The Power of Sexuality in Politics: Sarah Palin: A "Good Looking" Lady

On September 2, 2008 when John McCain announced his vice president running mate, the whole nation was floored. Who would have thought that this 72 year old man would have picked a 44 year old [great looking] woman to run along side him in his campaign. At first the reactions were outrageous, in both a positive and negative manner, and now I feel as though the attention has shifted to the more negative aspects of this whole ordeal. I may not be overly fond of Sarah Palin, her running mate, or anything that she stands for, but she is, like me a woman, which can change my whole perspective on the matter.
I was not all that surprised by the nations reaction to Sarah Palin, I was however surprised when I came across Joe Biden's reaction in a recent blog that was posted. Joe Biden, much like Barack Obama as well as John McCain, realize that in this point of their lives their sex appeal won't be getting them very far. Obama, following the norms of most presidential candidates went with someone he was close with, and knew very well. McCain on the other hand went with a woman, whom he had never met, and 28 years his junior. Sarah Palin, the hot mother of 5 blew America away with her glowing smile and nice figure. John McCains decision in a running mate not only effected the republican party, but the entirety of this campaign.
Joe Biden, who was selected to be Barack Obama's vice president candidate lightly joked about the fact that "he was no Sarah Palin". In the Joe Biden's speech given shortly after the announcement for Vice Presidents, he states that
"There's a gigantic difference between John McCain and Barack Obama and between me and I suspect my vice presidential opponent... She's good looking."
Although it may have meant to be a joking statement, I feel as though Biden only made this comment to bypass the fact that he, as well as Barack Obama are aware of the fact that the advantage that will come with Sarah Palin's good looks. Most would say that this Sarah Palin talk is just bogus, that if you are a true democrat that you will stand true to your blue, but it may not be that simple. Take the Daily Shows, Jon Stewart for example. To many Americans this is considered to be a reliable news source, with both news and humor. In one of his latest shows, Jon Daily was shown "making out" with a photo of Sarah Palin. Real' classy.
Although ridiculous, Palin's good looks are going to work to both her and McCain's advantage, and although Biden is a fun loving guy who is known for "behaving like your slightly embarrassing uncle". Personality wins friends, "looks like Sarah Palin's win elections".