In response to the Ron Paul response
I am not sure why I let a comment on this blog affect me in the way that it did, but I have been thinking about "anonymous' " comment since Tuesday afternoon. Now I know it was probably a Ron Paul supporter, or more likely a staffer - especially since after viewing the "hits analysis" on my site and noticing several people searched Google for "Ron Paul" - and whoever it was was just trying to stand-up for their main-man, but come on, sneakers with a suit? And I am clearly not the only one who has a problem with this: beyond Manolo and Wonkette picking it up, someone started a blog just this week called Ron Paul's Shoes that is based solely on this fashion misstep.
There are a lot of Congressmen, businessmen, lawyers, doctors etc. who are 71 years old - and older - who dress professionally every day. I have searched a bit and not found any articles or anything else that would lead me to believe Paul has any sort of health problem in which he would need the extra comfort shoes. I did find out that he wears these sneakers everyday, which is even worse than I thought, just wearing them to a CEAFU reception. But even if he does have a medical situation in which he needs the extra support, there are plenty of manufacturers out there that make classy, well-polished and - dare I say it - comfortable shoes for men in all price ranges.
Here's my problem, which I really feel Paul doesn't understand: There is just a certain level of dress and professionalism associated with being in the political-public eye. And this is a completely unpartisan comment - I had issue with President Bush's terrible outfit when he wore his Crocs and am constantly baffled by Hillary's wardrobe - but when you are the leader of the free world, or running for that office, you need to present yourself as such. Everyone is looking to you to set the example; you are quite literally the icon of America. Now I know Bush has made quite a few political fumbles in the past six plus years, but in general, he's dressed well while making them. He had to, he was on camera, and if Ron Paul chooses to put himself in that limelight he better act and dress the part.
****UPDATE****
I couldn't just leave it at that, either. I wanted to give some fantastic examples of comfortable, but stylish, shoes available - and maybe a Ron Paul staffer is reading this and will go out and buy him some new shoes. There are tons of styles out there, but here are a couple I found in just minutes on the Web:
Geox Monet 1 - The soft, textured leather makes this loafer perfect for dress-up or dress-down days and I love Geox for its breathable design, making your feet cozy and sweat-free for hours. Plus, they still have the sneaker-esque rubber sole that makes them slip-free on the just-waxed Capitol-campus floors.
Bostonian Asby - A nice, classic black bicycle-toe oxford that is made specifically for comfort: Bostonian has added extra padding on the heel and ball areas, padding around the ankle, and Ortholite foam lining so it forms to your foot.
Dr. Scholls Men's Winder Non Slip - Many people disregard Dr. Scholl's shoes because they remember the wooden sandals of yesteryear that were not at all comfortable. Nowadays, the company has rebranded itself and is making quite stylish wares. (I even have two pairs I wear often.) These slip-on oxfords feature Dr. Scholl's Massaging Gel insole, ankle padding and no-slip rubber soles.
Labels:
Candidate dressing,
Capitol scene
13 comments:
Hello there,
I am the person who commented on your article.....only a lowly RP supporter, the people running the campaign have a lot more important things to do. I must say this is kinda funny. At least when you are picking on wardrobe malfunctions, you do it universally, I stand corrected. From what I understand, Ron PAul was a track star and is still very athletic. He doesnt even use elevators if possible. I think he may consider it a waste of time to keep changing shoes, but thats just me. If he was YOUR candidate, what exactly would you have him wear to impress the masses that are in to fashion as you are? Leave a response comment with as many specifics as you have time or interest for and I will snip the comment and pass it along. I hope you didnt consider my original comment rude, I wasnt trying to be. I was just kinda surprised that someone was picking on something like that. Keep up the good work!
Clearly, you know shoes better than I. The Geox Monet look awful to me.
I'm sure Ron Paul would appreciate the recommendations. You should forward them to him. I mean the recommendations, but I'm sure shoe samples would be welcome, too.
I know I have trouble finding shoes that are comfortable, and with the bionic knees, Paul might have even more trouble. I'm sure he can use good advice.
I'll admit, I didn't know Ron Paul had bionic knees - though I do have to say, even now when I google it, only one hit comes up confirming that - but I understand that it can be hard to find good, comfortable shoes. Everyone has differently shaped feet; some people have weak ankles; arches can be flat or high...what I am getting at, is that it's important to find a shoe that is decently attractive and also good for your body. They are out there, and if you are a politician, you shouldn't be looking in an athletic shoe store for them. On that note, however, Reebok makes more attractive shoes than the ones he wears, which in the scary close-up picture you can see are overly beaten up.
Oh yes, and back to the first comment, I don't really have a candidate - I am universally dissatisfied with the current pool. I like how some of them dress better than others, but I would never ever venture to pick a president based on fashion sense. I just think that you do have to present yourself in a way that shows you respect yourself, the position you are vying for and the people who are watching - and a lot of people are watching.
I know that the majority of the nation doesn't care about fashion, but you have to admit the unfortunate fact is a lot of the country also doesn't pay attention to many of the issues. It's really a whole-package deal for many who just see the headlines and the photos and never venture to read the story.
You sound like a lot of fun to hang out with!!! I bet you have some stories of fauxpas in the DC scene.
Well, honestly, fashion guru, what should the man be wearing? We are listening and this is a valid point you bring up. I will bet that he has NO CLUE that he is sending this message with his attire! You however seem to be on top of the scene in downtown DC, your advice is valuable. If for nothing else but to keep a 71 year old DR./trackstar form beeing harrased by the fashion police!! You are Awsome. LOL
Why not recommend him to What Not to Wear?
RP supporter,
When RP’s candidacy fails you can always support the other crazy old guy who never quits and dresses even worse, LaRouche.
Ron Paul
I took the picture at the CEAFU reception, which was held in a room in the Cannon House Office Building. I sent the picture to the Manolo because I knew he'd write something witty and non-political about it. I never dreamed people would get their panties in a bunch over it.
When I first posted it on my own blog, it was without any Ron Paul antipathy:
I was quite surprised to see Ron Paul in a suit and tennis shoes. I've since come to learn that that's his signature fashion statement.
I saw something I thought was funny and out of place and took a picture of it. People getting bent out of shape about it need to get out more.
Oh, and you should at least credit me for using the picture I took.
This blog's information is very rich.i very like it
Thanks for article!
Thanks for interesting article.
Excellent website. Good work. Very useful. I will bookmark!
Post a Comment