July 28, 2007
Posted: 07:50 AM ET

Clinton’s campaign is seeking to raise cash over recent attention devoted to the candidate's appearance.

WASHINGTON (CNN) – Few political fundraising e-mails have ever carried the subject header “cleavage,” but White House hopeful Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign sent a solicitation to supporters Friday with the attention-grabbing header in order to decry a recent Washington Post article devoted to the New York Democrat’s chest — and raise campaign cash in the process.

“Frankly, focusing on women’s bodies instead of their ideas is insulting,” Ann Lewis, a senior adviser to Clinton, wrote in the e-mail. “It’s insulting to every woman who has ever tried to be taken seriously in a business meeting. It’s insulting to our daughters — and our sons — who are constantly pressured by the media to grow up too fast.”

“Take a stand against this kind of coarseness and pettiness in American culture,” Lewis adds, with a link to make a contribution to the campaign. “And take a stand for Hillary, the most experienced, most qualified candidate running for president.”

Lewis is referring to an article published in last Friday’s Washington Post Style Section, in which reporter Robin Givhan claims Clinton’s cleavage was “on display” during a recent Senate floor speech.

“With Clinton, there was the sense that you were catching a surreptitious glimpse at something private. You were intruding — being a voyeur. Showing cleavage is a request to be engaged in a particular way,” Givhan wrote in the article which detailed Clinton’s style evolution over the years. “It doesn't necessarily mean that a woman is asking to be objectified, but it does suggest a certain confidence and physical ease.”

Lewis also indirectly aired her grievances with Clinton’s Democratic competitors John Edwards and Barack Obama, who, at the CNN/YouTube debate last Monday, discussed Clinton’s “coral” jacket. When asked to say something he didn’t like about the candidate to his left, Edwards joked he wasn’t fond of her jacket, to which Obama replied that he liked it.

“There will always be people who try to make a campaign about make up, clothes, and now, even cleavage,” Lewis wrote. “In fact, if you watched the last debate, you remember that Hillary's jacket was the subject of some discussion among the candidates — because it was coral.”

But Clinton isn’t the only presidential candidate whose appearance has undergone scrutiny. Edwards’s pricey haircuts, Obama’s frequently ‘open collar’, Arizona Sen. John McCain’s V-neck sweaters, and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney’s expensive make-up jobs have all been the subject of past media attention.

– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney

Filed under: Presidential Candidates


Alyssa, Irvine CA   August 8th, 2007 1:08 am ET

This is a stupid topic. Why don't we ALL read about what she actually really thinks instead of what she was sporting that day because it's frankly, ridiculous. Get on with it people, women have baggage up there, and sometimes it's really kind of okay to highlight or acknowledge its presence.
Honestly, she didn't pull a Janet Jackson.

Elisabeth Squires, Seattle, WA   July 31st, 2007 7:04 pm ET

If you want to read a post that CNN Tracker deleted from this string (and maybe offer up a reason why), please visit http://www.mammoirs.com and read my blog.

The bOOb Lady’s Blog » Blog Archive » Senator Clinton and the Politically (In)correct Boob   July 31st, 2007 6:50 pm ET

[...] but not missing an opportunity to ask for contributions to her campaign chest. At least that was CNN Newswire’s take on the topic, the day I decided to leave my brief comment on the power of boobs in our [...]

Robert Ashton, San Jose, California   July 31st, 2007 3:43 pm ET

Obama's open collar, Romney's make up, Carter's cardigan, Reagan's hair dye, Nixon's five o'clock shadow, Kennedy's ManTan, Roosevelt's hidden wheel chair — nothing new here. Except maybe the public's obsession, accomodated by the ratings-hungry media, with form over substance — a trend, like mercenary armies, to be noted by a future Gibbons in "The Rise and Fall of the American Empire."

But the attention given to Hillary's neckline — or cleavage or breasts — is a little more fundamental. It goes to resistence to change in our society, and to our immaturity when it comes to matters sexual.

Women are viewed as powerful and threatening by a lot of us men, in part because they were dominent in the early life of each of us, in part because many of us suspect that our own sexual impulses can give women great leverage over us.

There's no secret that male-dominated society (and the women who buy into it for their own reasons) has worked pretty hard to keep women subservient for millenia, at least in many societies. Why keep a group subservient if you don't fear them?

Seeing that Hillary is — omigod! — an anatomically correct female just raises the stakes in the game. Are people really willing to allow a woman to run things if she appears actually to be female? Or only if she conceals or downplays her gender (and where DID Chelsea come from, after all?)? Or, maybe, in the privacy of the voting booth, we'll justify pulling a different lever, even though we know she's experienced and thoughtful and steady, by saying we just find her abrasive or manipulative.

No, it's not really about Hillary's cleavage. It's about America's lack of maturity. An immaturity that allowed us to be comfortable electing an apparent "just plain folk" phony because we didn't have to think about it. An immaturity that leads people to draw conclusions on something so superficial as a not-immodest neckline rather than policy acumen.

Tom, Omaha Nebraska   July 31st, 2007 8:26 am ET

CNN International 7:50-55 AM EST 31 July just reported:

"BLOGGERS SAY CLINTON INTENTIONALLY SHOWS CLEAVAGE TO COVER UP…..

CAMPAIGNING TOO MUCH LIKE A MAN"

they just conveniently left out which man: G BUSH!

