Danger, Will Robinson …
posted at 1:00 pm on September 11, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
The outpouring of enthusiasm and support for Sarah Palin as John McCain’s running mate has been almost unprecedented, an amazing reversal of the political currents for the past two years. Few believed even two months ago that Republicans could generate widespread enthusiasm for their ticket, let alone approach the fervor seen from Barack Obama supporters. McCain was simply too well known for that kind of explosive popularity, and the Republican brand too damaged.
At the same time, though, we have to guard against the same kind of cult of personality that arose around Obama and continues to this day. We want the large crowds, but we need to have them pay attention to the message. That message can’t just consist of “hockey mom” and “pit bull”, but a coherent public-policy philosophy along with a demonstration of how Palin’s record and experience supports it. Otherwise, we run the risk of making Palin into a reverse cartoon from the bubble-headed, trailer-trash yokel that the media has begun to paint.
That means being realistic about Palin’s experience. As governor for only 20 months, she has more executive experience than Barack Obama, but that’s a quip, not an argument. McCain chose her because she has a record of real reform, and of risk-taking in cleaning up politics, that includes more than just her term as Governor. We need to press that message and show how Palin commits McCain to change by outlining her achievements over the last several years, and focus on that rather than the Palin family. We have to acknowledge that Palin’s choice carried risk but that we needed a running mate like Palin to return the GOP and Washington to a path of reform, and the same old players in Washington wouldn’t do. Otherwise, we won’t convince anyone of the wisdom of Palin’s presence on the ticket.
We’ve been fortunate in one regard: for some reason, Barack Obama has chosen to run against Sarah Palin rather than John McCain in the last two weeks. We win that argument every time in two ways: Obama can’t beat Palin on experience, and McCain winds up looking like the only person running for President. However, we can’t count on that foolishness lasting forever, and we need to have a real argument for a McCain-Palin partnership as our main message when it ends. We have less than eight weeks to define Palin as the reformer and political prodigy she proved herself to be in Alaska.
Personality makes a great splash. Let’s get past it to make the real arguments now.
Blowback
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LOL Even I raised my eyebrows a foot or two when I read that!
Damn qwerty for locating b & n adjacent to one another!
LimeyGeek on September 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
This PTA mom didn’t take down the Alaska machine by letting other people define her.
She writes her own script. By agreeing to the two day ABC interview process on her home turf she is in control. She is prepared to succeed or fail on her own terms.
If anyone is nervous, remember she gave the second half of her speech without a teleprompter. Very few speakers could pull that off, especially under the circumstances. She’s Larry Bird with the ball in the closing seconds.
There will be no stopping the mania. The question is, is it enough to offset the continuing demographic shift toward the Dems, not to mention the entrenched Repubs who pretend to be against earmarks and for reform.
My hope that she succeeds is not so much for herself as for the young new congress people who share her goals–taking down “machine” that lives in DC. For this I want the mania to continue and build. Remember that every day, every week the government gets incrementally larger until some day in the future it will kill the golden goose. The average politician, both Dem and Repub, are in on this game.
Viva the Palinistas!!!
patrick neid on September 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
You know, I don’t mind realistic reporting and knowing what the political adversary is doing and thinking … but this pessimism is sometimes unwarranted. I’m not asking for 100% optimism 100% of the time, but when you get this many responses … it’s got to make you wonder.
Unless that’s the point. *shrugs.*
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:33 PM
Bobby Jindal would have done the same thing, and he has the same reform mind. He’s also a Catholic a he’s born to parents from India that would be strange having him going up against Biden who made a racist gaffe about 7-11′s
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM
The difference is this:
When Barack Obama speaks, the crowd chants “OBAMA! OBAMA! OBAMA!”
When Sarah Palin speaks, the crowd chants “USA! USA! USA!”
So tell me who has the cult of personality.
MadisonConservative on September 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Yup, that is a big point, thanks for nailing it.
bbz123 on September 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Uh oh. Ed is playing Dr. Smith.
Palin will talk more policy as things move on. The ABC interviews will be airing imminently.
But you aren’t going to stop the parties at the campaign rallies.
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 1:34 PM
I think you made an excellent point here.
leetpriest on September 11, 2008 at 1:35 PM
I didn’t see it. Looks to be gone now. Typo of “N” that should have been a “B”?
I make more typoes than I should. I hate it when you make a post, seems okay, then you go back and read it later … *DOH!* I hope everyone understands it was a mistake.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:35 PM
Do the tee shirts with “Future Mrs. Track Palin” count?
