Pessimistic blogger feeling pessimistic about pick
posted at 3:37 pm on August 29, 2008 by Allahpundit
Ponnuru, Halperin, and Jonah Goldberg have fleshed out most of the negatives so read them first, paying particular attention to Goldberg’s point about Palin’s parochialism. The Dan Quayle narrative is already circling overhead in search of a gaffe to alight on, which is why, fairly or not, Obama’s lack of experience isn’t as damaging as hers. Whatever you think of Barry O, he’s got intelligence to spare to handle the job; a voter worried that Obama doesn’t know what he’s in for can console himself with the fact that he’ll be a quick study. That may be true of Palin too but she doesn’t have much time to show it, which is why every last mistake on the trail will be magnified to “prove” that she’s a hick who’s out of her depth. She’ll have to be letter perfect, especially in the debate with Biden, to convince independents she’s up to it. If she isn’t, I think McCain’s support in the center will collapse as people worry, as I did with Pawlenty and now with Palin herself, that we’re handing the keys to the kingdom to a totally unknown quantity who’s one 72-year-old heartbeat away from being commander-in-chief. Think she can be perfect for 67 days? Can anyone?
The good news is that everyone to the right of the nutroots will be rooting for her to do well, so personally appealing and comparatively guileless is she. That’ll buy her some leeway, as will the fact that Team Barry has to tread lightly when attacking a small-town girl in the year of PUMAs and Bittergate. But the Obama camp doesn’t have to do the attacking; the media, scrambling for a prefab storyline, will supply the clueless yokel ammunition for them. Check out CNN’s post from a few minutes ago picking up on that veep clip I just wrote about. Quote:
“As for that V.P. talk all the time,” she told CNBC’s Larry Kudlow in late July, “I tell ya, I still can’t answer that question until somebody answers for me: What is it exactly that the V.P. does every day?”
Are McCain’s and Obama’s interviews usually transcribed phonetically like that, with “ya” in place of “you”? The meme’s already aloft, you see. I’m not sold on the idea that she’s going to attract women voters either, especially Hillary types. One of the subtler virtues of the hick meme is that even if it doesn’t convince voters she’s dumb, it might at least convince PUMAs that she’s not “our kind” of woman. The left is exceptionally good at authenticity games, and the better Palin does on the trail, the more fervently they’re going to push the idea that she’s a traitor to her gender whom no “real” feminist would ever support. My boss gets that from them 24/7. Here’s Susan Estrich, taking a tiny step in that direction by making the otherwise pedestrian point that Hillary and Palin aren’t political twins:
She paid her dues. She walked through fire. She survived. It’s hard to give that up, not only hard for her to give up the dream but also hard for the rest of us.
What does any of that have to do with Sarah Palin?
Only Her Majesty, forged in the furnace of overweening privilege, deserves real respect. That point’s metastasizing already, in fact, into an argument that picking Palin actually proves McCain’s contempt for women voters insofar as it shows he thinks they’re automatons who’ll vote on the basis of gender and nothing more. That’s pure garbage — the near-hysterical enthusiasm on the right today proves her appeal goes deeper than her sex — but I’m positively aching at the thought of our nuanced left affecting high dudgeon for the next two months over, of all things, identity politics. You turds invented this game. Don’t cry because you’re suddenly getting beat at it. When Hillary stops making “plantation” references to the GOP on MLK Day, Palin will stop pitching herself to women voters, how’s that?
So there’s the pessimism. Now the praise: Not only is this the most galvanizing pick Maverick could have made, but the thought of watching progressives tie themselves in knots over the next two months trying to square the inevitable attacks on the “bimbo” beauty queen with poor, poor Hillary’s sexist treatment by the media is worth it even if we lose. Imagine the sort of crap that’ll be airing against her on MSNBC come mid-October. I haven’t cut a check for a candidate since 2004, but I’m suddenly inspired. Here’s the link.
Update: One other thing. I don’t think Palin’s going to make the play for the center; I think she’s going to anchor the base, which is suddenly in love, so that Maverick can go be his old mavericky self with independents. Short of reversing himself on abortion, there’s not much he could do at this point to make conservatives stay home.
