The daughters of the revolution

Traditionally, political daughters have had a raw deal. While a string of Adams, Bush and Kennedy men have followed each other into the DC spotlight, their daughters and sisters have clapped politely from the sidelines.

But it's all change in Denver. If this Convention is anything to go by, girl power is here to stay.

When Hillary Clinton gave a shout out to her 'sisterhood of the travelling pantsuits,' all eyes were on Chelsea in the wings. The already-savvy Sasha Obama (aged just seven) saved her 47-year-old father's bacon in a moment of geographic confusion. And Caroline Kennedy's Obama endorsement has clinched her status as heir(ess) apparent in her clan.

And the Republicans can field a strong female team of their own. Might the Bush twins stage a return to the White House? Or the blogging Meghan McCain resurrect old rivalries with Chelsea Clinton? Anything's possible. Welcome to the era of the dynastic daughter.

Comments

[Phil Bailey]

Is it possible to be too ugly to be elected President?
Looks likes Chelsea may be putting that to the test sometime in the future

[haralambos]

well if she makes presaident she will be able to say without argument that she didn't get where she is on her looks

[Margaret]

Last time I checked, looks didn't have any bearing on a politician's (or anybody's, unless you are a model or something) ability to do their job Phil.

[Alan T]

Ugly men are one thing, a woman perceived as "ugly" - or "too" beautiful could run into problems getting elected (they probably would't get as far as the primaries). Physical disability is another thing - though you never know, we have seen a woman versus a black nominee, something impossible a few decades ago!

[Emily]

Phil Bailey,
you are a total vacuous toad.
And I bet you're not oil painting either.

[Ken]

Well done, Phil; a hat-trick of boorishness. Ungallant, irrelevant and untrue in just true sentences.

[Jillian Robishaw]

Chelsea has come a long way from her unruly tresses and shyness. Who's to say where she will end up in the political arena? Surely her mother is no prize winner in the looks department. She has gotten where she is with brains and determination, which is what it should all be based upon anyway, isn't it? Maybe Chelsea will opt out for the 2.3 children, golden retriever and a stately home in Virginia....

[Isabelle]

Actually, Margaret, even though it is idiotic and should not be the case, looks do play a role in presidential elections. I believe that in the last century, with the exception of 2004, the tallest candidate has always won? And there are many statistics that show that a candidate's hair has an impact on how people vote.

But in Chelsea's case, I'd say the legacy of how her parents conducted themselves in this election pretty much ensures the closest she'll get to the Oval Office is the White House Tour.

[Faisal]

Haralambos
Are you the same Haralambos berating somebody for making an ignorant remark on another thread? Couldn't possibly be.......could it? Are you confused, inconsistent.........or just a sexist, shallow jerk?

[Esther]

Phil and Haralambos
This thread is appearing on the "Times Online" website, not in the "Readers Wives" section of "Razzle". Your comments are out of context. Maybe you both have some problems with the whole concept of context?

[CT Barbarian]

Chelsea Clinton isn't that ugly - you should have seen Margaret Truman!!

Everyone's forgetting Mary Cheney. She's actually had experience running her father's VP campaign in 2004.

[Ree]

Phil Bailey I'm confused - are you looking at the same picture I'm seeing on this page? I see nothing ugly in that picture so one must assume you are actually commenting on the media view of the past and I have yet to discover anything tasteful about commenting on the perceived ugliness of a child. Shame on you!

[Rona]

I thought the Times was the newspaper of intelligent, educated people - not Neanderthal halfwits. What a shame Phil and Haralambos have strayed so far from the Sport newspaper.

[Ali]

Surely whether or nor she's ugly shouldn't matter, but it does. She isn't very pleasing on the eye, but neither was Margaret Thatcher - one of England's most notorious leaders - and look what she managed to do.

Whether or not Chelsea Clinton is attractive or not, unfortunately, does matter, but it won't impact on her ability to add to the wreckage already in place with the current administration and what will almost definitely be in plaace in future adminstrations, be they Republican or Democratic.

I don't think anybody is strong enough to stand for and win an election based on morals, good judgement and the world's better future at the core of his/her campaign.