Count to 10 on September 11, 2008 at 1:35 PM
I love how the Democrat talking points have used Obama’s empty cult to try to stop Republicans from accepting and embracing the substance of a far more humble Sarah Palin at face value. It’s a brilliant effort but it won’t work. She’s just a VP candidate but the bar has been raised to where she is essentially forced to run for President. Also brilliant, but it won’t work.
People don’t understand that Sarah Palin would be voted the Greatest American Woman in a poll even if she learns nothing more about international policy, military strategy and such. She’s bigger than Hillary and Oprah already to women, but unlike Oprah she appeals to real men, tough guys, and even military heroes.
She doesn’t have to raise her game, but she will and Palinmania will get “worse.” She can play in this league and if you put her on the world stage with all the UN-style bureacrats she would absolutely dominate.
econavenger on September 11, 2008 at 1:35 PM
This is a concern that I have had for a while. I hope that Palinmania does not rise to the level of Obamaworship.
eaglescout1998 on September 11, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Yes. I didn’t notice that at first either. Excellent observation, MadisonConservative.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:36 PM
Here’s my short list:
1. Drill to bring down energy costs. Explain how lower energy costs will impact the entire economy as well as help the small businesses and lower income brackets meet their budgets. Palin is all over this one.
2. Eliminate earmarks. Explain how controlling government spending is one of the best ways to reduce taxes and grow the economy. Palin and McCain have the record on this.
3. School vouchers. Inner city people of color want this SO BAD. Major wedge issue between two big Dem interest groups (teacher’s unions and minorities). As we know BHO sends his kids to private schools. Just let him complain how vouchers will hurt public education. A no brainer that will produce real educational benefits w/o reinventing the wheel.
smellthecoffee on September 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM
Let me add a kudo for that one.
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 1:38 PM
I believe Ken Burns in “War” covered how everyone was sure the troops would be home for the holidays in ’44. They weren’t. We need to stay focused and realistic.
Stay frosty!
Mr_Magoo on September 11, 2008 at 1:39 PM
I’m a big fan and a full participant in the mania, but I also look forward to Gov Palin incorporating more energy policy stuff into her stump speech. Its important for the country, she knows the subject well and its a winning issue for the GOP.
james23 on September 11, 2008 at 1:41 PM
As long as he doesn’t try to play Dr. Phil, it will all be okay
DaveC on September 11, 2008 at 1:41 PM
A bunch of new polls are out and they are al over the map
William Amos on September 11, 2008 at 1:42 PM
Vanceone on September 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Good summary. Palin can really shine discussing energy policy. Investors Bus. Daily has interviewed her several times, so this is something that is natural for her. It’s a subject that leads into reform, job creation, etc.
She articulates the message well, and if the UK Telegraph is correct, she will be heading up energy policy for McCain.
McCain can talk foreign policy in more detail, but energy policy is Sarah’s area. It’s also another reason why the left is freaking out.
Cody1991 on September 11, 2008 at 1:42 PM
I don’t think you will have to worry about some sort of cult mentality surrounding Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin has come across to me as a self-made woman who has made her own way to her own success, while remembering where she came from and remembering those who helped get her to where she is today.
On the other hand, B.O. has been pretty much a legend in his own mind for as long as he has been a part of the Chicago Democratic Political Machine. The only people he may remember are those he stepped on, over, stabbed in the back, and threw under the bus while establishing his own political career. Instead of being a self-made man, he is made in the image of Illinois Democratic creatures Emil Jones, John Stroger, and Richard Daley.
The book “The Case Against Barack Obama”by David Freddoso makes this point very clear, in graphic detail.
pilamaye on September 11, 2008 at 1:43 PM
Let’s lead with energy independence as a requirement for economic growth and national security. Who better than Palin to make the case?
petefrt on September 11, 2008 at 1:43 PM
I’m not sure if the writer was paying attention to what came before and after that phrase during her speech. He needs to re-evaluate what he just said there.
Egfrow on September 11, 2008 at 1:44 PM
The basic argument is reform, character, and experience.
The policy argument is low taxes, cut pork barrel spending and corruption, and have a strong defense.
Country first.
indythinker on September 11, 2008 at 1:45 PM
Newsflash: The two are not mutually exculsive.
Also, don’t be so foolish as to assume YOU know what HE was thinking.
