Palin - $150K on clothing!!

[shootfighter1]

The RNC here is at fault, not Palin.

[tu_holmes]

You're serious, aren't you?  

What do you think?

I think he isn't using public funds to fund his campaign, so it's entirely different.

[tu_holmes]

Murphy's latest critique of his former boss is a post on Time's Swampland blog offering sarcastic potential responses to the news of Palin's $150,000 makeover:

I saw the RNC statement on Gov. Palin's $150,000 clothing bender on the RNC's tab. This caper is gonna make for a long day at the office for the good folks at the RNC/McCain press operation. Thought I'd offer a little help in a humorous vein; some other possible spin lines for the RNC.

1.) What you sneering critics in the liberal MSM fail to see here is... a Jobs Program! Saks floorwalkers, cashiers, a team of sweating porters to haul the merchandise from the store to the motorcade... chiropractors to treat those porters. Sarah Palin knows how to create jobs!

2.) What's the difference between a Pit Bull and a Hockey Mom? You can feed a pit-bull for 483 years with 150 grand.

3.) Still cheaper than Mitt Romney's hair products. We're saving money here...

4.) William Ayres is a terrorist!

5.) New ad slogan: "Clothes for Gov. Palin? $150,000. Time machine to go back two months to late August and ask what the Hell were Schmidt and Davis thinking when they cooked up this idea and sold it to McCain? Priceless."

[Dos Equis]

Of the $150,000 spent by the Republican National Committee on clothing for the vice presidential candidate, $50,000 worth of clothes was returned immediately after the national convention, $50,000 worth hasn't been worn yet and $50,000 is being used by the Palin clan.

Sarah Palin told FOX News on Thursday that some of the clothes that were ill-fitting or just bought to be tried and possibly worn were returned right away.

Everything that "could be returned was," she said. Another third of the clothing remains unwrapped and packed in the belly of the vice presidential candidate's campaign plane and the rest is being worn.

Republican aides say the purchases were necessary because the family was whisked out of Alaska without notice, then scattered across the country for campaign activities not least of which was a week of convention appearances.

"Those clothes are not my property," Palin told FOX News' Sean Hannity. "We had three days (at the convention) of using clothes that the RNC purchased."

Palin added that she knows how to make a dollar work for her appearance.

"If people knew how Todd and I and our kids shop so frugally. My favorite shop is a consignment shop in Anchorage, Alaska, called 'Out of the Closet,' and my shoe store is called 'Shoe Fly' in Juneau, Alaska. It is ... not 5th Avenue type of shopping," Palin said, adding that the RNC purchases will either be returned or go to charity.

RNC officials would not explain why this explanation is surfacing days after the purchase appeared in news stories, advisers declined to answer. They did describe much of what Palin wears now as bought "off the sale rack from Macy's."

News of the purchases of designer clothes, largely from upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, contrasts with the image Palin has crafted as a typical "hockey mom."

McCain was asked several questions on Thursday about the shopping spree -- and he answered each one more or less the same way: Palin needed clothes and they'll be donated to charity.

He said his wardrobe was not purchased by the RNC. Asked Wednesday who had paid for the suit he was wearing, Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden told WSLS-TV in Roanoke, Va.: "I pay for my suits. I pay for all of my own clothing."

Also on Thursday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a private watchdog group in Washington, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Palin, the Republican National Committee and several political operatives alleging that the purchase of clothing for Palin and her family violates Federal Election Campaign Act.

The law prohibits a candidate for federal office from converting campaign funds to personal use. CREW notes that FEC regulations make clear the prohibition applies to clothing but also provide that donations by candidates to charity are not for personal use. CREW argued this exception might apply to Palin's clothes but doesn't appear to apply to clothes for her family.

Palin, who is John McCain's vice presidential running mate, told The Chicago Tribune in an interview posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday night that she finds a double standard in the questioning.

"I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race," Palin said. "Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That's a bit of that double standard."

"It's kind of painful to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported," Palin said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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In other words, another non-story. 

[tu_holmes]

In other words, another non-story. 