Blowback
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I appreciate and value AP’s opinions. It’s what drew me to this site in the first place.
I may disagree with his pessimism- but I also recognize that it forces me to defend my dissent with an even more rational analysis of my own. It’s all good!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM
The “hick” line will backfire.
Can you name all 57 states?
jdkchem on August 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Welcome to our party, Allah. We love a punchbowl pisser.
Allah’s hand-wringing over a potential Palin pratfall is just one his many anxieties. Both Hillary and Hussein have been bomb-dropping for well over a year now, and it hasn’t hurt them much.
leftnomore on August 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM
SOUR GRAPE SYNDROME Halperin is grasping at straws.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM
If this means ANWR is finally open for business, more power to her. She definitely beats Pawlenty. I hope Mitt gets a better spot at the convention than previously advertised though. He’s done a lot to only get some afternoon speaking spot that probably won’t be televised on most networks.
thecountofincognito on August 29, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Be optimistic about this Allah:
You know you are guaranteed a few posts of feminists and liberals trying to knock her down as not being right on “women issues.”
terryannonline on August 29, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I think Washington will be getting a lot cleaner from the top down.
——McCain/Palin08—-
—–UNTOUCHABLE—-
TheSitRep on August 29, 2008 at 4:44 PM
I just kicked in $50 to McCain. I’ve never contributed to a campaign before. Now I need to email my brother-in-law to rub it in his face!
nukemhill on August 29, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I admit that the first thing I thought of when it became official that she was the candidate was: Can she pronounce nuclear? But then I heard her fantabulous speech, and those doubts disappeared. Anyway, if the Left plays the snob game it will only reinforce the idea that Team Obama is elitist.
Also, Palin could appeal to younger women who are looking for role models, and to women who are looking for someone to appeal to their own children. Obviously social cons will go to Palin, but surely there are “independents” out there who should find much that is appealing about Palin, and for whom keeping Planned Parenthood operating isn’t what motivates them to get up in the morning. That being said, I expect groups like Emily’s List and Naral who will behave as if the world will end if McCain/Palin are elected.
Buy Danish on August 29, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I do like the fact – and this needs to be pounded home – that Palin took on the corruption in Alaskan politics while Obama went along with it while in Chicago.
Principles over self-interest.
Leadership versus opportunism.
Big plus for Palin.
SteveMG on August 29, 2008 at 4:47 PM
I disagree with AP;
I don’t however DISRESPECT AP.
There is a distinct difference.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Vehement disagreement is one thing. Outrage and bile are another. You know this. Take a second and put Allah’s points into context with all the others he’s made for the past couple of years.
And as for the rest who are birthing kittens that Allah recognized Obama’s intelligence, you’re sounding a hell of a lot like the people who ripped on Bush’s intelligence 4 and 8 years ago. You don’t get to be one of the contenders for the highest office in the land if you’re a nitwit. the guy has the worst policy positions you could ask for, but this doesn’t mean he isn’t intelligence. Do remember that wisdom and intelligence are two entirely different traits for someone to have. When it comes to reason and common sense, he’s the burnt-out bulb. However, he’s articulate likely because he’s somewhat well-read, and as Allah said, a quick study.
If you’re going to underestimate your opponent, you’re going to lose. Allah is demonstrating respect for the less desirable candidate, because he wants to figure out how the guy works. He’s still an enigma, there’s no doubt about it. Hopefully, we won’t have the truth brought to light in January.
AP is being just what he claims to be: a pundit. Pundits analyze both sides objectively, and don’t let their passions let them overlook the faults of their favored, and the strengths of their adversaries.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 4:48 PM
I am in the base and I am not in love
Does that mean I am no longer in the base?
entagor on August 29, 2008 at 4:48 PM
*The guy has the worst policy positions you could ask for, but this doesn’t mean he isn’t intelligent.