Elizabetty on September 11, 2008 at 1:45 PM
There are two names that Gov. Palin needs to start mentioning every time out — Tony Rezko and William Ayers.
This way, the Governatress fulfills the standard VP role of attack pit bull on fundamental corruption (Rezko) and Obama’s Maoist background (Ayers).
The Obots are terrified of William Ayers. Look what they did to Stanley Kurtz and that Chicago radio show.
Let’s hope the McCain team starts dropping these little hints in there.
either orr on September 11, 2008 at 1:46 PM
I think he’s treading water until his “dirt squad” in Alaska can dig up something on Palin.
electric-rascal on September 11, 2008 at 1:47 PM
Sounds like Captain Ed’s ship never leaves harbor.
Mark30339 on September 11, 2008 at 1:47 PM
You have to be more than a policy wonk, to get elected.
EscapeVelocity on September 11, 2008 at 1:49 PM
excellent point, MadConserv, but Ed makes an even better one. The patriotism and lack of cult-ism is good, but Palin needs to be clearly defined to the public
or else the Dems and MSM ( same thing ) will eventually create a cartoon image and only display that. Voting studies consistently show that most people do not know issues very well–or at all– and candidates need to define themselves or risk being Dan Quayled
Janos Hunyadi on September 11, 2008 at 1:49 PM
I don’t agree with this analysis Ed,
Mostly this post seems to look through the prism of normal or typical politics, whereas we should view this through exceptional, out of the ordinary campaign circumstances.
This is not to say Palin should hide substantive discourse. She carries solid core beliefs and they will come out as the campaign progresses. However, the suggestion that Republicans are falling (or might) into an Obama-like swoon is far off the mark.
Leading up to the Palin choice Republicans in general were quite depressed and probably a little tired. So when Palin was selected it was as if a giant boil was lanced in the party and we finally, FINALLY, had a fighter and leader to rally around. But what do we see in Palin that we don’t see in Giuliani for example? Well, Conservatism. Unflinching, robust, flinty-eyed Conservatism. We know this instinctively just by seeing her in action.
The Obama phenomenon is largely a Democrat experience. Generally Democrats find appeal in emotion, stagecraft, symbolic gestures and style. So far Obama has shown, particularly in the past two months, that there is very little substance behind the rhetoric.
Palin is quite different as a politician. She doesn’t obfuscate or hide what she feels. In fact, in interviews from the past she’s shown a remarkable transparency and authenticity. THIS IS WHY WE LOVE HER. Obama can’t go off script because his persona is a script. Palin can speak in any forum because her views are hers, not some package formulated after polling.
One last point that can’t be underestimated is this: Palin is always happy and optimistic (at least in public). Obama is often accusatory, conspiratorial, defensive and a little dreary. Palin’s optimism is infectious whereas Obama’s style is a little off-putting. In this way the Palin phenomenon is more in the Reagan tradition (or even a little Rush Limbaugh) than the dour Liberal deconstructionist slog.
JonPrichard on September 11, 2008 at 1:49 PM
I agree. Don’t get me wrong, though. I would vote for Palin for president. McCain’s selection of her is completely contrary to his agenda in every way except the war on terror, and maybe abortion (not really clear where he stands on that one). If he could have gotten away with someone more closely aligned with himself ideologically and still had a chance of winning, he would have done it. I only bring all this up because people seem to believe this is some kind of sign that McCain is no longer a lib.
samuelrylander on September 11, 2008 at 1:52 PM
The message I would love to see is -
.
Get Involved
Join the PTA
Run for the School Board
Run for City Council
Run for Mayor
Run for State Legislature
Run for Governor
Run for the House and Senate
Support Honorable Candidates and Throw the Bums Out
.
John and I Need Your Help
Get Involved
.
We need to develop a strong bench.
huckleberryfriend on September 11, 2008 at 1:53 PM
Ed, I agree with the premise of your post, however I would like some clarification of this particular line:
“focus on that rather than the Palin family”.
I don’t think we have focused on her family as a primary reason to vote for McCain/Palin. I would say our focus on her family has been driven by the need to defend and protect her family from the unfair onslaught of the MSM.
Could you expound on this further for me? Thanks.
HalSandro on September 11, 2008 at 1:53 PM
It is amusing to watch all the advice being given him, isn’t it? I’ll bet he learned how to tune out the well intentioned help years ago. In fact, taking advice from 300 advisors that may be one of Obama’s biggest problems
a capella on September 11, 2008 at 1:53 PM
+1
if anything to throw out any incumbents.
give them real jobs for 2 or 4 or 6 years..
