Update: GOP says Palin to donate $150K wardrobe
Turns out, Sarah Palin’s less than two-months old collection of chic suits and high heels – a new wardrobe that, according to Politico.com, cost the Republican National Committee more than $150,000 – will be donated to charity.
Which charity? And when? (After all, if SLP – that’s Sarah Louise Palin – becomes the new Veep, she’s not likely to return to her old Alaskan-gov garb.) No word yet from the McCain-Palin spokesperson, Tracey Schmitt, who today did not dispute the amount but remarked, “it was always the intent that the clothing go to a charitable purpose after the campaign.”
Earlier today, Palin found herself in the middle of a fashion fiasco when the Washington D.C.-based site revealed that donors to the GOP campaign paid for the Vice President’s designer duds from Saks Fifth avenue and Neiman Marcus, along with professional makeup sessions and the styling behind her famous up-do. In addition, Republican contributors also reportedly spent $5000 on new suits for her husband, Todd Palin. (Check out the photo of 7-year-old Piper Palin carrying a Louis Vuitton purse. Is she holding it for her Mom?)
“It’s remarkable that we’re spending time talking about pantsuits and blouses,” said the McCain-Palin spokesperson.
Is potential first lady Michelle Obama, also a fashionista and named along with Palin to People magazine’s 2008 Best Dressed List, dipping into the Dems’ coffers to cover the cost of her fabulous frocks? According to Politico’s review of the Obama campaign, the Democratic National Committee’s expenses records did not show any spending on clothing for the candidates or their families.
Tell Do Something what YOU think: Is it acceptable for Palin to have a clothing allowance – after all, public figures like Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour do? Or is it not okay because Palin’s new style comes courtesy of the Republican party’s patrons?
Another thought to ponder: Is it sexist for the media to prey on Palin in this way? It’s hard to recall a time when male candidates were scrutinized in such a fashion (pun intended).
Comments
One thing... okay, two things: One, what charity is it? What if it's a pretend charity, or something that's a total downer, like big corperations? And two, I think that It is not sexist to be on her case, and I'm a feminist.
Everyone in the world has a stylist these days -- even the second-string newbies from HSM3. (This is true; I read about it.) That's not the issue. But did she need $150,000 worth of new clothes? Can't she wear the same thing twice? She's acting like she's on The Hills, not a Vice President candidate.
That's ridiculous! I'm sure if that kind of money was spent on Michelle Obama, the Republicans would have jumped on her about it. Seriously, $150K is obscene and only shows that they're attempting to "create" a VP rather than just presenting Palin to the American public as she is, or rather, was.
What would Joe the Plumber say?
What is the charity? The RNC? Pro-lifers of America?
This is so obscene. I'm glad I haven't given any money to the candidates. You never know where your money is going.
That kind of money could go toward some serious good and she is spending it on clothes. That's disgusting.
maybe its better that the republicans used the money on her clothes instead of actual campaigning - but that comes from a completely liberal view (haha!). if i was one of the people that donated to the campaign however, i would be ticked, even if she will really donate clothes to charity. i can understand- not necessarily agree with though- the stretch to say that her appearance is part of the campaigning. but c'mon 150k seems a little steep....