Sarah Palin's $150,000 Wardrobe Malfunction?

Sarah Palin, small-town hockey mom and everywoman? More like Sarah Palin, pampered princess. Jeanne Cummings at Politico reports that the RNC’s monthly financial disclosure reports reveal that the Republican National Committee has spent tens of thousands of dollars on the vice presidential candidate's wardrobe and accessories since she was nominated, including $150,000 in September alone.

So it seems you can take the girl out of the beauty pageant, but you can’t take the beauty pageant out of the girl.

Palin's clothes came from retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Barneys New York, and expenses included nearly $5,000 for hair and makeup. Maybe this is actually her one-woman economic stimulus plan. Lord knows the retail sector needs it.

Still, voters must find it unfathomable for Palin, who has been presented as a woman “like us,” to spend that kind of money on clothes in these difficult financial times, to see her speaking so passionately about Joe the Plumber while plumbing campaign coffers for Valentino jackets and pencil skirts. And yet, they’ve eaten it up, tittering on chat sites about Palin’s Kawasaki eyeglass frames and her Naughty Monkey red peep-toe pumps. (See our earlier take on Gov. Palin's style here.)

Palin’s spokewoman is saying this is much ado about nothing, that we should be talking about more important issues. But can you imagine the outcry if it were revealed that Hilary Clinton’s rainbow of pantsuits was paid for by campaign contributions? Or if college kids’ $50 checks to the Biden/Obama campaign were putting those men in $5,000 custom suits? (Obama’s suits are by Hart Schaffner Marx out of Chicago, and cost in the $1,500 range.)

In Palin’s defense, being a woman in the public eye has its own kind of pressures. And it’s unlikely she has been stepping off the campaign trail to join the ladies who lunch for shopping sprees at Neimans. Instead, she is probably working with a wardrobe stylist, who brings her things to try on and choose from. But the issue of clothing and hair expenses has always been a land mine for politicians (John Edwards' $400 haircuts), and someone should have been sensitive to that.

You also have to wonder how it feels, as a woman, to have everyone know that you really have been dressed up and trotted out like a beauty queen for the American public to wag their tongues at. Caribou Barbie indeed.

-- Booth Moore, Los Angeles Times Fashion Critic

Photo: Republican VP candidate, Gov. Sarah Palin at a campaign rally in Carson, California on October 4, 2008. Michael Robinson Chavez/Los Angeles Times.

Comments

[Thrasybulos]

Hmmm..., Over the course of 2 months, $150k isn't all that much for a new outfit every day, is it? Not for presidential clothes.

But if Sarah Palin were to have worn an ensemble twice in a week — never mind that: twice in a month! — she'd have been crucified as a bumpkin from Alaska whose sense of style would never mesh with our oh-so- sophisticated Euro "friends", never mind the useful idiots from LA's media culture.

How about some info on Bill Ayers as the real AUTHOR of OBAMA'S BOOK, "Dreams of my Father"? The scholarship looks very persuasive. See Jack Cashill:

(http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.printable&pageId=77815)

[rhunter]

LA Times Tell me how much did the DNC spend for Obama's stage setting? You are so open in your inability to just be nutral and report the news. May be that is why you are slowly going out of business!
If it were not for the funny papers you would have nothing worth reading.

[Hockey mom for OBAMA]

$150,000 would have been better spent on a real college education for her.

And Scott, tell me, what exactly IS a socialist? Quit quoting the hate filled garbage of the Republicans if you don't even know what the big words mean. And let's see... "What the heck does this have to do with the issues affecting our country?" When people are losing homes left and right and have to make choices about paying their bills OR putting food on the table, and the Republican party spends $150,000 on CLOTHES and MAKE-UP, it IS about the issues affecting our county. It shows, as usual, a Republican detatchment for what is really going on in this country.

[Dogpound]

No Sacs Fifth Avenue in Alaska - this is what happens when you let Caribou out of their natural habitat to roam in the city...

[Thrasybulos]

It is a lie to say the 90% of Obama's contributions are from individuals contributing $100. This is just another urban myth perpetuated by a complacent Pro-Obama media. He's up to his eyeballs in foreign contributions, but you never read it in the Mainstream. In fact, there are many irregularities about O's funding -- some bigger than others -- but none are covered in our big news sources.

