Pessimistic blogger feeling pessimistic about pick
posted at 3:37 pm on August 29, 2008 by Allahpundit
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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.
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Yes, which is why the staff around the President is at least as important as the President (another area where I totally distrust Obama – picking advisers). But the President still formulates strategy and ultimately decides what to do, whether it has been advised or not.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Let’s see: Now the Obama camp is backing off their harsh criticisms of Palin, and Time: A ten-point primer to Palin?
All in the last seven hours?
And the GOP should be nervous?
Really?
I mean REALLY?
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:03 PM
(Note date)
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=303693123946167
This assures me she isn’t just a ribbon cutter from Podunk.
JAL on August 29, 2008 at 6:05 PM
I don’t get that feeling. I think people are just stunned that Allah thinks that BHO is all that smart. I was.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Always true.
But why live in a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Remember- presumption is a sin against Hope.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Especially in light of Barry’s lack of substance.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:08 PM
EricPWJohnson on August 29, 2008 at 5:52 PM
The fact that you include Carter amongst the intellectuals rather than the hicks leaves me baffled…typo?
thecountofincognito on August 29, 2008 at 6:09 PM
I agree, which is why I couldn’t understand why some think that this reality exists for Obama and not for Palin. In fact she has had to comprehend situations as they exist, as well as their ramifications more than Obama has. She has had to actually deal with what to do with a budget surplus, for example. I still don’t see how any definition of Obama’s intelligence can be viewed as a comfort but Palin’s can’t. Being a mayor of a few thousand may not grab the headlines of major newspapers as a prominent black senator from Chicago does, but the direct responsibility and accountability of her position as mayor, to those few thousand, is far greater than Obama has ever experienced, being in a legislative body whose sole purpose is to deflect responsibility onto someone else.
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 6:11 PM
If the Left pursues the idea that she is a hick, this comes at the expense of the white working class vote, which Obama can’t afford to further alienate. If they attack her as an inexperienced woman, then Hillary’s supporters will notice and not like it. If they go after her as an affirmative action candidate, this only hurts Obama.
I think McCain is inviting any and all attacks on Palin. For one thing it keeps the focus on the McCain campaign, which is what you want in the fall campaign. Obama will suddenly find it hard to be in the headlines. For another thing, McCain has shown himself to be an exceptional counterpuncher. Go on, Obama, jab and punch, and see what happens to your lovely mug.
On balance, the Obama team is on its heels and for now can only fall back on typical left-wing attacks, the kind that lose elections. Come on, Mr. Chicago, bring that gun to the knife fight. Oh, did you miss the memo that it’s a howitzer fight?
EMD on August 29, 2008 at 6:11 PM
I choose option 3.
AP was clouded in pessimistic emotion.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:12 PM
gal-vanizing
whitetop on August 29, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Folks really should check it out…
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1837523_1837531_1837528,00.html
if this is perhaps the first look at Palin among the majority of voters, it’s pretty damn good news for the ticket. Couple of normal MSM shit (”…claims to be friends with gay people”) but, uh, well done Time? (note to self: buy lottery ticket)
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:15 PM
I can’t (but yet somehow can) believe they would. If she’s a hick, then she’s a good example of an average American making a pretty good life for herself. A life I dare some anyone could be proud of.
We can’t all be born in Hawaii and go to Harvard Law. I’ve never even been to Hawaii, drat.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:17 PM
I agree, but my point is that his ability for comprehension isn’t a hindrance, and it isn’t something we should slight him. He won’t be doing everything on his own. He’ll be led, as it were.
It’s not a sin to realize that your victory is not guaranteed. If anything, the refusal of some to be objectively analytical when considering Obama’s position is an example of sloth. The only presumption going on is that of people proclaiming him to be the intellectual equivalent of a glass of water.
That sounds like pessimism to me. ;)
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:18 PM
If the Left pursues the idea that Palin is a hick,
does that NOT blow the door wide open to accuse Obama of being “out of touch” with those Bible grabbing gun clinging blue collar States?
