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Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards has once again come under fire for purchasing a $410 pair of denim jeans for his campaign. This is likely to draw considerable criticism to Edwards, who has previously been criticized for purchasing a 28,000 square foot home in North Carolina, and spending $400 on salon services at an upscale Rodeo Drive salon in Beverly Hills, which his spokesman also labeled as a campaign expense. Critics of Mr. Edwards note that in his personal life, he continues to to make extravagant purchases, while on his campaign trail, he frequently mentions how extreme wage differences between the wealthy and the working classes have brought about what he calls, “Two Americas”.

The jeans, which he purchased after seeing them showcased in the Neiman Marcus mail catalog, are made by Italian fashion house Dolce and Gabbana’s Shredded Denim line, and retail for $490. Terri Johnson, a clerk at the Raleigh, North Carolina Neiman Marcus, notes that Edwards was entitled to a slight discount since he is a frequent customer at the store.

Tom Abilevitz, Edwards’s chief campaign spokesman, defended the purchase. “When you’re campaigning to be president, the whole nation is scrutinizing not only your policies, but also the way you look. It is very important that Mr. Edwards look very presidential in his appearance.” He continued, “Besides, most jeans tend to make his ass look either a little too big or a little too flabby. But the Dolce and Gabbana pre-shredded jeans really bring out his muscular glutes.” He further noted that J. Lo’s ass was instrumental in establishing her as a music icon, and that perhaps the same will be true of John Edwards.

Mr. Edwards’ detractors are still skeptical. “I just don’t see how someone could claim to be an advocate for the poor, and continue to live a lifestyle that only the super-rich can afford,” says Jennifer Brunner, head of the not-for-profit Poverty Alleviation Society in Raleigh. She went on to admit, however, that the jeans did make John Edwards’ ass look pretty good. “Still,” she noted, “I don’t think the American people are that shallow to elect a candidate solely on the basis of their looks. Unless maybe they could act as well. But John Edwards does not seem to be much of an actor.”