[Undecided in FL]

For those of you who focused on how much Sarah Palin spent on her wardrobe, pro or con, you have fallen into the trap the journalist wanted you to see. The issue here is not what was spent on the wardrobe or even misappropriations of campaign funds.

If you have donated to a campaign fund, your money is being used frivolously regardless of your intent, when was the last time you heard a candidate staying at a Motel 6? Donations made to a campaign are designated not only for campaign workers, over head costs etc. but for marketing and advertising. How much would you say the slanderous commercials, which we either mute or change the channel, eat your donation? Clothing would be considered a marketing expense.

Let’s take this on the Joe the plumber level…say you were interviewing for a new position/career you direly wanted. Most people would put their best foot forward and invest in something new…whether it’s an item or a complete outfit. You live on a budget, as most people do, and you take money out of the budget for the new item(s). Your employer could say you are misappropriating the wage given to you and feel your spending is completely absurd; an equivalency for those who complain about contributing to the campaign. The money you spend on the new item(s) could have gone to Joe the plumber’s kids arts n crafts fund or the Mrs. jewelry fund or the Mr. hobby fund (please forgive me on gender stereotypes). Are you misappropriating funds or are you being a representative of your family in order to better yourself for the greater good of the family?

I have been undecided for quite some time now and a report like this makes me WANT to vote for McCain/Palin due to the tedious nitpicking. Booth Moore & the Los Angeles Times you have had your soapbox, here’s mine. Shame on you for promoting a sexist, one-sided, biased, uneducated chide.

[Tim Hall]

If McCain is Elmer Fudd (inept), Palin is Daffy Duck (greedy and impulsive)

[Bubba Bob]

Once again, the morons come forth to slap their keyboards in a massive orgy of ignorance.

Listen up, idiots, the problem is not with Failin` Palin buying herself clothes. We don't care what Sarah Palin buys. The problem is that the McCain CAMPAIGN organization is buying Palin clothes, using the Republican Party as a proxy. Where is the money for these clothes coming from? Campaign contributions and Federal Government matching campaign finance funds. That means that if we disregard the Federal Government's matching funds that McCain is taking, the money for Palin's clothes is coming from contributions from McCain campaign supporters. Who are these supporters? They are the mega-rich donors (who stand to get big tax breaks as well as gobs of welfare for their mismanaged and failing corporations) and the profoundly stupid white trash dolts who send the McCain camp $5 contributions (who stand to gain NOTHING from McCain other than four solid years of hard reaming).

Here's how it works: If you are a McCain/Palin supporter, THEY ARE ROBBING FROM YOU, YOU IGNORAMUS! They are taking the money that you simple minded trolls hand over and dressing the girilla from Wasilla up like a shop window mannequin in clothes that YOU joe-hockey-moms and six-pack-plumbers could never afford.

None of the vast amounts of money that us Obama/Biden supporters are contributing are being used to fill Obama's or Biden's wardrobes. Before your pathetic Rezko/Wright/Ayers/Muslim/Terrorist/Socialist addled mind starts fixating on how the evil Obama might be robbing his own supporters, realize that he would be caught the same way that Palin was: Mandated financial disclosures that are required of BOTH campaigns and parties.

You McCain/Palin supporters are astonishingly vacuous cretins. You shrilly shriek about Ayers. We know all about Ayers but WE DON'T CARE! We don't care if Obama is "paling it up" with a respected university professor who was the 1997 Chicago Citizen of the Year but also did some odd things back in the `60's when he was a youngster. We don't care. Get over it.

You fools speculate about dark and mysterious dealings with Tony Rezko, but that issue HAS been investigated and the details are part of the public record. That horse is dead and no amount of beating will get it to stand up and run.

Obama is a socialist? You don't even have any clue what a socialist is so just shut up about it.

Worried about Reverend Wright? You know that Obama likes him because he is a Muslim, right? You McCain/Palin supporters are an embarrassment to the entire species.

