As Maryline Blackburn watched Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s interview with ABC’s Charles Gibson last Thursday, she noticed something familiar. “She has in her eyes that look of determination--a look I remember from 24 years ago,” said Blackburn, who defeated Palin in the 1984 Miss Alaska pageant. Palin placed second. “It is a thinking, calculating look,” Blackburn added, the look of a woman plotting “where to go to get ahead.”
The ambition that Blackburn glimpsed in Palin is a trait many of her opponents in races large and small have noted, from her days running for city council to her vigorous quest for the governor’s mansion. But her drive to succeed comes with its pitfalls. Indeed, conversations with several of her former opponents--all biased to some extent, as at one time or another they staked their futures in contests against Palin--reveal much about Palin the Candidate. She’s brilliant when flashing a smile, delivering a speech, and connecting with people, but she tends to skirt issues because she rarely has a handle on them. Quick to anger, slow on policy, and accustomed to pandering media, Palin has an Achilles’ heel (or a few) that Democrats could target before Election Day.
R’Nita Rogers lost to Palin in a 1995 contest for the city council of Wasilla, Alaska. In an interview with TNR last week, Rogers said Palin won the race, which focused mainly on issues like paving subdivision roads and improving the town’s sewer system, because she got “down in the trenches to make that one come through. She knocked on just about everybody’s door, I swear.”
But in Rogers’s view, Palin’s key tactic was, and still is, manufacturing drama. In a conversation the two women had before running for the city council, Rogers said she admitted to Palin that she wasn’t sure how she would tip the scales in a tight race. Palin said her experience in the Miss Alaska contest had taught her how to come out on top. “She felt she had lost [Miss Alaska] because she, unlike the other candidate, hadn’t created the drama to center the attention on [herself] at the right time. She felt that that was the best way to win,” Rogers recalled. (Blackburn thought Palin’s edge came in part from her “great body--part of the pageant is the swimsuit competition, [and] she was very toned and shaped--a healthy type the judges were looking for.”)
Rogers would not elaborate on the sort of drama Palin created in Wasilla, but she did say Palin politicized a typically low-key, community-oriented mayoral race by running against incumbent John Stein in 1996 with backing from the state Republican Party. (Stein declined to comment.) Rogers also said Palin tended to twist and embellish the truth as a candidate. “She liked to infer that situations might be happening that weren’t necessarily so,” Rogers said of Palin in the mayoral race. “She does like her drama.”
State senator Loren Leman narrowly beat Palin in the 2002 Republican primary for lieutenant governor, despite the fact that Palin was still mayor of Wasilla and had little statewide political experience. He attributes her success to her being an “interpersonally… extraordinary candidate.”
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COMMENTS (57)
I'm sorry, but did I get transported into the twilight zone? I have never heard of people giving advice on how to run against the VP on a ticket. Were where the advice on how to run against Edwards in 2004 or Cheney in 2000?
This is insane. People have lost their minds.
Repeat after me. The candidate is McCain. John McCain if you're nasty.
I'm sorry, but did I get transported into the twilight zone? I have never heard of people giving advice on how to run against the VP on a ticket. Were where the advice on how to run against Edwards in 2004 or Cheney in 2000?
This is insane. People have lost their minds.
Repeat after me. The candidate is McCain. John McCain if you're nasty.
great - empty headed, drama loving, know-nothing blind ambition. No wonder Republicans love her.
great - empty headed, drama loving, know-nothing blind ambition. No wonder Republicans love her.
I'm no fan of Palin, but I have to say, it is no ding on a persons leadership capability to say that they are not au fait with all the policy details, but do have the ability to rally people with language and confidence, around what they want. You can always hire experts and project managers to execute; someone has to make the complex simple, and line up support for positions; that's called leadership.
What has no place in leadership, is thin-skin and pettiness. Frankly this article failed to convince me that those are inherent Palin traits - sounds more to me like she's consistly played 1 or 2 levels above her "obvious" ability, and that that alone could account for her rough edges.
I don't ... view full comment
I'm no fan of Palin, but I have to say, it is no ding on a persons leadership capability to say that they are not au fait with all the policy details, but do have the ability to rally people with language and confidence, around what they want. You can always hire experts and project managers to execute; someone has to make the complex simple, and line up support for positions; that's called leadership.
What has no place in leadership, is thin-skin and pettiness. Frankly this article failed to convince me that those are inherent Palin traits - sounds more to me like she's consistly played 1 or 2 levels above her "obvious" ability, and that that alone could account for her rough edges.
I don't want someone 1 or 2 levels above her ability in the White House, and I think there's a high risk that's what happens if we elect McCain-Palin. But, I don't see anything this article that suggests she's not a smart, savvy politician, more to be feared than dismissed.
The problem is that average voters in this country have a long long history of voting against their own self-interest. Case in point, a number of our friends, all married with children, are voting for McCain on the sole basis that his whacko running mate is a mother. Facts (and Hillary) do not trump a gun-toting, creationist vagina in the good ol stupid USA .
The problem is that average voters in this country have a long long history of voting against their own self-interest. Case in point, a number of our friends, all married with children, are voting for McCain on the sole basis that his whacko running mate is a mother. Facts (and Hillary) do not trump a gun-toting, creationist vagina in the good ol stupid USA .
This is one of fairer articles about Sarah. You are dead on with comments like "She's brilliant when flashing a smile, delivering a speech, and connecting with people". Your comment that "she tends to skirt issues because she rarely has a handle on them" is what the MSM said about Reagan. That she is "Quick to anger...and accustomed to pandering media" could apply to Bill Clinton.
