Wiki: "To put "lipstick on a pig" is a rhetorical expression, used to convey the message that making superficial or cosmetic changes is a futile attempt to disguise the true nature of a product."
This once common phrase has become problematic for a possible sexist connotation. While never having used it in such a way myself it's easy to see where there might be a problem in it's usage. During a conversation today about the moribund state of the current GOP candidates I thought of a possible replacement phrase.
Think back to Rick Perry's disastrous performance during the 2012 Republican debates and his later attempt at rebranding. With the addition of black frame glasses we were supposed to think this was somehow suddenly the new and improved "thoughtful and wise" Rick Perry Version 2.0 even thought he continued to spout the exact same no information GOP talking points. Who among us did not see this exercise in futility for what it truly was.
With that in mind I offer a new replacement for the phase "Lipstick on a pig" in "Like putting glasses on Rick Perry".
It carries the same meaning as the Wiki definition in that it describes an attempt that is totally superficial and makes no changes to the underlying product. Also the new phrase should be widely acceptable as being both non-sexist and easily discernible in it's meaning. As an added bonus, with Rick Perry being the first candidate of the currently oversized Republican presidential field to drop out the "proof is in the pudding".
Like Sarah Silverman said. He thought the glasses made him look "smarty".