As the summer campaign months near, politicians need to be savvy to the art of appearance and the necessity of remaining cool under intense pressure - and intense heat. Republican media consultant Tom Edmonds tells the story of a former Member of Congress whom he used to advise. The Member kept an assortment of shirts in his office, not only for himself but for any disheveled visitors who might stop by. He said, 'It's uncomfortable to look at you, Tom.
Political consultants say there are definite tricks to avoiding embarrassing schvitzing on the road.
Democratic consultant Jennifer Laszlo says women can manage the golf shirt and khakis look, too. Women candidates always have to be better-dressed than male candidates. She said that even on the campaign trail she favors wearing sleeveless sheaths or dresses, but she always carries a matching jacket with her just in case the occasion calls for more conservative attire. As many consultants said, requisite uniform often depends as much on the region as it depends on the event. The big summer no-no, consultants agreed, is donning shorts.