DaveC on September 11, 2008 at 1:55 PM
Perhaps we can. Such is the depth of Obama’s egoism.
Kafir on September 11, 2008 at 1:57 PM
Ms. Palin has been validated by her “narrative”, and her performance. Mr. Obama has no apparent comparable resume.
The American public is impressed.
Meanwhile, Ms. Palin’s personal and public life is being scrutinized by everyone. Intensely.
Her reception “North To Alaska” this week seems to be further evidence that her values are public values, her results are their results.
Randy
williars on September 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Rezko was never fully covered in the Main Stream News as to how it impacted his early political career..
Obama was taking hush money and campaign cash from a slumlord or 17 years, that wasn’t heating the homes of hos tenets. this was going on In Obama’s district!
How can Obama claim to be an upstanding community organizer but yet be friends with a corrupt slumlord and also taking campaign cash from him and what seems to be hush money?
Why didn’t Obama blow the Whistle on him? Instead he did a sweetheart land and home deal with him AFTER he was KNOWN to be totally dirty and exposed in the media.. something really doesn’t add up..
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Timely post (as usual), Ed. A bit of ice water is just what the Captain ordered. Johnny Mac won’t win running as Sarah McCain.
Limerick on September 11, 2008 at 1:59 PM
Normally this is true but in this case I don’t think they CAN define her. They’ve tried MIGHTILY but none of the attempts work. Even the ‘lack of foreign policy experience’ theme is falling on deaf ears. Underneath I think this is mostly because the Democrats and MSM (yeah same thing) don’t have any credibility on that issue.
Its difficult to get one’s arms around but Sarah Palin is a once in a generation exceptional politician. Its very hard to tear that down, especially in only two months.
JonPrichard on September 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM
As for the message, the anti-corruption/anti-earmark message seems to be working–it’s got Obama off-message.
Palin is the best spokeswoman we could possibly have for energy independence. Drill, baby, drill, but also nuclear energy, the natural gas pipeline, and SHALE OIL (100-year supply!) in the Rockies, and all the blue-collar American jobs that would create. Clean-coal technology, and jobs in OH and PA.
The McCain/Palin campaign also needs to stress the secondary effects of high energy costs, and the corresponding benefits of lowering them. Stress that high oil prices mean more money spent trucking goods to market, which means higher prices for everything. Using too much corn for ethanol means higher corn prices, which means higher prices for meat from corn-fed livestock.
Obama also came out for using wind energy to pump water up over dams, to be used for hydro-power afterward. It’s totally stupid–just build a wind turbine without a dam and you get more energy, and save the snail darters. Point that out!
We’ve also got to hit Obama on the tax issue–there’s no way he can pay for all his giveaways by taxing only people making over $250K. Come out with facts and figures, and accuse Obama of piling up huge deficits for our children.
Cut the corporate tax rate, and explain that lower corporate tax rates will induce international companies to relocate here and provide jobs to Americans, rather than Europeans.
If, by October, McCain/Palin are not more than 5 points up in the polls, come out with a series of ads showing the myriad Obama flip-flops on issues, and ask voters the question “Do you know what this man (Obama) would do as President? Neither do we!”
If that doesn’t work, bring out Rezko, Jeremiah Wright, and Ayers–by then, the Annenberg files might reveal some interesting tidbits.
Steve Z on September 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM
his*
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM
+ eleventy. That really is an excellent call to action, and she’s an ideal person to deliver it. I think a lot of people toiling in the fields of local education and governance can really identify with her, and we need an evergreen bench.
DrSteve on September 11, 2008 at 2:01 PM
Who vetted Obama?
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Allah, it’s been 21 months while as Governor of Alaska…not 20 months. She *IS* still the governor of Alaska and you count the months from the time she took office just as Obama count his months from the time he took office as the junior Senator (though he didn’t do much since running for president anyways). Sarah Palin took office on December 4, 2006.
Kokonut on September 11, 2008 at 2:02 PM
McCain needs to circle the wagons around energy, earmarks, national security, judicial appointments (guns, the LA death penality case, and habeas corpus for terrorists), and the like.
Beyond that, I think he needs to contrast his Administration with an Obama administration coupled with such an ineffective Democratic Congress where Obama has voted 97% of the time with his own party. McCain needs to show that Obama will do nothing to change the Beltway culture, whereas McCain the maverick and Palin the pitbull will.
