Is This The Best Picture Of Rep. Bachmann Eating A Corn Dog The Telegraph Could Find?
America’s pundit class hasn’t quite finished talking about Newsweek‘s “intense” cover photo of Rep. Michele Bachmann, but it’s already safe to say the UK Telegraph has found a way to grossly outdo it. In a scathing look at the Iowa State Fair that makes it sound part Rome during Lupercalia, part French Revolution mobbery, the Telegraph decided to run a somewhat blurry photo of Rep. Bachmann, mid blink, chomping on a corn dog.
The photo actually goes quite well with the article, which sounds like it was written by a high-class 17th century English fop who the Telegraph forced into a time machine and sent to Iowa because none of their actual reporters would reduce themselves to the indignity of on-the-ground coverage at a crass American “state fair,” whatever that is. Author Toby Harnden turns his nose up at everything from fried twinkies (understandable) to Tim Pawlenty‘s cowboy boots (really?). This is the opening:
On the eve of the Ames Straw Poll, the Republican candidates made a last push for votes at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines – a huge spectacle in which cattle, pigs and horses are on display as well as politicians and Iowans queue to for fairground rides and some of the most unhealthy food on the planet (I was going to try the Fried Twinkies but the queue was, alas, too long).
Tom Harnden doesn’t stand on lines. Alas, he “queues.”
But the maddening arrogance of the text will almost certainly get lost behind the photo– one that would work well in a slightly trashy campaign ad but is obviously not fit for print. As what reads like a hasty attempt to justify using it, Harnden ends the piece by noting that Bachmann drove away on a golf cart with her husband, buying the corn dog and “after applying mustard and allowing Mr. Bachmann to take the first bite, she chomped into it with gusto.” This is highly salient to the piece, apparently, as a cultural note: in America, presidential candidates eat “some of the most unhealthy food on the planet” (the correct word is “unhealthiest,” by the way) and drive golf carts and have husbands who get first dibs on whatever disgusting thing the lady’s having. Oh, those Americans– so quaint!
But it’s not hard to see how her supporters– and even some of her detractors– can begin to see a deliberate attempt to undermine the one characteristic Rep. Bachmann has that no one seems to disagree with: she’s photogenic. There are photos of all the Presidential candidates that are equally unflattering, because, as has been explained many times by many critics, photographers often take a rapid series of photos to get the best shot. It’s difficult to believe that professional photographers are this bad, or that Rep. Bachmann is simply difficult to photograph in the wild.
Then there’s the sexist subtext here: would the Telegraph have run a similar photo of a presidential candidate consuming an obvious phallic symbol if said candidate were male? Phallic symbols make for good comedy, sure, but the Telegraph is not Mad Magazine, and there appears to be no intent at humor here, only degradation. The image sends a clear message to any woman thinking about pursuing such high public office: we at the Telegraph are unable to look at you as anything but a sex object, no matter what your qualifications for office. That’s not to say the decision to public such a photo is always innately sexist– some outlets clearly would have run the photo no matter who was in it, particularly on the internet (looking at you, Wonkette). Whether a print publication– a British one with no theoretical reason to work for or against any American candidate– would have is an entirely different question, one that we can expect to get addressed often among conservative commentators in the near future.
Sign up for Mediaite's daily newsletter.
-
Anonymous
-
Paulhmull
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WH3ZLMM7CUKUHUIMK4TKXW6SQE John
-
Johnjguy
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/BIGGUY53 Lester Ayers
-
Anonymous
-
Mlkbeat
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.twitter.com/danny6114 danny6114
-
Poop
-
Ron
-
Oshush
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/DrivelLady Laurie B.
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=827719443 Mary Jones
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
e-scribblah
-
Maynard314
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Oshush
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Gregg-Sanchez/1671411211 Gregg Sanchez
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
ceeza
-
Republicans are Liars
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/runforfun54 Ilene K
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.darklady.com/ Darklady
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Larry
-
Anonymous
-
Hugo Daun
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
ceeza
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
Anonymous
-
Hugo Daun
-
Hugo Daun
-
http://games-survival.com Justplaythegame
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_D7ZXLQWAIWYID3S5BJYQEETHTQ DavidT
-
ceeza
-
Hugo Daun
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Slipperywhenwet
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
ceeza
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.darklady.com/ Darklady
-
http://games-survival.com Justplaythegame
-
Chasmc
-
Dr. L. E. Kauffman
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Hagen619dj
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Hugo Daun
-
Anonymous
-
Hagen619dj
-
ceeza
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Hagen619dj
-
Anonymous
-
Hugo Daun
-
ceeza
-
Anonymous
-
Epzw
-
Thomas
-
Hagen619dj
-
Hagen619dj
-
Hugo Daun
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Hagen619dj
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Hagen619dj
-
Anonymous
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Hagen619dj
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
Tedderman
-
Hagen619dj
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JUT2TATEV3OHGQ7HZRYN472XVM Felix
-
ceeza
-
Tedderman
-
Johnjguy
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Hagen619dj
-
AliveStillKickin
-
Anonymous
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Hugo Daun
-
Nature Freak
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Brent-Labeau/100002070403647 Brent Labeau
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Tedderman
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
realdeal
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Bonnie-McGuinness/100002588403595 Bonnie McGuinness
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Centre
-
News Of The World
-
News Of The World
-
ThroatWobbler
-
News Of The World
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Thomas
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nancillarypeloslinton
-
Thomas
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Outside
-
http://twitter.com/Darr247 Darr Darr
-
Nancillarypeloslinton
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Dac
-
Dac
-
Nature Freak
-
Actual Brit.
