The Hot Ticket

In an effort to remain an unbiased journalist I will refrain on my political viewpoints. I will however, make note of the differences in candidates, and campaign strategies.
Watching Sarah Palin give her acceptance speech of the vice presidental nomination I noticed several pins, mostly worn by old wrinkley men. These pens read: "Hoosiers for the Hot Chick VP" and " From the coldest state comes the hottest Vice president."
I had to wonder, how much does the "hot" vote count? What do asthetics represent in a political candidate?
Palin, who has been selected to woo Clinton voters could not be any more opposite from Clinton. Aproaching the podium in a skirt and flatering hairstyle one could not help but notice the feminine qualities that seperate her from the sisterhood of traveling pantsuits.
And while I subside my own feminist tone- I do find myself torn between championing "You go girl!"
to "But what about your kids?"
I am all for the progession of women in power but I am also a product of a stay at home mom. As a kid my mom was there, and not only was she there she spent countless hours reading with me. I attribute my love for literature and my now journalism career to my mother for that very reason.
I agree that its not fair for the media to pry into her personal life but as a woman this is going to be inveitable. Many are wondering if Palin is so great at managing Wasilla, shouldn't that mean she she equally excels at managing her five kids?
Having five children would seem to be for two reasons: the desire to have a large family, or poor planning. Having a child born with special needs and getting back to work three days later could be seen as a sacrafice for her country, or negligence as a mother.
This is the common struggle for women- wanting to have the same positons and respect as men but unlike men there are higher cost and more scrutiny. Being a woman in power is a balance between two worlds and I would like to see Sarah Palin address this.
In the meantime maybe the public will be swayed to forget this because, afterall in today's society being hot is a reason all in itself to vote for the opposite sex.