Michelle Obama at the DNC: Isn't she lovely

Like many of us, I've been trying to keep up with this historic Democratic National Convention, and the ladies are really shining through this year. Michelle Obama's speech was rousing, as was Hillary Clinton's, who proved that her skills as a speech maker and even her ability to endear herself to an audience has grown by leaps and bounds during the course of this campaign. But I also noticed something else: As annoying as comments about how Clinton doesn't seem "maternal" enough and such are, what's even worse is that we are still blatantly scrutinizing the women of Washington on a squirm-inducingly physical level.

Do we see female politicians only for their hair and clothes? See what a couple bloggers have to say.

For example, today on the blogosphere there's as much bodysnarking and chatter about Hillary's--gasp--orange pantsuit as there is commentary on the words she spoke. Last night when she took the podium, my boyfriend, possibly the least sexist man I know, cracked, "Nice highlights!" and I kicked him, but I was ashamed to admit that I found myself noticing how good her skin looked from time to time (Botox? partial lift?). Another object of superficial speculation surrounds her daughter, Chelsea, today--"Doesn't she look so much better?" being the common refrain. That's sweet and all, but honestly, why do we even have to go there? Certainly, no one's talking about Joe Biden's hairdo or Montana governor Brian Schweitzer's bolo tie today.

You too can help put an end to bodysnarking. Product Fiend's take on the Wall Street Journal article that accuses modern day media of starting a dangerous trend against women's body images.

As a potential first lady, it's simply become a national tradition to scrutinize Michelle Obama on a physical level by comparing her to Jackie O. and other iconic first wives who tended to speak softly and carry big, shiny bags. But Michelle delivered a highly articulate speech that may have been strategically softer than usual, but if I were the strong, intelligent professional that she has always come across as--an equal and adviser to her husband, and not say, mere member of the support staff--I would puke about the playing of the Stevie Wonder song "Isn't She Lovely" they played after her speech was over. It just seems kind of condescending to take this shining example of the modern day woman and say, "Oh, isn't she a pretty little wifey and mother?"

Maybe I'm reading too much into that musical choice, but isn't it time we stop discrediting powerful women by making statements about their clothes or how Clinton is aging before our very eyes à la Rush Limbaugh? It's part of the problem why women keep getting the best supporting role gig.

Karolina Kurkova gets called out for "looking uncharacteristically chubby" on the runway. She still looks great to us. Check out the images and tell us what you think.

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