[A]

Anybody who objects to a $150,000.- wardrobe has no business voting Republican.
Hey, that's so much less than the tax cut Bush gave us, and which I expect to get again if McCain wins!
And if your (bundled) contribution to the Republican National Committee was less than that amount, why did you bother?

[me]

It's about time someone threw some mud in this wench's face! The only reason she is even in this campaign is to throw mud any way. That’s all she ever does is attack the Dem’s, yeah that’s what campaigning is all about, but this woman has no idea what’s going on. It’s like a female version of Bush, except much worse. I could not, nor do I want to, imagine what it would be like if she became Pres. if something happened to McCain. All she knows how to do when she makes speeches is to pretend that she knows what’s going on in this country, and that she is everyone’s friend. Well that and spew verbal diarrhea in the form of hate speech towards Obama. The RNC is going down, mostly because of her, and I couldn’t be happier.

[Richard]

Day in and day out McCain and Palin, as well as they proxies have proven themselves to be LIARS and two faced manipulators of the truth.

They should not EVER be trusted with the reigns of government in this country. If this was just one instance you could easily say it is not that important as an issue facing the nation, however, the same pattern of deception and lies keeps reoccurring every 24 hours and it is too much to trust. All we have is trust. McCain and Palin are not trustworthy at all on any topic, issue, or policy.

[tony]

As the shouting from the trail and the frantic spinning from the anchor desks intensify, the audience is voting with their remotes. F the media, and lets see how accurate the polls are since when the people who are republicans are just saying they are going to vote for OBAMA like me just not to be labeled a Racist....

[Tony]

Where are the negative views on OBAMA being a socialist bigot? Suckers are going to be in for a rude awakening when he starts taxing big business, like who you work for you fools and they start laying people of.....suckers!!!

[becca]

Obama's outfits DO NOT COME OUT OF THE DONERS POCKETS..........these grossly overpriced rags, however, DID.

Denver Stadium benefited the ENTIRE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.......it wasn't slapped on Obama's back........everyone, yes, even the aiti-american rethuglicons, could attent.

NEXT!!!

[richard hernandez]

booth! you are a fashion critic! stay out of politics and do your job! does palin dresss smart or not?

[bill]

And they still call BO an elitist...

[Lynn Mary]

RE: Where is the News on Michelle Obama ordering IRANIAN Caviar, lobster, and champaign while staying at the Waldorf Astoria last week? Don't throw stones when you spend the night in Glass Astor'a's Lefties!

-----HELLOOOOO, the New York Post retracted this story as being totally bogus!!! Maybe if you'd READ instead of listen to Limbaugh, you'd figure out the facts. Don't throw stones when you spend the night in NutJob Stupidville.

[Web Smith]

All of the candidates and their families fly around in private jets, stay at the best hotels, and eat the best foods unless there's a photo op. Do you think any of these guys are going to throw their wealth into the pile that they're trying to spread around?

How about some objective reporting on the issues? We might be able to get some if we still had the right to a free press.

The primary issue is that none of these people are listening. They are all trying to force their own agenda on the country.The bank bailout is not the only issue. The vast majority of American citizens have been against our continued presence in Iraq, against amnesty of illegal aliens, against more H-1B visas, against the continued shipment of our jobs offshore, and against more government growth and spending, but the government continues to support these things with legislation and to grow and spend. Almost half of us believe that 9/11 was an inside job, but no one is calling for an independent investigation. We want to wean ourselves from our dependence on foreign oil, but Congress and the Senate play with renewable tax credits like they are a volleyball. Who they are listening to is not clear, but it can only be surmised from looking at their lists of campaign contributions.

http://ewebsmith.com/Finance/notlistening.html

[Alaskan Crabcake]

"It's not whether you win or lose....it's how you look while playing the game."

Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Patrick Ewing, Joe Namath, Hulk Hogan, Dog the Bounty Hunter

[JIm]

The Democratic media machine is concentrating on non-issues. How about doing some real investigation on the Obama “Free ride” team? What is really disturbing is that Barry couldn’t get a job as one of his secret servicemen or a job with the FBI because of his association with his buddy Ayers. How about some real investigation on that? Barry has been very evasive about this from the beginning and Ayers is not talking. Why? I guess when radical new education is put in place to “hate your parents” (william Ayers), it is time for home schooling for every child. The media makes me sick. The bias stinks.