Does that NOT bring back to life his Millionaire Row comments back in SF a few months ago?
Am I the ONLY one who sees the genius in the GOP’s strategy?
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:18 PM
No offense meant, I wasn’t trying to be snarky, was just trying to say that two reasonable people can look at the situation can come to different conclusions as you and I did.
I should. Yes, opportunity is there frequently for many people, but it takes something separate for a person to seize and expand on it.
He mobilized the youth in a way that generated buzz. That didn’t translate to votes, but it translated to fundraising and fundraising is crucial. He gave a shout-out to Reagan to give the appearance of bipartisanship and then retracted it when generally only D’s watch (a debate). He effectively used the media as the bludgeoning tool to get Hillary out of the race without doing it himself, putting himself above the fray.
He has used a series of tricks, or perhaps more appropriately empty or symbolic gestures to build a house of cards. That requires good timing and skill.
Spirit of 1776 on August 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM
It’s easiest to shun those who have different opinions, and stay in a safe harbor, or abuse dissenters with storms of abuse.
Today, Sarah Palin said: A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. This is a quote from William GT Shedd (1820-1894).
If you never leave the safety of silence or conformity, you may avoid storms, but how will you ever trade ideas? How will you ever learn?
I too am new to posting here, and the storms can be quite intimidating. However, Palin’s quotation is quite inspiring, and it also reminds me, as a newcomer, of a quotation of Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888): I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
And these two quotes help me sustain the courage to continue daring to post here.
Loxodonta on August 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Nope- Optimistic criticism ;) LOL..
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:19 PM
Who doesn’t get it still? Cancer always leaves transition time, but double going triple aneurisms don’t.
McCain’s Cabinet will be rock solid with CONSTITUTIONAL EXPERTISE, FOREIGN AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE. Should Palin become POTUS, she will have the best Cabinet surrounding her.
The fact that Palin has the innate instinctual homing sense is something that Obama and Biden are completely without, always relying on polls to determine their own malleable direction or platform. Obama need not be lost in the woods to prove he walks in circles instead of leaving point A to reach point B. The DNC is the convoluted party. Whereas, Palin always locates the North Star to calculate her journey to accomplish specific conservative goals for America.
Comparing Palin’s choices to Obama’s leave him stuck in Marxonia while Palin will find her way with trusted friends guiding and tutoring any foreign insights before January.
Judgment? Let’s wait and see. Who will Palin enlist? Fred! As ever, America needs you.
maverick muse on August 29, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Feel welcome.
Spirit of 1776 on August 29, 2008 at 6:24 PM
I’m not, and I’m pretty sure AllahP is not, making the argument that Palin lacks the skills we’re discussing. The only assertion made is that Obama has intelligence, and he’s projected an image of intelligence that the public has, in large part, accepted. Whether it’s true or not is irrelevant, because Bush has been portrayed as unintelligent, and people are looking for a contrast.
Now, the fact is that along the coast and in major cities, the common misconception of someone who doesn’t not appear as an academic, who has an accent from the south or midwest, or who engages in outdoor activities, is not intelligent. This view has been fostered and nurtured by elitists like Obama. That is why we need to beat them at their own game. Palin needs to wow the crap out of people with her own projection of intelligence. It’s not going to be about real ability to lead, but about the image that people buy.
Again, I don’t like the situation, but it’s the situation we’re in. Trust me, I’m one of those who supported Fred till the very end, so I know what it is to have someone suck the wind out of your sails. If the Bush drawl still could win elections, he could do better. Palin has to work around it.
My greatest hope is that, just to spite the people comparing her to Quayle, she manages to pull off a Bentsen-Quayle, in the capacity of Bentsen.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Well, I’ll tell ya, um…uh…you know?
Connie on August 29, 2008 at 6:25 PM
It may seem like Dodge City, but it’s really just a comments section on a website. Feel free. ;)
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:25 PM
For anyone who doesn’t want to read the whole thread, allow me to summarize 75% of it for you:
“Nuh-uh, Obama is too stupid!”
and
“Allah sucks cuz he pissed in my cornflakes.”
