The major theme that surfaces throughout political campaign communication course is that political campaigns are about communication. The law of communication states that "It is not what you say but how you say it." If that is the case, then I would argue that there are many factors that contributes to "how" people/politicians articulate their ideas. Among them socio-economic status, and most importantly dress. How a person dresses can either turn off the audience or catch their attention. Did the dress factor play a role during the recently concluded selection of the "AskMen's 49 most influential men of 2009?"
I would say that yes, dress definitely played a role in the selection, where Mad Men's Don Draper emerged as a winner, followed by president Barack Obama. Before I go a head to argue my case, I first of all I have to clarify that I consider the selection to be political because voting was involved in the process. Moving a head to clarify why I think dress was a factor, the link
http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/a-line/askmens-49-most-influential-men-of-2009/281?nc
portrays Draper dressed in an elegant suit, tie, and a merging hat. President Obama is also depicted in an equally striking suit. Both of them puts on a confident look that goes inline with their outfits. Even though the link also portarys other contestants in suits, but someone could easily notice that the top two contestants are dressed in a way that makes them to stand out. Therefore, dress is definitely a factor in political communication.
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I think that many Americans focus on the ways that presidents and officials dress and behave more than the actual words that they speak. I believe it is important for a person to "look" the part and catch the attention of the audience. If someone looks like they relate it can take them a long way in the overall perception of who they are. I think that a great example of this is when presidentail nominees dress in a suit and tie in New York City, whereas they dress in a carhart and boots in montana. All people running for office understand the audience and how they can relate to the audience the best. In many cases a president needs to pass the "eye test" that Americans have about who they want in office.
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