[Marlisa]

Phil Bailey\\\ You think that Chelsea is ugly,How about Hazel Blears?????That's the one you should slag off,I wonder what your WAG looks like????

[MH]

I think Chelsea's attractive, well-comported and nicely put together - but I'm female and sensitive to unrealistic male expectations. Phil and Hara, shame on you. You wouldn't expect a male politician to look like a model. Oh well, with that misogynistic attitude, you won't get the chicks no matter what you look like.

[Prudence Eely Bond McGuire]

Describing a woman's looks in this appalling way is the prerogative of misogynistic male dead beats.
Eleanor Roosevelt didn't rely on her looks and she was one of the most classy feminine women who reigned supreme in American politics.
By the way, I think Chelsea Clinton is very classy too!
Certainly a lot better looking than the horsey Caroline Kennedy and Obama's fright of a wife!

[Esther]

Prudence
Irony can be fun but it often confuses the neanderthals so it's best to choose your targets carefully.

[BM]

You're the ugly one, Phil Bailey.

[matt]

It shouldn't make any difference what she looks like. But if it wasn't important why so much reaction to an obviously dumb comment?

[abraham]

what nonsense. we make up these comments just to fill the pages? What has she done to deserve the jobs. That's just like saying that one Kennedy can follow another just because of their SURNAME which didn't come to pass.

[maria]

To all those idiots making comments about Chelseas looks.....THANK YOU

It's idiots like you that inspires us and motivates us and reminds us how far America has to go before women are considered equal.

It's these type of comments that keep me from voting for sexists and racists like Obama.

THANK YOU for the continued inspiration.

[Rajiv Thind]

I think Ugly is too ugly a word. Chelsea looks bright and lovable.

If physical sex appeal is what we're talking about let me assure you there are plenty of women in that category that are holding top positions.

What about Angela Merkel of Germany. She is even the most powerful woman on earth according to Forbes. And there are a few others. Hey! I'm not naming anymore names!

[Jeremy]

Well, she does have the Clinton 'ego'.

[Nick]

Esther, what's "Razzle"?

[Anemos]

Golda Meir wasnt miss Israel, Indira Ghandi was no miss India, Margaret Thatcher was no miss England (UK) are we looking for bimbos like the Paris Hiltons, or we are looking for powerful women that will take us a step forward than what men did

[Esther]

@Nick
If you have to ask, you probably don't need to know. Lucky you!

[peter downs]

Dream on all of those who have berated Phil et al. If you really think that the majority of America votes on policy or ability, you need help for your naivity. Phil is holistic (if a little insensitive).

[Faisal]

Peter
The comments berating Phil are just that but I have a bit more faith in the American electorate. You might need to explain the word "holistic" for him though -it's the kind of word that he could easily get very, very wrong.

[Beth]

I came to the Times Online to get a picture of how American politics was perceived overseas. I'm embarassed at reading this drivle and the Times should be embarassed, too. Many papers now adopt an 'on task' requirement for postings. That keeps postings from turning into chat of the lowest quality.
Santa Fe, NM, USA

[Ann]

You must all need glasses. Chelsea is a lovely, poised, articulate young woman. As is Caroline Kennedy, Michelle Obama and Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. And for each woman, the power of her intellect and character strengthens her image. I admire all of them.

[Larkin Tolliver]

I think it is funny how rather than discussing issues you all attack eachother's character.

*RAISING SHIELDS*

Okay, let me have it, how stupid am *I*

[Robert Owen]

Two Points:
1. I'm no fan of the Clinton's and have serious doubts about the lessons Chelsea has learned from her parents and whether or not she'd be fit for politics.
2. There is no reason for the personal attacks on Chelsea's looks. She is an attractive young woman and such acts are the kind of childishness that needs to be left at home.