Talk about irony.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 4:49 PM
I’m guessing that you don’t know that Jonah Goldberg’s wife, Jessica Gavora, is from Alaska. Her father and stepmother still live there and Jonah and family drive out there to visit them fairly regularly. His “cross country” posts are a staple on NRO.
Jimmie on August 29, 2008 at 4:50 PM
McCain has made a very good investment.
Investments do come with risks and rewards.
I think the rewards out weigh the risks in this case.
It’s going to be an uphill battle for this ticket. The MSM is about as hostile and ugly as it can be. If this ticket should win, then nothing would give me more satisfaction to rub the MSM in their own excrement.
Kini on August 29, 2008 at 4:50 PM
More about Obama’s alleged intelligence: not only has he demonstrated the inability to retain facts, he has shown that he is unable to use what facts he can retain to come to reasonable conclusions. (This is what Affirmative Action does to blacks–convince us that we don’t have to learn to think.)
I dispute the existence of his political savvy also. He got the nomination because of two things: 1) white Democrats suffering from white guilt, and 2) Clinton-fatigue. (You’ll notice that I don’t say that black Democrats are responsible. That’s because there aren’t enough of them behaving in a different manner than in any other primary season to make a statistical difference.)
baldilocks on August 29, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Allah, you need to look into Sarah a little closer. Not only will she beat Biden in any debate, she could whup Obama’s buttocks in a basketball game. AND she has about seven more years of executive experience than Obama, Biden, and McCain put together.
kcfrommt on August 29, 2008 at 4:51 PM
Ponnuru: “Inexperience. Palin has been governor for about two minutes.”
Bwahahaha, in your face!
1. To have already accomplished her Governor campaign promises within two minutes, then Palin must be the “The Chosen One” proving Obama the mere wannabe as he has yet to accomplish anything.
2. If Palin’s only been governor for about two minutes, then Obama’s only been Senator for about two minutes.
AT LEAST Palin shows up for work, meets deadlines successfully, and measures above and beyond her pay grade in responsibility fulfilled.
And again, Palin far exceeds Obama in executive experience as well as grass roots organizing.
Palin never funneled tax dollars into greedy lawyer hands, stealing tax money from the needy and aged senior citizens. Obama polished the practice in Chicago. In corruption, Obama is experienced and Palin’s record is clean. In fulfilling political promises Palin is positively experienced where Obama’s record is negative.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I think you hit the nail on the head, history shows that a strong center right candidate pulls the center and even the left over where it should be.
Speakup on August 29, 2008 at 4:52 PM
I thought Chakra ran for the hills the other day?
Face it, no matter WHO the pick was, there would be a thousand posts arguing this, that and the other thing about what “could have been”, and the MSM would be busy trying to shred the nominee.
I like Palin, I donated money today that I wasn’t willing to do before and I’m busy watching the media do what I knew they were going to do: Attack palin like the rabid rats they are.
Bishop on August 29, 2008 at 4:53 PM
Well put.
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Cheer up,
Geraldine Ferraro did okay for what’s his name.
alphie on August 29, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Does he really need a blathering 400 pound twinkie eating nerd idiot like you to defend him.
You are not the genius you think you are. Trust me on this
kangjie on August 29, 2008 at 4:54 PM
This thread has about reached the limit of its interestingness…after the high recedes a little, and people begin to calm down a little, can we take this up again, AP?
I fear we are starting to sound too much like the self-congratulatory Kos-eurs.
trailboss on August 29, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Come on folks! AP posted a link to McCain’s donation page. That’s equivalent to knighting the guy around here!
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Sorry. I just have to disagree with your assessment. I’ve never seen any demonstration of intelligence on BHO’s part, though he’s had, literally, thousands of opportunities to display all he had. I’m not impressed with Harvard nor the Dem nomination, intelligence-wise. What can I tell you?
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 4:55 PM
As for Ponnoru and the rest of the geeks, they are all waiting for Reagan to come racing in on a comet to save the day. They hate everyone who doesn’t toe the line exactly.