[andrea]

this is a blog about fashion and trends. As such I think discussing the cost of Sarah Palin's wardrobe is fairly relevant, just as other blogs (individual and organizational alike) discuss the impact of the economy on high fashion and wardrobe, why shouldn't the LATimes? This is also a blog entry not an "official printed" article. I do wish y'all would chill out about the "liberal media!!!!"

[JUSTTHEFACTS]

Give me a freakin break...The LA Times...home to the Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Social Elite saying that someone was spent too much on clothing??

Why don't you all read something relevant like the fact that Obama has been accepting illegal campaign funding for months.

check out:
http://www.newsmax.com/timmerman/Obama_fundraising_illegal/2008/09/29/135718.html

Of particular interest:
Foreign Donations

And then there are the overseas donations — at least, the ones that we know about.

The FEC has compiled a separate database of potentially questionable overseas donations that contains more than 11,500 contributions totaling $33.8 million. More than 520 listed their “state” as “IR,” which the FEC often uses as an abbreviation for "information requested." (further in the article it mentions IR can also mean IRAN) Another 63 listed it as “UK,” the United Kingdom.

But others came from places as far afield as Abu Dhabi, Addis Ababa, Beijing, Fallujah, Florence, Italy, and a wide selection of towns and cities in France.

In July and August, the head of the Nigeria’s stock market held a series of pro-Obama fundraisers in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city. The events attracted local Nigerian business owners.

At one event, a table for eight at one fundraising dinner went for $16,800. Nigerian press reports claimed sponsors raked in an estimated $900,000.

But of course he must have sat down at the table with them with no "pre-conditions".

What do you all think these donors expect back from this? What do these countries have to gain? Especially those that the US does not consider our allies. It is shameful at best to continue to spend this dirty money on campaign ads.

Also, when Arnold comes to Washington for a California bailout...maybe all you rich movies stars can bailout the state since you love the socialist tax system so much. After all it's good to "Spread the Wealth".

[John Stephen]

I've voted Republican since Nixon in 68. This time I just can't do it! Why? Because of many things. Senator McCain is so out of touch with the common man, for one. His choice for a running mate would be a disaster of epic proportions if she had to assume the Presidency! He's Rich and acts like it, and She's Nuvo Rich but acts like it too, which is easy to do when someone else is paying the bills! $150,000! That's a lot of Lipstick for that pig!

John

[Michelle LH]

This is a ridiculous discussion. She is in the public eye. You would tear her apart if she came out dressed like a bag lady. She will not win either way. SHAME on the paper for acting like this is news. It is so disgusting that you call yourselves journalists.

[cody mccall]

I've always felt Palin was picked as a diversion, to take the media attention away from the angry old man and focus it on a gun-lovin', moose-shootin', go-go-boot wearin' hottie. I think McCain lost it right there. Palin trivialized the campaign and will end up costing more votes than she gains.
Which is great because I'm voting for Obama. Palin would be a great president of the NRA. Ssshhhh! Don't tell 'em I said that.

[Zeke]

150 grand? That will buy a lot of clothes at Wal-mart.

[steve jinco]

A pig in nice Neiman Marcus clothing is still a pig.

[Steve]

Palin is such a loser!

From a Republican.....

Steve

[spiderwing]

The comments to this article (and many others) makes me ask the question. Have most of the people reached the point of reacting before reflecting?
If this is the trend, then many Americans are reacting to news based more on emotional responses than what's really important... a "search for the truth."

Change is Inevitable
Growth is Optional

[to the idiot BILL SHAW]

BILL SHAW, you idiot, Barack Obama has paid for his own campaign. Sarah Palin's wardrobe is, in part, paid for by YOU (assuming you pay your taxes).

[Lisa Porter]

While I agree that it is appropriate to spend some campaign money on clothes and makeup, let's face it-- $150K plus is way over the top. After all, she's the one who has been bragging about being a Walmart hockey mom. By the way, all the other candidates buy their own clothes.

