Sarah Palin’s Personal Shopper: Jeff Larson

by Aaron Landry | 27 Comments

Small world, isn’t it? Sarah Palin’s personal shopper was Jeff Larson.

Read about it: New York Times, The Atlantic

Read both. Wow. More on this soon…

October 22, 2008, 2:51 pm | Category: MN 2008: Senate and White House '08 | Tags: , , .

27 Responses to “Sarah Palin’s Personal Shopper: Jeff Larson”

Feed for this Entry Trackback Address
  • Graham
    October 22, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    This is like the ultimate “oh my god” nexus of a story.

    Hillary was wrong way back in the day: there’s no vast rightwing conspiracy…

    It’s. Just. One. Dude.

  • Joanna
    October 22, 2008 at 3:19 pm

    As soon as I saw that some of the clothes were purchased at Neiman-Marcus in Minneapolis, I thought, “Isn’t that where Norm Coleman’s buddy bought him clothes?” Hmmm, is there a connection?

  • Curiouser and curiouser...
    October 22, 2008 at 3:40 pm

    This week it also came out that back in 2005, Larson’s sister company, DCI, was paid $2 million by Freddie Mac to secretly urge Republican senators to oppose regulations of the mortgage industry. I wonder where Norm stood on all that? In his friend’s basement apartment, like usual?

  • Noah Kunin
    October 22, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Seriously. The Ayers robo calls and now this? Well, I guess all the reports are true. Jeff Larson is the most well connected Republican in existence.

  • TwoPuttTommy
    October 22, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    I’d like to remind folks of a question from the media, to Coleman Spokesman Mark Drake, back on August 2nd; a question that Coleman spokesman Mark Drake promised the media he’d get back to them on.

    Actually, it’s two questions:

    Whose name is on Norm Coleman’s utility bill, and when can the media see an actual utility bill?

    Despite all the claims coming from Team Smokescreen about being “open” and “transparent”, they aren’t.

    I have a suspicion that it’s Jeff Larson’s company’s name, FLS, on Norm’s meter - and that’s why Team Smokescreen won’t show an actual utility bill.

    http://www.mnblue.com/node/1993

    And now, Jeff Larson involved in ANOTHER NormanMarcusGate, er, ‘scuse me, NiemanColemanGate. er, ‘scuse me, “NiemanMarcusGate”?

  • DantheMan
    October 22, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    The funniest part about this whole thing is that just last week, when the GOP was asking Americans to examine Obama’s relationship with a domestic terrorist, Barack Obama redirected Americans. He asked that we focus on the issues and what will affect our lives, not on stories like that.

    But now the news is about who helped the fricking VP candidate shop.

    Good Lord.

  • TwoPuttTommy
    October 22, 2008 at 4:29 pm

    DtM, I know this is above your intellect level, but Governor MooseMeat is trying to portray herself as just your average soccer mom; a regular schmoe.

    Well, DtM - regular schmoes don’t go through $150,000 from NiemanColeman in two months; regular schmoes don’t bill their employer per diems for nights spent in their own homes, and regular schmoes don’t bill their employers for bringing the kiddies along on business trips.

    But, you being a republiCon, obviously feel “rules are for OTHERS” - which, once again, explains why GOP now stands for GreedOverPrinciples.

  • Dan
    October 22, 2008 at 4:50 pm

    Good lord, you are a shameless lying partisan hack, DantheMan. You are always decrying partisanship, but its people like you who bring the political discourse to the very lowest level. Jim Ramstad and Arne Carlson would be ashamed of you. Karl Rove, who is probably your real hero, would be proud.

  • Mockingbird
    October 22, 2008 at 6:03 pm

    DtM you are such a shill.

  • Nitro
    October 22, 2008 at 6:49 pm

    There are some who make the claim that people who disagree with them are “elitist”.

    When those who ridicule others for being “elitist” then act like elitists, they qualify for and deserve the criticism.

    Is Sarah Palin a “MINO”? (Maverick In Name Only) She sure acts like one.

  • DantheMan
    October 22, 2008 at 9:10 pm

    When the topic is about examing Obama’s past and his associations, you tell me to focus on the issues. But then when I suggest we focus on the issues, you point out who is shopping for the clothing for the family of the VP nominee. All on a day when the global markets tanked again.

    And if we must spend our time having a discourse about how the VP nominee went shopping for her clothes (still can’t believe this is news), let’s think about this:

    She is the Governor of Alaska. She came from a background of regional public service and small business. Her “dude” works oilfields and races snowmobiles. She has a bunch of kids who spend their time in, well, school.