Bishop on August 29, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I hear ya Allah,
But as far as gaffes? If they start palying up any gaffe by Palin, in order to paint her Rube or Quayle in drag, then one simply has to play 2 cards:
1) Hillary was right, the media is sexist…
2) The media is so far in the tank for O! that they should be broadcasting from a submarine (h/t Mike Murphy)! Just like Hillary said they are giving him a pass on his gaffe’s, but holding her feet to the fire…
Think of how sweet it will be if/when they try this stuff and get called on it…And the PUMA’s, I hear them muttering now; “Same old story, two different standards for a woman and a man…”
Just about as SCHWEET as when Joey B. has his Rick Lazio moment at the debate…
NOT IF BUT WHEN
Only thing better would be if O! slipped and called her SWEETIE !
RocketmanBob on August 29, 2008 at 4:55 PM
I have mixed feelings. It’s a little too gimmicky for my taste (let’s face it, were she not a woman, a first term governor of Alaska wouldn’t be up for VP), and I’m VERY worried about what the elite MSM is going to do with the “yahoo” factor (the university of Idaho, yikes.)
On the other hand, there’s something truly ridiculous about Obama (done nothing) and Biden (done a whole lot of nothing) feeling superior. Same goes for Hillary, for reasons obvious to the reality-based feminist community.
An intelligent and doctrinally confident conservative is more than a match for anyone of the left (think Dick Cheney). Who knows, maybe she’s the barracuda we’ve been waiting for.
Infidoll on August 29, 2008 at 4:56 PM
On the contrary- the fact that Barry’s appeal is based on style in the absence of substance is most telling; it does NOT necessarily indicate an inordinate amount of intellect.
Remember: some things are above Barry’s PAYGRADE.
Know thy enemy- don’t INFLATE thy enemy.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 4:56 PM
They’re swimming in it already. They’ve been living in it so long, they have no idea that’s what’s on their BBQ, dining table and in their sheets. It’s so thick, it no longer washes out. It’s the global warming air they breath as “truth”.
Whereas, conservatives have the joy in their hearts and all the reason to celebrate this holiday and thank God for all things good.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Obama’s “intelligence to spare to handle the job” is no consolation to me. First of all, I’m not even sure I buy it. I’ve worked with corporate lawyers at the highest level of American industry for 15 years and I’d pick out any one of them almost randomly as brighter and quicker than this guy, at least from what I’ve seen of him extemporaneously. Next, to what end will this vaunted intelligence be used? There is no shortage through history of intelligent fools, not to mention intelligent tyrants.
rrpjr on August 29, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Can you name all 57 states?
jdkchem on August 29, 2008 at 4:42 PM
Maybe Obama was just trying to get a campaign contribution from Theresa Heinz for those plugs.
Ooops – said “plugs” – sorry Joe!
TexasJew on August 29, 2008 at 4:58 PM
Allah does the pessimistic thinking so we don’t have to …
Thanks Allah!
darwin on August 29, 2008 at 4:59 PM
“Whatever you think of Barry O, he’s got intelligence to spare to handle the job.”
Water carry much? Are you freaking kidding me, Obama is an idiot that is one teleprompter-less appearance away from confirming what the media should have uncovered long ago.
America1st on August 29, 2008 at 4:59 PM
Obama is cunning, calculating, and opportunistic. He’s steeped in the Chicago Way. And his Orcs will be quite keen on clearing the way for him, and they will not hesitate to use any tactics they can invent.
Sarah knows what she’s up against, and she will be just just fine.
RushBaby on August 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM
This is still a race between McCain and Obama and it will primarily be won on that basis alone.
Bishop on August 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Socrates knew he was more wise than those who claimed to be wise.
Why? Because Socrates (unlike the “wise”) KNEW he was NOT wise.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:01 PM
I wouldn’t be surprised if Sarah Palin is stuck in DC for the next 16 years.
Bob's Kid on August 29, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Unless McCain has a health problem. Minor or major.
Then, well….
SteveMG on August 29, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Another problem is that one of the biggest rubs against McCain is that he is too old, and now she will be next in line. I understand that Obama is less qualified, and running for the top spot, but people got over that, and he is apparently acceptable with his experience level. He had a year to become acceptable – she has about three weeks.