That said, I like Palin, I think she’s got a great future. McCain chose well and AP’s thoughts on her potential weaknesses are pretty spot on.
SouthernDem on August 29, 2008 at 6:27 PM
Truely sad that a genuinely fine man was “fabricated” into an idiot in the time of the big 3 networks. Could not and would not happen today.
Christ, the MSM has done so much damage for so long….thank God for the internet.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM
It is a sin to rely on pessimism as a form of philosophical outlook.
And AP’s failure to even consider Barry’s lack of “wisdom” does bring into question Ap’s objective analysis.
And there is a great deal of degrees between elite intelligence and a glass of water. However- if I had to lean towards one over the other- I’d go glass of water.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:28 PM
If you say so. He seems borderline mentally retarded if you ask me.
Buddahpundit on August 29, 2008 at 6:29 PM
Thank you for that.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:31 PM
Hahaha And there you have it!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 6:32 PM
You’re confusing pessimism and realism.
Optimism: “We’re going to win!”
Pessimism: “We’re going to lose.”
Realism: “We haven’t won yet. We could still lose.”
It is a fact that we can lose. We will likely lose if we assume our adversary to be a total chump. If we fight as hard as we can, then we can probably win.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Palin has street creds as a ordinary American who has, on her own, risen to do great things. Now she is being called to do even greater things. I look at a person’s values more than I do their experience. A person with realistically correct values will be more likely to do the right thing.
We need to tap domestic energy resources. Her status as Alaska governor will give her the ability to get ANWR opened for drilling.
This is not an affirmative action pick. The left is just jealous that our women are hotter than theirs.
scrubjay on August 29, 2008 at 6:34 PM
That is very true.
I know, MC, you’re one of my favorites here on HA.
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 6:37 PM
No question about that.
Overestimating our adversary’s intelligence is also bad, especially since the fantasy of having an intelligent candidate is one of the only public claims they can really try to make. But we’ve all heard a few snippets from him on the Constitution and I doubt anyone was impressed.
Yes. And if the ticket stops causing problems (as seems to be the case here, for the most part) then the work on the Congressional and Senate races is helped greatly.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Just checking out a few left threads…it is pretty vile stuff let me tell you. They nutroots are going absolutely beyond the pale.
I mean, yeah, we had more than our fair share of hairplug jokes, but the rest was all Joe’s politics. The stuff against Palin is absolutely astonishing…like every serial killer in lock-up is up on home-made hooch posting like the madmen they are.
Waterboy on August 29, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Exactly what is it that I said MadCon that was simply outrage and bile? I made my points as to why I disagreed and why it was vehement in my post. I think my points were on target and are what are being put out there to counter the things AP said here. She’s ACTUALLY done something, not just stood in front of a teleprompter and said a lot of nice words that were written for her. I fail to see how that’s bile or why I shouldn’t be addressing APs “she’s a hick” statements.
I’m sorry MadCon but these kinds of statements remind me of when AP would put redmeat, after redmeat picture up for Fred! blogs to only call him an empty cowboy hat. That kind of thing is what I expect from HuffPo. It’s simply a slander of someone’s upbringing and choice of euphemisms versus any real discussion on the merit of someone’s qualifications. Those kinds of attacks are undeserved.
Sultry Beauty on August 29, 2008 at 6:40 PM
When you choose to discuss something that was said, when you don’t even know all of what was said, you’re responding out of irrationality. The common one among posters appears to be rage, clued in by “out of your freaking mind!” and “Unbelievable post AP. I have a headache.”
When a post on a website gives you a headache, you need to chill.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:50 PM
When you take a test, which questions have the big red marks on them? The ones you got right, or the ones you got wrong? Why is that? Simple: It’s so you can work towards getting 100%. We’re fighting a demi-god here. We need to be in top shape.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 6:53 PM
Barry vs Palin? NO CONTEST!!!