[Charlie Yalagi]

mm I read all comments good as well as bad like with interest and curiosity. It proves my most feared point. We need to do lot of growing up, not just physically but emotionally as well to "accomodate" different opinions, tastes and dislikes, at times however different they might be from our own. For all who despite their grey hair and maturity in age but not in manner and emotions should learn to stick to issue and not confuse and misuse the littlest of the knowledge you have unless you want to prove others point that you are what they think you to be are. Looks do play a big role however ONLY looks got nobody anywhere higher than falling and crawling out of pubs drunk. Ideally a good combination of looks and intelligence and emotionoal balance should do the job well.

[Orion]

There's the picture of her being poured into the back of that limo a few years back to contend with. Word has it that she has NOT lost her taste for the sauce since then, either.

Chelsea has one thing in common with Paris Hilton: She's famous for being famous. That doesn't mean she could run for city dogcatcher and win. If not for her famous parents everyone would be scratching their heads and wondering who let her on the stage. This "political dynasty" is mostly wishful thinking on the left's part, I'm afraid.

[Barbara Callahan]

It is not a problem with the concept of context that is the problem that PHIL and HARALAMBOS possess. It is the show of absolute ignorance, insecurity and insanity.
I do not believe they even know who they were looking at on TV both Wednesday and Thursday night during the DNC. So, I will let them know. That just happened to be CHELSEA CLINTON. The very intelligent, pretty,talented,feminine,well groomed and very well mannered daughter of Bill and Hillary Clinton. I suggest they go have their eyes as well as their brains? checked out immediately.

[Brett]

Folks, I wouldn't worry about the Phils and the Haras of this blog. They probably voted for Bush both times because he looked "so dang COOL." I just hope people like them aren't registered US voters. Then we're really be in trouble. Besides, what's more disconcerting than Chelsea's looks is the prehistoric countenance of John McCain. Though no one can deny he's a great American, he can hardly be considered for modeling service.

Moreover, as far as I know, Chelsea's never done anything injurious to America other than excel in college and stay as quietly out of the public eye as possible. The same cannot be said of our current president's twins, who are both very attractive, but who have several times brought embarrassment on the White House through their juvenile and raucous behavior. The double standards employed by Clinton-hating Republicans know no boundaries.

[lawhite]

Why is any focus given to another Clinton? The Clintons have never been that popular, so why should another one be?

[mel]

I saw Chelsea when her Dad was campaigning. She is a cutie in person. (not that looks has anything to do with political offices. If that were the case there would be a whole lot people out of the business)

[Ward]

America has not been well served by dynastic politics. These people seem to think its their birthright to hold our government and its people hostage for years. We need term limits in the Senate - tomorrow. Real leaders know when to give someone else a chance and move on.

[John Carty]

So they have succeeded in getting you to consider her. Only one word is apt: royalty, royalty, royalty.

[Jeffrey Aaron]

Give it a break people. I'm in agreement with Anemos: we should be looking for someone with character, a brain, and intelligence to lead the nation into the future. All of you Paris Hilton fans are nothing more than a reflection of American society, which, unfortunately, appears to be rather empty of intelligence.

[John Patrick]

I trust Sen. McCains' judgement & seat of the pants approach to not just piloting aircraft ,but having a bit of a laugh outsmarting the hounds if you will.I congradulate Gov. Palin and welcome her to the fray.Rest assured Sen. Biden , the Gov. will not be coy when challenged.I can visualise Obamas'cyber warriors having to delete whatever they had gathered on the "Usual Suspects" & having to start their pathetic chase anew.

[David Jones]

Look over her left shoulder in the picture. Doesn't the guy look like a terrorist or hostage-taker?
BTW. She looks good in that picture.

[Dan]

Chelsea is lovely. Pretty and attractive.
Not that that should affect anything of course.

[JJ Flash]

Bright, intelligent, articulate - Chelsea is all those things, and may well become an outstanding Presidential candidate one day.
Her looks should have absolutely nothing to do with her electability.
But let's face it, she's no oil painting... woof woof!

[John Watson]

You all talk like we have a choice in the matter of who is put forward for election.

If you did some research you would all see that most of the presidents are related to european royalty through blood lines.

Most were / are freemasons and members of the skull and bones secret societies that rule the USA and the world.

The illusion of choice is just that an illusion! Chelsea has every chance of being installed as a future president along with the Bush twins. They have the right blood lines.

