Debate over Palin has legs

By: wisekwai

Bethlehem : PA : USA | about 1 month ago

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Sarah Palin's legs

Posted by: wisekwai
Sarah Palin Newsweek

Posted by: wisekwai

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At a campaign rally in Pennsylvania, a wire-service photographer captured an enraptured young male supporter staring up at Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, his face framed by the A-frame of the high-heeled, skirt-wearing vice-presidential candidate's out-of-focus legs.

The image, reminiscent of many movie posters, has set off a flurry of debate, with detractors of the "upskirt" image calling it sexist, while supporters say it is empowering, symbolising Palin's role in the McCain campaign.

Also coming under fire is a Newsweek magazine cover that features an extreme close-up of Palin's mug, with critics saying it is an unflattering portait of the bespectacled, eye-linered, lipsticked politician.

There's coverage of the issue at The Washington Times. FoxNews also has coverage, with links to a photo gallery and a forum that has generated more than 15,000 responses.

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Tags: politics

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Post A Comment Comments: 3

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Posted By call_kathy | about 1 month ago

These two images are so telling about how the election reporting is being handled. I love a good Palin joke as much as the next woman, but these kinds of stories and pictures take away from the real issues.

I am glad you posted this. We need to get the conversation going on how to combat images like this and how they are affecting the campaign coverage.
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Posted By onlinebusinesswoman | about 1 month ago

I agree Kathy. Palin has made it very clear that she doesn't mind being considered the "sexiest Governor" (or she wouldn't have agreed to the magazine covers). Besides, so she wears heels and doesn't wear pants! I thought this photo was an amazing shot! I'd love to get photography like this. How in the world could it be considered sexist? She's female, get over it.
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Posted By Punditty | about 1 month ago

On the one hand (foot?), Palin and her surrogates try to use the "sexism" card against her critics. On the other, Palin uses her sexuality to sell herself on a visceral level to "Joe Sixpack." Sen. Hillary Clinton and other female politicians have avoided this cheap play for votes, but for Palin, it seems to go with the territory.