We are often reminded that European countries are so much older than we are, and sometimes that much more gorwn-up. Last week, the story of Vera Lengsfeld’s campaign poster, seen below, showing her side by side with Chancellor Angela Merkel both displaying a generous dose of cleavage, zipped around the internet at lightning speed. The slogan at the bottom of the poster translates to a good-natured “We have more to offer.”
Homegirls here cannot help but remember the onslaught of mainstream media a little over two years ago when our Homegirl appeared on the Senate floor showing the tennsiest hint of cleavage. That, too, in video form as well as print, zipped around the internet and MSM like there was no tomorrow – also like the subject of her speech was of no importance. I take this opportunity to hit the refresh button: She spoke for approximately 30 minutes on the need to provide new ways for students to finance higher education. It was an impressive presentation that got NO press because everyone was more concerned about the cleavage than the content. Here’s how she looked. I actually thought she looked tired, as if she had been working way too much that day.
Well the media eruption was raucous enough that our Homegirl appeared to have been concerned enough to have made a change in her wardrobe that went across the boards. All necklines were raised – some high enough to touch the signature choker necklaces with which we are so familiar. Since that July, 2007 incident, we have become used to seeing our girl in necklines raised modestly to above the collarbone. Here is a typical example.
Now I think she looks lovely in this pantsuit, but I have regretted for years that stupid attack on her wardrobe and on her since it gave the impression that the media had succeeded in doing what it never should have done: make a lovely woman self-conscious about her body – a body, I might add, that a good many American women would trade their own for in a NY minute. I have said in comments at other blogs and forums, and perhaps even here, (I have said it too many times to remember) that Hillary should not be so shy about showing a little skin. One of the things we love about Hillary, whether as a Senator, a candidate , or as our top diplomat, is that she is a woman. She’s our Homegirl – out there showing us that women can do it. I just resented that she felt she needed to cover up some of the evidence . Well, I don’t know if Hillary even has a spare minute to occupy my concerns about such things, but I did mention that an inch off the necklines would not be a scandal. She has beautiful skin.
Well, lo and behold, it has happened as the recent photos below attest! Yes! lower necklines, very pretty, and still modest – but not a suit of armor against media criticism – something a little more, well, revealing? No – just a little LESS careful. I think she looks beautiful.
I put this on this blog because it seems standards for women’s clothing in American politics and government remain puritannical compared to the decidedly more relaxed European standards. I think women in government, in business, in a wide variety of venues should feel comfortable within their own skin . I applaud these German leaders as well as their supporters and constituents for being at ease with the facts of life. I applaud Hillary for showing a little more skin. I expect no further negative attention from the media to Hillary’s style or body parts. She is flaunting nothing but a nice clear complexion (and, as always, pretty curves). You look gorgeous, Hillary. We love it!
Europe *IS* so much more grown-up about this sort of thing- the US needs to let go of the hypocritical “well, we were a Puritan nation at our roots” nonsense- we are a nation that proclaims to be puritan and hyper-moral but boy those closets are full of skeletons, aren’t they!
What I like about Lengsfeld’s attitude is she has a sense of humor about it- I know, God forbid!
Hillary should wear whatever neckline she feels most comfortable for whatever reason without some media hack trying to attribute her decision to some evil, ulterior motive.
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We should also point out that both of those German “wenches” are CONSERVATIVES! :-O The party they are running on is the CDU — the Christian Democratic Union. That’s the German version of our Republican party. You GO, Frauleins! 🙂
And speaking of conservatives: Regardless of how we may feel about Sarah Palin’s politics, one aspect of her persona that I have always liked is that she is a longtime athlete — former captain of her H.S. basketball team, runner, skiier, etc. — who is not at all hesitant to show off her well-toned and disciplined body.
This article in the August 2009 issue of Runner’s World made quite a splash for its photos of Palin:
I’m A Runner: Sarah Palin
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-243-410–13221-0,00.html
[Click on the pic of her and her baby in the stroller for more photos of Palin]
I do not support Palin politically, but I love this approach. This has often been overlooked in American politics — the physicality of appealing to the public. Ignoring the physical realities of one’s body and how the public perceives it works to the detriment of politicians.