One can’t even run a meeting…the other has successfully run an entire state!!! One has trouble showing up at work…the other shows everyone else up at work!!! One has ethically-challenged friends…the other even challenges the ethics of friends (when required).
And only one obviously loves the USA!!!
landlines on August 29, 2008 at 6:54 PM
Perhaps you’d be more comfortable if we all put on a short skirt and waved pom-poms shouting “Give me a P! Give me a A! Give me a L!…”
I like Palin as a pick. A lot. I get the sense that AP does as well. However, she’s not a perfect pick- no such person exists. She will (and already is) being criticised as too inexperienced, too unknown, and being a “hick” governor of a low population state, previously mayor of a small town. I’ve seen dozens such criticisms already. If you haven’t yet, you will too.
The inexperience angle does have some merit- she’s not been governor for a terribly long time. One could make the case that she’s not ready to be President, and that Obama isn’t either won’t fully negate that with the average voter- the Obama camp has gone to great lengths to make him appear “presidential”.
You don’t win a chess game without anticipating your opponents moves and countering them before they have the chance to make them. Obama and his campaign staff aren’t morons- they’re going to exploit any percieved weakness in Palin they can. I’d rather be prepared for it than get indignant about it after the fact.
Hollowpoint on August 29, 2008 at 6:59 PM
FIRST OFF, don’t take my comments out of context. I said MORE than I’m appalled and you know it! I gave my reasons why. It speaks for itself!
SECONDLY, I fail to see how saying “ya know” makes her less intelligent than BO. And if that’s the big RED mark that we have to get 100% on then we’re in pretty bad shape.
Next…
Sultry Beauty on August 29, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Give me Sarah Palin over Joe Biden or Barak Obama ANYDAY
She understands what it is like to be a mother, to love and sacrifice for your children, to love a man for who he is, not his college pedigree.
She is close enough to everyday life to understand the day to day struggles we endure under misappropriated use of our hard earned money and time by the government and women know a smart capable leader when we see one.
And because a man like John McCain recognizes those qualities in a woman, because he chose someone who truly respects ALL of the citizens of our great country from conception,
he has won the respect and love of an army of women.
Just watch what happens from here.
TODAY JOHN MCCAIN TURNED ME INTO A FULL FLEDGED SUPPORTER AND CAMPAIGNER
mary jo on August 29, 2008 at 7:12 PM
If that’s ALL you have on her. If that’s all you know about her. If that’s all you feel you have to defend her about then I suggest you get to know your VP candidate before ripping her apart.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94100439
She’s got more substance than BO and I can’t wait to see these guys attack her. You want to get nailed for saying she can’t do the job because she doesn’t have experience, has a downs baby, from a small inconsequential state, sounds like a hick, is a woman, et al be my guest. I guess I just expected more from my own kind. Sorry for confusing you with people of logic as opposed to the emotional knee-jerk reactionaries on the left.
Sultry Beauty on August 29, 2008 at 7:13 PM
You asked for exactly what you said, not for me to quote your entire posts. Make up your mind.
I have said multiple times that we are in bad shape. The fact that Obama is being considered shows what bad shape we are in. However, if we’re going to bring a decent leader out of the shape we’re in, we have to attract those voters who are currently attracted to style and image. You seem to be unwilling to accept the fact that the Bush good ol’ boy routine has worn thin with the voting public. As I said, if it hadn’t, we’d have Thompson vs. Clinton.
By the way, writing words in all caps while claiming not to be outraged doesn’t really work.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:14 PM
As she said during her campaign for Governor of the state of Alaska, all I can say is I fully agree!
Sultry Beauty on August 29, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Dunno how this is gonna play out, but the beating BO has been taking for the last month about his “experience” will now promptly stop. It has been, by far, the most effective stick to beat him with and now it can’t be used any more. This is not a good thing.
It also screams of identity politics which makes me cringe.