I have just scanned all the CNN blog entries, and only 3 fit this bill:

1. Zak Washington DC : July 27, 2007 3:27 pm - He calls the Clinton Campaign's reaction a "Victim Stunt"

2. Clem, Maryland : July 27, 2007 3:35 pm - Says they're covering up her "cankles" (must mean "ankles")

3. My blog entry above July 28, 2007 8:14 am

Where I accuse the Clinton campaign of distracting from the the fact that Obama had nailed her as BUSH-lite.

Furthermore, I agree with Zak that she pulled a victim stunt to these ends.

I understand I'm being outrageously unrealistic to even suggest that someone at CNN actually paid attention to my comment, then "spun" it, but there you are. They said the criticism came from the Internet.

Or are they looking at other companies' blogs more than their own blog? That wouldn't be very professional, would it?

Jeff Fisher Washington DC   July 30th, 2007 2:25 pm ET

The money is not going to save Hillary this time. Jeff Fisher is revealing all in the Court room with Patrick J Fitzgerald. Cheney is so nervous because the truth of treason is coming out and Fisher is going right for the legal knockout.

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   July 29th, 2007 9:28 am ET

TO: Lance, LA, CA

I have nothing against Obama BUT -

If You Feel Obama is such a Visionary Leader, has far more experience in the real world than Clinton, and you enjoyed his BOOK SO MUCH "“the Audacity of Hope” I WOULD THINK YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO GET HIS NAME RIGHT!
Barry Obama?????? WHAT A JOKE !
I hope when you proudly display his painting on your wall you do it justice by signing his True Given Name! HA
And how about you detail for us all his experience and great characteristics. Words are just shallow rantings void of proof.

"To me, Obama is a visionary leader. He has far more experience in the real world than Clinton or any of the other candidates. Everything I hear and read about him furthers this. He was a civil rights attorney, he worked to rise people above their stations. He is the kind of leader that comes along once a generation if we’re lucky. I’ve just read “the Audacity of Hope” and it was so stirring, so clear, so clearly written not by a ghost writer but in the voice of the man himself. Barry Obama is the real deal, he’s the sort of fighter that we need oh so desperately in these trying times"

Shana, St. Louis, MO   July 29th, 2007 9:26 am ET

I'm totally disgusted with all of this discussion about Hillary Clinton's cleavage. It is sexism at it's worst- and in the "political ticker" you've attempted to avoid responsibility for propelling these discussions by focusing on the controversy. "Look what other people are talking about- Can you believe it?" In reality, however, you're keeping people focused on a totally irrelevant aspect of Clinton's candidacy. And no, there is no true comparison to discussions of McCain's sweaters, etc. To even make that comparison is insulting to all women, not just Clinton. This article belongs in a tabloid or on FOX news, not on CNN.

H.jones Newport News VA.   July 29th, 2007 7:38 am ET

America's, a joke to the world, and for reasons like this and the media is responsible Tell me when our troops are coming home, Homes for the Homeless but this
Or, OMG, I refuse to say her name. As male or female here's the deal, Why were you starring at her Cleavage anyway, MMMM, looking is one thing, but starring can make some people Hot, some females may become extremely hot because of, their lack of endowment and as far as, the Men/Dogs of America it's shameful how most Males have no control over their body members and in Washington D C, that's America's best keep secret,
So when are you guys going to pass a bill executing the Corrupted?

David, Cape Town, South Africa   July 29th, 2007 1:19 am ET

It is surprising that it is still surprising to some that Al Gore is out of love with politics, but the ad is the type of mistake that should not have been made. The HRC campaign should have stayed focused on the issues by staying focused on the issues… goodness knows they are serious enough.

lipper AMERICAN   July 29th, 2007 12:32 am ET

This is just excellent reporting! With an administration in power that makes Nixons' gang look like a bunch of pranksters I can see why CNN would rather write about cleavage……..God, please help America!

Lance, Los Angeles, CA.   July 28th, 2007 7:39 pm ET

To me, Obama is a visionary leader. He has far more experience in the real world than Clinton or any of the other candidates. Everything I hear and read about him furthers this. He was a civil rights attorney, he worked to rise people above their stations. He is the kind of leader that comes along once a generation if we’re lucky. I’ve just read “the Audacity of Hope” and it was so stirring, so clear, so clearly written not by a ghost writer but in the voice of the man himself. Barry Obama is the real deal, he’s the sort of fighter that we need oh so desperately in these trying times. I would go door to door for this candidate, I would believe he would look at any issue either foriegn or domestic with clear eyes and make decisions that were both humane and smart for our country and the world. The other candidates all strike me as fodder for lobbists, career politicians. I remember how moved I was when I heard his speech during Kerry’s convention. He is indeed a uniter, someone who can bring this sadly divided dis union back into union again. People will put paintings and photos on their walls of this man in the same way they do JFK or MLK. Mark my words, America and the world will prosper under President Obama. To see that happen I’d gladly travel to Ohio, to South Carolina, to Iowa, or anywhere else I needed to go to ensure he gets a fair shot. That’s all the man needs, is one good fair shot. Given his due he’ll do us right. Do the research. Don’t be a lemming. Read about him, read his own words. They aren’t sound bites, they’re living, breathing, human thoughts full of compassion and common sense, stength and integrity. Really look at this candidate. Do your kids and their kids the biggest favor of our lives.

Kate Johnson, Colo. Springs, Colorado   July 28th, 2007 6:56 pm ET

Go over to Huffington Post and you can see the jacket and top that caused fashion writer Robin Givhan to gasp in The Washington Post that it was the sartorial equivalent of a man's open fly. You could see more than that at most church services and certainly any office in America. The fact that Clinton's political team decided to channel the ridiculous barb into a fundraising opportuntiy is just politics in America. Why not? Clinton didn't do anything wrong. There is a great rebuttal to the whole thing in an article by Judith Warner in today's NYT. She suggests that Ms. Givhans works with so many anorexics that a regular woman's body seems to be some sort of shock to her. The Hillary haters out there will need to find some other lame reason to continue their rant, especially the ones speaking with great authority who did not even read the article and don't get it why there was a political response.

