As we noted, on Sunday, The Washington Post's Pulitzer Prize-winning style writer Robin Givhan authored a ridiculous column purporting to analyze Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's clothing. Givhan's column wasn't only vapid and superficial; it was also factually inaccurate. Givhan repeatedly claims that Kagan “doesn't appear to ever cross her legs” in the photos taken of her at Capitol Hill meetings. Givhan writes:
In the photographs of Kagan sitting and chatting in various Capitol Hill offices, she doesn't appear to ever cross her legs. Her posture stands out because for so many women, when they sit, they cross. People tend to mimic each other's body language during a conversation, especially if they're trying to connect with one another. But even when Kagan sits across from Sen. Amy Klobuchar, who has her legs crossed at the knees, Kagan keeps both feet planted firmly on the ground. Her body language will not be bullied into conformity.
She does not cross her legs at the ankles either, the way so many older women do. Instead, Kagan sits, in her sensible skirts, with her legs slightly apart, hands draped in her lap. The woman and her attire seem utterly at odds. She is intent on being comfortable. No matter what the clothes demand. No matter the camera angle.
The Post helpfully posted the following photo of Kagan alongside Givhan's article:
Givhan and the Post appear to have missed the many, many photos of Kagan crossing her legs during meetings on the Hill. Examples below the fold.
Here's Kagan at Sen. Daniel Akaka's (D-HI) office:
Here she is with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH):
And with Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR):
Here she is with Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA):
And with Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO):
And with Sen. Al Franken (D-MN):
And finally, Kagan with a former senator you may have heard of:
