Hillary Clinton has done the unthinkable for me: she has made it possible for me to see Barack Obama as president of the United States.
And she did it while trying to do just the opposite.
A member of the Clinton campaign released that infamous photo of Obama in native garb during his 2006 visit to his father's homeland of Kenya. The purpose of this was to fuel the "Obama is a crypto-Muslim" crap they've been feeding the public for some time now. But, as is turning out to be the case so many times, it blew up in her face.
(A comparison of Hillary to Monica Lewinsky and a certain blue dress would be appropriate, but in incredibly poor taste.)
As Michelle Malkin, among others, pointed out, dressing up in native garb during visits to other lands is one of the unwritten duties of a president, or other national leader. And I, for one, will never mock a politician for doing so.
When John Kerry was photographed in a "bunny suit" while touring a NASA facility, I thought the derision was stupid. Those suits, while appearing ridiculous, are vital to keeping the equipment clean and safe.
When Michael Dukakis was shown in the hatch of a tank, I also thought that was not fully worthy of mockery. Only in the context of his lackluster-at-best support for the military was it really humorous -- the appearance alone was not enough.
I don't like it when female political figures put on Islamic-compliant garb. The Muslim oppression of women is one of the most appalling aspects of the religion. It not only objectifies women and declares that their mere appearance outside anything more revealing than a Hefty bag is unclean, it reduces men to slaves to their baser desires and proclaims that they are unable to control themselves from acts of brutal inhumanity should they catch the slightest glimpse of female flesh -- and it's never their fault if they act upon them. But my attitude towards Nancy Pelosi or Laura Bush when they do that is not based on their appearance per se, but the symbolism of submitting to such attitudes.
So yeah, Obama went to Kenya and put on native garb. That is probably the most presidential thing he's done so far.
Thanks again, Senator Clinton, for making your opponent look even better -- especially in comparison to you.
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2008 Presidential Race
Comments (8)
George Bush was just in Afr... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Jo | February 26, 2008 6:39 AM | Score: -3 (9 votes cast)
George Bush was just in Africa, so post a photo of him dressed in an African costume -- I want to see how Presidential he looks.
1. Posted by Jo | February 26, 2008 6:39 AM |
Score: -3 (9 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 06:39
2. Posted by JLawson | February 26, 2008 7:20 AM | Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
I didn't see a problem with this, either. It's kind of obvious that he was uncomfortable in that outfit. "Uh, you mean this loincloth thing is SUPPOSED To give you a wedgie when you straighten up? 'k. Guess I can put up with it for a few minutes... and you guys wear this all day? Damn."
2. Posted by JLawson | February 26, 2008 7:20 AM |
Score: 3 (3 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 07:20
3. Posted by jpm100 | February 26, 2008 8:51 AM | Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
There's more to the context here. I mean I normally recall seeing that dress on someone holding a firearm. What exactly is here wearing and what does it mean where he is wearing it? I admit my recollection may be skewed by what behaviors happen to grab the headlines.
I think it may be harmless but the kneejerk on it being meaningless has been just as strong as the kneejerk to the opposite.
I partly come to blogs for deeper insight & info into issues supported by research I don't have the time or am too lazy to do. On this issue, I haven't seen anyone tell me exactly where the garb is used and by whom. Damn it, you're gonna have to make to do some work.
3. Posted by jpm100 | February 26, 2008 8:51 AM |
Score: 4 (4 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 08:51
4. Posted by LaMedusa | February 26, 2008 9:28 AM | Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
The difference with Obama here is his father was a member of a Kenyan tribe, so he is identifying with his own roots. He doesn't want to insult his heritage. I'm sure he was doing this to accommodate his family.
Yeah, it's just about time for Hillary to bow out, but that doesn't mean the future president has to wear the customary garb of that country.
4. Posted by LaMedusa | February 26, 2008 9:28 AM |
Score: 2 (2 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 09:28
5. Posted by langtry | February 26, 2008 9:32 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
I'm just waiting for the inevitable denial tactic of the Clintons:
"We didn't release this photo! The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy that is determined to divide Democrats is behind this smear!"
Frankly, I'm surprised it wasn't the first excuse they trotted out.
5. Posted by langtry | February 26, 2008 9:32 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 09:32
6. Posted by 914 | February 26, 2008 9:32 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
He looks like a bakers helper in that dress? would look much better in red,white and blue.
6. Posted by 914 | February 26, 2008 9:32 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 09:32
7. Posted by OregonMuse | February 26, 2008 9:48 AM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Yes, it would be in incredibly poor taste, so thank you for not mentioning it. : )
7. Posted by OregonMuse | February 26, 2008 9:48 AM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 09:48
8. Posted by Big Mo | February 26, 2008 10:40 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I recall reading in Norman Schwartzkopf's memoirs about how his dad made him eat a sheep's eye (or some other critter's eye) in what was then Persia. If I'm remembering this right, they were served the eye as part of their meal, and it would have been grossly discourteous to turn down the food. Stormin Norman never forgot the lesson of "When in Rome..."
This is probably nothing more than that.
8. Posted by Big Mo | February 26, 2008 10:40 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 26, 2008 10:40