Suddenly, McCain/Obama battle over lipstick -- Porky's or Palin's

Oh, boy! Or girl! For a presidential race where three of the four major candidates are of the male persuasion, they're spending an awful lot of time talking about lipstick.

Another measure perhaps of how the addition of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to the political mix in the Republican's No. 2 spot has shaken things up on both sides in just 12 days.

New polls out Monday revealed a 20-point swing in support of white women away from the Barack Obama-Joe Biden Democratic ticket over toward the John McCain-Palin package, attributed largely to the blast of fresh air and down-to-earthness brought by the surprise presence of the 44-year-old reform governor and mother of five.

Today, Obama walked into some Republican machine-gun fire when he appeared to echo Palin's lipstick line from her widely viewed and quoted convention speech last week.

The self-described hockey mom ad libbed a joke in response to audience cheers from Alaska women: "You know what the difference is between a hockey mom and a pit bull?" she asked, pausing perfectly. "Lipstick!"

It was one of the best-received lines of the night and widely quoted and replayed for days afterward.

Today, campaigning in Lebanon, Va., and complaining about the GOP ticket portraying itself as agents of change, Obama (see video below) said ...

... "You can put lipstick on a pig. But it's still a pig."

Web browsers could almost hear a gasp of disbelief online.

Could Obama be so stupid as to imply that his newest opponent is like a barnyard animal, this candidate they've tried to portray as an inexperienced lightweight from a rural area who seems to increasingly preoccupy Obama's monologues instead of the GOP's top candidate?

Is that smart for the No. 1 on the Democratic ticket to be so distracted by the No. 2 on the GOP side? And where is Biden in this debate?

To be sure, other candidates including McCain himself have used that pig line or similar pig references about their opponent's programs, implying you can't hide what a hog is merely by applying some makeup.

But, to be honest, pig among men is another word for an ugly woman. And none of those past references came so close on the heels of such a widely read, widely viewed and widely heard lipstick line as Palin's and with the two party's national tickets set, one of them with the first female in its party's history.

Coming in a context where everything in public dialogue is perceived as political and the lawyerly Obama always appears to measure his words so carefully, it hardly seemed an accident.

Although it might plausibly be brushed off as a willful misinterpretation by opponents, as the Obama camp attempted to do during the primary season when its candidate appeared to use his middle finger to scratch his cheek while mentioning another female opponent, Sen. Hillary Clinton.

The GOP immediately activated its so-called truth squad Tuesday, a rapid-response unit similar to one Obama uses to counter perceived smears on him.

"Barack Obama's comments today are offensive and disgraceful," said Maria Comella, a McCain-Palin spokeswoman. "He owes Gov. Palin an apology."

On a campaign conference call recorded by The Times' Maeve Reston, former Massachusetts Gov. Jane Swift, who also served while raising small children, said: "“It’s both a gendered comment and there’s only one woman in the race … and it’s directly analogous to the comment she had made."

Swift added: "“You would think that having gone through a hard-fought primary with Sen. Clinton that the Obama team would have figured out how to respectfully engage in a debate that represents the things they want to do, which is the politics of hope. This is just the same old low road, flinging accusations.”

Those traveling with the Obama campaign in recent days, like The Times' Peter Nicholas, have noted a new, more emotional tone creeping into his comments. His public persona is often described as cool. But since last week, hitting the battleground states of Ohio, Michigan and Virginia as poll numbers dipped, Obama has seemed increasingly combative.

On Monday in Michigan, Obama became exercised when talking about the need to give even suspected terrorists legal rights.

“We may think this is Mohammed the terrorist,’’ he said at a campaign rally, but “it might be Mohammed the cab driver. You might think it’s Barack the bomb-thrower. But it might be Barack the guy running for president.’’

Continuing, he got more heated, his voice booming. Referring to the Constitution, he said: “Don’t mock the Constitution! Don’t make fun of it! Don’t suggest that it’s un-American to abide by what the founding fathers set up! It’s worked pretty well for 200 years!’’

He finished with a sigh: “These people."

If you're one of "these people" or not, what do you think?

-- Andrew Malcolm

Photo credits: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press (top); Getty Images (bottom).

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Comments

[100% Real American]

I was undecided before the conventions and after McCain picked Palin I got caught up in the craze and was going to vote McCain.

Is it just me, or is McCain's campaign's constant WHINING getting annoying? Palin is supposed to be a tough gun totin' "Maverick" change-machine. The fact is she's as corrupt as anyone. She's also a total woos who can dish it out but can't take it. "WHINE WHINE WHINE BOO HOO HOO" Do people really think other world leaders are going to pull punches?

I've finally made up my mind on who to vote for.

