Yesterday we learned that the Republican National Committee has spent over $150,000 on wardrobe, hair and makeup for Sarah Palin and her family. Even baby Trig has had a makeover!
This seems to be the final nail in the coffin of the Sarah-Palin-is-Everywoman myth. Her wardrobe budget alone, as income, is three times the median income in the United States. It is more than her salary as Governor of Alaska.
And about that myth: Sarah Palin is a Governor. She lives in a very remote state with a small population and unusual demographics with no income taxes and an annual payment for each resident for their share of oil income. She has five children. In what way was she ever Everywoman? And now she has a wardrobe like Cindy McCain, beer heiress. If only all hockey moms (like my sister-in-law) could live like this!
Today we find out that she will have to pay Income Tax on these clothes. Now, I don’t believe that will happen. She doesn’t report her per diems, she doesn’t report the income she receives by expensing travel costs for her children.
I think the RNC will retain ownership of all of the clothes and donate them or sell them off to benefit charity, as they have claimed since this story broke. But I bet you anything Sarah Palin is whining about it right now.