Sebelius discusses heath care reform on Meet the Press

I'm sure we'll have a lot to look at from the health care reform debate over the course of this week. For now, let's go back, waayyy back to two weeks ago, when Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius went on Meet the Press to discuss the process. She wore blue:

As we've noted before, the Secretary looks best in cool, muted colors like this dusty blue. What I noticed right away, though, was her brooch in the shape of a dove.

Does it look familiar? It looks a lot like the one Madeleine Albright wore in an official portrait. As we know, Secretary Albright has an enormous collection of brooches and pins, which she actually used to send diplomatic messages. Was Sebelius trying to send a message here? Peace in the health care reform debate?

Political fashion history: Madeleine Albright

I'm sure you've heard by now about Madeleine Albright's new book Read My Pins: Stories a Diplomat's Jewel Box and the accompanying exhibit at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York.



I haven't had the chance to get over to the exhibit yet myself, but the New York Times had an interesting interview a few weeks ago. This might be the most literal example of applying one's clothes to the practice of politics I've ever seen. If Aaron Sorkin had written this story into an episode of the West Wing, the television critics would have torn him to shreds. But if you ever doubted that people notice what you wear in politics, you shouldn't now.

More to come if I can make my way over to Columbus Circle!