    My guess is that it is a family who hasn’t really had to invest in a Presidential campaign wardrobe. For seven. They had to do in one day what most politicians accumulate over the course of years.

    McCain and his wife are loaded. Probably been having a tailor do their clothes for years. Obama is a multi-millionaire Senator whose wife was a healthcare executive. They were buying the threads along the way. Biden.. well…. he’s been in office since Jim Croce was a Top 10 artist. True.

    If you go to the closets of the McCains, the Obamas, and the Bidens, you’ll find a pretty penny invested in clothing. They just didn’t have to buy their clothes in one day.

    This is a non-issue.

    (that’s your que, TPT. Now you call me a liar and others say I’m a shill, all while failing to introduce any thoughts or ideas of your own)

  • Demure One
    October 23, 2008 at 6:04 am

    So much of this campaign is really about major party players being out of touch with average Americans - I bet more was spent on the Neiman Marcus shopping spree than Joe the Plumber earns in a year.

  • TwoPuttTommy
    October 23, 2008 at 6:50 am

    DtM, why don’t you tell me which part of what I wrote you’re pretending to not understand?

    Because, quite frankly, your post is - as usual - a load.

    You’re seriously claiming that a former mayor, and sitting governor, has an empty closet??!?

    The only thing empty here, DtM - is your mind.

  • DantheMan
    October 23, 2008 at 7:41 am

    as predicted

  • Mockingbird
    October 23, 2008 at 7:53 am

    DtM you honestly think you’ve fooled someone by
    shifting back & forth to whatever plays best for you?
    Or your talking points.

    When the talking points don’t work - go for fluff.
    If people are scoring points making fun of the fluff because its got legs, then cry foul
    & talk “issues” - but spin those RW lying talking points while you do.

    Your “past associations” nonsense has been debunked.

    Its not worth chasing your sorry ass around the room with a flyswatter under those circumstances.

    Dressing for success is nice. Yes its fluff. But then don’t tell us she’s backwoods hick either.
    It speaks to the BS we get about what said person pretends to be. It broaches the facade & conjob.

    I thought that wardrobe budget was for seven too, but I see separate entries for the hubby came up yesterday.
    That it was run by way of that Jeff Larson is also curious.

    Yes its half what Cindy McCain wore on stage one evening at the convention.
    Its also double a very good middle income for average Americans. More than most well off of us will ever approach spending in a lifetime
    for clothes. Haut Couture.

  • Mockingbird
    October 23, 2008 at 7:57 am

    Betcha that there Governor met alla them foreign dignitaries
    wearing patched britches & a lumberjack shirt. Dotcha know.

    The only shoes she ever had were hand me down mukluks from the Thrift store outside Wasilla.

    Joe the Plumber
    Sarah the Hillbilly Governor

    What’s it going to be next?
    Pick a first name & an occupation they may or may not have.

  • TwoPuttTommy
    October 23, 2008 at 8:06 am

    Mockingbird, DtM is a prime example of why this word officially entered the language in 2006 - actually, it was Merriam-Webster’s #1 Word of the Year for 2006:

    ***
    1. truthiness (noun)

    1 : “truth that comes from the gut, not books” (Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report,” October 2005)
    2 : “the quality of preferring concepts or facts one wishes to be true, rather than concepts or facts known to be true” (American Dialect Society, January 2006)
     ***

    As I’ve noted before:

    “Facts are stupid things.” - Uncle Ronnie said it; the GOPer base (guys ‘n gals like DtM) lives it.

    “

  • Dan
    October 23, 2008 at 9:36 am

    OK DantheMan, let’s examine Obama’s relationship with Bill Ayers, as if it hasn’t been examined to death already.

    Bill Ayers was a “domestic terrorist” in the 60s and early 70s when Obama was a child. Obama has condemned Ayers actions. Ayers later rehabilitated himself and became a respected public figure in Chicago, who worked with both Democrats and Republicans. Obama knew him casually and served on some boards with him.

    There really isn’t anything else to examine, but this really isn’t about examining the relationship - its about smearing Obama and changing the subject from Republican failures and McCain and Palin’s corruption. DantheMan, that is why no one is buying your claim that you are a reasonable moderate. You are what is wrong with politics in this country today. You are a vile, dishonest bottom feeder, and your bullshit has been called. The sewer awaits your return.

  • DantheMan
    October 23, 2008 at 9:46 am

    OK, putting my rational cap back on, in all fairness, I will admit:

    1) Who the hell thought it was a good idea to have Jeff Larsen in the middle of this? Seriously. Wasn’t August the month of apartmentgate?