I try to judge all candidates by the same standards. Isn't it amazing that a trait long considered good in Democrats is now somehow considered bad in a Republican? Luckily, the electorate does not share the MSM's sophistry.
This is one of fairer articles about Sarah. You are dead on with comments like "She's brilliant when flashing a smile, delivering a speech, and connecting with people". Your comment that "she tends to skirt issues because she rarely has a handle on them" is what the MSM said about Reagan. That she is "Quick to anger...and accustomed to pandering media" could apply to Bill Clinton.
I try to judge all candidates by the same standards. Isn't it amazing that a trait long considered good in Democrats is now somehow considered bad in a Republican? Luckily, the electorate does not share the MSM's sophistry.
Wow. Has there ever been a more sexist critique of a woman's campaign style?
Wow. Has there ever been a more sexist critique of a woman's campaign style?
Sexist? Not at all.
This woman sounds like another thin-skinned, know-nothing, power hungry, insecure nitwit - George W. Bush.
Sexist? Not at all.
This woman sounds like another thin-skinned, know-nothing, power hungry, insecure nitwit - George W. Bush.
I can already envision the criticisms this article is going to evoke. There really is nothing wrong with ambition, drive, etc. She has some good qualities for many things (national office though, IMHO, is not one of them). Anyway, coolrepublica has it right--this is a Presidential election. The role of the VP is to sit tight and see if he/she will be needed. Then we'll worry about them. She is like a fire--let's deprive her and the campaign of oxygen (ie, attention) so she'll "go away' and focus on the issues that the President will have to confront.
I can already envision the criticisms this article is going to evoke. There really is nothing wrong with ambition, drive, etc. She has some good qualities for many things (national office though, IMHO, is not one of them). Anyway, coolrepublica has it right--this is a Presidential election. The role of the VP is to sit tight and see if he/she will be needed. Then we'll worry about them. She is like a fire--let's deprive her and the campaign of oxygen (ie, attention) so she'll "go away' and focus on the issues that the President will have to confront.
I'm sorry, but did I get transported into the twilight zone? I have never heard of people giving advice on how to run against the VP on a ticket. Were where the advice on how to run against Edwards in 2004 or Cheney in 2000?
This is insane. People have lost their minds.
Repeat after me. The candidate is McCain. John McCain if you're nasty.
I'm sorry, but did I get transported into the twilight zone? I have never heard of people giving advice on how to run against the VP on a ticket. Were where the advice on how to run against Edwards in 2004 or Cheney in 2000?
This is insane. People have lost their minds.
Repeat after me. The candidate is McCain. John McCain if you're nasty.
All you wonks are missing the point, which is, as O.W. Holmes said about FDR, "He has a second-rate mind, but a first-rate temperament." Connecting with people matters greatly. Yes, probably more than knowing how many soldiers in a brigade, or how many carrier battle groups we have.
All you wonks are missing the point, which is, as O.W. Holmes said about FDR, "He has a second-rate mind, but a first-rate temperament." Connecting with people matters greatly. Yes, probably more than knowing how many soldiers in a brigade, or how many carrier battle groups we have.
Governor Palin is tenacious, and she has survived and excelled in a media frenzy that tries desperately to destroy her and her family. It has not worked yet, and I doubt it will.
Governor Palin is tenacious, and she has survived and excelled in a media frenzy that tries desperately to destroy her and her family. It has not worked yet, and I doubt it will.
A unique look at the Palin phenomenon, a great journalistic angle. Who better to comment on how she plays the game than those who have played against her throughout her life? To call this a sexist critique is to draw more attention to Palin's sex than the article itself does.
And let's remember that campaign style is only the beginning...there has to be substance, too, and she hasn't shown much of that yet.
A unique look at the Palin phenomenon, a great journalistic angle. Who better to comment on how she plays the game than those who have played against her throughout her life? To call this a sexist critique is to draw more attention to Palin's sex than the article itself does.
And let's remember that campaign style is only the beginning...there has to be substance, too, and she hasn't shown much of that yet.
I don't think it was sexist. The woman has used her sex to play at levels above her ability. That and the novelty of being a female ultra-conservative who can communicate. Calling her on it is not sexism. Judgement and intelligence is what we are trying to get a handle on.
I don't think it was sexist. The woman has used her sex to play at levels above her ability. That and the novelty of being a female ultra-conservative who can communicate. Calling her on it is not sexism. Judgement and intelligence is what we are trying to get a handle on.
Stop with the sexism charges. We are evaluation at demeanor, judgement, and intelligence. The novelty of a comely ultra-conservative woman helped her rise well above her apparent competence level. Live by the sword, die by it.
It is fair to question the tactics, methods, and fallout of her previous campaigns as it provides insight into how she would try to govern.
Stop with the sexism charges. We are evaluation at demeanor, judgement, and intelligence. The novelty of a comely ultra-conservative woman helped her rise well above her apparent competence level. Live by the sword, die by it.
It is fair to question the tactics, methods, and fallout of her previous campaigns as it provides insight into how she would try to govern.
wow Wilson - has there ever been a more sexist VP pick in history?
wow Wilson - has there ever been a more sexist VP pick in history?
I think you folks at TNR are off your rockers. Interviewing a competitive beauty queen contestant from 24 years ago to lead off your article? At best, you look silly; at worst, you look desperate.
I agree with the writer who said you must have entered the Twilight Zone.
