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Robin Givhan Revives Rumors of an Ambassador Anna Wintour

Public speaking abilities? Check. Anna Wintour via Getty
Public speaking abilities? Check. Anna Wintour via Getty

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If you thought rumors of Anna Wintour's ambassadorial ambitions had been laid to rest, think again. Robin Givhan would like to take a closer look, and if Givhan is taking a closer look, then there must be something at which to take a closer look.

Since Wintour is Vogue's second longest running editor, Givhan asks how long can this go on? And, subsequently, what's next? And also, could all this political hobnobbing offer any (more) clues?

The answer to the last question, apparently, is maybe. While everyone in Wintour's camp maintains that she's not looking to make moves into the political realm, there's a lot of evidence that suggest those in diplomatic circles haven't killed the rumor, according to the Daily Beast writer.

Ticking off her political resume, Givhan explores Wintour's role as link between the people and the fashion industry's moneymen (did you hear? This September Vogue is largest ever), a close relationship with men and women in politics that dates back to the early '90s, and an uncanny knack for raising money, which has earned her the nickname the "Obama bundler."

Also, she knows people. The number one bill for the job according to former British Ambassador to the States isn't a background in foreign policy, but rather a "knack for creating a network of influence," which requires "a quick mind, hard head, strong stomach, warm smile, and a cold eye. The shy do not prosper in this environment." Wintour is four for five there.

So all this might sound good to folks who know diplomacy, but whether Wintour (and the next president) will cash in on the editor's political future has yet to be determined. But at least one fashion writer feels we should all be keeping tabs.
· What Does Vogue Editor Anna Wintour Want Next? [The Daily Beast]
· 5 Things Anna Wintour Means to the Obama Campaign, According to the New York Times [Racked]