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
Nature Freak
-
News Of The World
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
Nature Freak
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
dynariffic D
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
dynariffic D
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_S2FKTF3MVLASN3KN6R6ZSMIXUM Christian
-
Anonymous
-
http://profiles.google.com/amcdonald70 Allen McDonald
-
Greg
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Fudge441
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
AmericanJoe
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Greg
-
Another Actual Brit
-
Anonymous
-
labman57
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/thewatusi thewatusi
-
Anonymous
-
JR
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FSPIVAFYI672OH5NOKVRTEZA4U MadCharles
-
Anonymous
-
Cara Cartwright
-
Latin2
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://games-survival.com Justplaythegame
-
Anonymous
-
i see both sides now.
-
Hes-dead-jim
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NMIKH2YFVNOIFEHIABNQA2MUNY Zona
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Rod Sullivan
-
Nature Freak
-
Gerry Nance
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_7322MMCIFFRX6MZEKASBHFGTEQ yawho1610
-
Donovanrivers
-
Donovanrivers
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Tony
-
Anonymous
-
KT
-
Nature Freak
-
KT
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
Anonymous
-
Hugo Daun
-
Hugo Daun
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
resist we much !
-
resist we much !
-
Anonymous
-
DanMingo
-
Anonymous
-
Michael Holland
-
pseudonymous in nc
-
Anonymous
-
GOP Stomper
-
BLUEBUNNY
-
just4thefux
-
Moosenuts99
-
Moosenuts99
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeffrey-Thomas/1705108010 Jeffrey Thomas
-
HawkCW4
-
HawkCW4
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_FSPIVAFYI672OH5NOKVRTEZA4U MadCharles
-
HawkCW4
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jeffrey-Thomas/1705108010 Jeffrey Thomas
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Guavagoddess
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_J6K37DAH5SHYQQ5Y77FKNJYFBM Rodolfo V.
-
Anonymous
-
LADYLADY
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/runforfun54 Ilene K
-
Frank
-
Guest
-
Anonymous
-
Hagen619dj
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/msagnostica Agnostica
-
Billlines
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Republicans are Liars
-
http://Mediaite.com Frances Martel
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6XLKJQVNHYEQ3YXB5FISJLEAGA TEXAZ REB
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6XLKJQVNHYEQ3YXB5FISJLEAGA TEXAZ REB
-
http://twitter.com/awaronignorance beeryblog
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Loy/674665599 Jim Loy
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Loy/674665599 Jim Loy
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_YUXEVFGB4TOFL2FAUILFBM5KJU John Doe
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/cek100248 charles kirtley
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jim-Loy/674665599 Jim Loy
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2FA4JBSPYJLFTBVYQPE3CNVF5I Tseno Konseqwenz
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2FA4JBSPYJLFTBVYQPE3CNVF5I Tseno Konseqwenz
-
Fudge441
-
Fudge441
-
BJFan
-
donow
-
donow
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Scotte
-
Scotte
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ECYBIXNKAG5E46BC3GCJQPA7CQ well_its_no_cannibal_holocaust
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6RWJPK6275ZTJG2LUFSYHP34BE matt
-
http://games-survival.com Justplaythegame
-
Anonymous
-
TruDat
-
http://twitter.com/grimcity Neal Boyd
-
Dr. Bumpy
-
@JIIL
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1227072213 Mickey Morgan
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SJOVGY7WQKO5JRUOAVPJMAFV44 Charles Martel
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_WDNYYLCCA5WGGNCYDMBRYTSXXI Kathygriffins Stankeypoon
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Mitchellvii
-
Klawnet
-
Klawnet
-
Samjewett
-
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/CIWELQC2XYYHKBG3IVT3F25DBQ Tomas M
-
@JIIL
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_SJOVGY7WQKO5JRUOAVPJMAFV44 Charles Martel
-
Thuttysix
-
http://www.facebook.com/tony.westover Tony Westover
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_GH5XY3HLQKQZKPJJQEW2TTVG7Q Martin
-
Jhricik1
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_KP3J63YB3WELCTJHL32TZIXAHA RICHARD
-
Wewe45
-
27Reasons
-
27Reasons
-
Anonymous
-
Mrs. Corndog
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Bob
-
Dskfk
-
FunnyPicture
-
Charlotte
-
Truth Shall Set You Free
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DPKGLVWFWSZSKE3VD62XQ5E3G4 Rush.Lumpbut
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Roo Ulrich
-
Robertotassicelebration
-
dick head
-
Anonymous
-
Nature Freak
-
Nature Freak
-
http://twitter.com/DANEgerus DANEgerus
-
OBAMA CHANGE is comming
-
Butcher99
-
sasha