    2) How a VP candidate and her family shop for clothes is about 678th on my list of reasons to vote for or not vote for someone.

    There. Not right wing talking points, my honest opinion. I do stand by my points that as a non-millionaire, new entrant to the race, she ended up buying in one week what millionaires like Obama and McCain already had in their closet. But is it news? To you, yes. To me, no.

  • DantheMan
    October 23, 2008 at 10:02 am

    Had Norm Coleman, back when we was in the AG office and considering a run for Mayor of St. Paul, started his campiagn fundraising career in the home of Sara Jane Olsen, would it be a non-issue to you?

    To some, yes. Her crime was way back in 1975. She has lived a productive life in society and is serving her time. Life is about 2nd chances.

    For others, no. She was a criminal of a violent nature. Any politician should steer clear of her.

    My point is, Dan, it is up for each voter to decide, not for us to brush under the rug and say “nothing to see here.”

    The reason that I brought it up on this thread is becaus I think it is at least as germaine to this race as a Sarah Palin shopping trip is.

  • Dan
    October 23, 2008 at 10:04 am

    DantheMan, false equivalence appears to be your specialty. I really think you need to get in touch with Karl Rove - he could use you.

    While Obama is a millionaire, he (and his wife) started out with essentially nothing and earned their money. McCain, who is a lot richer than the Obamas, ditched his first wife and married into his money. And while McCain may have $150,000 worth of clothes in his closet - not unreasonable given the fact he spends $270,000 a year on household help, I seriously doubt Obama has anything near that. The guy has his shoes re-soled when they wear out.

    The reason this is newsworthy is that the Republicans have tried to paint Obama as an elitist, while promoting Palin as an authentic down to earth real American. $150,000 at Neiman Marcus pretty much blows that out of the water.

    Of course you know that already, DantheMan, but why would the truth stop you from peddling your sleaze.

  • DantheMan
    October 23, 2008 at 10:26 am

    Stunning when I go back through just one thread and see all the creative ways I’ve been addressed here:

    “The sewer awaits your return.”
    “peddling your own sleaze.”
    “It’s not worth chasing your sorry ass around a room with a flyswatter.”
    “The only thing empty here, Dtm, is your mind.”
    “You are a shameless, lying, partisan hack.”
    “Dtm You are Such a Shill”

    All the while, I’m commenting on ideas and issues, and never taking a shot at the person who wrote it. I respect you all too much. I respect the fact that you are engaged in civic discussions and obviously passionate about that.

    I admire your loyalty to your party and candidates, but I’d politely suggest you bring the level of discourse up a notch. It doesn’t reflect well on you all.

  • Zach
    October 23, 2008 at 10:37 am

    DTM give yourself a third person perspective for a moment. Check out the Republicans you still actively support. Reread the posts and comments. Go back to MDE where you belong. I am sure you will prefer Brodkorb’s level of discourse/ignorance of reality. It suits yours.

  • Dan
    October 23, 2008 at 11:02 am

    DantheMan, you just don’t get it. You are the one who drags the discourse down here. You aren’t discussing ideas and issues - you are lying and reguritating Republican talking points. You are addressed in this manner because you are far too dishonest for anyone to actually engage. You have been exposed as a total fraud.

  • DantheMan
    October 23, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Dan -

    Let me ask you: Would there be anything I could say, that if it included the point that I support McCain, that would NOT be considered dragging the discourse down? I get the feeling that your litmus test for a good argument is one where the poster simply supports Obama. All others are gutter speak.

    Am I right?

  • Virtually Speaking
    October 23, 2008 at 12:31 pm

    Hey! This discussion is supposed to be about fashion.

    Sarah Palin erred when she did not select Michelle and Marcus Bachmann to be her personal shoppers. With five children and about two dozen adopted ones, the Bachmanns were practical shoppers that habitually hit the sales racks so they would have enough funds for the groceries.

    And perhaps RNC personal shopper is a good new career possibility for Miss Michelle . . .

  • Kasey
    November 4, 2008 at 8:37 am

    How much did those greek columns at Obama’s rock concert cost? Guess how much he has been leaving cities and towns to pay after one of his campaign stumps. No, let’s not look at any of that. Let’s all focus on how much was spent on Sarah’s wardrobe, someone who got told that she was to be the VP nominee at the last minute. Someone who wears clothes from Land’s End and North Face to work. She shops at thrift stores on a normal basis.

    BTW, Dan, if Obama had next to nothing, how did he finance his world trip during college?

Leave a Reply