Vashta.Nerada on August 29, 2008 at 5:02 PM
AMEN!
Kini on August 29, 2008 at 5:03 PM
I believe the fact that she’s a woman was only the icing on the cake. It’s her values and stands on issues, as well as the fact that she’s much more down to earth and can identify with the average American much more than any other candidate … including McCain.
As far as the Yahoo factor goes … I await with glee, some tingling and bated breath for the MSM to dare to demean her for her background, education, and speech. It’ll be an attack on us all and echoes of Pennsylvania and the “clinging” comments.
darwin on August 29, 2008 at 5:04 PM
Good question from NRO:
“No party ticket offered an all-experience ticket. The question is, if you think experience is important, would you rather have it as at the top of the ticket or at the bottom?”
Bishop on August 29, 2008 at 5:06 PM
Let’s see- The Obama camp rips Palin for:
Outside Washington experience?
Experience with average people in a blue-collar State?
Really?
So what was that whole “Change” thingy they were all “Hopin’” fer again?
hmmmmmmmm……..?
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:06 PM
I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
I want Palin to survive and thrive for decades. It’s earlier than I hoped for her, but if she gets through this, she’ll be freaking Xena Warrior Princess.
sulla on August 29, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Yes.
Bob's Kid on August 29, 2008 at 5:08 PM
I have to agree with AP, but with this addendum; a turd with a rose on it is still a turd. I wasn’t exactly sure I believed the Mav’ could be reined in by Mr. Romney or Mr. Pawlenty. Will she have any ability to steer him away from his liberal leanings? She’s a great catch tonight, but will he respect her the morning after?
I’d hate the idea of a real conservative like her possibly being forced to quietly ignore or endorse or his stupid liberal policies because she’s “just the Vice President.”
TMK on August 29, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Unless McCain has a health problem. Minor or major.
Then, well….
SteveMG on August 29, 2008 at 5:02 PM
Unless he gets executed, or a comet slams into Washington or flying monkeys carry him off to feed their young.
If age is a factor, then don’t vote for McCain, but if you can happily envision a President Biden then by all means, vote age.
Bishop on August 29, 2008 at 5:09 PM
So, I ask you Allah, should we wait for Obama to tear her down or should we just come here and watch the Gods of Hot Air do it for them?
Lynn2008 on August 29, 2008 at 5:10 PM
McCain’s too old, Palin’s too young…
He owns too many houses, she owns too many igloos…
On and on it goes.
I hear someone on this blog is collecting Sarah Palin fun facts. Here’s another one:
Sarah Palin is so tough, glaciers melt away in her presence.
CliffHanger on August 29, 2008 at 5:13 PM
With people like you, it’s no wonder the conservative movement is in the state it’s in.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:13 PM
The blatant contradictions of the Obama Camps criticisms of Palin are self-evident by their very nature.
That point needs only to be high-lited and POUNDED HOME repetitively.
Preferably in small catchy sound-bites and talking points.
Just like the Dems.
This is a great opportunity!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Allah – Obama has “intelligence to spare”? Surely, you jest?
Halley on August 29, 2008 at 5:15 PM
AP,
You’re not the only one.
LibertarianConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:18 PM
I repeat, there is a clear distinction between wisdom and intelligence. Kerry had plenty of book smarts but still was thick as a stump. It’s all about the application of the intelligence you have.
Pseudo-intellectuals like Obama and Kerry use their status as college-educated elitists to shroud the fact that they have very little savvy when it comes to what comes out of their mouths. Trust me, when I watch Obama answer a question by taking 5 seconds before saying each word, it amuses me to no end.
Reading a history book and memorizing names, dates, and places makes you intellectual, or intelligent. Applying the lessons learned to current events is a sign of wisdom. The latter is something for which Barry “don’t got game”.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:19 PM
The only people talking about experience at the moment are the ones without much at the top of the ticket.
The McCain campaign has roped these dopes again and are already another step ahead of the Obiden cadre.
