💅 Is “red nail theory” legit?

It’s Monday, January 22 — people are talking about Ron DeSantis’s exit from the presidential race, the phenomenon of red nail theory, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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🗳️ Why couldn’t DeSantis get traction?

After a promising 2022 midterms, Ron DeSantis's 2024 campaign is over. Where did he go wrong?

🗳️ Ron DeSantis is out of the 2024 race. The LA Times says he had potential, but his too-late campaign launch doomed him.

🗳️ National Review had a different take: DeSantis's campaign fizzled because his appeal didn't resonate in a post-covid world.

🗳️ @SarahEMcBride on X blamed something else, though: DeSantis' anti-trans stance flopped with voters, ending his campaign.

🗳️ But Politico points the finger at campaign mismanagement: It had no coherent strategy. Plus, DeSantis was plain awkward.

🗳️ Whatever the reason, the NYT thinks that DeSantis's early lead showed potential for a post-Trump GOP. In a different year, he might've won the Republican nomination.

💅 Is “red nail theory” legit?

TikTok says that red nails are a love magnet, but is that really true?

💅 Today.com says Tiktok's “red nail theory” is legit. Experts say that red nails might really earn you some extra attention.

💅 Brit + Co also supports the theory: It's not just a trend, it's psychology! Red symbolizes love and passion, possibly explaining the attraction to red nails.

💅 But Hypebae isn’t a fan: It's male-gazey, perpetuating outdated gender norms. Try choosing a nail color because you like it.

💅 Vogue, on the other hand, thinks the theory isn't about the male gaze — red nails earn you compliments because they exude confidence.

Quick hits

🛕 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram ahead of the country's election. (AP News)

🇮🇱 After Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a hostage deal, a Hamas official said there was “no chance” the Israeli captives would be released. (The Guardian)

🏈 Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are now the most prolific postseason scoring duo in NFL history, passing Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. (The Athletic)

🏀 Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer passed Mike Krzyzewski to become the winningest coach in college basketball history. (Fox Sports)

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback or want to share your thoughts or ideas, please email me at [email protected].