[Paul]

How audacious and deluded can you get?

[Karl]

Be gone Clinton's, All of you .. Be Gone..

[Arthur Treacher]

shout out's,sisters,girl power?

Was this piece written by a CHAV?

"all eyes were on Chelsea"

Maybe in the bizarro> world YOU inhabit not anywhere else.

[Kathy]

I'm sure Chelsea's father can tell you all about girl power. America has had enough of the Clinton's to last several lifetimes be it Chelsea, Bill or Hillary! The rise of Mr. Obama is proof enough that we, the public, (remember us?) are screaming, "Please anyone but a Clinton! Even an untried and unknown."

theres only one chelsea but theres two parises

[Simon]

RE: Phil Bailey Comment...

If she's ugly, I want to meet your female friends! Are any of them single?

[Steve]

No thanks, time to move on, Washington needs some new names,to
avoid complete and utter dogma, and lack of new ideas.

[Chris Donaldson]

Not that it matters, I am just countering Phil, but Chelsea is HOT! But you're right, no one should be assumed a credible future candidate to hold office just because their parents did, unlike royalty in Great Britain, which is a different matter - isn't it?

[John Orrett]

The real issue is the democratic deficit here. In a country of 600M is it just statistically impossible that the most skilled person to be the president happens to be the son or daughter of a previous president. That the discussion here focuses on looks shows how far we have come and especially America has come from celebrating meritocricy, it is now unashamadly nepotistic. Certainly, for a handfull of billionaire families to carve out the next president between them is no better than having a hereditary monarch (which by the way I do not favour). Indeed I would go as far as to say that a hereditary monarch has the benefit of being an honest system - rather than the American system which pretends to be open to all and is in fact controlled by a couple of political dynasys.

[chris]

I don't think she will be; she doesn't seem to have the ego or the nastiness required to be political, to her credit. A good person it seems, and not all are cut out for politics, thank God. She will be a credit to her country and parents, in her own right.

[Gary K]

Unfortunately people can be so shallow and look or concentrate on the externals rather than qualifications or talents of a person. I, for one, don't think Chelsea is a bad looking girl and I have no doubt she could be a formidable future politician. Would be interesting if she chose and aligned with the Republican party though. Could be thought that politics is becoming like news coverage and biased toward the appearance. Note how the major news organizations are now paying more attention to the way the females look and are putting more beauty queens in places of leadership. Funny thing though they also have the knowledge, talent, and do a great job in addition to being beauties.

[chris]

Yes, Jeffrey Aaron,

Americans are so dimwitted that it is the cradle for such disproportionate share of technological advances throughout the 20th century and into the 21st. Aerospace, computing, food production...yes, Stupid Americans. Pathetic attempt of an unaccomplished person criticizing his betters. Thanks for letting us know who you are.

[elizabeth schumann]

Mary Cheney as President? Now that would make for an interesting First Lady ......

[Donna]

She has more experience then Obama- she has at least worked in the private sector where you can't tax your way out of a problem and actually have to have a product or service the people want and not forced to endure.

[smearjay]

We have Dynasty's in America now? What's next, Are we going to become a Monarchy with Kings and Queens. You folks need to get life, and that life should be your own.

[james allen]

The greatest democracy in the world.Bush 4 years,Clinton 8 years,Bush 8 years - are they a bit cracked over there?
Although we've had the same unelected Head of State for 50 years and the PM has no mandate apart from a small clan of Scottish retards.
Makes Zimbabwe seem fairly normal.

[Mladen Andrijasevic]

How many books on Islam, apart those written by Karen Armstrong, has she read?

[eb]

Chelsea is underwhelming on the hustings. That could change, but she seems too shy and retiring for political life--kind of like Caroline Kennedy with a less beneficial name association. You won't catch me bashing Chelsea, but you won't hear me clamoring for her to enter political life either.

