Clark's Derided Argyle Becomes an Asset on EBay

[Freddie Stubbs]

By Brian Faler
Wednesday, January 21, 2004; Page A05


The sweater is for sale -- and it's not cheap.

Democratic presidential candidate Wesley K. Clark, who recently wore an argyle sweater that was mocked by some members of the media, has had the offending item put up for sale on the online auction site eBay. And after just 21/2 days -- and more than 120 bids -- its price has risen to more than $16,000 (as of 11:45 a.m. yesterday).

Clark wore the sweater just once, to a campaign event in New Hampshire. But it won the attention of reporters, some of whom said the sweater -- a departure from the dark suits Clark usually wears -- was an attempt to soften his image and appeal to female votes. Others suggested that it was just plain ugly ("Is there anything more annoying that argyle?" wrote New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd). The Clark campaign protested, saying he only wore it because he was cold.

But the Clark campaign also saw an opportunity amid all the attention. It donated the sweater to a New Hampshire-based organization that aids veterans, which, in turn, put it up for the weeklong sale. The Clark campaign linked the eBay site to its Web site and e-mailed a news release to reporters announcing the sale.

more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A33368-2004Jan20.html

[buckeye1]

1. i love it!

polk the press for their silliness. wes is all class. he is earning my vote.

[West Coast Democrat]

2. Argyle is back in fashion

there's nothing wrong with it.

[in_cog_ni_to]

3. I must have bad taste....I love argyle...

I love that sweater and it looked GREAT on him. :shrug:

I'm so happy the proceeds are going to help our Homeless Veterans. This is great!