CRYSTLE STEWART
MISS USA & POLITICS --
Brains & Beauty...
What do you think?
Strutting in a swimsuit and mastering double-sided tape can earn you a pageant crown - and maybe a career in politics.
Republican vice-presidential pick Sarah Palin wasn’t the first woman to sport a one-piece for Miss America judges before becoming governor of Alaska. (She was first runner-up to Miss Alaska in 1984).
In fact, beauty pageants can be a precursor to a pretty decent political career. From Bess Myerson (Miss America 1945, and former New York City Commissioner of Consumer Affairs) to Michigan’s Gov. Jennifer Granholm (Miss San Carlos, Calif., 1977) to Palin, dozens of present and former mayors, senators, congresswomen, state attorneys and political operatives have a tiara in their closets. And that’s not even counting the ladies who didn’t qualify for the big pageant.
“The Miss America pageant is not like the Olympics in that Miss America prepares you for more than one event,” said Art McMaster, CEO and president of the Miss American Organization. “These young ladies have to prepare for five events, including an extensive interview. It’s about showing the world the very best you can be, which is a lot like politics.”
But line-item vetoes and Rose Garden press conferences are a long way from playing the flute in an evening gown. And in a YouTube world, will seeing Sarah Palin as Miss Wasilla do just that in the talent competition diminish her executive authority?
“I don’t think it will hurt,” McMaster said. “And let’s not forget that as Miss America, you travel all over the country, going from a political event in Washington D.C. one day to a rally at a NASCAR race the next. The country is so diverse, and Miss America sees it all.”
Miss USA 2008 Crystle Stewart said a career in politics isn’t out of the question for her.
“Pageantry has taught me so many things,” said the 26-year-old Texan. “It’s helped my communication skills, my social networking, my confidence, my spirituality and my self-esteem. You need those to be successful in life.”
And the dark side of competition can help in the pit-bull world of politics, too.
“You have to be competitive, but you have to be kind and gracious,” said Stewart, who is pursuing a career as a self-improvement speaker. “Not everyone is going to like you, your work or your opinion. And that coincides directly with being a political figure. I think Sarah Palin did a great job on the debate because she was ready for those questions.”
Miss Congeniality may be the next Madame President, but pageants are about looks, too.
“Who wouldn’t want a president or vice president who is appealing to the eyes?” said Stewart.
[Photos by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America]
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