[Darren480]

Let's get one thing straight. Campaign dollars are not taxpayer dollars. Nobody but McCain-Palin supporters who donated money to the RNC are paying for Palin's wardrobe. And they are going to be auctioned off for charity. You Lefties are so hypocritical. If she was a frump wearing an off the rack from WalMart, you'd criticize her for being too homely. Get over it. You dress for a job interview. This is a big job.

[Dan]

The real issues are that McCain is old and in poor health. The stress of the Presidency could kill him. I haven't seen much clarity in his thinking either. Palin is uneducated and inexperienced, not just in politics, but in life. Would we really want her leading our country, and in these times? If you're not making $250,000 a year, why are you in the Republican Party in the first place? Because you've been hoodwinked with all this talk of family values. The wealthy elite are Republican because they've set into motion tax policies that allow them to keep more of their wealth. If you belong to the middle class or low income, have you really benefited under their failed policies? They have taken you for a ride. It's like the Christian right, they get burned by the Republicans every time and just keep coming back for more. From a registered Independent.

[Julie Runco]

I am trying not be polite, but those who make excuses for Palins spending spree happens to be just plan ignorant, and then just happens to coincide with being a Republican. coincidence ..... no.

This is more about economy a question then sexist or fashion. She's spending money she doesn't have and having us pay for it, as if we were her credit card.

Well that's one of the main issues why were in this finical situation. Spending more than what you can afford.

[db]

Palin could have shopped at Walmart or even Goodwill and the LA Times would have found a problem with it.

It's OK for Obama to wear a $1,500. Hart, Schafner & Marx suit? I buy Hart, Schafner & Marx suits on sale at Marshall's for $150.

I have never witnessed such a concerted and blatant effort to destroy a person in the public eye as I have seen the liberal attack on Palin and now Joe Plumber.

It is fashionable to publicly support Obama...but when voters get in the voting booth and close the curtain.....well...

[Raul]

Poor old Richard and Pat Nixon. All she got was a "respectable Republican cloth coat."

How times have changed for the Grand Old Party!

[Mia]

They should have spent $150,000 on tutoring instead of a new wardrobe. Because nothing says "I'm not part of the Washington elite" like a $75,000 Neiman Marcus shopping spree.

She may look cute, but she sounds stupid. With 2 weeks to go, I guess it's easier to make her over than to smarten her up.

[Graham Hooper]

I am from England originally and here now on a green card so cant even vote. I for one am sick of the left wing media in this country. I am used to the BBC giving a balanced view of political issues. It seems to me that 90% of the US media is part of the Obama camp. Why do you continue to be so one sided, petty and small minded when it comes to Sarah Palin. This country is going the way of Europe which is not a good thing. I left there to come to the land of opportunity. I will never again buy the LA Times.

[headcase]

Despite what others say, I think this is newsworthy. Image is everything in politics. When both parties are going hard after the white blue collar vote, this just shows you Palin is a big bag of hot air.
She also got Alaska to pay for her 7 year old travel expenses. How can a 7 year old be on official state business?

[Mixed]

With all this talk of socialism and communism, it's nice to see that Palin is a true capitalist. Her spending so much on clothes is truly pro-America. I imagine that that's what all the people in small towns-real America that is-are doing now; they are running to their local Saks and Neiman Marcus to help boost the economy.

[Will Vote for Obama]

Pardon me if somebody has said this, but this article is not reporting. It is a blog. Step off the unfounded "liberal media bias" cliche. It is a blog.

Next: I support this spending although the bill is large. I want Obama and Biden to be inellectual elite if they are going to run the USA. I want McCain to be an intellectual elite, but he stopped proving himself up to the challenge, for the sake of Karl Rove campaign tactics.
If Sarah Palin is to be Vice President I want her to be elite and dressed for the job. She has to make multiple appearances per day where she is photographed and criticized. This was campaign money and she is campaigning. It looks bad with a huge grand total, but a good expenditure. I approve.