Joe Biden is going to say something very foolish in the next 2 days…mark my words.
Asher on August 29, 2008 at 5:21 PM
How do you explain Jimmy Carter?
Oldnuke on August 29, 2008 at 5:24 PM
Man I REALLY MISS Bryan .. this place is soft.
redrock on August 29, 2008 at 5:25 PM
He tapped into the public’s desire for an evangelical, camera-friendly, folksy type of guy. He stuck to platitudes and didn’t let on that he might one day violate the Logan Act and attempt appeasement of a group of Islamic barbarians. His was more good timing than anything.
Now, I’m not saying that Barry’s intelligence alone got him the spot on the ticket. The fact is that the race card was more in style this year than the sex card. I also think he was smart enough not to laugh in such a way as to strike fear into the hearts of any American who ever saw The Wizard of Oz.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Hope this is just a hamhanded effort to get some Dem tart into bed, and not (further) evidence of a painful Kool-Aid jones. Because this is effing ugly. Fugli.
Obama is a fucking idiot.
Jaibones on August 29, 2008 at 5:28 PM
Then where is AP’s optimism based on Barry’s lack of “wisdom”?
Did he NOT complete his analytical pundit duties?
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM
I understand what you’re saying. I just disagree that Obama is anything beyond average in intelligence.
Oldnuke on August 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM
And exactly how is Biden going to keep himself from seeming condescending?
As for Ponnuru, Palin will play in Peoria. Yada, yada, yada…Barry has all the talent in the world… blah blah blah… experience… but his strong suit is… judgment.
Sarah Palin has the temerity to say, “Let me at it, let me drill. We got trillions of barrels of oil & natural gas that we Alaskans are eager to send your way. People before polar bears!”
Now that, my friends, is judgment. And if you can’t sell that to the American public in times like these, you ought to get out of the game.
thegreatbeast on August 29, 2008 at 5:30 PM
WTF? Where does this kagjie guy get off? Hey pal, direct personal insults are welcomed over at YouTube along with the other 14-year olds. The big pool is for the grownups.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 5:32 PM
More gracious than I by half. More better.
Jaibones on August 29, 2008 at 5:34 PM
Registration was opened just before the convention allowing political spin meisters to have a go at building consensus by cranking up volume. Who is what is a difficult guess when floodgates are opened
Currently, doubters are being branded heretics by the crowd, and the crowd was re-formulated recently
Doubters are the most useful allies, because it is better to pre emptively address your weaknesses or you opponent will do it for you
entagor on August 29, 2008 at 5:35 PM
Pfaa.
More experience means more grist for the propaganda mill. You’d be bitching if McCain nominated Jesus.
logis on August 29, 2008 at 5:37 PM
I understand CNN’s wall-to-wall coverage of The Speech last night…but
Today they opened with the Palin nomination story, which included the use of the word “gimmick” at LEAST twice that I heard the anchorwoman say, then proceeding to an interview with a typical Alaskan who happened to be the editor of a lefty paper covering the Dem convention. Nice.
After 3 minutes, the very next story was about, wait for it, The Speech! How the hell is that newsworthy 24 hours after the event, and considering the latest reals news!!! WTF!!!! I am losing my friggen mind here.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 5:38 PM
This gets funnier every time I read it.
What little I know about AP leaves me to assume that if he thinks Obama is so smart, then the astonishing associations that he chooses – Ayers/Dohrn, Wright, Farrakhan, Pfleger et al – must be evidence of a smart man who is a closet racist, a Marxist, and admires, or at least tolerates, dangerous radical terrorists.
I don’t recall reading anything that said that, in so many words. Must be a more nuanced viewpoint.
Jaibones on August 29, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I have always thought Allahpundit was a blithering idiot.
Now I have proof.
revolution on August 29, 2008 at 5:39 PM
Well you are welcome to do so.
Clinton fatigue didn’t help Edwards or Richardson. If it were white guilt then Jackson/Sharpton might have done better. But I do consider the combination of your points together to have merit. But I do think he has shown some political savvy. I think his ego mitigates it’s effect, however.