I disagree...

This part really bothers me.

Also on Thursday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a private watchdog group in Washington, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Palin, the Republican National Committee and several political operatives alleging that the purchase of clothing for Palin and her family violates Federal Election Campaign Act.

The law prohibits a candidate for federal office from converting campaign funds to personal use. CREW notes that FEC regulations make clear the prohibition applies to clothing but also provide that donations by candidates to charity are not for personal use. CREW argued this exception might apply to Palin's clothes but doesn't appear to apply to clothes for her family.

[Soul Crusher]

I disagree...

This part really bothers me.

Also on Thursday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a private watchdog group in Washington, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Palin, the Republican National Committee and several political operatives alleging that the purchase of clothing for Palin and her family violates Federal Election Campaign Act.

The law prohibits a candidate for federal office from converting campaign funds to personal use. CREW notes that FEC regulations make clear the prohibition applies to clothing but also provide that donations by candidates to charity are not for personal use. CREW argued this exception might apply to Palin's clothes but doesn't appear to apply to clothes for her family.

How much do you want to be that Hillary's pantsuits were paid with campaign cash?

Or Amorosa Obam'as suit?

Or Biden's hair plugs?

[tu_holmes]

How much do you want to be that Hillary's pantsuits were paid with campaign cash?

Or Amorosa Obam'as suit?

Or Biden's hair plugs?

Ah... but again I say to you... Obama's contributions were NOT tax funded like Palin and McCain's are... They are privately collected... If you didn't give him money SPECIFICALLY, then you didn't give him any money.

That means that Biden's plugs are paid because I gave him money and said, you do what you need to with it.

McCain and Palin are taking money from the Campaign finance funds, which are funded with my tax dollars, Obama and Biden are not.

Who cares about Hillary?

Is she still running and no one told me?

[IFBBwannaB]

I'm much more interested in the almost BILLION $ Hussein raised, after the election will he put that money into the budget/charity or keep it for personal/party usage.....I doubt he will do the proper action of a true leader, he never was and never will be one.

[Dos Equis]

I disagree...

This part really bothers me.

Also on Thursday, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, a private watchdog group in Washington, filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission against Palin, the Republican National Committee and several political operatives alleging that the purchase of clothing for Palin and her family violates Federal Election Campaign Act.

The law prohibits a candidate for federal office from converting campaign funds to personal use. CREW notes that FEC regulations make clear the prohibition applies to clothing but also provide that donations by candidates to charity are not for personal use. CREW argued this exception might apply to Palin's clothes but doesn't appear to apply to clothes for her family.

If she didn't buy the clothes and didn't accept the clothes, then why does this bother you?

[tu_holmes]

If she didn't buy the clothes and didn't accept the clothes, then why does this bother you?

It says 50k worth hasn't been returned... So where are those clothes?

Of the $150,000 spent by the Republican National Committee on clothing for the vice presidential candidate, $50,000 worth of clothes was returned immediately after the national convention, $50,000 worth hasn't been worn yet and $50,000 is being used by the Palin clan.

That sounds like something was accepted.

Am I missing something or are you?

[tu_holmes]

I'm much more interested in the almost BILLION $ Hussein raised, after the election will he put that money into the budget/charity or keep it for personal/party usage.....I doubt he will do the proper action of a true leader, he never was and never will be one.

Because he raised it by private donations... It's HIS business what he does with it... People GAVE it to him willingly.

[IFBBwannaB]

Because he raised it by private donations... It's HIS business what he does with it... People GAVE it to him willingly.

First, you are mistaken, these donations like just about any other came for a purpose, if you donate for a Cancer fund you expect it to use the money to help against Cancer and not promote highway safety laws or something.

Second , I care more about him showing some initiative which he really lacks more than the legal issue of the donations.

Third , Hussein funding have already raised many eyebrows in the FEC.

I can go on but for you will just ignore everything that you dont like about Mr Rezco/Wright/Ayers/ACORN etc. 

[Dos Equis]

It says 50k worth hasn't been returned... So where are those clothes?