I think you folks at TNR are off your rockers. Interviewing a competitive beauty queen contestant from 24 years ago to lead off your article? At best, you look silly; at worst, you look desperate.
I agree with the writer who said you must have entered the Twilight Zone.
IS IT POSSIBLE for the public to turn on the news, read a publication, or newspaper, and NOT hear Obama being given advice on how to beat McCain, and of particular distress Palin the #2 on the ticket? REMEMBER- Obama is running for President against John McCain. Sarah Palin is the VP candidate.
Yes, she unlike Joe Biden has generated a great deal of enthusiasm from the public. But,New Republic give me a break, her formal Miss Alaska rival?? In an interview Palin stated that her father a school teacher, had 4 children in college at the same time, and pagents were a way for her to obtain scholarship money for college. And that she disliked the swim suit part of pagents. The winner over Palin, ... view full comment
IS IT POSSIBLE for the public to turn on the news, read a publication, or newspaper, and NOT hear Obama being given advice on how to beat McCain, and of particular distress Palin the #2 on the ticket? REMEMBER- Obama is running for President against John McCain. Sarah Palin is the VP candidate.
Yes, she unlike Joe Biden has generated a great deal of enthusiasm from the public. But,New Republic give me a break, her formal Miss Alaska rival?? In an interview Palin stated that her father a school teacher, had 4 children in college at the same time, and pagents were a way for her to obtain scholarship money for college. And that she disliked the swim suit part of pagents. The winner over Palin, (and The New Republic) felt the need to share about Palin's toned body and how it looked in a swimsuit. What does that have to do with Palin 20 years later? The comments were meant to demean Palin, and sexualize her in the public eye. Whether one agrees with her positions on the issues, she is an accomplished successful women. Readers(voters) can discern when the media attempts to tip a story a certain way for a desired result.
The key to the defeated opponents comments is DEFEATED. Does anyone really expect them to shed Palin in the most positive light? Obama now has new ad ammo provided by yet another media form to his campaign! The New Republic can be proud.
Steve from Iowa says, "you can always hire experts and project managers to execute." Well, thank you, I think I would rather we have the kinds of experts and managers Obama would hire than those either McCain (he hired Palin after all!) or the Alaskan gov. are likely to hire.
Steve from Iowa says, "you can always hire experts and project managers to execute." Well, thank you, I think I would rather we have the kinds of experts and managers Obama would hire than those either McCain (he hired Palin after all!) or the Alaskan gov. are likely to hire.
In response to Karen: It is tough to agree or disagree with Palin on the issues because we're not sure where she stands on many of the issues facing Americans today. She seems to have changed some of her own opinions for the interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC. That's a concern because her previous comments on issues like global warming were made only about two weeks previous to the interview. You seem upset that the article treats Palin as a competitor, but that is what she is, that's even why she enjoys hunting. She is someone who does not like to be #2, but that is not the prettiest trait. (That is probably why she did not win Miss Alaska. The judges could see she how much she wan ... view full comment
In response to Karen: It is tough to agree or disagree with Palin on the issues because we're not sure where she stands on many of the issues facing Americans today. She seems to have changed some of her own opinions for the interview with Charlie Gibson on ABC. That's a concern because her previous comments on issues like global warming were made only about two weeks previous to the interview. You seem upset that the article treats Palin as a competitor, but that is what she is, that's even why she enjoys hunting. She is someone who does not like to be #2, but that is not the prettiest trait. (That is probably why she did not win Miss Alaska. The judges could see she how much she wanted it, maybe they didn't appreciate her grim 'look of determination'. )Considering that Palin has come out of nowhere as an ultra-conservative woman candidate who is attractive, I'm afraid of shocking you here Karen, but that makes everything in this article and in many others to follow fair game. She is a bit of an easy target, what with being investigated in Alaska for ethics violations and all. What's worse is her husband has just been subpoened as have other aides to the governor's office, because they would not cooperate and answer questions voluntarily. But why not? It is the answer to this that makes Palin such an interesting investigative subject. There's obviously so much more out there on her, so many skeletons in that closet up in Wasilla, and just in time for Halloween too.
The problem is McCain was a significant looser in this election until Palin joined the ticket. Obama IS running against McCain but his VP is what is keeping him in the race. If either of them are discredited then McCain will loose in a landslide.
While in the past having a "stupid" but "charismatic" president or even VP would have been fine or even possibly good. In this election cycle a not so bright GWB like candidate is just going to cause America to slump even further. There are thousands of jobs being lost and not replaced on a daily basis. The economy is completely wrecked and John McCain wants to proceed using the exact same policies that Bush used. I know this sounds like the g ... view full comment
The problem is McCain was a significant looser in this election until Palin joined the ticket. Obama IS running against McCain but his VP is what is keeping him in the race. If either of them are discredited then McCain will loose in a landslide.
While in the past having a "stupid" but "charismatic" president or even VP would have been fine or even possibly good. In this election cycle a not so bright GWB like candidate is just going to cause America to slump even further. There are thousands of jobs being lost and not replaced on a daily basis. The economy is completely wrecked and John McCain wants to proceed using the exact same policies that Bush used. I know this sounds like the good ole Obama stump lines... but the problem is it is the ONLY way to view it. If hitting your head against a wall why the hell would you think the next time you hit your head against the wall it is not going to hurt? That is what McCain/Palin represent. They are counting on Americans to be stupid enough to keep banging their heads into walls.