Spirit of 1776 on August 29, 2008 at 5:39 PM
I’m a newbie
and I respect the doubters.
However- I respectfully challenge their reasoning in an effort to separate analysis from emotion. You see- even some of us newbies serve a useful and productive service.
That’s why I love this site.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:40 PM
Because Allah praised his intelligence, not his wisdom. There is another difference between the two: Intelligence is an instant signal. You can show off intelligence by being a rambling blowhard if you rattle off enough points. Wisdom is proven by actions, and, in many cases, gut reactions to questions. Barry has no actions to speak of save for associating with bombers, criminals, and racists, and he certainly has no knack for responding about his opinions off-script. In both cases, Palin has him.
The sub-point here is that Palin doesn’t need to win over the red states. Obama’s guns’n'religion took care of that. She’s going to be vying for New York, California, Florida, and the like. There are a lot of people who value style over substance, and intelligence shows more style than wisdom. It’s a sad fact of our media-deluged society, but it’s true. I think that is what AllahP is trying to say. In the Big Apple, they associate homesy presentations with Bush, and they would prefer someone who projects an image of great mental acuity. It’s still just an image, but it makes them hit the voting booths.
The MSM has created a perfect environment for someone like Obama, and many voters that we need are going to be viewing that environment. If we don’t beat them at their own game, we’ll be looking at a frightening few years.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Precisely. Who do you want to point out your weaknesses? Your friend, who will help you overcome it? Or your enemy, who will exploit it?
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:42 PM
MC offers up nothing as evidence, other than the assumption based on “look where he is”. OK. That works two ways, Madison. If Obama is a genius, explain all the stupid shit, the associations, the flip-flopping.
Jaibones on August 29, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Smart does not equal omnipotent. 15 years ago, he had made most of his connections. If you knew then what you know now, would you have ever thought he could be one of the big two? Neither would he, most likely.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:44 PM
Damnit AP, would you please stop thinking and let us enjoy ourselves for a bit? You’re probably right, but jeez dude…
spmat on August 29, 2008 at 5:46 PM
He is a sprinter in a marathon. His campaign was developed for the short-term. My own expectation is that he sought to increase his profile, and must be somewhat surprised by his success. His hope/change rhetoric is great for a primary that takes you to the VP slot or whatever, but it just doesn’t wear well.
In other words, he is a victim of his own success I suspect in some regards.
Spirit of 1776 on August 29, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Yup. Don’t see the logic in that statement. If I am a voter, and I don’t think Obama knows what he’s in for, I do not vote for him. The only voters left are maybe….oh, I don’t know, say for the sake of arguement, Hillary supporters? Hmmm, wonder how they could express thier opinion in a more direct way?
The fact is that this is a win-win for the Republicans. If, as reported, McCain made the decision last night, and probably with some opposition, then he has proven leadership right there. Whatever the media throws at her/them was going to happen in some form against any other nominee anyway. The important thing accomplished here was:
1. Motivate the base, bring some real emotions to the race (there were tears in that crowd, could you have thought that possible with ANY other nominee); and
2. Swey those independants….turned off by nothing on TV except the Obaman News Network with cheerleading BO-supporting “journalists”
Job done, let’s stop second-guessing and hand-wringing and all other hyphenated self-destructive (oh, one more) behavior and move on…
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 5:49 PM
Did you graduate from Columbia? Or Harvard Law (magna cum laude, at that)? Were you president of the Harvard Law Review?
Like I said, you’re painting him as some blithering idiot instead of addressing him as an opponent with strengths. Underestimation is an ingredient for disaster.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:50 PM
It went beyond that, however. After recognizing Obama’s intelligence, AP went on to write that we can be consoled by his intelligence as it relates to the office of the Presidency, and how quickly he can adapt to that position. That seems to be contrary to the very distinction between intelligence and wisdom that you are delineating. And this is brought out in what you wrote:
No matter what kind of intelligence Barry O has, no amount of succor can be enjoyed when those “actions” you’ve listed are taken into consideration, especially when that kind of “intelligence” is in the White House.