[will]

LET ME SEE TROOPERGATE, STICKING THE TAX PAYERS FOR TRAVEL EXPENCES FOR HER KIDS, $150,000 ON CLOTHES, A MEMBER OF THE AIP A ANTI AMERICAN GROUP, AND A PREGNANT TEENAGER WOW GREAT PICK MCCAIN YOU ARE A REAL MAVRICK

[Mark]

All politicians are crooks....The democrats and Republicans both...but....holy moly you guys are angry and bitter. I've never seen such hate and venom spewed at total strangers. I think that this is indicative of what's going on with our country in particular...people are nicer to their dogs than their neighbor....people are more concerned with what kind of car they drive than if the old lady next door needs a hand around the house...parents are more consumed with where they send their kids to school rather than if the kid knows that you hold the door for someone...and now, with this election, we have been driven further apart by one person calling another lefty and the other person saying that all republicans are evil.
All of you....look in the mirror and please come up with a reason...any reason that anyone would want to be your friend....or call you kind....or say that you've really contributed something to the world to make it a better place.
Wow....the only thing that this election has made me want to do, is to get as far away from my fellow Americans as I can get.
Just look at at...in one corner..a guy whos entire life seems to be a mystery until he was a POW and married to an ex-junkie who still looks like shes on something and in the other corner, a man who has made such a big promise to the American people that I find it impossible to believe that he can deliver even a fraction of his promise of major change and yes....not much CEO experience (Which we now need)....can't say anything negative about Michelle Obama...not that I'm taking sides....she just seems genuinely kind....fine mess we're in guys..fine mess.
In a perfect worls. imagine if we all got together as fellow Americans and really did vote someone in who represented us...what a dream.

[Deborah]

It's too bad... it seems that some of your readers are missing the point. I am sure that Obama, Biden, and McCain also spend a lot of money on clothes hair cut and make up. The question is: who is paying for all that? THAT seems to be the scandal. Regardless of how I feel about Hilary Clinton, she was always professional in how she presented herself. And I don't remember anyone *ever* talking about her shoes! Good grief.

And for those violent and rude Palin-supporters out there.... in 2000 and 2004 when Bush was running for president.... I was unhappy, but I was never violent or rude about it. So, please, check the attitude.

[alex]

The Republican Party should have spent the money to hire her some tutors to educate her on foreign affairs, economics, national defence, domestic political systems and the role of the Vice President,....etc,,,etc.

She should be taught how to answer a question correctly without veering to some illogical prepared scripted talking points.

[Jordan]

Ok, First off you have no evidence of this. This is a completely bias article and has no right to be in the LA Times.

Second of all it cost an average citizen "$5,000" to have hair and make up done. But you have to understand that this is one person laboring on another. Maybe just maybe, someone who really likes Mrs. Palin wanted to do her hair/makeup for her and just so happens whoever that is did not charge her, did you think of that?

Third, if you have 30 million dollars, I really think you would drop some $$ on bling and clothing.

Forth, Because WE American's are so shallow we tend to vote based off of appearance rather than what a candidate is really fighting for. (This has been Obama's whole campaign, smooth talk, relative speech, no experience and weak unthoughtful polices)

Fifth, LA Times This article disappoints me, that you owuld even attach your name to it.

[merrell]

you can dress her up but you can't take her anywhere.

ok, it is a sexist world and she will be judged more by her 'looks' than will a male counterpart, however she still is totally unqualified and not right for the job.

[Martin]

The real issue is here. People donated money to the McCain camp to get their candidsate elected. They do not understand why this means the GOP can divert $150,000 on wardrobe for a candidate and her family. Who in their right mind would knowingly donate to such a cause?

We're looking for leadership and direction at this pivotal time in U.S. history. We're not looking to give money away to someone who uses it to buy clothes at Saks.

This is yet another final straw. McCain made a major mistake when he pick Palin as his running mate. The public deserves so much more than this.

[maria]

just to let you all know the media is not all liberal! fox news is all republican base and it has been all over this story also. face it guys again this surely don't look good for Reps.
"A Proud Obama Supporter"

[Thinking Liberal]

Ever notice how the republican apologists always try to defend their candidate's" behavior or campaign strategy with the irresponsible logic of "well, the other side did it too!" ?

Their logic must be that acknowledging that they are no better than the enemy must somehow excuse them from the infraction.