KEY POINTS:
While political commentators were busy dissecting the erstwhile prose from last night's leaders' debate (those that weren't watching the more thrilling US election coverage), the more shallow and superficial amongst us were nattering about what was truly memorable: the prime-time outing of a shapeless jacket in Jordan and
Paris' favourite shade - Barbie pink.
The fact that it's a colour normally associated with Miley-loving tweenies and rubber breast cancer bracelets, was made all the more significant and symbolic in its outing on the back of our esteemed prime minister - a woman better known for her sensible slacks and practical pumps.
Symbolic, because candy pink as a colour of clothing tends to be found on the itty-bitty bras of Playmates or D-list schlebs getting jiggy-wit-it in Vegas night-clubs. Or in superficial gossip columns (guilty!).
It's not the traditional on-colour message Helen has been flaunting throughout this election campaign. We've seen Trust (virgin white), and Kiwi socialism (Mao red), but last night's leaders' debate shocked brand analyst-types and social anthropologists alike for its post modern inter-cultural blend of both colours combined.
On the eve of Obama's historic win as the first mixed-race president of the United States, Hels was bravely mixing her Colour-Me-Beautiful shades and seasons seemingly on a fashion whim: a solid Winter palette base with a breezy Summer outlook.
Did the red jackets in the wardrobe revolt? Did the shapeless pink blazer whine 'pick me'?
The pretty in pink look matched a polite, respectful, gutless Clark - and likewise her opponent. Gone was the Scrappy-Doo 'let me at em!' approach of the past debate. The pink jacket appeared to soften her tone - she smiled, she spoke warmly, she looked like a walking billboard for The Breast Cancer Foundation. Was it a slick cynical move to appeal to our ovaries a la Sarah Palin?
Whatever. It worked. But question is: will she be wearing it to the TVNZ Christmas party that she so clearly was angling for an invite to?
Election night drinking game
In further superficial news of political insignificance, The Bill and Ben Party have released an election night manifesto of drinking games that is sure to be a hit on Saturday. Not that we are advocates for binge drinking, but we are, however, advocates for fun.... especially where Pinot (Gris or Noir, we're not fussy) is involved. We've paraphrased, but the drinking game goes something like this...
While watching the election, take ONE drink if...
* Helen Clark talks about trust
* John Key says "they've had nine years"
* Winston Peters denies anything
* John Campbell says "marvellous"
* The Maori Party are referred to as "kingmaker"
* Anyone from the Cannabis Party look stoned
* Duncan Garner pauses dramatically
While watching the election, take TWO drinks if...
* John Campbell stutters
* Winston comes across smarmy
* Rodney Hide talks about dancing
* Helen Clark does a peace sign
* Jeanette Fitzsimons hugs a plant
* You know the name of Jim Anderton's party
* Labour mention John Key's twin, John
* Anyone says "too close to call"
Rachel Glucina
Main photo / TVNZ
Inset photo / Tina Fey impersonating Sarah Palin. AP Photo / Dana Edelson