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 5:51 PM
And your astute and accurate analysis makes my point; why did AP omit this distinction?
And thanks for being polite- I really do appreciate that sir!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Joe Biden will go into the debate way, way-overconfident and she’ll hand him his azz. She’ll be the vice-president.
Griz on August 29, 2008 at 5:52 PM
“Hicks” who were president
Washington
Johnson
Jackson
Lincoln
Grant
Teddy, R
Eisenhower
Intellectuals e would like to forget
Stevenson
LBJ
Carter
Clinton
Dukakais
Gore
Kerry
Hmmmmmmmmmm
EricPWJohnson on August 29, 2008 at 5:52 PM
That’s all there is. In other fields this tends to have more truth, as there is usually some measure of merit that guides the person’s rise, but in democratic politics this is not so true. I think the word that Madison and AP might be searching for is “shrewd” (which I also disagree with, but seems to be more of what they are describing).
In any event, there is not much of anything about Obama that makes me feel safe with him in the Oval Office. That was the part that I really didn’t understand about Allah’s post. I’ve seen Obama’s reasoning in public – on the many issues that he had not consolidated in his own mind and allowed us all to peek at his thinking (with his own screening, even!) – and have felt more nervous with each one … just about.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 5:54 PM
What the he11 do you expect all the bloggers to do with their time?
Griz on August 29, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Hey everyone it’s cocktail hour!
Chill. Sit back. Sip.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Of course I am. :-)
You’re showing greater ability to use facts to come to reasonable conclusions than Obama has. The combination of the factors is exactly what’s fueled his success.
Help us out here. Example?
baldilocks on August 29, 2008 at 5:56 PM
Hmmm, good point. Never thought of that…collapse of the internet economy and all that.
Carry on people!!
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 5:56 PM
And there would be absolutely nothing wrong with that.
bryan2369 on August 29, 2008 at 5:56 PM
I tried, they’re not listening. Let’s just head out to the patio for a spliff and leave them be…
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 5:57 PM
Also, as it relates to Harvard education, I’ve got a family member who has her Masters of Education from Harvard. It was one year, and one class only dealt with editing and formatting her professor’s book; and another class sought to consider the gender assumptions in pop culture by having the students watch “Friends” for the whole class. Yes, I’m very serious.
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Theoretically, the only intelligence the president requires is the ability to comprehend the situation as it exists, to comprehend the ramifications of the solutions offered up by his advisors and cabinet, and to be able to reiterate them to the public. In other words, he’s not doing the actual problem solving, he’s just looking at the problem, the suggested solutions, and deciding which has the least consequences.
By the way, I’m speaking in terms of the objective duties of the President, not any one in particular. I still believe Bush is far shrewder and cunning than most people think.
In terms of being a puppet or figurehead, Obama has all the necessary tools of comprehension, absorption, and communication. However, the fun part would be if there were any real hard questions (which there wouldn’t be many, *sigh*). He’d be flummoxed. Press conferences will be heavily edited.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 5:58 PM
Well, it’ll certainly quiet the calls for McCain to pledge to serve one term only.
It’s an obvious Hail Mary (in more ways than one). After the Dems failed to splinter and the Clintons signed on, the McCain camp must’ve seen the writing on the wall as far as Lieberman was concerned.
If McCain loses in November he’ll be rightly criticized for not putting aside his personal enmity and making peace with Romney. For a guy who “puts country first”, this pick was less about what’s good for the country then the last best hope for getting McCain elected.
sanguine4 on August 29, 2008 at 5:58 PM
I thought the election was on November 2?
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:00 PM
I have no answer for this, but two possibilities:
1. He expected us to make this distinction on our own.
2. He wanted another 1000+ comment thread and calculated the outrage that would occur as a result of his omission.
I’ll bet on the second option. ;)
In all seriousness, though, I think most people here are pissed that he would dare interrupt their party to address a bit of business. The election isn’t won yet, people. There’s a lot of work left to be done. We can still lose.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:01 PM
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