If she had a term as governor then this would be a master stroke, but as is my reaction is… oooh this is mavericky.
rockhead on August 29, 2008 at 7:18 PM
I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy – but that could change.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Oh! I am outraged MadCon. I never said I wasn’t. WHAT I said was that I had a reason for it. You accused me of just being outraged without a thing to back it up and asked me to exit to LGF. Excuse me MadCon, but when I wrote what I wrote I distinctly recall referencing AP and not you. I don’t appreciate being insulted and accused of not having anything to back up my comments. You of all people should know me better than that. But I guess not. I hadn’t even read all the comments nor did I read all of what AP wrote. I wrote from my passionate heart for which I will never apologize for having. You are on some crusading agenda for AP of your own.
Sultry Beauty on August 29, 2008 at 7:23 PM
The future isn’t what it used to be.
-Yogi Berra
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Well, I have heard from some of my female relatives, and all pointed out the same thing – it has been over 20 years since a woman has had a chance at the general election level; Hillary was pushed out, how long until the next chance comes? Does this have traction? Don’t know.
Vashta.Nerada on August 29, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Did you ?
You must be the resident HA blowhard or you just have incredibly small genatalia and pissed of at the world about it. Give it a rest and let other people post. Your a post whore with nothing interesting to say except you don’t like what anybody else has to say.
Get this through your watermelon head, your not that smart and nobody needs your advice.
Your the typical internet tough guy, I bet your 5′9 350 and never had a girlfriend.
About right?
kangjie on August 29, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Who am I? Why am I here?
- James B. Stockdale (Ross Perot’s VP running mate at the start of the VP debate with Dan Quayle and Al Gore)
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Again, our disagreement or (maybe misunderstanding) seems to be an issue of degrees. I never assumed Obama to be a chump nor a genius.
My original point was that AP failed to address Obama’s lack of “wisdom”. And I attributed this to AP’s overall pessimism and not a true factual analysis.
But we are beating an already dead horse at this point.
Let’s agree to disagree on another day. LOL.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 7:29 PM
I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:31 PM
As opposed to your own emotional knee-jerk reaction the first time someone pointed out her weaknesses?
Yes or no:
Is she the most highly qualified candidate McCain could’ve picked?
Would she have been nominated had she not been female?
Had she ran for the Republican presidential nomination, would she have been criticized by other Republicans as too inexperienced to be President?
Like I said, I like her quite a lot. More than Pawlenty- the governor of my own state. She is not, however, without flaws and I see no reason to get defensive in bringing them up now- the Dems sure as hell will.
Hollowpoint on August 29, 2008 at 7:32 PM
That was totally uncalled for and just nasty.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Why is it in every single election the D candidate is described as some sort of brilliant individual whose thought processes are so “nuanced” as to be far beyond that of mere mortal man while the R candidate is a “rube”, a “cowboy”, or a “hick”??
Why is that kind of elitist garbage being given any credibility whatsoever?
Fatal on August 29, 2008 at 7:35 PM
…and I distinctly recall addressing “folks”. It was a general plea, and not directed towards any one person, including yourself. I also distinctly recall you replying as if I had targeted you personally, which I did not. So maybe you should quit refusing to read all of what someone says, and you might find yourself less offended.
In kind, as I provided you with your request, please feel free to supply quotes where I insulted you or made that accusation.
This is what I mean. You’ve flown off the handle. The reason “I don’t know you better than that” is because right now you aren’t the same poster I’m used to.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:36 PM
This guy does this in almost every thread I read. Every third or fourth post this guy is slamming somebdoy or name calling and you tell me its uncalled for.
This is how this guys debates if you can call it that.
kangjie on August 29, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Wow! Such an unbridled outburst. Interesting. You must call my secretary to make an appointment. I am very busy but I will try to fit you in somehow.
