Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow


As many of you know I've been spending a fair amount of time trying to gain some insight as to why some Presidential candidates are catching the public's attention and others are not. I often get e-mails from people living in the candidate's home state that shed some light. At times I don't agree with the assessment but it all gets filed away for future reference.

John Edwards, however, is one who puzzles me. After seeing him on the Hardball College Tour - pre-announcement, something about him seemed different. For one thing he was being coy. I don't care for that in a candidate. That being said, there seemed more. He seemed smug. As if his previous run gave him an edge.

Well, he was only the Vice Presidential nominee; he did not resonate with the public and his team lost. He has spent the majority of his time since running for the 2008 prize. It is said he has practically lived in Iowa. I don't know what he's promising the Iowans but he has launched a huge effort to gain the union vote in Nevada. Two diverse populations. Can he be all things to all people??

But still there seemed more. I just couldn't put my finger on it. Until this week. It is a certain smugness. A certain vanity that bothers me. Almost cocky. We have one of those now! Oh, my.

I know image means a lot. John Edwards has a good one. He's nice looking and articulate. The jury is still out on what he has to offer. After seeing this video, however, I'm wondering if he has real substance that we didn't pick up on before or if it's no more than narcissistic image. "Images" do count no matter where they come from or how inconsequential they may seem.

3 comments:

Betty said...

Would you have felt the same way if it had been Hillary! primping? I know what you mean, though. But my take on it is that he just seems more sure of himself this time around, because he knows more about what to expect. We'll see how the race works out when we find out what he thinks about the important stuff.

Anonymous said...

OMG...thats hysterical! There is more here than just getting ready. This chap really is in love with his image. He must have used the entire can of hair spray. I mean, how many times can you push your bangs back??? The only thing he didn't do, was to wink at himself.

Idaho Dad said...

That clip reminds me of me eight years ago... I have hair very similar to his, and it tends to want to fall straight down into my eyes. Since I was a teen, I was forever trying to get that "swoop" across my forehead. Gel, hairspray, hairdryers, various brushes. It was difficult! I wasted way too much time in front of the mirror trying to get my hair to look good. When my son was born, I finally got fed up and shaved my head for the sheer convenience. That totally cured me of hairdryers and such. My hair is now grown out again, but I don't mess with it. Just let it air dry and do what it wants. Wearing a hat helps, of course. It's cheaper than all that hairspray too!