News 8
Political consultant: Palin example of media's twist on women in politics
09:21 PM CST on Monday, November 16, 2009
From television shows to the magazine stands, Sarah Palin is everywhere telling her story.
Winsor Barbee, who works in the Dallas political ring helping campaigns on both sides of the aisle, said Palin is going back to the basics.
“Right now, she's educating the American people on, 'This is who I really am. Let’s forget about the race and talk about just me,'” Barbee said.
Barbee's expertise is in marketing. She said this week's Newsweek cover featuring Palin is misleading.
“I think Newsweek didn't do Sarah Palin justice," Barbee said. "I know Sarah Palin would not have put on shorts for the cover of Newsweek. "
In fact, the shot on the cover was taken for a running magazine. But, Newsweek used it anyway.
Barbee said such action don't help America take female politicians seriously. When a man runs for office, she said, we focus on his qualifications. For women, it is different.
“They judged her as a mother, which was totally unfair to put her front and center on that," she said. "We don't do the men like that.”
The focus on hair, makeup and wardrobe rather than her resume is partially why Palin said she believes the media didn't give her a fair shake.
“I think we have to put aside can a woman do it because we can do it," Barbee said. "We have been doing it, and we continue to serve.”
E-mail sslater@wfaa.com