Sigmund on August 29, 2008 at 7:38 PM
Obama is a very articulate, very intelligent, Harvard law graduate, who is extraordinarily [well I don't think that I would go quite that far] smart, and he’s not going to come across in a debate like some guy who’s dopey. He’s going to come across as fully prepared. He knows how to study all this stuff. He has the military advisers. However, the problem with Obama is he’s wrong. It’s not that he’s inexperienced. It’s that his policies are wrong [of course most of McCain's policies are wrong too].
- Newt Gingrich
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:41 PM
I’ve had no problems debating with MadisonCon and, from what I recall, I usually agree with his comments. I like the way he thinks – though he was a little rough on Sultry. It’s that kind of thread, I guess.
progressoverpeace on August 29, 2008 at 7:41 PM
I’m not the one impugning the intelligence of others.
So far, your posts have consisted of insulting me. Pure schoolyard insults. Not even a debate or opposing viewpoints. Just cracks about my physical characteristics. So what are you contributing?
Actually, I am reasonably intelligent. I base this on my grades at the University of Wisconsin, and the reviews from my current IT employer, as well as compliments I receive from my peers. I never claimed anyone was in need of my advice. However, a comments board is typically made to encourage people to speak their mind. I guess you would prefer not everyone have that ability. There are sites like that which I would be happy to direct you to.
I’m not a “tough guy”. I’m not the one calling people fat, unintelligent, or speculating on the dimensions of their organs. I’m 6′0″, 200lbs, engaged to be married, and yet to make a single assumption about your physical appearance or intimate life. I think a good indicator of real ignorance is to proclaim something to be true while having absolutely no possible way to determine the truth of it, like, say, your last two posts.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:43 PM
I don’t know how intelligent Obama is, but I do think he is shrewd and crafty. You don’t get where he is by being stupid. Like it or not. Having said that I would not vote for him if you put a gun to my head.
Tonight on the panel on Special Report Mort Kondracke opined that this was an awful pick, because this woman is just one heartbeat away from the big job and she has no experience. Whereas Obama has been running for president for years. He actually said that. I thought Bill Kristol was going to smack him.
Sarah Palin one heartbeat away from the oval office does not scare me half as much as Nancy Pelosi being two heartbeats away.
Terrye on August 29, 2008 at 7:44 PM
Since “slamming somebody” is utterly relative, please quote where I called, say, Sultry Beauty a name.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:45 PM
Very kinky! You must make an appointment too, but just to cheer me up.
Sigmund on August 29, 2008 at 7:46 PM
I think that some people have come to believe that if Obama can run for president, anyone can. And that includes the lady Governor of a hick state. In fact I think a lot of people will respond to the woman in a very positive way. Dan Quayle started out badly, Palin has not. I doubt that she would be the Governor of Alaska if she was incapable of campaigning or debating.
Terrye on August 29, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Fantastic quote.
The key to all of this, and the point I believe AP was making, was that we need to make the right policies come across with the same image of intelligence. This is politics, people. Codespeak, projection, and packaging are the tenets of success. Being sensible or right doesn’t always win. If it did, Ted Kennedy would have been out on his fat ass before I was born.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:48 PM
BTFSPLK
Connie on August 29, 2008 at 7:48 PM
Palin has been running a State; Obama has mostly been voting present and campaigning. Chill.
Disturb the Universe on August 29, 2008 at 7:50 PM
In a debate Obama will come off as a pompous ass, lots of empty rhetoric and few facts.
Disturb the Universe on August 29, 2008 at 7:51 PM
I don’t see Moonbeam McSwine listed on there. There’s no reason to leave out that hottie.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Obama has made more gaffes than Quayle did.
Disturb the Universe on August 29, 2008 at 7:53 PM
Sarah Palin and The McCain Doctrine: Check it out: http://thedudesblog.com/2008/08/29/sarah-palin-and-the-mccain-doctrine/
thedudesblog on August 29, 2008 at 7:54 PM
It’s fair to realize that Obama’s intellectual prowess is bolstered by the Media’s portrayal of his public persona.
