Politicians’ styles often a matter of debate
It’s not unusual for politicians’ clothes and grooming to become fodder for public scrutiny.
Some analysts say Republican Richard M. Nixon lost the first televised presidential debate — and ultimately the election — to Democrat John F. Kennedy because the lights played up Nixon’s five o’clock shadow, making him look haggard and unkempt.
By the time Hillary Rodham Clinton sought the Democratic nomination for president in 2008, she was used to the sniping about her ubiquitous pantsuits.
President Obama threw out the first pitch at the MLB All-Star Game in 2009 and struck out with fashion critics, who panned his well-worn, baggy “dad jeans.”
Sarah Palin quickly transformed into a fashion plate when she campaigned as John McCain’s running mate in 2008. But tongues wagged with the news that the Republican National Committee had shelled out $150,000 to dress her and some of her family.
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