I blows my mind that you cannot discern that the Republican party has been playing you for idiots. This is why I am no longer a Republican.
In what way has Sara Palin survived a media frenzy? She's going through a vetting we're entitled to participate in as citizens - no one is entitled to the Vice Presidency of my country. About the survival: what does it take for right wing ideolouges to be subject to disapproval from thier brethren? Every word out of her mouth has been a lie - does this not matter anymore? Does ideology and religiousism trump all? I'd honestly respect so much more if people just said: I don't care what she says or does, she's a winger Hockey Mom and that's all I need to know. I can be friends with anyone who respects me enough to be honest with me and with themselves.
In what way has Sara Palin survived a media frenzy? She's going through a vetting we're entitled to participate in as citizens - no one is entitled to the Vice Presidency of my country. About the survival: what does it take for right wing ideolouges to be subject to disapproval from thier brethren? Every word out of her mouth has been a lie - does this not matter anymore? Does ideology and religiousism trump all? I'd honestly respect so much more if people just said: I don't care what she says or does, she's a winger Hockey Mom and that's all I need to know. I can be friends with anyone who respects me enough to be honest with me and with themselves.
Palin is emblematic of something every American has to live with, the multiplicity of opinions on every topic. I see her as a nutjob with a pair of designer glasses and a folksy way of putting mostly male opponents in their place. Quite a few others see her as the woman who has the power to speak on their behalf--and to hell with so-called qualifications and experience, even sound policy.
To me, it's scary; but it's a scary country, always has been. Politics here is a very very high stakes game. And we've never in history been moderate in our beliefs, when you consider our reckless attitudes toward finance, the environment, education, race. Recklessness appeals to a vast number of Ameri ... view full comment
Palin is emblematic of something every American has to live with, the multiplicity of opinions on every topic. I see her as a nutjob with a pair of designer glasses and a folksy way of putting mostly male opponents in their place. Quite a few others see her as the woman who has the power to speak on their behalf--and to hell with so-called qualifications and experience, even sound policy.
To me, it's scary; but it's a scary country, always has been. Politics here is a very very high stakes game. And we've never in history been moderate in our beliefs, when you consider our reckless attitudes toward finance, the environment, education, race. Recklessness appeals to a vast number of Americans, as long as it's cloaked in a quasi-religious folksiness and delivered by someone who looks like they scrubbed behind their ears and attended church last Sunday. It doesn't hurt if that person happens to wear the righteous cloak of babe- and mother-hood, either. Sad, but true. Most Americans make emotional rather than informed decisions about the most mundane, practical things. And so that's who we're dealing with--in some ways the essence of our country, with all it's crazy destructive policies and xenophobia and reckless daring, all wrapped up in a steely-eyed, designer dressed, poplulist right wing feminist avatar of God's will.
Obama better start finding his footing.
Palin is looking more and more like a dirty politician, and in addition, many of her views are straight out of the Dark Ages. She opposes abortion even in cases of RAPE. She believes in CREATIONISM. She believes gays and lesbians can (and should) become "straight" through prayer. She tried to ban numerous books in Alaska public libraries including HUCKELBERRY FINN and fired the librarian who did not agree with this. SCARY INDEED. McCain is 72 and has had cancer 4 times. We need to be VERY CAREFUL who we vote for in this upcoming election. My vote goes for Obama.
Palin is looking more and more like a dirty politician, and in addition, many of her views are straight out of the Dark Ages. She opposes abortion even in cases of RAPE. She believes in CREATIONISM. She believes gays and lesbians can (and should) become "straight" through prayer. She tried to ban numerous books in Alaska public libraries including HUCKELBERRY FINN and fired the librarian who did not agree with this. SCARY INDEED. McCain is 72 and has had cancer 4 times. We need to be VERY CAREFUL who we vote for in this upcoming election. My vote goes for Obama.
Great about time a major party nominated two fighters instead of a two wimps. McCain and Palin will fight for the victory, will fight for their beliefs, and will fight for the people. Obama and Biden? they will fold under the presure, whine about the unfair treatment, and attack in anger when threatened.
Who would I rather have facing Chevez, Putin and Terorist nutcases? Give me the fighters anyday.
Great about time a major party nominated two fighters instead of a two wimps. McCain and Palin will fight for the victory, will fight for their beliefs, and will fight for the people. Obama and Biden? they will fold under the presure, whine about the unfair treatment, and attack in anger when threatened.
Who would I rather have facing Chevez, Putin and Terorist nutcases? Give me the fighters anyday.
Wow, so a former beauty pageant contestent she competed against was tracked down aand asked her opinion? Only the most substantive references need apply here at the old NR, eh? Can you imagine if she had someone who could really dish some dirt out there that the media could track down? You know, like a loudmouthed crazy ex-pastor known for making anti-American comments set to turn on her at the drop of a hat? Why, I bet if a candidate had something like that in his or her closet, the NR would be running page 1 stories on it from now until election day and the candidate would be forced to resing in shame...
Wow, so a former beauty pageant contestent she competed against was tracked down aand asked her opinion? Only the most substantive references need apply here at the old NR, eh? Can you imagine if she had someone who could really dish some dirt out there that the media could track down? You know, like a loudmouthed crazy ex-pastor known for making anti-American comments set to turn on her at the drop of a hat? Why, I bet if a candidate had something like that in his or her closet, the NR would be running page 1 stories on it from now until election day and the candidate would be forced to resing in shame...
Maybe I'm crazy, but I think I've spotted a trend here.
