^^^^
Regardless of the fairness of it - image, which is based mostly on looks, plays a significant if not the most significant part in politics. Look at Obama in the last debate. Both candiates said the usual schpeel, but McCain appeared old, angry, and desparate. Obama appeard calm, cool, and collected, which made him look better, regardless of the lies he said (they both lied during the debates).
I think for women, there is a doble standard. I do not adress the fairness of it. But, I do think the campaigns must play to it, as the R's have with Plain and Cindy McCain. To a certain degree, the D's do with Michelle Obama in that she never looks less than perfect.
As for the Stepford Wive thing, I was a t a party the other day and a bunch of guys were all talking about how they wanted to bang Palin, what a hottie she is, etc. Plain is a beautiful woman. She uses that to entice. It is not all she uses. But, it certainly helps her, at least initially
Plain's problem was and is that she was totally unprepared for the interviews she gave to mostly softball, non Fox interviewers (again, the Hannity interview was an infomercial). So, despite her looks and charisma, which are significant, she showed no substance and it hurt her. In her current interviews, she is much better, but it likely is too late.