The First Lady Debate: Attractiveness, Fashion, and Media Outcry
A recent on-air discussion on Fox News’ popular panel show, ‘The Five,’ ignited a debate surrounding the appearance of U.S. First Ladies, coinciding with reports of potential internal strife at Vanity Fair over a proposed cover featuring Melania Trump.
On Wednesday, August 27, co-hosts Jesse Watters, 47, and Brian Kilmeade, 61, veered into a commentary on presidential spouses’ looks and fashion sense. The conversation was reportedly sparked by earlier news, surfacing on Sunday, August 24, that Vanity Fair’s newly appointed global editorial director, Mark Guiducci – who assumed his position in June – was considering Melania Trump for a magazine cover. The stated aim of this consideration, according to reports by TheWrap, was to broaden the publication’s appeal to a conservative readership.
During ‘The Five’ segment, Watters directly questioned Kilmeade about the photographic presence of former First Ladies, asking if Jill Biden, 74, and Michelle Obama, 61, had graced Vanity Fair’s cover. It was noted that Dr. Biden has been featured once, while Mrs. Obama has appeared three times. Watters then pressed Kilmeade further, asking, “Do you think those two women are prettier than Melania Trump? Is it not about pretty? Is it about fashion? Because Melania’s also more fashionable.”
Kilmeade responded unequivocally, asserting, “She’s the most attractive first lady ever, let’s be honest.” The exchange took a lighthearted turn when Watters probed about Martha Washington, who passed away in 1802, to which Kilmeade quipped, “I have not seen Martha Washington.” He elaborated on the difficulty of judging historical figures based on portraits rather than photographs, a point Watters conceded. A brief mention of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis followed, though the hosts did not delve into a definitive comparison.
Meanwhile, the mere consideration of a Melania Trump cover at Vanity Fair has reportedly caused significant internal dissent. Sources cited by The Daily Beast revealed strong opposition among some staff members. One unnamed editor vehemently stated, “I will walk out the motherf—— door, and half my staff will follow me.” The editor further added, “We are not going to normalize this despot and his wife; we’re just not going to do it. We’re going to stand for what’s right.” This sentiment highlights a deep ideological divide within the prestigious publication regarding its editorial direction and the perceived political implications of its cover choices.
The confluence of a high-profile media personality’s public ranking of First Ladies by attractiveness and a major magazine’s internal struggle over a controversial cover choice underscores the ongoing intersection of politics, media, and public perception in contemporary American discourse.
