I'll confess I wasn't thrilled by the aspiring first-lady's dress. The colour (an off-turquoise?) didn't favour Michelle Obama's lovely skin tone, and it clashed with the blue background onstage at Denver's Pepsi Centre. I was reminded of John McCain's speech the June night when Obama effectively clinched the nomination, given in front of what one Republican described to conservative pundit William Kristol as a "dumb green puke background". In addition, the large broach or ornament in the center of Obama's dress was an intrusive distraction from her delicate neckline.
I expressed all this to my girlfriend last night while we were watching the proceedings on television, and she, an ardent feminist who is hypersensitive to hints of male sexism, whacked me on the arm. I reminded her that I have written about Barack Obama's physical appearance. And whether or not it ends up in my news reporting, I always privately note McCain and Obama's attire -- for example whether they are wearing suits and ties or open collars, rolled-up sleeves, whatever.
There is unquestionably a political element to a critic of Obama's wardrobe. My guess is the Obama camp, which needed to portray Michelle Obama last night as a regular, non-threatening, not-too-sexy American mom, wanted her in the softer-toned dress that doesn't strike of high-fashion. I would have preferred her in black.
