Palin blames sexism for clothing spree row

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is blaming gender bias for the controversy over $150,000 (€117,589) worth of designer clothes, hairstyling and accessories the Republican Party provided for her and her family.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune posted on the newspaper’s website, Mrs Palin denied the clothes were worth $150,000 (€117,589) and said most of the clothes have never left the campaign plane.

She said the clothes were bought for the Republican National Convention.

News of the purchases of designer clothes, largely from upscale Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, contrasts with the folksy image Mrs Palin has crafted as a typical, suburban mother.

“I think Hillary Clinton was held to a different standard in her primary race,” Mrs Palin said, referring to the former first lady who lost a tough battle with Barack Obama to win the Democratic nomination.

“Do you remember the conversations that took place about her, say superficial things that they don’t talk about with men, her wardrobe and her hairstyles, all of that? That’s a bit of that double standard.”

Referring to the criticism she has had to endure, Mrs Palin said: “It’s kind of painful to be criticised for something when all the facts are not out there and are not reported.

“That whole thing is just, bad!” she said. “Oh, if people only knew how frugal we are.”