[Dylan]

Please don't legitimize this ridiculous attempt to play gender politics by the GOP. That expression is older than dirt. It's been used in politics forever, including-- as you note-- by McCain himself.

We have so many absolutely vital issues at stake in this election. Don't drag us down to the gutter with the political hacks from either party, Andrew. Surely you're better than that.

[Steve]

I'm pretty certain that Obama was not trying to "infer that his newest opponent is like a barnyard animal".

He may been implying it, but he certainly wasn't inferring it.

[almost50lady]

Ugly is as ugly does. Blood red pitbull or shrinking violet? Turns out Palin is all about violet, and we're not talking lipstick shade. Pitbulls take it as well as dish it out. Apologize to her? No barking way.

[Stephen Gianelli]

Governor Palin’s very recent lipstick-pit bull joke not only had 40 million viewers, but received much news comment later. In addition, Obama referred to Palin by name right after the “pig with lipstick” remark, and right before his rather unfortunate reference to smelly fish.

Taken in context, a fair reading of the remarks clearly indicates that Obama was engaging in a calculated bit of double entendre to take a swipe at his vice presidential rival. After all, Barack Obama is a former law review editor and a wordsmith by profession. Educated persons employ literary and cultural allusions all the time, particularly in politics.

And, of course, stump speeches are proofed and vetted.

Certainly, the crowd he was addressing had no doubt about what he meant.

Add this gaff to Obama’s reference to Hillary’s “periodic” emotional outbursts, and his serial use of the word “sweetie” to address female strangers—in one well known video, using that sexist phrase as a brush-off to a female reporter, then swaggering off amid he laughter of his male factory escorts.

Funny you should mention the Obama –middle finger incident.

Well, how about the primary speech where Obama delighted his supporters by symbolically brushing Hillary off of his shoulders, thereby alluding to the Jay-z song with the lyrics “got 99 problems but a b**** ain’t one”.

Barack Obama is a misogynist ass.

[Rachael K.]

Oh, good Lord. "Putting lipstick on a pig" is an old saying. What's WRONG with you people??

[R Allen]

That's rich! The Republicans getting their feelings hurt by Obama. False indignation. Palin is fair game, and this is a non issue. This comment was directed to McCain and not Palin, in any case. The real issue is the outright lies that McCain/Palin keep spouting and the media keep repeating. Yes, LIES.

[Ridiculous]

He wasn't talking about Palin. They're just reaching. While it's true that there's sexism out there, if you want to see real examples of it, watch THIS:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=184086&title=sarah-palin-gender-card

[Mt.Nebo]

Let's all be distracted now from the central theme of education by the campaign's spin on something that will never amount to anything.

[troy]

Palin compared herself to a vicious dog (pitbull) in front of millions of people at the convention. A female dog is also known as a b**ch, and we all know that headstrong women are usually referred to as the "b" word. I think her self-reference is deplorable, and the republicans that supported it should be ashamed. Palin has effectively offended millions of women throughout the world. She and the republican party owe America an apology.

[grit]

I'm happy to see Barack bringing HEAT. Palin's been sarcastically bashing him for two weeks and he's been hamstrung by his cool and respectful nature. I really don't believe Barack meant to insult Palin personally but if I were in his place I would have. My apologies to any offended pigs.

[Loren]

The problem with Obama is that he isn't very bright and he can't speak without a teleprompter. Now, his loving media are unwilling to carry him on their collective shoulders because of ratings and female backlash. Obama doesn't do well without an adoring press.
Calling Sarah Palin a "pig" shows a serious flaw in judgement. I'm starting to believe that Obama is an empty suit, just as the Republicans have said....

[AnnapolisMD]

A pitbull or a pig... Its all the same!

[L]

Imagine if a black person was called a pig

Someone arrest that chauvanist NOW - - hate crime, no?

Why would anyone vote for him now

[Brian]

Obama's comment is both offensive and self-righteous! Hardly presidential! Same old low road, angry politician! These people...

[SIWEL9]

Barack's right,you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. In Alaska they know that better than most.

[Tricia]

Everyone knows that the term "lipstick on a pig" means trying to make something ugly look pretty, using extremely superficial means. Speaking of equal rights for women. If the tough, lying, hockey mom can dish it she'd better be able to take it.

[Joanne]

Why do Democrats always call Republicans hateful? The pig comment doesn't sound very loving to me.

[Brian]

Obama's comment is both offensive and self-righteous! Hardly presidential! Same old low road, angry politician! These people...

[Amanda]

"Lipstick on a pig" is a common phrase you ninnies.

[Beth]

Ms. Palin identified her own self as "a pit bull with lipstick" so why is "a pig with lipstick" any worse?

[Bette Cooper]

Since Obama says they can put lipstick on a pig too- I was just wondering---- can't they put lipstick on a jackass too?