Carly KC MO   July 28th, 2007 5:34 pm ET

Almost a man? What exactly do you mean by that idiotic comment? Almost a man….hum….really original. So, when a woman is in a position of power and authority that makes her almost a man? Boy, and to think that we are spouting ourselves as a forward thinking equal society. We sure have a long way to go huh?

JB Hull Iowa   July 28th, 2007 5:22 pm ET

You don't see Obama running ads implying that Clinton is a racist. Why she can get away with trying to paint Edwards and Obama as sexists and still be taken seriously as a candidate is beyond me. She's gone beyond rediculous with this one.

CARMEN DE LEON MCALLEN TEX   July 28th, 2007 3:32 pm ET

Ms. Clinton, at almost 60 it is no longer clevage. The chest is called breast at this age. No matter how firm a woman is, they are still old breast.

Perry Clifton Springfield, Ohio   July 28th, 2007 1:35 pm ET

Greetings;
I find it rather sad that with the world's problems, the only item of discussion here is clothing!??! Perhaps with a little foresight, those involved in the "dressgate" controversy might consider a few other problomatic issues such as Iraq, the economy, and distance that President Bush appears to be placing himself from the American people. WHO cares about Mrs. Clinton's dress color!!!

Elizabeth, Minnesota   July 28th, 2007 1:19 pm ET

"Hillary’s only 5 foot 4. Imagine her visiting one of those middle eastern countries. They’ll probably pat her on the head, call there kids to play with her and Like CNN give her a podium to stand on when making a speech.

Posted By Kevin NH : July 27, 2007 6:55 pm "

Actually, I read Madame Albrights 900 page memoir and one point she made very clear is that she could go anywhere as Amassador and was taken very seriously not because of her gender but because she REPRESENTS AMERICA.

My only problem with Hillary is she's not a fresh new person. She has 8 years of baggage as First Lady, plus any baggage from her Senator position. If we had a NEW female running then the "person vs gender" debate would look rather different.

alvan Beverly Hills Fl.   July 28th, 2007 11:00 am ET

Wether I am for Hillary or not is besides the question, I believe a woman should use any tool in her arsenal to get the job done, as long as it isn't muckraking. Ditto for men. There is so much pettiness in our society, good politicians were rendered non-grata. for a social indiscretion, and incompetents were ushered in and called presidents.

T. Hatcher   July 28th, 2007 10:15 am ET

You couldn't do much worse than a headline that reads: "Clinton seeks ‘cleavage’ cash." Sure it's a nice tease, but for anyone who doesn't bother to read the story, it's only going to mislead.

JoJo   July 28th, 2007 10:00 am ET

Actually have to agree that Hillary didn't dress to well. Thought she looked rather foolish. No an election isn't about that but come on, there is a time and place. Wear clothes/colors that fit you, not which colors your handlers have polled and say looks appropiate

Lynn, Vancouver, BC   July 28th, 2007 9:31 am ET

Instead of worrying about the "cleavage" comment let's hear Clinton's and Obama's stance on the article entitled "Bush seeks big boost in arms for Mideast allies" to friendly nations in the Middle East on the MSNBC website. Why isn't there mention of this on CNN?

Wasn't Iraq once a "friendly nation" armed by the US?? Isn't Saudi Arabia funding and arming Sunni insurgents?

Your government continually makes this world a more dangerous place and you continue to focus on high school campaigning. The military power of the US makes it the "most powerful" gov't in the world, not its policies or examples internally or externally.

What are Hillary Clinton's experiences and accomplishments…not that she has been around Washington. These should be listed and itemized by the people who contend this.

And the credit for the North Korea negotiation goes to ALL the countries involved!!

America and the world needs a visionary not more of the same!

Tricia M Charlottetown PEI   July 28th, 2007 9:22 am ET

You know I really have to wonder, how hard is it today for reporters,newspapers, media to get a good story? How much are these people paid anyway for their mere opinions, views, perceptions even if twisted, slanted, out of focus, on any subject they wish to cover?

This "clevage" hype by the Washington Post certainly tells what side of the aisle they are on.

I have to wonder, if it weren't for hype and the rebuttals from the targets of the same, would we be getting any news?

This topic was not only low ball reporting. It was Gender Biased and totally Jeuvenile.Lets' get back to talents and credentials shall we?

Tom, Omaha Nebraska   July 28th, 2007 8:14 am ET

Just when things start getting very uncomfortable for Clinton because Obama called her number on her Bush-like foreign policy, she pulls a dirty political trick (probably suggested by Bill) and flashes her cleavage to change the subject, move the focus to her, and make her appear like a victim.

As if every item of her wardrobe were not the subject of a staff review.

As if people (women and men) never used their sexuality as a weapon; in this case, one which shows her growing panic.

At least the people reading these blogs are not that naive, especially when they see the ready-made banner advertising from the Clinton campaign featuring her cleavage. There's one at the top of this page as I'm reading it.

Perry Logan, Austin, Texas   July 28th, 2007 6:38 am ET

This just proves my theory, that right-wingers have the hots for liberals.

