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I don’t know how many of you follow reporter Jeff Greenfield’s “All Too Fashionable” on CNN. I’ve caught it from time to time. Yesterday’s segment notably covered “politicalwear” and Jeff focused his often insightful commentary on U.S. Senator and presidential prospect Barack Obama.

Clipped from CNN’s transcript of “All Too Fashionable” with Jeff Greenfield December 11/2006 (pictures inserted from the show):

CNN ALL TOO FASHIONABLE

Greenfield: “Senator Barack Obama really stands out in a crowd, whether it’s a room or an arena - or anyplace in between. His has the ‘GQ‘ jacket-and-no-tie look down to an art form, like a magazine cover or photo shoot. Ask yourself, is there any other major public figure who dresses the way Barack Obama does? Why, yes - but none with the same panache. Let’s take a look.

Regular CNN watchers will recognize Belgium Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt from our frequent coverage of Belgium, such as our recent breaking story about Verhofstadt’s attempts to attract more Indian companies to his country. Others of you will recognize that Verhofstadt is an ‘up-and-comer’ on the list of CNN Major Political Figures, moving up five places this year from 2005.”

Greenfield: “Those of you less familiar with the Belgium Prime Minister will see a little of the John Denver in him - perhaps it’s the beer. Belgium is famous worldwide for its beer and Colorado is known for Coors which has used Denver’s ‘Rocky Mountain High‘ song in their TV ads. The Belgium Prime Minister himself has been known to hum a tune on occasion, particularly after a beer or two.”

Greenfield: “A less familiar face, but growing in political clout, is the visage of British Conservative Party leader David Cameron, known as quite a sharp dresser himself, seen here with the also tie-less Nelson Mandela.”

Greenfield: “Next we move on to number two on our CNN Major Political Figures chart - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper - not looking too shabby with a turtleneck to warm him from the cold. Give our neighbor to the north credit where credit is due, he manages to pay homage to the all-important Canadian sport of hockey while adding dignity and gravitas to the scene.

Greenfield: “And now the comparison we’ve been talking about - let’s take a look at Illinois Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama. You can see the calm, the ease, the strength conveyed at once both by simplicity and the business casual attire often associated with American tech professionals. It’s a modern, charismatic look that fits the good-looking senator well.”