Clarence Thomas: Used his race to play at levels above his ability.
Sarah Palin: Used her sex to play at levels above her ability.
If I didn't know better, I'd think that the left got a perverse pleasure out of venting suppressed racism and sexism toward conservatives.
Maybe I'm crazy, but I think I've spotted a trend here.
Clarence Thomas: Used his race to play at levels above his ability.
Sarah Palin: Used her sex to play at levels above her ability.
If I didn't know better, I'd think that the left got a perverse pleasure out of venting suppressed racism and sexism toward conservatives.
"The problem is that average voters in this country have a long long history of voting against their own self-interest. Case in point, a number of our friends, all married with children, are voting for McCain on the sole basis that his whacko running mate is a mother. Facts (and Hillary) do not trump a gun-toting, creationist vagina in the good ol stupid USA."
Wow Joe. Stay Classy. And you guys wonder whey you have such a hard time winning the heartland.
I thought voting for Mr. Obama was above self-interest, now you are saying I shouldn't vote for McCain because its... Not in my self-interest? As a middle class, midwestern entrepreneur voting for McCain is what's in my view best for the ... view full comment
"The problem is that average voters in this country have a long long history of voting against their own self-interest. Case in point, a number of our friends, all married with children, are voting for McCain on the sole basis that his whacko running mate is a mother. Facts (and Hillary) do not trump a gun-toting, creationist vagina in the good ol stupid USA."
Wow Joe. Stay Classy. And you guys wonder whey you have such a hard time winning the heartland.
I thought voting for Mr. Obama was above self-interest, now you are saying I shouldn't vote for McCain because its... Not in my self-interest? As a middle class, midwestern entrepreneur voting for McCain is what's in my view best for the country.
I thought maybe I liked Gov Palin but after reading all the names she's been called by the Democrats maybe I was wrong. If I hear any more ridicule of Gov. Palin I'm voting for Biden.
I thought maybe I liked Gov Palin but after reading all the names she's been called by the Democrats maybe I was wrong. If I hear any more ridicule of Gov. Palin I'm voting for Biden.
I think most of the criticism against Palin is by conceited eggheads that can't believe a blue collar woman educated at a state school and has held a real blue collar job dare come on their playground.
Get over it.
I think most of the criticism against Palin is by conceited eggheads that can't believe a blue collar woman educated at a state school and has held a real blue collar job dare come on their playground.
Get over it.
"Rogers would not elaborate on the sort of drama Palin created in Wasilla . . ."
Uh-huh. Something tells me that Palin's not the only one who likes to create drama. In fact, I wonder if Rogers has ever heard of projection.
"Rogers would not elaborate on the sort of drama Palin created in Wasilla . . ."
Uh-huh. Something tells me that Palin's not the only one who likes to create drama. In fact, I wonder if Rogers has ever heard of projection.
Karen, you nailed it. This is just a bunch of petty sour grapes directed against the person that kicked their collective rear ends.
Karen, you nailed it. This is just a bunch of petty sour grapes directed against the person that kicked their collective rear ends.
I think the 'sexist' argument is that there is even so much interest in Palin's background. Is it because she is a she? Was there similar background reporting on Edwards last time? I mean, come on, they interviewed the woman who won the Miss Alaska contest in 1984! 24 years ago! Palin is running as the VP. Where is the similar background reporting on Obama who is running for the PRESIDENCY? It isn't being done because rages like TNR are in the tank for Obama and the Dems. I mean the guy grew up politically in the Chicago Machine politics, he's associated with unrepentant domestic terrorists, he's obtained almost $1 billion dollars in earmarks in the 3 years he's been in the US senate, his wi ... view full comment
I think the 'sexist' argument is that there is even so much interest in Palin's background. Is it because she is a she? Was there similar background reporting on Edwards last time? I mean, come on, they interviewed the woman who won the Miss Alaska contest in 1984! 24 years ago! Palin is running as the VP. Where is the similar background reporting on Obama who is running for the PRESIDENCY? It isn't being done because rages like TNR are in the tank for Obama and the Dems. I mean the guy grew up politically in the Chicago Machine politics, he's associated with unrepentant domestic terrorists, he's obtained almost $1 billion dollars in earmarks in the 3 years he's been in the US senate, his wife received a promotion and a 160% salary raise after he gave the hospital she worked for a $1 million earmark.
You wanna talk about empty suits. Let's look at Obama's record? What has he ever achieved? People with whom he used to work are claiming he has puffed up his resume, he did it again today by trying to claim credit for the stimulus package, the package he didn't even turn up to vote for!!! If he has to lie about his achievements, isn't that proof he doesn't have any? certainly not enough to entertain the thought of making him President.
Most of you critics sound like the bunch of chickens they sang about on that show The Music Man... You're scratching the bottom of the barrel (or the chicken coup) to send something...anything around the echo chamber. Has politics sunk to a new low for you people? Ye gads, get a LIFE!
By the way, if you don’t like her, simply don't vote for her. You don't have to, you know.
I suspect all the clamor is because you fear the inevitable--that most people will see a lot more to like in Palin than dislike and she'll be you next VP. Smile!
Most of you critics sound like the bunch of chickens they sang about on that show The Music Man... You're scratching the bottom of the barrel (or the chicken coup) to send something...anything around the echo chamber. Has politics sunk to a new low for you people? Ye gads, get a LIFE!
By the way, if you don’t like her, simply don't vote for her. You don't have to, you know.
