politicnewsbusterinsiderpostreview: What is up with Casey DeSantis?

Friday, 2 June 2023

What is up with Casey DeSantis?

June 2, 2023

Ron DeSantis is a man of few social graces and even fewer friends. But one person the Florida governor trusts as a close adviser in his quest to build an American autocracy is his wife, Casey DeSantis.

I've been a bit fascinated with Casey after noticing her recent string of outfits clearly attempting to evoke perhaps the most famous American first lady of all, Jackie Kennedy. Now, two things first. Women and their style choices are often unfairly targeted—and there's nothing inherently wrong with dressing for the job you want. But I can't help but feel like there's something ridiculous and overtly strategical about Casey here. She apparently hopes that Americans will see a Camelot-like quality in her. Just look at the white gloves, her exaggeratedly poofed-up hair, the uncanny similarities to Kennedy's Dior dresses. They feel at once hilarious—as the costume designer of SNL recently told Vanessa Friedman, it seems as though Casey is dressing as though she wants to be "princess of the world"—and downright creepy. But all of this is notable as the DeSantis' try to conjure a cloyingly wholesome image on the campaign trail.

Is it just me? How do you feel about this cosplaying? Thoughts?

I'm hoping to gain some insight into the political strategy behind her wardrobe and why Republican women seem so eager to channel Jackie Kennedy. Stay tuned for more.

—Inae Oh

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