Terry Nazar. Canada   July 28th, 2007 6:11 am ET

Were not talking Lohan & Hilton -type trash people here kiddies.
Have some responsibible reporting with decency and try to be a bit more credible in your reporting.
What a sin to put a focus on her cleavage. So juvenile.

sdj, Laf, IN   July 28th, 2007 6:01 am ET

What's wrong with showing some cleavage on a woman? Seems like she should be proud of what she's got. Since when did everyone become so puritanical?

DAVID LEE SMITH   July 28th, 2007 5:54 am ET

no one in america would have paid this any notice if you people hadnt reported it.This is a headline ?PATHETIC

Suzanne, Waukegan, Illinois   July 28th, 2007 3:22 am ET

I find it amazing that CNN, MSNBC or any other news provider spends so much time on such sophomoric nonsense. Vote for Hillary or don't vote for her. The opportunity to choose is a premise of our foundation.

Reporters reporting on a candidates physique - grow up!

Glenda, McEwen, TN   July 28th, 2007 2:40 am ET

She's a woman running for president. Guess what? She has breasts! Deal with it and talk about what matters in this country. Through personal experience I've learned Obama is not my candidate. Edwards will not have the backing to beat the Republicans in 08. But there is one clear choice. She has the knowledge, the experience, the name recognition in her own right, diplomacy (WOW!) and can lead this country into a better tomorrow for all of us, not just the wealthy. Go Hillary! I will be proud to cast my vote for the first woman president in 08!

H, San Francisco, CA   July 28th, 2007 2:03 am ET

After reading this sexist CNN headline, my daily visits to this website are over.

Di, LA, CA   July 28th, 2007 1:40 am ET

So Hillary's outfit suggested confidence and physical ease. Thank you Dr. Freud for the style section. Perhaps Ms. Givhan should head back to reviewing B-list movies for the entertainment section at the Detroit Free Press or back to Vogue. Tsk, tsk, tsk, a Pulitzer Prize winner for criticism should know better. Or maybe she should just go work for Obama's campaign. Me thinks that's what this is all about, n'est-ce pas?. God forbid CNN should look anything up or fill in the blanks. Givhan actuually said, "it was more like catching a man with his fly unzipped." And that, Boys, is offensive to women and should be to men, too. Not as offensive as bad press coverage though. It's like you hire junior high students.

lisa, San Diego, CA   July 28th, 2007 1:17 am ET

Didn't anyone actually watch the debates? It was Obama who didn't like the jacket and Edwards who did. But it was a trivial interchange in response to a rather silly question. What was significant was that all the democratic candidates out-performed and out-classed all of the Republican candidates.

Rocket   July 28th, 2007 12:29 am ET

Clinton more experienced? Best candidate? Are you serious? This is a circus. Clowns dressing up to appeal to the public. Obama, Edwards good candidates? Get REAL! The sad truth of the matter is, there are NO good candidates.

If there WERE good candidates, they sure as hell wouldn't be engaged in a media circus and buying the public vote. They would be working (a hell of a lot more than the 127 days congress spent in session last year) and doing the bidding of the public.
Instead we have a bunch of limelight addicts who don't work for the public, they engage in enriching their own lives and pushing their personal agendas.
As far as I am concerned, I am sick and tired of having to choose from a barrel of rotten apples, ONE, to make me feel good about having picked a rotten apple.

Jim Ketcham   July 28th, 2007 12:03 am ET

My advice to the Democratic gentlemen running for President- show up at the next debate in a bright red suit.

Smokestack Barnes   July 27th, 2007 11:50 pm ET

My apologies! The word I meant to post was "uneven" as in "puts the perpetrator on an uneven plane with those with whom she is competing".

Thank you for your indulgence.

Edward Rodriguez Mcallen, Texas   July 27th, 2007 11:43 pm ET

It is outrageously absurd and insane that in this century some people are still unbelievably ignorant and believe women do not make good politicians because of their gender. Hillary Clinton has more brains than any other Presidential candidate (Republican and Democrat)put together. It is about time this country is run by an individual who God has blessed her not only with highly intelligence, but also wisdom and compassion.

Hillary, you have my vote. God bless you.

Edward Rodriguez from Texas

Smokestack Barnes   July 27th, 2007 11:25 pm ET

While expensive haircuts, V necks, and open collars maybe topics for discussion of their appropriateness, displaying cleavage, while very feminine, puts the perpetrator on an even plane with those with whom she is competing. Whether thats good or bad, she subjects herself to a certain degree of ridicule inherent with this behavior. If one truely wishes to be taken seriously, then me the boys on the same turf and defeat them at their own game.

Brian Rapp, Rockville, MD   July 27th, 2007 11:11 pm ET

Why do so many corporate media outlets, CNN included, try to turn political elections into popularity contests? We have to listen to Chris Mathews' nauseating man-crush on Fred Thompson; vapid, mindless gossip about John Edwards' haircuts; Mitt Romney's chiseled features; and now Hilary Clinton's breasts. When you're not busy digging up important “news” like this, you're inundating us with all the sordid details of the personal lives of people like Paris Hilton, the Beckhams, Lindsay Lohan, or some other useless Hollywood tramp du jour while the country burns.

This isn't high school. We aren't voting for prom king/queen. Grow up. We're in the mess we're in now because the media cares more about appearances than issues, and too many people buy whatever the media sells without stopping to think or form their own opinion (as though they could given how sparse the presentation of facts are). The media has a responsibility to the public to tell us who is lying and who is telling the truth, and not just telling what each side has to say without analysis or investigation. We would all be much better off if you would start doing your jobs instead of trying to entertain us. If we want entertainment, we'll go to the movies.

