Nora Ephron is right
After the second 2008 presidential election debate, in a HuffPost column titled “Life in the Shallow End,” Nora Ephron — film director, producer, screenwriter, novelist, and blogger — wrote “out loud” what I almost didn’t dare to think:
It’s not that I don’t hear what the candidates are saying, but I always begin by noticing what they’re wearing, and whose shirt looks better, and of course, whose tie.”
I found myself thinking much the same thing as I watched the same debate. Setting aside for the moment the real issues of this election, I believe that in a simple comparison of the two candidates’ attire, Obama carried the day. His personal and professional style — invariably well-organized, sophisticated, smart, savvy, and solid — was reflected in his mode of dress: a perfectly cut, conservatively stylish suit with a neatly starched dress shirt and a subtle, steady, solid-blue necktie. McCain’s poorly fitted suit, ordinary shirt, and loud red-and-yellow striped tie, on the other hand, denoted a man whose thinking is as disheveled as his presence.
Have you seen the detergent commercial where an unfortunate job applicant’s words are drowned out by a talking stain on his shirt? That was McCain’s tie: Each time the man spoke, marching stiffly around the platform, that tie was shouting at me. Too wide and too long in addition to being too loud, it spoke volumes about McCain’s equally over-the-top politics (not to mention his insecurities).
However, after I had first noticed the contrast between the two neckties, Obama’s far classier appearance faded into the background. That, too, spoke volumes: He has no need to shout his politics, and it is instead the clear, thoughtful, articulate, and solid substance of his position that captures our attention.
Will the way a candidate dresses direct our votes? I certainly hope not. But if it does, at least I feel sure of one thing: Barack Obama will be the 44th president of the United States.