It is not surprising to me that appearance of women would still be a significant factor among college folks. But I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest that Hillary Clinton was not the presumptive Democratic nominee, ahead of Barbara Boxer, Mary Landrieu, or Blanche Lincoln, because people (men or women) think she is the most attractive female Senator!
Yes, I agree with your post.
On the other hand, my observation is that a man can gain and keep credibility despite some disregard of his appearance... IE the absent minded professor type, the construction worker type, etc. While a successful woman will seldom be seen as indifferent to her appearance.
I remember seeing fa few campaign appearances when Obama was addressing a crowd in a simple whit shirt. And, for some reason that shirt struck me as and older and less expensive shirt. I propose that you would seldom or ever see a woman candidate in such little considered attire. I say that if Barak Obama was a woman, she would spend a lot more time on her hair than he does. She would spend a lot more time on make up than he does. Sher would give a lot more consideration to accessories and jewelry than he does. I am also saying that either John McCain or Obama were a woman... and that woman gave as little concern to appearance as the men do, she would tend to be less successful.
I am not saying it is fair, or good... just proposing that it is the reality. And as long as that is the reality that women face, there will be an emphasis among women to patronize the various facets of the "beauty industry." Which inherently makes women better targets for that industry
