Queen Cristina

Image Vs. Substance and the Hillary Clinton Comparison

Cristina, as she is simply known here, has often been compared to 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 Hillary Clinton professes her nerd-quality, shies from sex appeal and insists on ’sticking to the issues’, Cristina’s been 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, Fernandez de 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.

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. Cristina’s fans are just seeing it through the “are things better now than they were four years ago we her husband was elected” lens.

She 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.

As for the “first woman president” issue, yes it is a landmark event. And Cristina’s promising the bring her female perspective forward. 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, which is considered good. But they must also look very good to be considered worthy of leadership.

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Read Christie's blog at www.patagonialiving.com

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