-
malia
-
malia
-
malia
-
malia
-
http://twitter.com/ElijahsFury Elijahs Fury
-
malia
-
malia
-
malia
-
Vickie
-
malia
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
malia
-
malia
-
malia
-
TMay
-
Rhombosis
-
Anonymous
-
Dnrlt1
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DPKGLVWFWSZSKE3VD62XQ5E3G4 Rush.Lumpbut
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DPKGLVWFWSZSKE3VD62XQ5E3G4 Rush.Lumpbut
-
im
-
ji23
-
http://www.facebook.com/garydenton Gary Denton
-
Kingmikemix1979
-
Ann Observer
-
sasha
-
Malia
-
Dear Sir or Madam
-
Malia
-
Malia
-
hilariousstuff
-
Anonymous
-
subtleknife666
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Erich4757
-
Anonymous
-
Redraptor27
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Percy35
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Messa
-
Messa
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
http://profiles.google.com/jfrockon jack franklin
-
Fifthqdrnt11
-
Guest
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Jbw248
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_ZKGLVXTREWI7TP4GAOXYXQSX6Y Published this day -
-
Jbw248
-
Washington
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Binky
-
Anonymous
-
http://yourclearskinsolution.com brittany
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1140799161 Bill Bresler
-
Redraptor27
-
Whorling1
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
ProudAmerican
-
ProudAmerican
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
Macage69
-
Malia
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Anonymous
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shartwel/1102283836 Steve Shartwel
-
Cornin’ the Barbarian
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shartwel/1102283836 Steve Shartwel
-
Macage69
-
Macage69
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shartwel/1102283836 Steve Shartwel
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shartwel/1102283836 Steve Shartwel
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Steve-Shartwel/1102283836 Steve Shartwel
-
Gandalf
-
Irinakiev
-
Irinakiev
-
Redraptor27
-
Trulyinteresting
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Redraptor27
-
Anonymous
-
Joshcassell13
-
Anonymous
-
Joshcassell13
-
Redraptor27
-
Joshcassell13
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Wayne-Dehart/1255955043 Wayne Dehart
-
Anonymous
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Redraptor27
-
Macage69
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
Mr. Fusion
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=705652537 John E. Wurl
-
Jeremy
-
Jeremy
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Jj-Wisniewski/100002654075475 Jj Wisniewski
-
Anonymous
-
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kevin-Love/100000176580210 Kevin Love
-
doug daluga
-
TMay
-
Robinsw
-
Anonymous
-
http://twitter.com/withered Anon
-
Bedroombully999
-
http://www.facebook.com/mike8743 Michael Duggan
-
leo moon
-
TMay
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_T473AUNWHU6QE3DQOFDP6VAWBQ Jim
-
Novangelus
-
Djbremerton3433
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_VEQ4KJUJ4X6FR6TKQXPY74OXSE scotus
-
Anonymous
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_HFWLNSVNN62FPGTVPM3P3OCW6I cyberties
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1034588163 Feudi Pandola
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6CAV5L6GG5T7A7B6WQGPBTKBCA The owner
-
Danathewonderdog
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_6CAV5L6GG5T7A7B6WQGPBTKBCA The owner
-
TMay
-
Sweet ‘n’ Tender
-
TMay
-
Guest
-
Anonymous
-
Hgfbh
-
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001224409264 Smail Buzzby
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JBOYM7U5CPER73JX57LWIMKHJU Jillian
-
Nobody Special
-
MrEvolution
-
MrEvolution
-
12voltman
-
Liyah623happyliberty
-
Anonymous
-
Snake5875
-
awol8
-
ac/dc
-
ObaMAO Tse Tung must go
-
Monotteness
-
Monotteness
-
Monotteness
-
Monotteness
-
Monotteness
-
Monotteness
-
Tea party got balls
-
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_OW47XNCHJW6FYZBWP2WQ435GOA Tom
-
http://profiles.yahoo.com/u/PHCU2Y2VEPNG47656W5ONRIFKA AdanR
-
Richard Rivera
-
David
Explicit Image Of S.E. Cupp (It’s A Fake) In Hustler Magazine Sparks Outrage
Cenk Uygur Blasts Congressman Joe ‘Tea Party Whore’ Walsh And Friends
Cue Outrage? Local Pizza Chain Gives Free Pizza For Ordering In Spanish
More Online/Print:
















The Uncanniest Cable News Doppelgangers
Former Daily Show Producer: I Felt Uncomfortable Mocking People Just Because I Disagreed With Them
Obama Campaign Spokesman Woefully Unprepared For Anderson Cooper
The Yankee Guide To Eurovision 2012
Hannity Takes On Colin Powell, Questioning His 2008 Endorsement Of Obama
Pastor Offers Suggestion For Dealing With ‘Queers’: Stick Them In An Electrified Pen Until They Die Out
L.A. Times Resurrects Attacks On Ann Romney With Expose On Dressage Horse-Related Lawsuit
NY Post Columnist: ‘Sense Of Shame Is Gone’ For Entitlement Recipients
Roger Ailes: Jon Stewart ‘Basically Has Admitted To Me, In A Bar, That He’s A Socialist’









RSS