[Adrienne]

I don't care what the politicians say anymore. The Republicans are complaining about everything and Palin is being treated like she is some kind of saint. The media is acting like a bunch of right wing sheep. So as far as I'm concerned the Democrats can say anything they want (the Republicans do). The way I feel right now I would not vote for a Republican for any office (city,county or state). It's just like the Republicans to start the mudslinging but then whine like a bunch of babies when somebody throws it back.Palin is such an incompetent puppet she says the same thing over and over and can't even be asked a question except by Charles Gibson and my 5 year old niece would ask better questions than him. What a farce this is all turning into so much at stake and the media and Republicans are turning it into some kind of game.. Our country is full of a bunch of idiots who don't vote on issues.

[Mac]

McCain is such a jerk! He used THE EXACT SAME LINE and referred directly to Sen. Clinton! The hypocrite.

Obama was pointing out that these Republicans offering 4 more years of the same BUSH bad policies can't be dressed up.

[MtNebo]

Let's all be distracted now by the discussion of education, economy or war policy, and focus instead on something that will never amount to anything. If you don't have anything of substance to debate your opponent, then distract by some other means.

[Undeclared]

Obama's middle finger and the lipstick remark --- I think Obama may be playing some dumb old gutter politics. He is coming off as a low class politician.

[cyn]

Toast!
that's what
Obama
is.
All the ghetto in him keeps comin' out.
I knew it all along.
Media
realize
the people have their own minds.
Obama
the puppet
forgot
this
thus he now refers to some
stupid.
I beg to differ.
in fact
McCAIN and PaLIN
do so too.
OBama
shame on u for not making Hillary your V.p.
Toast.

[C Doyle Thompson]

Get over it Malcolm. There's a lot a stake in this election and there's no time to be polite. Obama's message was right on. He has to come out strong against both ends of the RNC ticket and no one should expect him to pussy foot around gender issues. Palin is a candidate first and a woman second!

[Jason]

You honestly didn't get that the line is a very old adage and is about McCain's policies? SERIOUSLY?! You didn't get that?

OH COME ON.

[Peter Ault]

After watching a pair of McCain/Palin ads released today on television, it's about time Obama got a little angry. The first ad is a blatant lie regarding Palins' support of the "bridge to nowhere". The second ad is disturbing, a ridiculous distortion regarding Obama's support of a bill that would increase children's safety. They have twisted this into some garbage about Obama supporting sex education over reading for children. This is disgusting and embarrassing, and so typical of Republican campaign tactics. These are arrogant and destructive people who don't belong anywhere near the Oval office.

[Donny Bob]

Finally a legit statement about the 'publican plans for the US. Thank Mr. Obama for his direct down-to-earth honestly expressed opinion. The fiscal conservatives have been oinking at the silage for the last 8 years, so now they call themselves "social conservatives". Mr. Obama's statement is clear and just might be the first direct statement about this group of porkers in the last 7 years. For the reporter of this article to spin it into a direct attack on the person running for VP in the ruling party is simply an ambiguation on behalf of the republicans. Please start being journalists....

[WayneW]

I'm confused. What's the offense taken? She is a pig. She eats at the federal trough that is earmarks. She gorges on per diem from her state while staying comfortably (happy as a pig in slop?) at her home. She charged for rape kits.

I don't get it.

[Sad]

Really disappointing Palin camp. Way to make women look caddy and small - oh, and did I mention stupid??? From one woman to another, thanks, that's just great. I hope this is seen for the small display of game playing that it is...
Maybe the US can get into a name calling, cat-fight with Russian presidents wife or something with someone equally as trite!

[Mark from Portland, OR]

However Obama meant this comment, the crowd seemed to understand what he meant.

The Democrats were using lipstick comments all day so it was kind of obvious what is going on.

[C.]

Maybe they should only allow him to repeat snippets of his former speeches, like Palin does.

[Mark]

The republicans have been engaged in out and out lies. The media doesn't seize on their abuse to Obamam but only on Palin? Palin has been OFFENSIVE in her one speech she has given (over and over). Obama has been so nice, but they are lying about him...

Palin and McCain lying, cheat, and insult. But that's okay. Obama calls it how we see it - and suddenly there is outrage.

Talk about media bias.

[Briggs V. Camungol, Jr.]

If the other candidate considers Sarah Palin a pig, man, what a beautiful pig she is.

[EqualityJusticeForAll]

Repubs get over yourselves - last week Palin used the analogy she was a pit bull with lipstick. This week the Dems say Palin is the lipstick on the pig's (Repubs) lips. I'm a woman - I thought it was Clever, very apt and NOT sexist. Surely, none here have ever referred to their house-guests that never seem to want to leave - as day old fish? GET a GRIP folks the last 7.5 years do STINK - my family and I are just 1 of many millions of Americans facing a cold winter with heating costs at prices not seen for more than a decade, our young men and women are facing years of mental anguish from PTSD, we're in a RECESSION, we bailing out banks, foreclosure rates at at the highest in 7 years - so no matter how you you brand this Repub change - it still STINKS!