I agree — Hillary can play up her looks a little more, and many voters will appreciate that. She is a lovely lady, and she can certainly work that to her advantage. Physical attractiveness may not be the only reason we would vote for someone, but let’s face it — it sure does help their cause! 🙂
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HA! Conservative German Wenches rock n RULE!
Your comment reminds me of the Tina Brown remarks that stacyx brought up – about Hillary “needing to get to the gym.” It occurred to me just now that this remark came during the same trip wherein Hillary did a bit of dancing. That now famous low dip at The Carnivore could never have been that low if Hillary were not in good shape.
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Still4Hill- we shouldn’t even listen to Tina Brown- anyone who analyzes an 11 day foreign policy trip by suggesting the SOS “go to the gym”, should really be written off and told to go screw!
Hillary is not fat and I hate the thought of Hillary or any woman reading that and having their self-esteem plummet because of it (not that Hillary’s would, I’m just saying that weight is such a huge cultural issue in the US).
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The thing is, I think Hillary IS sensitive to this kind of remark which is why she raised those necklines two years ago.
I also agree that this should hardly be the focus of any remarks regarding a tour like the one Hillary just came off of.
I happen to think, and I know you agree, that she kept herself looking absolutely FABULOUS despite the grueling schedule. ANY remarks about her looks should have been about what a beautiful image she was presenting to Africa for our country and culture.
Here’s a thought that just entered my mind -(which once held a great deal of new, easily accessible information about cultures when, many years ago I was a student of ethno-psychology) – many African cultures are actually matriarchal. Stripped down to their bare bones, I believe the “tribal” wars we see across Central Africa are in fact not tribal, but sexual wars which turns on its head the idea that rape is a weapon being used to keep a PEOPLE under control – it is a weapon targeted against the only people who threaten all war lords and tribal “leaders” – whether they manage to attain high political office or not – the women.
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NYCgirl- honest question- if Palin weren’t skinny and toned and seemingly considered by many to be attractive(although I really don’t see it), do you think she would have so much support, particularly among the Guns and God testosterone crowd? Lets say she were 200 lbs and not considered conventionally attractive, how would that affect her a) being plucked out of nowhere to be the VP candidate and b) being considered a major contender for 2012? She certainly flaunts it, which is fine by me but my issue is, I don’t really see all that much OTHER than that, that she has to work with. Merkel and Lengsfeld have big boobs, but they also seem to have pretty big brains! 🙂
I always get in trouble, even among Hillary supporters when I allege I think Palin is dumb as rocks but I am sorry, I really don’t think she’s all that smart- sure, she may have *some* good political instincts and be smart enough to hire some advisers with better political instincts, but she can’t debate her way out of a paper bag and what is worse, to me (because it reminds me so much of Bush), is that she has generally shown little to no interest prior to accepting being on the McCain ticket, in what’s going on outside of her little bubble world in Alaska.
I agree with your overall point- that while looks aren’t the only factor, it can play a role and if you’ve got it, flaunt it (like Merkel and Lengsfeld). It’s refreshing to see people comfortable with their bodies. My problem is, we tend to take that to the extreme and unlike the German Wenches above, we generally don’t have a sense of humor about it. I actually enjoy the fact that Merkel and Lengsfeld not only aren’t afraid to show some skin, but they do so even though they aren’t 105 lbs. In the US, it’s hard to see a female politician a) flaunting their cleavage in such a good-humored way without the media having a total flung-out-fit and b) daring to show some skin if one isn’t at least as slim as Palin.
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Oh NOOO! As your description proceeded, the picture you painted in my mind was of Janet Napolitano – proving that yes – you can get elected to a top state level if you don’t happen to be especially attractive. But then the next question, or part of the analysis has to do with raising that profile to the national level, and once again I hit the inevitable brick wall – than America’s opinion and vote is then manipulated. Do I think Napolitano could win a Presidential bid? YES! If she is the one the party wants elected, she would win it. And all contenders would be squashed – unless one of them was Hillary – she would beat Napolitano if the primary/caucuses were fair.
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Well, Napolitano would have to get through all the lesbian-baiting that would take place and that could doom her given how hateful politics can be. But arguably, Napolitano does also have brains on her side. I am not insinuating that the *only* women who get elected to office in this country are really conventionally attractive, thin ones, but I am wondering if Sarah Palin would be such a “hit” among the base if she looked like Janet Napolitano? Just wonderin’!