George Bush has been looting and pillaging this country's assets and trampling on the constitution largely because the corporate media failed to expose groups like the "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" for what they really were: a bunch of hired Republican operatives assassinating the character of an actual war hero while propping up commander codpiece, who was MIA all during the Vietnam war. Those are the facts and they have been readily available for years.

It's pointless to bring this up because the beltway chattering class simply roll their eyes when they hear complaints like this.

Randy , Colorado Springs, Colorado   July 27th, 2007 10:04 pm ET

The KFC Hillary Special: 2 Small Breasts, 2 Large Thighs, & 1 Left Wing

David, KC MO   July 27th, 2007 9:59 pm ET

I wouldn't care how much cleavage she has. This Senate seat buying, crooked land dealer has no business near the White House. Doesn't matter what you think of the current administration either.

Brian Tampa, FL   July 27th, 2007 9:50 pm ET

How did it ever come to this? Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Reagan are rolling over in their graves!

Rachel, Santa Rosa, CA   July 27th, 2007 9:30 pm ET

Nice Ed - I agree.

cj, kennesaw ga   July 27th, 2007 9:05 pm ET

Please please please America focus on the chest of the country not the chest of Hilary.

Sevil Babayev, Boulder, Colorado   July 27th, 2007 8:38 pm ET

Dear Ticker Producer.
I am a former medical scientist, PHD, now retired. Everyday I read CNN site, including Ticker, and everyday it is difficult for me to read how purposefully and negatively you write about Senator Hillary Clinton. This person is admirable not only for me,I will be not mistaken to say, for the majority of the American people. This nation should be proud to have such an highly educated person, exclusively intelligent, with deep knowledge of the most important issues for the nation (health care, economics, foreign policy, national security, poverty, etc).
It surprisers me why CNN TV channel (Wolf Blitzer)and Internet site day after the day constantly are busy to invent all kind of insinuations about Senator Clinton, trying to create a negative impression about her at any cost. Why the great abilities of such a talanted anchor as Wolf Blitzer is regularly used to disinform the American people in the very important issue of presidental campaign, negatively presented the most deserving candidate-Senator Clinton.I am sure The American people will not go after your mendacious propoganda. It will be smart enough to make the right choice for the next president of this great nation-everybody knows how able and smart is Senator Clinton and everybody remembers and knows bright examples of UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher and Angela Merkel of Germany.
I would like to ask you and Wolf Blitzer stop doing this ignoble deed, do not mislead the american voters. Election of the president is an issue of too much importance and meaning and it should not be used in selfinterest of any malicious or greedy groups.
CNN as leader of the Media should be a carrier of the most trustworthy information.

Respectfully,
Sevil Babayev.

Phil NC   July 27th, 2007 8:32 pm ET

Clinton News Network is funny. Can we find better candidates than Hillary, Obama, and Edwards. How about the Max Brothers, Red Skelton or Burns and Allen.

Frankie, Dallas, Texas   July 27th, 2007 8:22 pm ET

Why not? It seems to me that everyone is using whatever assets they can leverage for political advantage. Let Hillary use hers, as long as it's not cheap :)

I vote it's OK. Make your voice heard on: http://youpolls.com/details.asp?pid=244

Rob, Roselle NJ   July 27th, 2007 8:17 pm ET

Honestly, who the heck cares! There is not one good candidate in the bunch - all of them want to talk about how this doesn't work and that doesn't work while not really offering much in terms of true concrete solutions. At the end of the day this is a woman making a "sexist" comment with the politician twisting it to her advantage.

Lydia, Frisco and Texas   July 27th, 2007 8:01 pm ET

I think Hilary's characterization of Obama's comments as "silly" shows some condescension that is reminiscent of that of Bush senior when refering to Clinton/Gore in 1991 as those bozos. It did not work for Bush senior and it is unlikely to work for her. I believe she is resorting to republican tactics by trying to reduce a very serious issue to oneliners or slogans. This does not allow for serious public debate.

Ed, Belleville IL   July 27th, 2007 7:50 pm ET

In the words of the immortal bard; surely tis much ado about nothing.

Andrew E, Hampton, VA   July 27th, 2007 7:33 pm ET

“Clothes? Make up? Cleavage? What’s really important in this race? Help Hillary Fight For What Matters.”

It doesn’t take a journalism degree to understand that the header of this email is to point out that one’s appearance is not the important issue in this presidential race. So how did CNN not get it? Instead, CNN selects one word of the many in the header text, ignores the true and obvious intent of the header, and reports that Clinton is attempting to grab attention using this word in attempts to get “cleavage cash”. No, Clinton is not using the word “cleavage” to grab people’s attention, but CNN certainly is.
Posted By John : July 27, 2007 4:23 pm

John, what I gleaned from this article is that Hillary, not anyone else, made a big deal about the cleavage comment. In a very real sense, Hillary is "using" her cleavage to raise money. The only way to treat such a trivial tidbit is to ignore it; what Robin Givhan says in the Style section of the Washington Post is vastly different from what Carl Bernstein or Bob Woodward say in the National News section. For my part, I'm not even sure if Givhan is a man or a woman.

I think I know why Hillary is throwing up these straw-man (she might demand i say "straw person") arguments: if people voted for her based on her merits and her so-called "experience," she'd face a tough time. I fully believe that she was responsible for the failure of Bill Clinton's presidency during the first two years. After Bill was elected, he appointed a politically correct but ineffective cabinet; Al Gore was the only one who knew what he was doing. After the Democrats' crushing defeat in the 1994 elections, Bill moved away from his wife's camp and toward the Al Gore camp, and for his remaining 6 years he had an incredibly effective presidency.