[Daphne Kenward]

If running for election is only based on who you know or related to is how America is 53 Trillion US Dollars in debt and a country begging loans from China & Britain & are too imbarrassed to beg the Arabs for money, after the illegal WAR in IRAQ, and the lies told to start another in IRAN. Its a blessing that America is on its knees, because they would plunge the world in a place they don't need to be, looking over the ABYSS.
The New-Orleans Crisis I feel sorry for the people in that area, but as the Bible says these things must happen if any lives are to be saved. A powerfull America has been putting the world in danger for too long. Economically they are the gravest threat to economic stability world wide due to their energy consumption, and bad foreign policies makes them a serious to world peace. Voting people into high office because they are the wives of former leaders or daughter of a former leader or son of a former leader, is dangerious.

[Carole]

How come it always comes down to the way women look??? There are plenty of ugly men out there...Why is that never a focus? I think Chelsea is a very intelligent, beautiful and classy young woman.

[RJ]

PALEEZ

Hasnt every one had enough of these two cads. Now we may have to consider their prodogy too?

[Lawrence Stevens]

I am NOT a Clinton fan. I'm a conservative libertarian. A Clinton has never and will never get my vote.

That said, Chelsea Clinton is the Ugly Duckling who has transformed into a swan.

I was very impressed with how well-spoken and classy she was, both on the campaign trail and when introducing her mom at the DNC convention.

Face it. . . it's time to let go of this "Chelsea is ugly" thinking. You just sound foolish.

[Steve Austin]

No. More. Clintons.

[N. Leppert]

Oh, please, no. Attractive or not, have these arriviste rednecks not gotten the message that we are not putting an American Evita or her spawn in the White House? Hillary, with a voice like a chisel, ran as a recycled First Lady, and apparently the pantsuits did not fit...the show is over.

[Ed]

McCain's ONE term will be pure lameduckness.

This is our political future.

Hillary 2012-2020
Obama 2020-2028
Chelsea 2028-2036

[Flannigan]

If she's going to pursue a career in politics, she ought to consult her father,...WHERE'S WEBSTER HUBBEL?

[Proud American]

No one seems to notice than when Chelsea got the chance she moved as far away from her sleazy parents as she possibly could, while remaining in the only civilised country in the western hemisphere.
And, btw, she's a commodities broker. She'll prolly vote for McCain.

[Dan]

Phil - your comment is completely off-base. Chelsea's political ability should not be judged based on the fact that she is ugly. Look at her abilities. Look at her policies. Look at her character. It doesn't matter than she's ugly. What matters is what kind of person she is, and what she wants to do. (That is, if she ever were to want to run for public office!) The fact that she's ugly shouldn't impact whether or not she can be president. Look past her ugly appearance on the outside, and see what's on the inside.

[Jeffrey Bennett]

Where have you folks been hiding? When she lived in the White House, I continued to tell my audience to "leave the kid alone". After all, she is not responsible for the sins of her father.

Now she has grown up to be not only an intelligent woman, who represents herself very well - but frankly - she's become a stunner. Ugly?? Maybe some of you should take a look in the mirror before you run your mouths. She's the Beauty - her mother is still the Beast.

[jimq]

stupid article.

[William Smith]

It has been obvious throughout this campaign that Chelsea was being groomed for politics, never more apparent than when she introduced her 'hero' at the Dem convention. Bill is cunningly hedging his bets so that if the mother doesn't make it, he has another shot at power in the daughter. All this of course to feed his own ambitions. Long before his dalliance with Monica L, he was demonstrating his disdain for his family including his daughter, whom he is now cynically using for his own ends. Hilary has also fallen under his malevolent spell and is party to the frenzied pursuit of power. BTW - not many seem to have noticed the subtle cosmetic changes that Chelsea has undergone recently - another indicator that she is seeking the public spotlight.

[Jim Prewitt]

Funny thing you women like to tout it's brains that we all should look at determining a woman's worth.

BULLSHIT. Actually more women are attracted to other attractive women. Period.

[John Patrick]

The comment submitted earlier 8/30 was mistakenly posted here.My regrets.I find the subject of this discussion rather juvenile .In my life I've witnessed & experienced cruelty at least as deliberatly personal as I've read here.To denigrate Ms.Clinton simply because she loves her mum & wishes to lend her support is an act of cowardice.