The Obama Campaign Dictates A Dress Code

A dress code? Why not if they work for the campaign. Yes, that is true, but the press -- especially female members of the press -- do not work for the campaign

Reporters traveling overseas with Sen. Barack Obama were thrown a bit of curve last week when the campaign emailed a “dress code” for Israel and Jordan. Aides had passed along as a courtesy the list that they had distributed to their staff to follow. But some of the tips raised a few eyebrows, particularly among the female reporters.

“Do not wear green.” (Explained later as the color of Hamas)

“Do not wear nail polish.”

“Women should only wear a limited amount of jewelry.”

“Shoulders and arms must be fully covered (no strapless tops, no tank tops, no short sleeve shirts.)”

“Closed-toe shoes, women should also wear stockings.”

At historical and religious sites, a suit or slacks should be worn, shoulders and arms must be covered (“no strapless tops, no tanks tops no short sleeve shirts”), shoes might need to be removed, and women may be asked to cover their heads and “should be prepared with a scarf/pashmina,” the email stated.

As the traveling press prepared to depart tonight from Chicago for Jordan, there was a dash to cover toes and arms – or at least be prepared upon arrival in the Middle Eastern country tomorrow. Still spotted on the bus en route to the airport: plenty of jewelry, tank tops, and nail polish.

This is chutzpah. Does the Obama campaign think that reporters are not aware of the need to alter the way they dress in the Middle East? Especially if they are a reporter that regularly does stories out of the Middle East? Please, these are supposed to be professionals. As for that last part we are sure that the necessary changes will be made prior to them getting on the plane.

I know that to most readers this will seem like I am simply being picky. That might be true, but remember that Senator Obama is the candidate that likes to lecture this nation on what it is doing wrong, in his eyes, and he sounds like the snobbish, effete parent that lectures their kid about feet on the coffee table.

Here is a piece of advice for Senator Obama: Leave the press alone. They know what they are doing, somewhat. Focus on your own problems before you start pointing fingers at others. You are the one who has a problem with the message and attitude. We expect the press to screw things up as they are virtually incompetent in the first place.

Marcie