She panders to the ultra-liberal "base" who support turning the US into the Union of Socialist States of America. She voted for the Iraq police-action/"regime change"/invasion/occupation/whatever. And her reason for voting for entering Iraq is that she was "misled" by President Bush. (How many times has she implied that Bush is an idiot or doesn't know what he's talking about? Enough that if I was her, I would not claim someone I consider an idiot duped me.) That's the "real" Hillary. In that case, I guess straw men do really wish they had brains…

Dave, Evergreen, CO   July 27th, 2007 7:32 pm ET

I think she was just trying to get Bill's attention.

Sue, Midland, MI   July 27th, 2007 6:58 pm ET

Here is another dumb article about nothing. I'm sure Edwards mentioned the jacket (1) in an attempt at humor, and (2) because he was uncomfortable saying what he REALLY doesn't like about Hillary. To spend time on this instead of the issues makes the campaign a farce. We have very serious problems in this country, let's focus on them, PLEASE!

tammi lynn nichols-parnell   July 27th, 2007 6:55 pm ET

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA SHOULD JUST GIVE THE DAMM WHITE HOUSE DEED OVER TO THE CLINTON'S AND HOPE THEY LIVE FOREVER NO ONE ELSE SHOULD EVER BE IN THAT HOUSE BUT THEM. LOOK AT US PEOPLE!!!!!

Kevin NH   July 27th, 2007 6:55 pm ET

Hillary's only 5 foot 4. Imagine her visiting one of those middle eastern countries. They'll probably pat her on the head, call there kids to play with her and Like CNN give her a podium to stand on when making a speech.

Mike Dallas, TX   July 27th, 2007 6:51 pm ET

Why didn't respond right away? Because it is a non issue but finally it occured to them they can use the story to EXPLOIT some campaign contribution. Sadly CNN fell for it by further publicizing it. It is suffice to say I have seen nice and imaginative ways to raise money and I think this one is simply dumb. It assumes women are so emotional and they will reach their purses right away in anger. How insulting.

Kevin NH   July 27th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

People who think Bush has more calories beware. Bush Lite calories has been known to hide its true colors in the begining then come out once the buyers are duped into buying it.

tammi lynn nichols-parnell   July 27th, 2007 6:47 pm ET

look last time i checked my husband paints fit like mine do i think hillary looks like a lady and acts like one. no one is asking the men hey take your paints off because size does matter well show them hillary they look better than bushes!!!!!!for the last 8 years the worst years of my familys life

Mark, Hayden Colorado   July 27th, 2007 6:39 pm ET

And WHY are we giving this any attention at all?

T, Kansas City, Mo.   July 27th, 2007 6:21 pm ET

Why did I just waste 5 mintues reading these comments about a totally stupid topic? And why did all of you waste time writing them?

Erin, New York, NY   July 27th, 2007 5:30 pm ET

I agree that Edward's remark was basically a cop out, an attempt at levity…

But, at the same time, I can't blame Hillary for insisting that the focus remain on the issues. After all, she was actually asked during the YouTube debate, if she felt she would be taken seriously as president because she's a woman. It's a major hurdle, being the first serious female candidate for the presidency, and I'm sure she's just trying to prevent herself from trivialized.

Anonymous   July 27th, 2007 5:20 pm ET

these guys and gals need to get over it. it's ok to spend one one hundredth of your time joking about these types of things (and don't take it seriously) AND THEN, get on with the serious business.
after all, women don't want to be men and men don't want to be women but it's fun to spar on occasion isn't it. can you believe that presidential candidates aren't grown up enough to understand the basics and focus on the real issues??? pleaaaaseeee………!!!

John Conkel, Las Vegas, NV   July 27th, 2007 5:13 pm ET

Years ago when Ms.Clinton was running for the Senate in New York, I received a request for money. I lived in Colorado. I sent a check for .02 and told them never to write me again and to remove me from their mailing list.
I never recieved any more requests for money, but they actually cashed the check–that's right, they cashed a check for two cents!

Shawnie - Grants Pass, OR   July 27th, 2007 4:59 pm ET

Another "talk is cheap" stunt by Hillary.

teresa keith twin lakes wi   July 27th, 2007 4:56 pm ET

I think its important to look
professional if your running for
president.Showing cleavage is not
a wise choise.

Brenda; Annapolis, MD   July 27th, 2007 4:52 pm ET

let's be real people–the real culprit are the media outlets.

the papers and magazines and news shows report what they think is "news worthy" (i.e. bring in more viewers). in addition, their slight bias (and i stretch the word "slight") is able to sway the reader completely. there's no way that there will ever be a fair election with all candidates represented equally unless the media stays out of it. clinton and obama have been talked about TO DEATH. there are other candidates. this just further proves why our country needs to go back to having three party elections (and three BIG parties they should be). it's the only way we'll have any real options in a media-driven society. not to mention, it will keep everyone on their toes as well as strive more for the betterment of the people. after all, more candidates = more competition = more people to please

Mike, Coarsegold Calif.   July 27th, 2007 4:49 pm ET

I don't think BJ knows his left from right. 99.9% media for the right? Give me a break.

John Pikeville Kentucky   July 27th, 2007 4:36 pm ET

Hillary Clinton’s touting of her experience is almost comical. Being the wife of a president is not the same as being an accountable public official. The one policy chore she had as first lady, health care reform, was a failure. Though I appreciate her service in the Senate, nothing she has done reflects the insight of a seasoned public servant. I think she is a fine individual, but certainly not what I would call "experienced."