I suspect all the clamor is because you fear the inevitable--that most people will see a lot more to like in Palin than dislike and she'll be you next VP. Smile!
Sarah will triumph. And you, the fake journalist, the opinionator who has never contributed ANYTHING to society except gossip and more gossip... YOU, the ones we thought we exorcised in the 7th grade, you failed bitter fools in the press... YOU WILL FAIL. Sarah will rock your world.
Sarah will triumph. And you, the fake journalist, the opinionator who has never contributed ANYTHING to society except gossip and more gossip... YOU, the ones we thought we exorcised in the 7th grade, you failed bitter fools in the press... YOU WILL FAIL. Sarah will rock your world.
You kids don't understand what Sarah means to us middle American family men and women. She is real person who is leading a real life and has done real things, the same kind of lives that we are living. No career leigslator can match the authenticity of her life experience. They are a bunch of poseurs, in particular Obama and Biden. Those guys have done nothing but suck down government salaries for decades. We are going to elect her and McCain because she inspires us and will lead us. And you progressives hate her so much that it has taken you out of your game politically. That will lead to your defeat.
You kids don't understand what Sarah means to us middle American family men and women. She is real person who is leading a real life and has done real things, the same kind of lives that we are living. No career leigslator can match the authenticity of her life experience. They are a bunch of poseurs, in particular Obama and Biden. Those guys have done nothing but suck down government salaries for decades. We are going to elect her and McCain because she inspires us and will lead us. And you progressives hate her so much that it has taken you out of your game politically. That will lead to your defeat.
All I can say after reading this thin little addition to the non-stop criticism of Palin:
Biden who?
Bwahahaha
All I can say after reading this thin little addition to the non-stop criticism of Palin:
Biden who?
Bwahahaha
Dance around the truth, "Happy Talk".........this is GW Bush in a skirt. I'm sorry, but her not knowing anything about the Bush Doctrine, saying she understands Russia because its next door and her comment about Russia's "unprovoked invasion" of Georgia and potentially going to war with Russia pretty much says it all. Her dancing around the truth concerning that bridge, earmarks, her teleprompter "malfunctioning" during the convention, etc. tell me that she's full of it.
Dance around the truth, "Happy Talk".........this is GW Bush in a skirt. I'm sorry, but her not knowing anything about the Bush Doctrine, saying she understands Russia because its next door and her comment about Russia's "unprovoked invasion" of Georgia and potentially going to war with Russia pretty much says it all. Her dancing around the truth concerning that bridge, earmarks, her teleprompter "malfunctioning" during the convention, etc. tell me that she's full of it.
Why aren't you gathering up information like this for publication on a key candidate, Senator Obama? Let's hear from some of his rivals as to his foibles, strengths and weaknesses. I'm sure they'll be just as objective as these assembled anti-Palin folks. While you're at it, look into BO's only real executive experience, administering the Annenberg Trust money to ostensibly improve education in Chicago. He spread around his largess to the tune of $50,000,000 gifting political (and religious) activists and not changing the Chicago school experience one whit. I'm sure he made a lot of friends with that money but he does have some former rivals you should talk to.
Why aren't you gathering up information like this for publication on a key candidate, Senator Obama? Let's hear from some of his rivals as to his foibles, strengths and weaknesses. I'm sure they'll be just as objective as these assembled anti-Palin folks. While you're at it, look into BO's only real executive experience, administering the Annenberg Trust money to ostensibly improve education in Chicago. He spread around his largess to the tune of $50,000,000 gifting political (and religious) activists and not changing the Chicago school experience one whit. I'm sure he made a lot of friends with that money but he does have some former rivals you should talk to.
I am struck over and over by similarities in style with other great politios who had the ability to reach out and get an audience to like and believe them. Namely Ronald Reagan and to a lessor extent Bill Clinton. They share a common thread in that the opposition consistently underestimated them. Carter - the policy wonk and micro-manager should have debated Reagan and won easily, but what Reagan said while simplisitc and sometime even wrong, sounded good to people and they liked and trusted him. He came across as folksy. Bill Clinton was an expert in the use of the Big Lie and could tell it so often, and appear so earnest, that people came to believe him. People like this tend to get ... view full comment
I am struck over and over by similarities in style with other great politios who had the ability to reach out and get an audience to like and believe them. Namely Ronald Reagan and to a lessor extent Bill Clinton. They share a common thread in that the opposition consistently underestimated them. Carter - the policy wonk and micro-manager should have debated Reagan and won easily, but what Reagan said while simplisitc and sometime even wrong, sounded good to people and they liked and trusted him. He came across as folksy. Bill Clinton was an expert in the use of the Big Lie and could tell it so often, and appear so earnest, that people came to believe him. People like this tend to get away with murder(figuratively speaking) and while the media may point out the problem and public tends not to care.
Another common trait is that with both Reagan and Clinton(and I think Gov. Palin) is that their retoric always exceeded thir action in office. All were much more centrist than most people believe. While one was conservative and one at heart, a liberal, both ruled (with the exception of the military and USSR) from the central range of politcal thought in their day. Both made good appointments to keep positions and even democratic members of the California legislature considered Reagan to have done a good job running the state. Clinton a pragmatist learned to enjoy the moderate label and wear it with pride. First reports of Plain seem to indicate the same centrist tendancies in her rule as Gov. insite of the lies and rumors flying about which can be completely discounted as typically lunitic fringe babbling.
