Politicians come under public scrutiny all the time. It comes with the territory. The public and press constantly critiques politician’s hair, makeup, how sincere their smile is, facial expressions, and what they are wearing. While it’s okay for a politician to dress for success, it should also be done at the appropriate time. Hillary Clinton, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, is expected to wear a lavish and expensive suit or dress at a gala or fundraising event, but did she cross the line wearing a glam outfit at a rally or a speech discussing income inequality?
Clinton has recently come under public and press scrutiny for wearing a $12,000 Giorgio Armani tweed jacket at her New York primary victory speech in April. During the speech, she discussed helping people secure their retirement, income inequality, and job creation.
Clinton stated many times that when she left the White House in 2001 she was “dead broke.” Since she left public office, her speaking engagements have been reported to command a fee as high as $325,000.
There is nothing wrong with wearing some beautiful designer clothing at the appropriate time, without being criticized as being ostentatious. The New York Post even reported that Clinton will spend $200,000 in clothing during her campaign. Is Clinton sending the right signal being dressed in a posh suit that, for the most part, the audience she addressed could never afford? Especially, given the nature of her speech:
“Imagine a tomorrow where every parent can find a good job and every grandparent can enjoy a secure retirement…we all know many people who are still hurting. I see it everywhere I go. The Great Recession wiped out jobs, homes, and savings, and a lot of Americans haven’t yet recovered…we are setting bold progressive goals backed up by real plans that will improve lives, creating more good jobs that provide dignity and pride in a middle class life, raising wages and reducing inequality, making sure all our kids get a good education. I know how important it is that we get the campaign’s resources from people just like you, who go in and chip in $5, $25. I am grateful to every one of you.”