Her indictment of Barack Obama is fair, however; whether his ideas about dealing with dictators are good or not, he is inexperienced. He wasn’t in the Senate to vote for or against the Iraq war, so no one knows how he would have voted. He said he would deal with dictators and this is right. But, I don’t think his answer is born out of a keen political acumen, but instead is simply a reaction to the foreign policy of President Bush.

Bill Richardson is the candidate Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are trying to depict themselves as. He is the one with the experience and "fresh ideas." It is ironic that, whoever is elected president, will be on the phone to Governor Richardson asking for his help. And he will help because he is a patriot. But wouldn't it be better to put the man who knows what needs to be done at the top? Why put an amateur in charge of the professional?

The media has taken the place of the political machines of yore, limiting the candidates to the ones who draw the most viewers; iconoclasm has taken over meaningful dialogue on policy and action; ratings are more important than the public good. I'd like to see more coverage of the all the other candidates, not just the ones who stir up the most controversy.

Anonymous   July 27th, 2007 4:28 pm ET

you forgot hair - they had a whole montage on hillary's hair during her senate race.

John   July 27th, 2007 4:23 pm ET

“Clothes? Make up? Cleavage? What’s really important in this race? Help Hillary Fight For What Matters.”

It doesn’t take a journalism degree to understand that the header of this email is to point out that one’s appearance is not the important issue in this presidential race. So how did CNN not get it? Instead, CNN selects one word of the many in the header text, ignores the true and obvious intent of the header, and reports that Clinton is attempting to grab attention using this word in attempts to get “cleavage cash”. No, Clinton is not using the word “cleavage” to grab people’s attention, but CNN certainly is.

Zak Washington DC   July 27th, 2007 4:19 pm ET

"I find the remarks irrelevant, I question the relevance of those engaging in the discussion and wonder about the relevance of the venue airing the discussion. You do realize it is not imperative that you run this discussion?

Posted By Jennie Sacramento California"

Are you kidding? You just read these comments and then added one yourself.

There is a scroll button on your mouse. Use it.

By the way, as absurd as your comment is, thanks. It is also meaningless and irrelevant. But I find it amusing enough that I'm responding.

So thanks.

This is entertainment. If you want to stick with only hard news, scroll right on passed this article and don't click on the comments.

Have a nice day!

H NY,NY   July 27th, 2007 4:17 pm ET

Further proof why we need an independent candidate like Bloomberg or someone else.

Yes, Hillary is unattractive but I am not referring to her looks.

Its her ideas, and the baggage that follows her that make her unappealing to me.

Jon, Pittsburgh PA   July 27th, 2007 4:12 pm ET

Ummm…the "most experienced and most qualified"? Based on what criteria? Biden, Richardson and Kucinich has lightyears more experience and qualifications than her. They aren't anywhere near as despised as her. Her whole staff is selling some bull story, man…

Jennie Sacramento California   July 27th, 2007 4:05 pm ET

If the candidates were running to head the leading fashion magazine of the free world, the remarks made would be relevant. Given we're talking about the race for thePresident of the United States of America, I find the remarks irrelevant, I question the relevance of those engaging in the discussion and wonder about the relevance of the venue airing the discussion. You do realize it is not imperative that you run this discussion?

Scott Becker, Dearborn, MI   July 27th, 2007 3:57 pm ET

In my opinion, John Edwards picked Hillary's jacket to "dislike" as a way to avoid mentioning something about her character. It was an innocuous choice to diffuse what could have been a damaging situation.

Zak Washington DC   July 27th, 2007 3:53 pm ET

Really BJ? And it's okay to make fun of a southerner and call him "boy"? That's pretty hypocritical.

I too mock southerners but you're a bit self-righteous to resort to that.

Yes, Clinton News Network is funny.

But I think you are right about the media being freightfully right wing and pro-war. Which may explain why they are friendly with the Clintons. It's a shame Clinton is part of that game. It's time for a real change.

PS thanks for reminding me why so many people use the term femi-nazi. I thought it was immature and sexist until I met some real self-proclaimed feminists.

Many of the most outspoken of them have serious issues that go far deeper than they admit. I suppose we'll have to crack down more on child molesters before we can stop this epidemic of man hating and bitter paranoia.

Maurice, Washington, DC   July 27th, 2007 3:48 pm ET

Seriously I am elated to see a woman give men a run for their money. It was interesting watching the debates because all the other candidates were ganging up on Clinton and she stood her grounds and no one knows and understands the issues like she does.

I am not sure why people are threatened by Hillary so much. I guess the idea of power in the hands of a woman threatens them. Every other major democracy in the world has had female leaders and they've served just fine. Men have done the job for too long in this nation and have done a good job and not so good job depending on who you speak to. It's time a woman takes a stab at this job.
I am a man but I am all for equal rights. I am judging Hillary on the content of her character and not on her sexuality

John, Washington   July 27th, 2007 3:43 pm ET

You're one to talk, "BJ"

Clem, Maryland   July 27th, 2007 3:35 pm ET

This is simply a conspiracy between the media and the Clinton campaign to distract us from her cankles.

Have you ever noticed that, much like its tacit agreement with FDR not to picture him in his wheelchair, the press never shows us Hillary from the waste down?

BJ , Cinti OH   July 27th, 2007 3:31 pm ET

"Wow, the Clinton News Network is actually running Clinton adds as news. Shocker!

Posted By Travis : July 27, 2007 2:25 pm "

Is that all you have? Well I wouldn't expect much more from someone named "Travis". Which southern state you from boy?

