Style backlash: Did Sarah Palin let her hair down to thwart Tina Fey?

This past weekend, Sarah Palin ditched the uppity bouffant and the bizarre French braid hair styles. She looks different. More carefree and less like that efficient diner waitress who always tops off your coffee just when it starts to get tepid.

But most importantly, she now looks nothing like her impersonator, Tina Fey on 'Saturday Night Live.' Clearly, Palin is either trying to change her image or she's suddenly self-conscious about her ear lobes.

The N.Y. Post reports today that some political scientists believe that political spoofs damage a career.  From the article:

"Presidential impersonators do influence elections, and in this one, Tina Fey is well on her way to ruining Sarah Palin's political career," said Jerald Podair, a professor of American Studies at Lawrence University.

The story also cites a Washington Post poll that revealed that voters are crediting the "Tina Fey effect" for turning them off to the GOP ticket. If SNL skits have such sway, one can't help but wonder how George W. Bush got elected while Will Ferrell impersonated him. (Though I can imagine that more liberals and Democrats watch SNL than right-wingers.)

I have my own theory as to why Palin decided to ditch the librarian bun. Cindy McCain wanted to wear the bouffant this weekend.  (See lower photo.)

Do you think these two women talk in the morning to make sure that they're not wearing the same color blazer or shoes? Do they fight over which one gets to tease her hair higher?

Seriously, do you think that Tina Fey's Palin spoofs are hurting the candidate's image?

Weigh in, people.

-- Monica Corcoran

Photo credits: Top, Getty Images; bottom, AFP

Comments

[Lucy]

I don't think they're hurting her one bit to be honest. Those that don't like her will watch and laugh in a mean spirited way.. their opinions will be the same. Those that like her will laugh in a light hearted way and guess what... their opinions will be the same.

It's the same with these debates... because there have been no major gaffes then people will consider whomever they like best to start with the winner. Why? Because they naturally have a more positive spin on what their favourite says... before they've even said it.

I'm glad I live in Britain and don't have to vote... it would be a tough decision. McCain is awful... but slightly better than Obama who is clearly a career politician that's just way too liberal. John McCain is a doddery old war mongerer... but the lesser of two evils in my opinion.

[toner]

All I can remember from the SNL debate spoofs is the "Lockbox"-- and I'm sure that had a damaging effect for Gore.

[gns100]

She's showing she's as "erratic" as her running mate. Condelezza Rice (now that would have been an interesting choice) and Hillary Clinton both have the same hairdo for years.

[Richard R]

And the worst streak job ever. Trying to identify with the trailor trash voter?

[Susan]

Sarah Palin is hurting Sarah Palin. It's insanity that she is being considered for VP of our country. Tina Fey just happens to copy her well and points out the obvious to the rest of us. It is pretty funny as long as SP isn't seriously in contention (which she is) for the job.

[Louise Topper]

No way Tina Fey has hurt Palin, she's probably helped her in the ratings. Some of Fey's material wasn't so much a parody as parroting Palin as evidenced in the Couric interview. Palin is her own worst enemy and could stand some therapy to deal with those Axis II demons rather than fighting imaginary "Axises of Evil."

[cathy woolf]

Do you really think americans are that uneducated that a comedian could convince them not to vote for a candidate? Well perhaps they are morons. People who like her are not going to change their mind based on a comedian that hates her. How ridiculous.

[sandy]

Do you really think Palin needs any help hurting her image...really?

[srethng]

Personally I think her hair is down to hide the microphone that is in her ear. They did this so they can tell her what to say.

[mcmac]

No, Tina Fey is merely parodying the ridiculous things that Palin has been saying; Palin has been hurting herself.

[Todd]

Monica: I realize you work for one of the most left wing news papers in the nation, but really, jumping on the bash Gov. Palin wagon. I didn't believe, in my heart of hearts, that you would stoop that low. Why don't you blog about how bad our State's budget process is, the wild fire, or anything else?