That sounds like something was accepted.

Am I missing something or are you?

You're missing Palin's response to the allegations. 

Palin denies accepting $150K in designer clothes
By BRENDAN FARRINGTON – 19 hours ago

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Sarah Palin is blaming gender bias for the controversy over $150,000 worth of designer clothes, hairstyling and accessories the Republican Party provided for her, a newspaper reported Thursday.

"I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race," Palin said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday night. "Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That's a bit of that double standard."

Palin, who is John McCain's vice presidential running mate, said the clothes were not worth $150,000 and were bought for the Republican National Convention.

Most of the clothes have never left the campaign plane, she told the newspaper.

"It's kind of painful to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported," Palin said.

"That whole thing is just, bad!" she said. "Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are."

News of the purchases of designer clothes, largely from upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, contrasts with the image Palin has crafted as a typical "hockey mom."

McCain was asked several questions on Thursday about the shopping spree — and he answered each one more or less the same way: Palin needed clothes and they'll be donated to charity.

"She needed clothes at the time. They'll be donated at end of this campaign. They'll be donated to charity," McCain told reporters on his campaign bus between Florida rallies.

Asked for details on how they'll be donated, McCain said, "It works by her getting some clothes when she was made the nominee of the party and it will be donated back to charity."

Asked if he was surprised at the amount spent, McCain said, "It works that the clothes will be donated to charity. Nothing surprises me."

. . . .

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gN2UuEbyF64GtuHQfJzWDqDg7PqgD940L4780

[tu_holmes]

First, you are mistaken, these donations like just about any other came for a purpose, if you donate for a Cancer fund you expect it to use the money to help against Cancer and not promote highway safety laws or something.

Second , I care more about him showing some initiative which he really lacks more than the legal issue of the donations.

Third , Hussein funding have already raised many eyebrows in the FEC.

I can go on but for you will just ignore everything that you dont like about Mr Rezco/Wright/Ayers/ACORN etc. 

Well, 1st, just because it's purpose doesn't change the fact it's not tax payer money... Since you didn't give him any money, what he does with it isn't your business is it?

2nd. I didn't know this was about his initiative, I thought we were talking about improper usage of tax payer dollars, again, something he doesn't have to worry about because it's not your tax money.

3rd. If his fund raising were illegal, I'm sure someone on your republican side would have made an issue about it.


You could go on... but I'll say this much about your previous post... You're correct, I would surely ignore it, just like you would ignore McCain's ties to terrorists back in 1988.

[tu_holmes]

You're missing Palin's response to the allegations. 

Palin denies accepting $150K in designer clothes
By BRENDAN FARRINGTON – 19 hours ago

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Sarah Palin is blaming gender bias for the controversy over $150,000 worth of designer clothes, hairstyling and accessories the Republican Party provided for her, a newspaper reported Thursday.

"I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race," Palin said in an interview with the Chicago Tribune posted on the newspaper's Web site Thursday night. "Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don't talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That's a bit of that double standard."

Palin, who is John McCain's vice presidential running mate, said the clothes were not worth $150,000 and were bought for the Republican National Convention.

Most of the clothes have never left the campaign plane, she told the newspaper.

"It's kind of painful to be criticized for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported," Palin said.

"That whole thing is just, bad!" she said. "Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are."

News of the purchases of designer clothes, largely from upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, contrasts with the image Palin has crafted as a typical "hockey mom."

McCain was asked several questions on Thursday about the shopping spree — and he answered each one more or less the same way: Palin needed clothes and they'll be donated to charity.

"She needed clothes at the time. They'll be donated at end of this campaign. They'll be donated to charity," McCain told reporters on his campaign bus between Florida rallies.

Asked for details on how they'll be donated, McCain said, "It works by her getting some clothes when she was made the nominee of the party and it will be donated back to charity."

Asked if he was surprised at the amount spent, McCain said, "It works that the clothes will be donated to charity. Nothing surprises me."

. . . .

