PrintJuly 17, 2007
Politico tries to "Feminize" Romney
John Edwards and his $500 haircuts are a perfect metaphor for the Senator's hypocrisy about "two Americas" and his populist soak the rich campaign. It has probably damaged Edwards more than any single issue or event during his entire campaign. Now Politico is seeking to duplicate those results by highlighting the fact that Republican candidate Mitt Romney hired a consultant for $300 to advise him about makeup for his TV appearances:
What kinds of things do you think of when you hear "communications consulting"? Speechwriting? Message strategy? Well, "communications consulting" is how presidential candidate Mitt Romney recorded $300 in payments to a California company that describes itself as "a mobile beauty team for hair, makeup and men's grooming and spa services."Oh! The Horror! Manly man Romney wanting an expert to tell him how to look his best under the hot lights of a TV appearance! Phooey! First, Romney apparently only used the services of the company twice. His spokesman confirms it was for "makeup" which the beauty shop owner says he barely needs:
But Stacy Andrews, who made up Romney for Hidden Beauty, said he barely needs makeup. "He's already tan," she said. "We basically put a drop of foundation on him ... and we powdered him a little bit."One historical note: If Richard Nixon spent the equivalent of $300 on make up consulting prior to his appearance in the first debate against John Kennedy in 1960, it is quite probable that he would have won that election. Nixon had just recently recovered from illness and refused to use pancake or powder. As a result, he looked gaunt, haggard, and white as a sheet. Kennedy looked like a bronze statue thanks to a tan he had recently acquired as well as the skillful application of some base to even out the wrinkles on his face. Most experts at the time thought the contrast between the youthful, vigorous Kennedy and the drawn and tired Nixon tipped the scales in the close race toward Kennedy. Politicians took note and from then on, no candidate would think of going on TV without getting made up first. Trying to "feminize" Romney in this manner just doesn't cut it. Looks like it's back to the drawing board for GOP opponents. Maybe they could try going after Romney for abusing his dog again...
