Argentina's President Cristina Kirchner

Image vs Substance and the Clinton Comparison

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, known simply as Cristina in Argentina, is the first elected female president and began her term on December 10, 2007.

She has often been compared to Hillary Clinton, and also questioned for not only her suitability for the presidency, but also her campaign image.

Cristina Kirchner vs Hillary Clinton

Yes, they are both wives of former presidents and strong politicians in their own rights, with roots in the liberal politics of the 60s and 70s. But while Clinton professes her nerd-quality, shies from sex appeal and insists on sticking to the issues, Kirchner's political career is all about flare. She parades about in stylish, sexy outfits and people regularly comment on her looks.

This is Argentina, a very fashion-conscious and image-savvy nation still rife with machismo. Unlike Clinton, Kirchner has sternly avoided policy discussions and did so right through the campaign. She never had to earn the party nomination--it was simply handed to her.

Kirchner's Political Support

Her support comes mainly from the poorly-educated lower-class, people who are happy to have a job. More educated people expect her, like any leader, to address semi-complicated issues like inflation, foreign debt and public policy. She never has.

Kirchner's fans just reiterate that things are better now in Argentina than they were 4 years ago, when Kirchner's husband was elected.

Kirchner has inherited a nation with many problems, mainly a looming energy crisis and sky-rocketing inflation that her husband's government has been accused of trying to cover up.

In her acceptance speech, she said she carries the responsibility of her gender with pride. In Argentina, gender relations are tricky. Women will have more power now that Kirchner has been elected president.

Unfortunately, there still exists the prejudice that women must also look very good to be considered worthy of leadership.