When 85,000 people fill a stadium and drool at the mouth as he reads a teleprompter of lofty promises, empty platitudes, and unanswered half-truths; it is fair, no- it is wise, to question where the packaging ends and where the substance begins.
I believe the Saddleback Church forum was the first step in pulling back the curtain on the Great Oz.
No no, nothing to see here folks…..just move along now.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 7:54 PM
I DISAGREE!
Just joshing.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 7:56 PM
I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag, and to the Savior, for whose Kingdom it stands, one Savior, crucified, risen, and coming again, with life and liberty for all who believe.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:58 PM
I was recently on a tour of Latin America, and the only regret I have was that I didn’t study Latin harder in school so I could converse with those people.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 7:59 PM
They need to start transcribing every “uh” and “ah” from Obama if they plan to take this road. However, I’m telling you if they choose to go down the road she’s too plain and folksy and unsophisticated they will lose big(bigger?).
SouthernGent on August 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM
- This is now now. Everything that is happening now is happening now.
- What happened to ‘then’?
-We passed ‘then’.
- When?
- Just now.
Spaceballs
Weight of Glory on August 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM
LOL!
Now, I consider you a friend!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM
The global importance of the Middle East is that it keeps the Far East and the Near East from encroaching on each other.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 8:01 PM
Forgive me, but I laughed like a hyena at that one.
MadisonConservative on August 29, 2008 at 8:02 PM
“Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states? I think one left to go. Alaska and Hawaii, I was not allowed to go to even though I really wanted to visit, but my staff would not justify it.”
- Barrack Obama
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Great analysis AP. Since 99% of the undecideds are unfamiliar with her and know that she lacks the resume her television interviews are going to be make or break–as will her debate with Biden.
She’s got charm, but she needs to dial up the gravitas and dial down the folksiness. A lot of the electorate is going to make a snap judgement on one question unrelated to any policy and that is: “Do I trust her to be Commander-in-Chief”. Can she convey that she can lead in a time of crisis? I hope that Team McCain puts her in the right positions to deliver that point.
dedalus on August 29, 2008 at 8:05 PM
“In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed.”
- Barry Hussein Obama
The actual death toll: 12.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:05 PM
“Sen. Clinton, I think, is much better known, coming from a nearby state of Arkansas. So it’s not surprising that she would have an advantage in some of those states in the middle.”
- Barrack Obama
On what map is Arkansas closer to Kentucky than Illinois?
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:07 PM
Mars is essentially in the same orbit. Mars is somewhat the same distance from the Sun, which is very important. We have seen pictures where there are canals, we believe, and water. If there is water, that means there is oxygen. If there is oxygen, then we can breathe.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 8:08 PM
“There was something stirring across the country because of what happened in Selma, Alabama, because some folks are willing to march across a bridge. So they got together and Barack Obama Jr. was born.”
- Barrack Obama
Obama was born in 1961. The Selma march took place in 1965. His spokesman, Bill Burton, later explained that Obama was “speaking metaphorically about the civil rights movement as a whole.”
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:10 PM
HollowPoint, MadisonConservative – Kudos to the two of you. Like you both, I like Palin, but I also appreciate that the two of you are acknowledging her flaws and potential weaknesses. They need to be addressed, because, as you say, the DNC and Obama/Biden surely will address them.
In the end, this is not about how qualified is Palin, it is about how the American voting public views Governor Palin. If the DNC and Obama/Biden can define her in the public’s eyes, then she is toast. Doesn’t matter if they lie about her or if their criticisms of her are not well founded. Most things in politics are lies or half-truths or ridiculous criticisms. Just look at how many people believe global warming, how many people believe “Bush Lied!” and how many people think that Republicans are for the rich and the Democrats are for the little guy. None of these things are true, but they are ingrained in the minds of the voting public.
