As the time comes for us to elect the man that shall run our nation for the next four years, why must we know what brand of shoes his wife is wearing? Is it really important what kind of music his daughter is listening to? According to Larry Hackett, managing editor of People magazine, voters are just as interested in a candidate's personal life as well as their position on major issues, as told in an article in PRWeek. When Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) brough on his babe of a running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK), he chose People to introduce her to the world as opposed to a more political driven source of media, such as The New York Times or Meet the Press. Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and Joseph Biden (D-DE) also had a feature on the magazines cover.
It's really funny to me that not only are both candidates featured in People magazine, but Us Weekly also chose to exploit their lifestyles. However, the articles are dramatically different. Their Obama story is all about how he loves his wife and his daughters. While poor Palin gets hated on for having a daughter with a bun in the oven and a love for killing giant animals (hot woman + rifle = NIIIIICE). It's easy to see that this trend was a long time coming though, considering people like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Springer are elected public officials. Hmm, maybe I will run for mayor of San Marcos?
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I agree with Alix. Are these people running to be the next president of the United States, or of Hollywood?
I literally had one of those laugh out loud moments today when I read the headline on US Weekly's website: "Sarah Palin Installed Tanning Bed at Governor's Mansion."
Really US Weekly...REALLY?!
Alix, just think, if you were mayor of San Marcos, you could some day have your own daytime talk show. That's what Jerry Springer did. He was in politics before becoming a talkshow host. In fact, I was punching the dial this afternoon as I was driving to campus and heard Mike Huckabee filling in for national talkradio host Neal Boortz. First a Baptist preacher, then a governor and now a talkshow host.
All this talk reminds me of "Leslie" running for Mayor of Austin. "Leslie" is a cross-dressing homeless man who resides in Austin. He is arguably the most locally famous street person in Austin. And the year he ran for Mayor of Austin, 2000, he was second, behind Kirk Watson.
Wow I didn't know that was the title of US Weekly, I mean come on.
Look at Arnold Shwarzeneger-sp, or the Kennedy's or so many other political figures that literally did used to be movie stars.
I think it's a little crazy that the nation is almost more interested in political figures personal lives than their stance on political issues. Unless they're doing something illegal in their personal lives than it should stay just that personal.
Although I do have to say Palin looks good with a tan.
I think this move for presdiential and vice presidential candidates was smart. They go to People magazine to reach to the population that stereotypically cares very little about politics. They got their stories in the magazine and you know what? I read it! Had Sarah Palin's picture been on a more political magazine's cover I wouldn't have. Shoe brands are more important to some people than the up-coming election. So, McCain and Obama realize they have to give some people the information they crave (Nike or Addidas) in order to get on their good side.
It is pretty ridiculous that the candidates turn to tabloids for interviews but at the same time it is a pretty smart move. They are only catering to the public and cashing in on the simple fact that many Americans do read and rely on these mags for their news and entertainment so if thats the way to reach certain demographics then thats just how it has to be done. I think it has more to be said about the American public than any of the candidates...
Everyone needs to focus on the issues that are important instead of egging on these customer based magazines. These magazines aren't focused at selling you the truth....in fact they hardly ever sell you the truth on any matter of importance. And, honestly who can blame them for printing this crap. People are buying it and sales are better than ever. So what really needs to happen is people need to blame themselves for these ridiculous non-important issues and facts.
Kind of makes you wonder how much People magazine paid the McCain campaign to be the first publication to introduce Palin. Probably a sickening amount of money. Well what can you say, great job to their campaign for stirring up some controversy and making money while doing it.
This election is getting pretty ridiculous. It's sad to think how many voters are going to go to the booth Nov. 4 and vote based on their liking of a candidate's personal life rather then their political views.
I believe that Palin deserves some of the coverage she is receiving, considering that any figure in the spotlight has become a celebrity of some sort. If political figures such as the presidential candidates were not in the same spotlight as Brittney and Paris, would our generation know as much information about them, if they were solely featured in the news? Yes, the current coverage is pathetic, but some of it is positive...some of it.
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