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Well, all women in leadership positions *must* be lesbians – it is a requirement and part of job the description, isn’t it? And it cannot be honorary – it must be earned – that’s what the classifieds say. And it is incumbent on the media to put that aspect of these women under a microscope that they do NOT use for men! Nonono! Men only get outed when they make a mistake with a wide stance in a men’s room! Who would’ve GUESSED! Women, OTOH, have this slung at them as soon as they either declare candidacy or are nominated for a high office – even if they have sexy husbands – and even if that husband can’t keep his hands off her 😉
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Still4Hill said:
“Well, all women in leadership positions *must* be lesbians – it is a requirement and part of job the description, isn’t it? And it cannot be honorary – it must be earned – that’s what the classifieds say.”
LOLOL. I agree! The lesbian label must be earned! According to my standards, to boot- I’ll decide who qualifies and who doesn’t!
There’s no free toasters here!
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OK! So your official position is that of Super-Vetter of the Earned Lesbian title among female candidates and nominees! I was WONDERING who was going to fill that indispensable post!
It’s a powerful position – just so you know!
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Stacy,
I can’t answer your question because I think much more highly of Palin than you do, and I can see much more to her appeal than just her looks. So, we are proceeding from two opposite premises.
But as I said, you might not want to vote for someone just on looks alone, but you have to admit, a more physically fit and attractive candidate will get more attention than an out-of-shape frumpy one! That’s the message I am receiving from the “German wenches”, and certainly from just about all of Still4Hill’s posts about how Hillary should lower that neckline! 🙂
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OFF-TOPIC FOR A SECOND:
Here’s a link to a NY Times Magazine interview with Hillary, dated Aug. 23, 2009 (next Sunday):
Saving the World’s Women: A New Gender Agenda
Here’s an excerpt from the very end of the interview regarding the impact of Hillary’s presidential run on women around the world:
“My campaign for many millions of reasons gave a lot of heart to many young women. It is still the most common comment that people make to me: “your campaign gave me courage” or “your campaign made a difference in my daughter’s life” or “I went back to school because of your campaign.” So, it is unfinished business, and young women know it is unfinished business.
The vast majority of them will never run for political office in any country. But they may decide to seek an education that their family doesn’t approve of, or move away for a job that is a little bit frightening to them, but which they feel they’ve got the skills to do. Or, you know, stand up and speak out against an injustice they see. And it is all of that ripple that is building and building — and is unstoppable.
“
[Emphasis mine. h/t to a commenter at No Quarter for that link.]
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Not REALLY o/t – although I do plan to do something about this interview. What we are talking about here really IS that unfinished business.
I have mentioned before among these posts that a problem I had at HV that finally caused me to back off two weeks before it went down was the hammering I took from RePUMAcans there disguised as the UltraMilitantFeministBrigade every time I even HINTED that it was OK to admire Hillary’s wardrobe, hair, make-up, figure since she cares enough about how she presents herself to actually WORK on these aspects of her appearance. On the campaign trail, she always looked beautiful, and I say. “Well done!”
How she looks IS part of the message, and her campaign IS unfinished business. I will be addressing all of this soon, but it is also appropriate here where showing candidate cleavage represents a part of the whole.
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Can’t wait till Tina Brown turns 62, because you can tell she’s going to look like five miles of bad road. I haven’t read the Beast since that infant “fashion” reporter suggested that spike heels were the ticket. I’d like to see that little pissant walk around that dirt-dump Afghanistan in spike heels without falling on her adolescent face, as if she would ever get a job like the one Hillary has right now.
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Oh damned how did I get to a 2009 post on this blog. Someone cart me away.
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LOLOL!!! You clicked on a link I put up because last night Lilly didn’t believe Angela Merkle had ever shown cleavage!!!!
I LOVE the Tina Brown comment. That same 12-year-old fashion columnist of hers was also the one who suggested that Hillary change her style from pantsuits. Tina owes Hillary big-time for her participation in her Women’s History month event. it does not seem to stop her from being bitchy about Hillary, though.
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Well it’s good to know I haven’t lost my mind. Or is it?
As for Tina, the color green does not look good on her. Her jealousy of Hillary has overcome her. Hillary will always be The Great One, and Tina….well….
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Yes, which is why she is so envious. It is very unbecoming when Hillary turns around and is gracious to her. Hillary did not HAVE to do her that favor in March.
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