Why does Joe Trippi dress like a homeless guy?

by Don Wheeler

OK, I'm ready for the wrath to come. But check my bona fides. I'll put up my latest post - "I'd storm the gates of Hell..." as evidence as the strength of my support for the John Edwards campaign.

That said, as I watched the segment MSNBC's Airhead in Training Chris Matthews smugly referred to as the "Spin Room" after the Nevada Debate, I was left with a clear impression I didn't much like.

Rodney Slater, Clinton surrogate appeared (remotely) in a dark suit with a bright tie - the sort of attire one associates with a powerful man. And of course, he is one.

David Axelrod, Obama's senior strategist, was a bit more casually dressed and looked more comfortable. Still, his choice of a sport coat, dress shirt with tie and casual slacks seemed somehow consistent with the tone of Obama's campaign - and led me to think the man is relaxed and confident.

Then there was our guy - or, our guy's guy. Mr Trippi chose a rumpled sportcoat over a rumpled polo shirt and blue jeans. And by the way, the coat and shirt combo didn't work in any sense.

And Trippi's outfit was consistent with what seemed to be his attitude about being there. Like it wasn't really worth his time. Like he didn't take any of it seriously. Like it didn't matter.

As I remember standardized testing in my early years, I would often be presented a set (of whatever) in a picture and the question would be "which one doesn't belong?" By that measure, the answer is obvious.

You may think this is petty, but basic impressions - especially for people just beginning to focus on the campaign are formed by many factors. And if I'm the strategist, I'm going to get on top of as many of them as I have a clear opportunity to do so.

And contrast the attire and attitude of his boss. John Edwards has two "uniforms" that I am aware of. Tailored suits and sharp ties, when that is appropriate. The best pressed blue sportshirt and wrinkleless blue jeans when that is appropriate. In either case, no one would make the mistake of not taking John Edwards seriously. He looks like someone who should be taken that way.

So my thoughts watching the "Spin Room" segment were approximately that it might not matter that (or if) Joe Trippi was the smartest person there. He didn't look like someone who even took himself seriously.

I don't know how good a strategist he is - maybe he's the best that's ever been. I do believe the campaign should think of using a different spokesperson or ask him to make some changes.

People all have different talents and strengths. It's up to the person in charge to figure out the way to make the best use of them.