In short Gov Palin will do well connecting with people in any open forum and the Obama campaign would do well to ignore her. Any attention even bad paid to her takes away from Obama. He needs to focus on McCain and more important on making his campaign and movement so exciting and important that he becomes the focus once more. For the last two weeks he has dug himself a hole flailing with great futility about the other camp's Number Two, an exercise that is worst than harmful and damned undignified when you are supposed to be running for the number one spot for your party. Talk about total loss of focus.
Public sentiment is shifting. For the first time McCain looks like a winner and people instinctively want to be on the winning side. Obama has his work cut out for him and every day spent trying to finding his feet is his loss.
The old saying is ringing true down the homestretch: A day for me is one less for my enemy.
Good grief. If it were anybody else, you'd be calling her a natural politician -- citing the very same sources you used here.
Good grief. If it were anybody else, you'd be calling her a natural politician -- citing the very same sources you used here.
Many thanks to S Darby for these insights. The picture of a disappointed and humiliated young Sarah Palin concluding that she had failed to become Miss Alaska because she hadn't created enough drama around herself goes far to explain what we see now. Palin reminds me of the female college student who always sits in the front row of class, in an immodest position and wearing a short skirt, then when the instructor's gaze wanders to Ground X, reports him to the Dean for inappropriate looking. Palin blends her sexiness with Motherhood then puts the combo out as bait---lures the victim---then goes for the kill. Examples: She uses her family as a campaign backdrop---then complains (via a proxy) w ... view full comment
Many thanks to S Darby for these insights. The picture of a disappointed and humiliated young Sarah Palin concluding that she had failed to become Miss Alaska because she hadn't created enough drama around herself goes far to explain what we see now. Palin reminds me of the female college student who always sits in the front row of class, in an immodest position and wearing a short skirt, then when the instructor's gaze wanders to Ground X, reports him to the Dean for inappropriate looking. Palin blends her sexiness with Motherhood then puts the combo out as bait---lures the victim---then goes for the kill. Examples: She uses her family as a campaign backdrop---then complains (via a proxy) when people show interest in the children. She displays her Downs baby and her pregnant daughter---then is sooo offended when the media respond. She draws attention to her breasts (speaks of breast pump vs Blackberry, of nursing the baby during conference calls) and her lipstick and her go-go boots---then goes into a faint and cries Sexism when it's recognized that she's female. Somehow this woman is a spider. Or a Porn Queen. Or maybe, under the Mrs America costume, a dominatrix with whip and spikey boots. And this is no public servant---the show is All About Sarah. Note that her son's Army-joining was choreographed for 9-11 last year and his (sort-of) deployment for 9-11 this year. The thought of a possible head of state whose heart's desire is adulation, and who likes to play bait-and-slap, and who appears to know piss-little about government, is more than frightening.
Know very little and do not care to learn about policy- check
Use your position to promote unqualified friends, relatives and cronies- Check
Establish vendetta against anyone, even for constructive criticism- Check
Use Religion as a tool to fool the electorate- Check
Lie about your opponents- Check
Listen to no one- Check
Care for nothing but your own paranoid ego and insecure inferiority complex- Check
The price of four more years- What remains of the US Economy and thousands more dead!
Know very little and do not care to learn about policy- check
Use your position to promote unqualified friends, relatives and cronies- Check
Establish vendetta against anyone, even for constructive criticism- Check
Use Religion as a tool to fool the electorate- Check
Lie about your opponents- Check
Listen to no one- Check
Care for nothing but your own paranoid ego and insecure inferiority complex- Check
The price of four more years- What remains of the US Economy and thousands more dead!
Fuck the sexism part. The word is overused and totally misunderstood in today's political climate. It is a trump card to be trotted out whenever a female candidate for any office is criticized.
Why do I think Sarah Palin would wear a swim suit to the debate with Biden if she thought she could use it to beat him? Women who play on their femaleness are fair game. You can't play at being a woman who works, mother of five, blah blah and then turn around and claim sexism when people call you on it.
I thought this was a great insight into how she plays the games to win and frankly, this is one article that the Obama campaign should read, since those interviewed have had the displeasure to have ... view full comment
Fuck the sexism part. The word is overused and totally misunderstood in today's political climate. It is a trump card to be trotted out whenever a female candidate for any office is criticized.
Why do I think Sarah Palin would wear a swim suit to the debate with Biden if she thought she could use it to beat him? Women who play on their femaleness are fair game. You can't play at being a woman who works, mother of five, blah blah and then turn around and claim sexism when people call you on it.
I thought this was a great insight into how she plays the games to win and frankly, this is one article that the Obama campaign should read, since those interviewed have had the displeasure to have competed against her for whatever, including the Miss Alaska title. Regardless of who is at the top of the ticket, Obama being the first African American to run for President and Palin being the first female Vice President to run are in effect cancelling each other out as far as firsts are concerned. Just the same as when it was Obama vs Hillary Clinton. McCain is pushing Palin into the front of the ticket since that is the only reason he selected her and he'll use any means necessary to win, including exploiting her gender.
Women of the world grow the hell up and stop begging for special treatment whenever you enter a "man's" world. If you use your femininity to get ahead you deserve to be bashed for it. Either women are equal to men or they are different. You can't have it both ways. BTW I am a 52 year old female and I never, ever, felt that I couldn't do just what I pleased. I jumped out of the womb and realized that there was no difference between me and my male counterparts, eventhough I was raised in the "traditional" woman's role by my family. It was only the women with self-esteem problems that seemed to have the hardest time dealing with working in a "man's world" and I worked over my lifetime in 3 traditionally male dominated fields and succeeded in all of them without ever feeling entitled or abused and never sought any special treatment. I guess you just had to be there.
