates. His cufflinks flashed sparkles of light to the crowd as he waved, emphasizing his savvy at accessorizing with a purpose. The only time we heard the word “liberal” was when describing his generous use of the fragrance Acqua di Parma Colonia.
Obama played directly to today’s runway style. For their fall collections, many top designers showed versions of the traditional power suit, deconstructing and re-imagining that old career-guy standard into something with a little more personality. He eschewed the traditional white shirt for the day, opting instead for soft tangerine and a bold light blue tie, the double Windsor comfortably pressed against his prominent Adam’s apple. We applaud his ability to combine the suit of Wall Street with the shirt and tie of Main Street, in what could be considered his first reach across the aisle of the fashion world. “Ermenegildo Zegna, meet J. Crew.”
He spoke to the assembled crowd of well-heeled supporters, but kept his remarks brief, not wanting to sound shrill or nagging on his first day in power. With his subtle, paternal sense of style, Obama is helping to create a new archetype of sophisticated masculinity, in Washington and around the country. Come September, all the most fashionable fellows will look a little like the President.
In more relaxed settings, Mr. Obama has been photographed in his signature pastel Izod short sleeve shirts, bearing his once prodigious arms and biceps. We would recommend he consider switching away from size medium, which only accentuates his expanding waistline. In fact, he might consider staying with long sleeves this year. In an arms race against Michelle Obama, he is sure to lose. At least he has the good sense to spare us views of his unshaven calves.
That said, it’s a historic moment for the working man, the one who hustles night and day to wrangle votes for a sweeping electoral victory and also those who struggle toward marginally less stratospheric goals, like cooking for his spouse or taking the time to cuddle without being asked.
Obama has long built his public image around an understated elegance, a look that is grownup and masculine, and this look will only be enhanced when he has unlimited Rose Garden photo shoots. We look forward to his contributions to Washington fashion society, and maybe some legislative overreach along the way. It’s never easy to be a trendsetting man, but the days of tall, dark and frumpy may be over with Big Barack in charge.
Iowa caucuses are only 29 months away, and when the time comes, hopefully Hillary will face more questions about policies than recipes. Sexism in politics – it’s wearing thin.
TheMSRP 