[McCain/Palin Supporter]

I think Sarah is a remarkable woman and shows strong leadership qualities. If Tina Fey is able to influence anyone in any way, well lets just say that shows their ignorance.

[Kristi]

I agree with the earlier post. I believe she has to wear her hair down to cover the earpiece. In addition, isn't wearing your hair down a way of showing a lack of confidence? Maybe like you are trying to hide? Think about that. Psych 101.

[Russ]

Tina Fey is obviously not doing Palin any favors, however I don't think SNL has been that overly negative for Palin. Of course they definitely don't hit on Obama very hard. But if you look they've hit on most Presidents since Carter.
She looks better with her hair down as well. She seems more relaxed.

[Alexandra]

If Palin was less capable of blathering, and more capable of articulating a clear thought that wasn't scripted for her, then SNL (and Tina Fey) wouldn't have such a rich harvest of material. Palin's inadequacies are her responsibility. If, as one of her campaign aides noted, Palin had a goal of being President of the US 2 years ago, wouldn't a smart person have started studying the issues? Palin isn't dumb, just intellectually lazy. And that's not a sign of leadership, it's a sign of an aging beauty queen. America deserves better.

[Alexandra]

If Palin was less capable of blathering, and more capable of articulating a clear thought that wasn't scripted for her, then SNL (and Tina Fey) wouldn't have such a rich harvest of material. Palin's inadequacies are her responsibility. If, as one of her campaign aides noted, Palin had a goal of being President of the US 2 years ago, wouldn't a smart person have started studying the issues? Palin isn't dumb, just intellectually lazy. And that's not a sign of leadership, it's a sign of an aging beauty queen. America deserves better.

[Kris]

I sure hope so!

[Rebecca Burt]

Please educate yourselves - google Palin and the A.I.P.
Google Palin and Joe Vogler
Google Palin Chryson and Stoll
Googal Joe Vogler and Iran
Please take the time to find out who is really involved with current American terrorists....
Just a little dot connecting....Joe Vogler founded the A.I.P. - to which Todd Palin was a card carrying member until 2002 (belonged for 7 years) Sarah attended and spoke at their events. Vogler was quoted as "Hating America and pushing for Alaska to become an independent nation. He was killed in a deal where he was buying plastic explosives - he had strong political ties to IRAN!! Chyson and Stoll are the big guys in the A.I.P. currently - they helped Palin in her election for Mayor and Gov. Both are known militia organizers and supporters....Come on guys this is very scary stuff...

[Pippa]

Pippa writes from Africa:
Actually I don't think Tina Fey is hurting Sarah Palin's
image. On television, I watched Tina Fey winning a few Emmy's and her self congratulatory attitude is in keeping
American arrogance.
Celebrity obsessed America have actually
turned Sarah Palin into a celebrity of sorts, if you
think about it.
Sarah Palin has been reviled, savaged, hated
and mauled by the media and the 'upper echelons'
of 'intellectual' America. In fact, I think she is the
most despised person in America.
Reader, please do not laugh, but I wager, that soon, Sarah will begin writing her first book.
Hah! You may think.
Well, she can hire a ghost writer, after all, we know her degree in Journalism took so long to achieve.
Sensationalism sells.
'Say it ain't so Joe.!'
Do not fear Democrats. Smoothy Obama will win this Election and save you all.
Sarah will sled back to Alaska and she will be comfortable with her guns, pit bulls and that revolting company she keeps.
Those racist 'six pack joes’', trailer trash on welfare, and over bred families.
Those third grade children she gives a ‘shout out’ to during her speeches.
Alarming as to think how she infiltrated her way onto a public platform! A ‘hockey mom’ wearing vulgar lipstick which is now associated with pigs!
Like it or not, Sarah Palin will be part of the book on American History.
Peace out from the 'Peanut Gallery' in 'third world Africa.'

[shannon]

Is this story the best you can do? Is a presidential candidate's hair what you consider news?