With the American public facing crippling financial and energy crises, you might expect some deep thoughts and tough questions regarding the upcoming election. You might also be wrong. The latest question that seems to be concerning the public about the upcoming presidential election is, “Where can I get those rimless specs?” Sarah Palin’s Kazuo Kawasaki 704s have sold over 9,000 pairs since her debut in St. Paul, issuing a fashion frenzy and creating a pop-culture platform that seems to be stealing the spot light from the more imperative issues of the moment.

The blurring of pop-culture and politics is hardly anything new as Harvard graduates and multi-millionaire politicians have tried for decades to humanize themselves into the good graces of middle-class Americans. Sometimes, they are successful. Sometimes, not so much.

Take for example the McCain ad which compares presidential hopeful Barack Obama to celebrities Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Could his campaign have picked anyone more outdated than those two? Former democratic speech writer and media analyst Marty Kaplan told the Associated Press that he imagined this ad being made up “by some aging boomer at the campaign, late at night, surrounded by old issues of People.” As a bonus, the ad inspired Hilton’s latest publicity stunt: Running for president with hopes that pop singer Rihanna will join as her running mate. “Thanks wrinkly old white-haired guy,” as she refers to McCain. So much for substance.

Where some boats sink, though, others float. The day after the last debate, McCain appeared on David Letterman full of energy, confidence and a cool sincerity. His performance was surprisingly refreshing for a 72-year-old candidate who still has a good chance of becoming America’s next president.

It certainly is a difficult job – or, rather, an impossible one – to gauge the influences that these “special appearances” have on voters. Chris Galdieri, a political science professor at the University of Minnesota, says that the media and politicians have had a long-developing relationship. “Over time, politicians have certainly become more savvy,” especially regarding appearances on variety shows like David Letterman and Saturday Night Live. The uptight atmosphere and blatant bickering by both parties during debates leave little room for the public to identify with candidates, causing them to look to other sources for information. If polls are correct and 25 percent of people do not feel affected by the decisions in Washington, certainly a lot comes down to character judgment – something easily swayed by a charming appearance on late-night TV.

But personality doesn’t seem to be the only factor being taken into account this election. In our appearance-obsessed society, fashion is becoming the ultimate testament of personality. The Sarah Palin glasses craze has caused such a stir in the business of eyeglasses that anyone would be lucky to snatch a pair before Christmas. The owner of Bleu Dame, an online accessory store based out of Georgia, called the glasses hype a “phenomena for the company.” “People want the “it” product and we are going to give it to them.” Bleu Dame sells the knockoff glasses starting at $14.99.

As silly as it may seem that Palin’s glasses are becoming the trademark of this election, they serve as a symbol for many voters. Galdieri says, “These things send signals in which people can relate to.” After Michelle Obama appeared on The View wearing a black and white Gap dress, a lot of middle-aged, married woman in American had one sitting in their closets the next day. Michelle Obama was praised by style analysts as being “down to earth and more real” than her Republican counterpart Cindy McCain-sending a clear signal to people that says, “I am one of you: I wear clothes from the Gap, too.”

Although fashion can serve as a connecting commonality between politicians and citizens, it also can place them worlds apart. The 2008 Republican National Convention, a red carpet event in its entirety, rivaled the ultimate glamour of the stars when Cindy McCain walked out in her estimated $300,000 outfit- Oscar de la Renta dress, diamonds and all. Her outfit, nothing less than stunningly stepford, raised skeptical eyebrows as husband John McCain spoke to millions of Americans in an attempt to sympathize with their economic struggles. Joe the Plumber might not be able to relate to well to Cindy McCain’s outfit, especially when its net worth is probably more than that of the business Joe wanted to buy.

When it comes down to casting the ballot, it’s hard to guess what people are going to base their decisions on. While most are going to want to relate on a personal level to their president and likely their first lady, let’s just hope that voters consider more than expensive dresses and cheesy skits on Election Day.