[thompst]

This is a foolish story, and a foolish line of attack by the Repubs... after all, "a pig with a lipstick is still a pig" is a well-known proverb, and both Obama and McCain use it regularly. In fact, McCain used it in reference to Hillary Clinton's plans..... so, to call Obama sexist (but not McCain?) is certainly a double standard.... one standard for what old white guys can say, and another for young black men? My, my.....

[s]

Who cares what he meant!!!
My God people get a life.
Palin has something wrong with her if she thinks everytime
Obama or Biden say something , oh my!!!
they are talking about me.
Oh we need this in the White House No Way!!!!
No How!!!!!
What a mess McCain and Palin are.
Sorry America deserves way way way better
than these two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jose]

About time! don't apologize, if republicans can do it, so can we!!!

[Elizabeth King]

I think it is fantastic that he has finally found his voice again. He always takes a while to process a change in the political landscape but once he has it figured out, he goes for the jugular. The McCain Palin act is already getting stale. They need something new to say besides the lies about being "Mavericks". And I was thrilled that the Obama campaign did not back off the comments. They should stand by them. The truth hurts sometimes, but in this case, the American people are entitled to the truth about the lies spun by the McPalin camp.

[Torchon]

The comment by Obama, about putting lipstick on a pig and it still being a pig is about the Bush Republicans trying to use blatant lies and distortion as the main stay of their Karl Rove strategy. We should be talking about the issues and not about gender.

If Palin wants to come off as the every women, wholesome Mom while at the same time denouncing contrived threats against her proposed feminist leanings then she should stop playing the gender card as if she is being treated with more disdain than the Republicans did with Hillary. Real equality means you take your shots just like the rest of us.

I could care less about her being a woman, her ability to field dress a moose or how many kids she has. The things that scare me are her positions on a woman's right to choose, sex education in schools, teaching evolution in schools; all of which she is opposed to. That worries me a hell of a lot more than what sex she is.

It would be nice to see this country mature beyond tabloid journalism and change to focus more on the issues instead of cheering the insults..

The storm about her underage and unmarried daughter was given more exposure than the real point of the story which is - how can a person believe that the only sex education that should be taught to children should be to "just say no" when it clearly doesn't even work for their own child?

Palin doesn't believe in the right to choose. She also doesn't think that certain books should be allowed to be in libraries or schools. She apparently doesn't hold much stock in the Constitution.

Now to the heart of the matter. All this ink being spread for a VP nominee detracts from the issue that this person, with all her far right views is the choice of the Republican Presidential choice - John McCain. this is who he choose to run with him and heaven forbid, replace him if he can't perform;.

As a Patriot and a Republican I believe in a citizen's right to privacy, the right to free speech, the separation of Church and State and the right to not to be denounced as Un-American just because I oppose this parties detachment from the beliefs of Lincoln. Something that the McCain/Palin does not support.

[Ira]

"Could Obama be so stupid as to infer that his newest opponent is like a barnyard animal..."

I think you meant "imply". Imply is when you kick off; infer is when you receive.

[JoeyG]

It's both sad and satisfying to see Senator Obama finally unravel. What more should we expect from a rookie senator? And yet, shouldn't we expect so much more from a man who is running for president? It seems to me that just when he thought he had defeated one lipstick-wearing pig, he found another right back in her place.

[Habib]

Reading the above report, it seems BO is coming apart at a the seams?

[Bill]

What's this about Palin not being ready to meet the press? Not Ready? Not Ready? She needs a lot more than lipstick.

[Adam]

You've got to be kidding.

Agree with Obama or not, using a phrase that is a common colloquialism in a speech talking about policy is hardly sexist. If "lipstick" is the issue, Palin should be chastised for comparing women to pit bulls/dogs/arguably mean ugly dogs.

Obama has used the phrase in the past as has McCain and most of the US population.

I know newspaper readership is down Andrew, but the angle your story takes (hopefully only for the Springer shock value effect) shows quite well how sensationalism makes it difficult to see through the muck and make an informed choice in politics.

[Erick]

What he said in the speech has absolutely nothing to do with Palin's remarks about Pitbulls with lipstick.

He was simply saying that if you put lipstick (making yourself the change candidate), on a pig(mccain campaign in general) its still a pig.

and it is.

[C Murphy]

We are witnessing a man under fire and he's not doing well at all. What if those words were 50 kiloton warheads.
As an independent I've made my mind up and f very good about it. McCain/Palin, there is not other choice.
C Murphy