That is what I interpret that MadisonConservative and HollowPoint are trying to stress here. The general voting public does not vote on substance, but rather votes based on lies and half-truths and memes put out there by the mass media. As one of them stated, the meme has been put into the public’s mind that anyone who talks with a southern accent is a dufus (President Bush) and anyone who talks in big words and articulately is intelligent (Obama). It doesn’t matter if what President Bush says is great, and what Senator Obama says is ridiculous nonsense, the meme put out there causes the public to interpret anything from President Bush as nonsense and anything from Senator Obama as great.
This is why I share AllahPundit’s pessimism. Because I have watched 2004 and 2006 while the American public has voted for style over substance (Kerry earned the highest vote total for a President in American history.. all because of “Anybody But Bush” and all the lies and mistruths pushed about President Bush and the war effort; the Democrats won Congress in 2006 despite lying about the war effort and lying about everything they would try to do if given back control of Congress). Those election results were not all based on substance. This election will be no different. Substance will play a part with those who take politics seriously, but the casual voter will simply believe media memes and lies and mistruths.
That is what we have to anticipate. The media hit pieces, lies and mistruths and those from the Left and from George Soros and from the DNC and media matters and Moveon.org, etc.
Heck, these is no logical reason why Obama should be the DNC nominee. But he is. People also said that McCain would wipe the floor with him, but he isn’t. And it is because the mass media has done a brilliant job at pushing him and protecting him and smearing his opponents. This will continue to happen for the next 60+ days and we must all realize this and know that it will not be easy.
Michael in MI on August 29, 2008 at 8:10 PM
It’s wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 8:11 PM
The experience issue is a stupid line of attack, and so is the hick from a small town.
Why? Because they highlight Obama’s negatives as an inexperienced elitist.
The media always covers for the left and attacks the right. Voters know that.
Don’t be a Debbie Downer- be happy!
Sackett on August 29, 2008 at 8:11 PM
“We only have a certain number of them and if they are all in Iraq, then it’s harder for us to use them in Afghanistan.”
- Barrack Obama
The real reason it’s “harder for us to use them” in Afghanistan: Iraqis speak Arabic or Kurdish. The Afghanis speak Pashto, Farsi, or other non-Arabic languages.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:12 PM
You are an annoying person, Allah–an exceptionally annoying person, partly because you work hard at it
I’ve been annoyed but never disappointed by you, but your belief that Obama has above-average intelligence is MUCHO disappointing. The evidence–which you’ve presented as much as anyone–shows that BHO is a pedestrian slow-thinking doofus once he is away from a teleprompter
In the debates and in any real forum where he is challenged, Obama is a stuttering, self-obsessed tool.
Your analysis stinks, and………disappoints.
Janos Hunyadi on August 29, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Case in point…
I had a political discussion last night with my coworkers. One of them flat out stated that he felt Obama came from the same background and he did (growing up poor, had to work hard to get where he was) and he could relate to him, but couldn’t relate to the “rich man” McCain whatsoever. And he also stated “I just don’t want 4 more years of damn Republicans and George Bush in office.
He admits that he just gets his political news from casual mass media news reports. I believe most of the country is this way. So this is what we are fighting against.
Michael in MI on August 29, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Regarding the Dan Quayle and Latin comment. Someone refresh me: didn’t Odumbo of the 57 states recently state that we need more Arabic translators in Afghanistan? Did anyone laugh like a hyena over that?
Buck Farack on August 29, 2008 at 8:14 PM
I was known as the chief grave robber of my state.
- Dan Quayle
MB4 on August 29, 2008 at 8:14 PM
“Here’s something that you will rarely hear from a politician, and that is that I’m not familiar with the Hanford, uuuuhh, site, so I don’t know exactly what’s going on there. (Applause.) Now, having said that, I promise you I’ll learn about it by the time I leave here on the ride back to the airport.”
- Barrack Obama
I assume on that ride, a staffer reminded him that he’s voted on at least one defense authorization bill that addressed the “costs, schedules, and technical issues” dealing with the nation’s most contaminated nuclear waste site.
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I didn’t realize that Dan Quayle was running in 2008?
Huh- I’ll be darned!
FiveWays on August 29, 2008 at 8:16 PM
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