I've got to wonder why any thinking person would want a blue collar person to be the leader of the free world? I want my leaders to be better and smarter than me. The way the word elitist is thrown around in this campaign, only shows class envy. What should be used in its stead is EDUCATED, intelligent, able to think and solve problems. I don't want to have a beer with the President, I want him/her to lead and work very hard to get this country back on track. I'll drink my beer/wine with my friends, none of whom are qualified to be president. God it is frustrating.
I've got to wonder why any thinking person would want a blue collar person to be the leader of the free world? I want my leaders to be better and smarter than me. The way the word elitist is thrown around in this campaign, only shows class envy. What should be used in its stead is EDUCATED, intelligent, able to think and solve problems. I don't want to have a beer with the President, I want him/her to lead and work very hard to get this country back on track. I'll drink my beer/wine with my friends, none of whom are qualified to be president. God it is frustrating.
Yep, that's what I concluded last night - Palin is George W Bush in lipstick.
When Hillary is criticized by Republicans, it's brutally direct. Why should Palin's treatment be any different? Would any man in Palin's position receive anything other than brutally direct criticism?
Palin's beauty contest is one piece of her history that helps people learn how she runs contests. It also fits the picture that Palin is a lot of show and vicious fight in a contest, but then she hires people to do the work that was supposed to be her responsibility because she just can't grasp the policy issues.
Why doesn't Palin answer any questions from the public or even a hostile interviewer or a LIVE interview l ... view full comment
Yep, that's what I concluded last night - Palin is George W Bush in lipstick.
When Hillary is criticized by Republicans, it's brutally direct. Why should Palin's treatment be any different? Would any man in Palin's position receive anything other than brutally direct criticism?
Palin's beauty contest is one piece of her history that helps people learn how she runs contests. It also fits the picture that Palin is a lot of show and vicious fight in a contest, but then she hires people to do the work that was supposed to be her responsibility because she just can't grasp the policy issues.
Why doesn't Palin answer any questions from the public or even a hostile interviewer or a LIVE interview like the other candidates?
Palin was picked as a shiny bauble (Hey, look! Look over there!) to take attention off the actual snoozefest, losing McCain campaign. The only changes in the McCain campaign are (1) the Palin floor show, (2) the swap of the straight-talk express for the lying campaign, and (3) copy-catting Obama's ideas.
I think we deserve a leader and stand-in who can operate without crib-notes or a secret earpiece that transmits the answers to them.
I think we deserve a leader and stand-in who can operate without crib-notes or a secret earpiece that transmits the answers to them.
Mark writes: You kids don't understand what Sarah means to us middle American family ... no career leigslator can match the authenticity of her life experience
Life experience has little to do with the ability to judge, reason and discern, all traits that I admire in a candidate, traits missing from George Bush as an example. I am uncomfortable with a "maverick," " shoot from the hip" type that can inspire, like the insipid (no, obscene) choice of Palin in order to win over the "digruntled Hiliary fans." This IS NOT country first.
"We are going to elect her and McCain because she inspires us and will lead us."
Sure enough, just drink all the "Kool-Aid" that you can offered by "charasmatic" k ... view full comment
Mark writes: You kids don't understand what Sarah means to us middle American family ... no career leigslator can match the authenticity of her life experience
Life experience has little to do with the ability to judge, reason and discern, all traits that I admire in a candidate, traits missing from George Bush as an example. I am uncomfortable with a "maverick," " shoot from the hip" type that can inspire, like the insipid (no, obscene) choice of Palin in order to win over the "digruntled Hiliary fans." This IS NOT country first.
"We are going to elect her and McCain because she inspires us and will lead us."
Sure enough, just drink all the "Kool-Aid" that you can offered by "charasmatic" knuckleheads just like you did with George Bush and where has it gotten you?
"wow Wilson - has there ever been a more sexist VP pick in history?"
Interesting logic, which quite naturally leads to the question, "Has there ever been a more racist P pick in history?"
"wow Wilson - has there ever been a more sexist VP pick in history?"
Interesting logic, which quite naturally leads to the question, "Has there ever been a more racist P pick in history?"
To mark: Obama "has done nothing but suck down government salaries for decades"? He has taught United States Constitutional Law for 12 years at the University of Chicago School of Law (a private, not a public, institution). He has worked for a private corporate law firm for 9 years. Maybe you can explain to us how teaching and practicing the law are not "doing real things". Organizing the poor and arranging for their job re-training, a job Obama held for three years between college and law school, sounds fairly real to me---why don't you try it if you think it's recreational. Some of us understand that catching fish and shooting moose are not the only ways to make a living.
To mark: Obama "has done nothing but suck down government salaries for decades"? He has taught United States Constitutional Law for 12 years at the University of Chicago School of Law (a private, not a public, institution). He has worked for a private corporate law firm for 9 years. Maybe you can explain to us how teaching and practicing the law are not "doing real things". Organizing the poor and arranging for their job re-training, a job Obama held for three years between college and law school, sounds fairly real to me---why don't you try it if you think it's recreational. Some of us understand that catching fish and shooting moose are not the only ways to make a living.
Just so I understand this: If Obama loses, it is because he is black. If McCain loses, it is because of Governor Palin. Sorry
Just so I understand this: If Obama loses, it is because he is black. If McCain loses, it is because of Governor Palin. Sorry