Off The Cuff

Robin Givhan the Washington Post's Fashion writer seems to be suffering from a case of what I like to call Warren Brown syndrome. The syndrome's primary feature is the desire of second string personnel from a major political daily being convinced that the public at large is at all concerned about the political musings of a car or fashion columnist. Ms. Givhan seems determined to make hay out of a slight indentation in the blouses of Hillary Clinton in the same way she showed a strangely prurient interest in the footwear of Condoleezza Rice, or has everyone forgotten...

Rice looked as though she was prepared to talk tough, knock heads and do a freeze-frame "Matrix" jump kick if necessary. Who wouldn't give her ensemble a double take -- all the while hoping not to rub her the wrong way?

Rice's coat and boots speak of sex and power -- such a volatile combination, and one that in political circles rarely leads to anything but scandal.

...though Rice got off rather lightly compared to the grilling she gave to the small children of Chief Justice John Roberts...

There they were -- John, Jane, Josie and Jack -- standing with the president and before the entire country. The nominee was in a sober suit with the expected white shirt and red tie. His wife and children stood before the cameras, groomed and glossy in pastel hues -- like a trio of Easter eggs, a handful of Jelly Bellies, three little Necco wafers.

Here's to sticking to pins and needles in the future.