3 things every woman running for office should know
Politically Blonde took a moment to catch up with the first Republican woman to be nominated for Illinois governor, Judy Baar Topinka. Fortunately, we were able to scoop 3 tips for all you ladies considering future bids.
1. On the media… “Be ready for a critique that isn’t always fair.”
“You must be prepared to know, absorb, and take it on the chin that all things at the feminine level will be dissected and discussed. Yes, these things are devoid of the issues and outdated but as was evidenced in Hillary Clinton’s coverage, prejudices are still out there— alive and well. And also beware that female reporters are sometimes harbingers for these attitudes, as they pick on females over these items, and it’s unfortunate.”
2. On fashion… “Your ensemble should reflect your seriousness”
“Consider wearing dark, solid colors and basic styles as a candidate. I would avoid flowers, polka dots, leopard prints… anything like that is distracting. Ensure that you are covered to your neck and that if you wear a skirt, it goes down to your ankles. Buy many, many pantsuits, and by the way, all this ruckus about Hillary’s pantsuits is completely beyond me. Pantsuits are not pantsuits, they are suits and they are necessary— that’s it. Don’t buy into it (the pantsuit-haters).”
3. On the job… “Work harder”
“If you’re going into the boys’ club, be ready to play by the boys’ rules. You are going to have to work harder than the next, define your own way of doing things yet always keep in touch with your femininity, status as a mother and caretaker of the family. All the traditional, apple-pie qualities are important… I don’t see those unsaid requirements (for women) changing for the next 1 or 2 generations to come.”
