Image is everything when it comes to politics. Everything you say, don't say, do and don't do is scrutinized ad nauseam. That also goes for the politician's other half.
Take these two ladies for example, Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain. We know they are the wives of the presumptive presidential candidates of their respective parties. But for the most part, we don't know much else. We’ve heard a few sound bites from them and have maybe read a few articles about them.
Then there are the photo spreads.
In these two pictures, it looks like they are trying to let the photos tell who they are or at least who they want to be seen as. And as you can tell they are projecting very different images than they do on the campaign trail.
Both were photographed for Vogue magazine. Michelle Obama in September of '07 and Cindy McCain for the June '08 issue.
In one picture, McCain is chillin' on a chaise lounger, with her hair down, wearing jeans, no shoes and red polish on her toenails.
The Washington Post writes "the implied message is unmistakable: I am not a Stepford wife."
On the other hand, Obama is shown in a more formal, classy pose. She’s in a little black dress with pearls and pumps. The Post believes "the implied message is unmistakable: I am neither subversive nor threatening. I am not some scary 'other.' I am Camelot with a tan."
The Post surmises "McCain’s image aims to excite the eyes. Obama’s offers reassurance."
Just goes to show you, pictures do speak louder than words.