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gN2UuEbyF64GtuHQfJzWDqDg7PqgD940L4780

I caught that, but I'm still trying to see where the other 50k worth of clothes went... Did they give them to her and her family or not?

If so... then where are they now.

I'm not sure her statement really reflects that she has not seen any of the clothing in question.

[Dos Equis]

I caught that, but I'm still trying to see where the other 50k worth of clothes went... Did they give them to her and her family or not?

If so... then where are they now.

I'm not sure her statement really reflects that she has not seen any of the clothing in question.

You're assuming she had $50K worth of clothes. 

[tu_holmes]

You're assuming she had $50K worth of clothes. 

I'm guessing the RNC knows they gave 150K worth of stuff to her... I'm just taking them at their word.

[Dos Equis]

I'm guessing the RNC knows they gave 150K worth of stuff to her... I'm just taking them at their word.

I'm not sure what they gave her.  Completely irrelevant IMO. 

[tu_holmes]

I'm not sure what they gave her.  Completely irrelevant IMO. 

Understood... I kind of disagree.

[Dos Equis]

Understood... I kind of disagree.

I care if someone broke the law.  Other than that, this is right up there with criticizing the size of Palin's flag pin. 

[Soul Crusher]

I'm guessing the RNC knows they gave 150K worth of stuff to her... I'm just taking them at their word.

She already said its all going to charity after the election.

[Buffgeek]

Obama has spent 21 million on polling...

[24KT]

The RNC here is at fault, not Palin.

Here was a golden opportunity for her to really say "Thanks, ...but no thanks"  ...but she blew it.  

The fact is the RNC has been screwing up all throughout this campaign, right from the get go with the marginalization of Ron Paul. They've been going downhill ever since.

Personally, I don't care what Palin spends on clothes... or Cindy McCain for that matter.
She can have and wear all the $300,000 outfits she wants. I do think it behooves them to realize that if they are going to put themselves out there as the candidates for the common man / woman, ...they are going to be criticized when their actions put them at odds with the image they seek to portray.

As for the clothes going to charity... good grief.  I can see it now... some chick on skid row sporting an Oscar de la Renta day dress.    Instead of buying a $1,000 dress and donating it unworn to a charity, why not consider how many practical outfits that same $1,000 could buy... and get a refund. And how is that not a form of socialism... wastefully spending tax payer money... and then diverting the wasteful spending to charity, ...and no doubt getting a tax right-off to boot? They'd have been better off buying $150,000 worth of practical clothing from small independent owner operated establishments, and directly donating that to charity.

I don't buy the excuse they gave for a minute. If she had been whisked out of Alaska on a moment's notice with nothing to wear, a skilled wardrobe consultant could have taken her measurements, sized up her sense of style and gotten her what she needed in a weekend. She could have spent one day in a fitting and chosen her entire closet for the campaign trail in a single day. If the film industry can do it, ...so can a political campaign. There was no need to keep a bunch of stuff on a campaign plane that was neither wanted nor needed.

Bottom line however remains were laws broken in the use of tax payer funds, and if not, ...is this an indication of their maverick spendthrift ways? If the McCain campaign's actions can't be consistent with their message while campaigning, how can people expect any sort of consistency in office. For that matter, if the McCain-Palin combo cannot even control their own campaign, or if they don't even speak for the campaign, how can they be expected to be in charge, or to effectively guide the direction of the country if elected?

[IFBBwannaB]

Well, 1st, just because it's purpose doesn't change the fact it's not tax payer money... Since you didn't give him any money, what he does with it isn't your business is it?

2nd. I didn't know this was about his initiative, I thought we were talking about improper usage of tax payer dollars, again, something he doesn't have to worry about because it's not your tax money.

3rd. If his fund raising were illegal, I'm sure someone on your republican side would have made an issue about it.


You could go on... but I'll say this much about your previous post... You're correct, I would surely ignore it, just like you would ignore McCain's ties to terrorists back in 1988.

You're a hopeless cause, I pity you fool.

[garebear]

You're a hopeless cause, I pity the you.

?


You've gotta be kidding me.