Did Faux Snooze tell ya that one on their "fair and balanced" (cough cough) network?

99.999% of tv media is right wing, fact, no matter how many times the right wing whines it's liberal…doesn't make it so.

http://politicaldiscontent.blogspot.com

Bryan Tampa   July 27th, 2007 3:30 pm ET

Or maybe real problems in America like Healthcare, Social Security, and Illegal Immigrants?

Joe, Boulder, CO   July 27th, 2007 3:29 pm ET

Hillary is hot.

Zak Washington DC   July 27th, 2007 3:27 pm ET

This is not an issue of ignorant and sexist media versus women. All politicians are objectified. Their appeareance is often noted and I do not recall ever hearing an outcry over objectification of men being blamed on anti male bias. We have to look at the people we vote for, which is why we talk about what they look like.

Clinton is taking advantage of those that are too naive and bitter to recognise that all widely viewed politicians will be objectified. I suggest you reread the last paragraph of the above article.

This is not a vast sexist conspiracy or drawing attention away from HC's policy positions. You may notice that the Post put this article in its STYLE section. Would HC like to never be mentioned there again? Is there some context in which a woman candidate must never be discussed? Is her appearance really something we will not be able to discuss for eight years if we have to look at her for the next eight years??? That's absurd.

If this were just about experience and policy issues, we would not be paying any attention at all to HC's body or her mind. We would be sitting here chatting away about the details of policy between Biden and other significantly more experienced male candidates. That's not the way it works and I'm glad. HC should be glad too.

Anyway, in spite of how silly this controversy will make women who buy into it seem (and I'm sure it will work with a lot of women because yes, as one commenter just pointed out, a lot of Americans are vapid), I don't blame HC for pulling this victim stunt. It works. It's called politics. And she is just as much a manipulator as any of the boys. Ok. Good for her. It's an old trick of politicians and political speakers to tap into fears. I guess sexism is the HRC equivalent of Bill O'Reilly's libertine boogeymen and "Social Progressives" who are out everywhere, threatening everything good in the world.

Get your base riled up with what they fear most. They'll stop thinking logically and open up their purse.

Erica, Seattle, Washington   July 27th, 2007 3:20 pm ET

I wish the public would not give Clinton problems because of her female physique. I wish they would focus on real problems such as Global poverty where every 3.6 seconds, another person dies of starvation [ Borgen Project]. What is going on?

Ted, West Chester PA   July 27th, 2007 3:14 pm ET

Oh, man, the "Clinton News Network" by Travis; that was hilarious.

Anonymous   July 27th, 2007 3:13 pm ET

Did anyone even look? Anyone? No? I mean seriously, Hillary is practically a man, anyway. Where are the cries of outrage from the activists and the family values groups? Frankly, I'm offended.

M. Anderson   July 27th, 2007 3:00 pm ET

Anyone in a leadership position must have thick skin… Imagine if Chavez calls her "the mistress of the Devil" government will go into mourning…how pathetic!

Independent Voter, TN   July 27th, 2007 2:58 pm ET

Vote for Hillary…she's got breasts!

Or is it:

Don't vote for Hillary…she's got breasts!

Personally, I won't vote for her because she's another lawyer turned politician and Washington is already chock full of them. But the fact that someone has an issue with her cleavage is absolutely ridiculous.

Sue, New York, NY   July 27th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

I took Edward's "coral jacket" comment as a cop out answer. He didn't want to say he couldn't stand her policies on X, her stance on Y, or how she's handled Z in her personal life so he went for the easy out and picked on her jacket. I doubt we'd be focusing on this if Hillary had said that she didn't care for one of the guys' ties.

Ernie North Truro, MA   July 27th, 2007 2:55 pm ET

Is discussing cleavage in the context of a style section so outrageous? It will be interesting to see how the "cleavage cash" appeal plays in Peoria.

Ethan   July 27th, 2007 2:53 pm ET

I partially wonder why they took offense to the article in the Post. It was basically saying that over the years Hillary has become more confident and at ease. I am not sure that is a bad thing.

John, Oak Lawn, IL   July 27th, 2007 2:40 pm ET

1. Hillary Clinton is not the most experienced and qualified candidate. (Joe Biden has been in the Senate since the Vietnam war…etc, etc.)She did indeed spend two terms in the White House. So did Nancy Reagan and Laura Bush! Her campaign's strategy seems to be that they should repeat that misleading line over and over until voters start to mistakenly believe it.

2. People talked about Bill Clinton's "pasty white thighs" and the length of his running shorts. People discussed Al Gore's switch to earth tone suits in 2000, and John Kerry's possible botox treatments in 2004. Those candidates shrugged it off. She should follow her own husband's example.

Alex - Kennewick, WA   July 27th, 2007 2:30 pm ET

It took four days for Hillary to come up with a comeback?

A haircut comment at the debate would have worked just fine.

Travis   July 27th, 2007 2:25 pm ET

Wow, the Clinton News Network is actually running Clinton adds as news. Shocker!

Bob, San Francisco, CA   July 27th, 2007 2:18 pm ET

What's to be expected from this shallow, Paris Hilton-worshipping society we live in? I mean, really, what's the percentage of voters who intelligently read up on and discuss the numerous issues in the nation/world? 30%? 25%? Most Americans know more about American Idol than the candidate they will vote for (if they vote at all), and some will actually vote or not vote for someone for something as stupid as cleavage.

Anonymous   July 27th, 2007 2:11 pm ET

Why don't we all just wear the gray wigs like in the early years. We all seem metrosexual and gay these days anyhow. We might as well dress how the rest of the world views us.

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