I don’t know how you do it, but he really should try to drive a stark contrast between the cradle-to-grave European model of mediocrity that Obama will lead us to and his own administration’s philosopy of getting out of people’s ways. It may be politically incorrect, but it’s time McCain try to figure out a way to call Obama’s “tax cut” what it really is–welfare. It’ll increase the number of families from the income tax rolls from 37% or so to the high 40s or even 50%. And yet Obama can’t figure out why large corporations more operations overseas when we have the highest marginal corporate tax rate here.
BuckeyeSam on September 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM
I think the commentators on the right need to understand something too, Palin doesn’t really need their advice nor does the Conservative electorate. I like Ed’s columns (Allah not so much) but even these guys don’t seem to fully understand what is happening here and what Palin and this election cycle has come to represent. The way we relate to Palin is entirely different from how Obama’s herd follows him blindly.
echosyst on September 11, 2008 at 2:03 PM
Yes pleeaase! They have to be able to make the same points in different words!
Although the audience seems to be the local. The sound bites that make TV are the real vehicle for the message. New words for the message means more coverage, stronger message.
And saying the same thing over and over the same way trivializes the message and works against the change mantra. Same old same old… This is good enough for now.
But plan to change the words at least once a week I think.
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM
The Democrats have been boning up on the issues, its a good idea to get some solid meat behind the speeches.
The Democrats have a lot of people convinced that health care is a Constitutional right instead of a privilege and that jobs are created with higher taxes and isolationism.
Liberals think paying more in taxes for more services is efficient and making deep pockets pay more than the huge amounts they already pay is justice and a great idea.
Speakup on September 11, 2008 at 2:10 PM
The Palin Lenin-like poster has already been done. This is just somebody trying to make a buck, but it is one of you wake up calls.
I’m more interested in a McCain ad calling out Obama for townhall meetings.
Obama would have no defense if he declined, and no defense but MSM spin if he accepted.
Right_of_Attila on September 11, 2008 at 2:15 PM
Hey Ed,
Better forward this post to Team McCain:
Rick Davis, campaign manager for John McCain’s presidential bid, insisted that the presidential race will be decided more over personalities than issues during an interview with Post editors this morning.
“This election is not about issues,” said Davis. “This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates.”
Tom_Shipley on September 11, 2008 at 2:17 PM
Dr. Smith did not say “Danger Will Robinson”, the robot did and he only stopped saying it when Dr. Smith pulled out the robot’s power pack. Nasty man, that Dr. Zachary Smith.
bloggless on September 11, 2008 at 2:20 PM
A composite view, includes issues as well as character, judgment, past associations, accomplishments, experience etc.
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 2:21 PM
We have less than eight weeks to define Palin as the reformer and political prodigy she proved herself to be in Alaska.
Stop, you’re killing me… after a year of attacking Obama as inexperienced after 8 years in state senate and 3 years as a U.S. senator, you’re now ready to say Palin “proved” herself as a prodigy in 2 years a governor and however many years mayor of a town of 9,000? (o wait, I forgot to mention the PTA… sorry!)
So, Palin is a prodigy who presided over the last town in Alaska to make rape victims pay for medical exams? A reformer who backed the Bridge to Nowhere, but flipped when it became a national symbol of government waste? A maverick who took tax payer money to stay at her own home?
It must sting a little bit to have bashed Democrats for electing someone based on a cult of personality, now only to have the real cult fall right in your laps.
Tom_Shipley on September 11, 2008 at 2:23 PM
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 2:23 PM
Heh.
Spirit of 1776 on September 11, 2008 at 2:25 PM
Thank you Ed.
Griz on September 11, 2008 at 2:35 PM
Seriously, is that all you have against her? Your examples are so incrediabily lame. Palin has gone through more vetting in two weeks than Obama has in 2 years and probably never will have to explain his ties to people dedicated to the destruction of the government in wants to lead!
And you are worried about Palin’s perfectly legal per diem reembursements. You think Alaska has poor laws that predate her, and that is something that should effect our opinion of her one way or another? That is desperate. You are grasping at straws.
You are blind to actual corruption and graft committed by Barack Obama to further his politic career and his wife’s legal career while you worry about whether Alaska’s way of dealing with the distances between their cities is the way you personally would handle it.
You are on a sinking ship if you think Obama’s vote for the the Bridge as well as personally inserting $1,000,000 a day worth of earmarks, to line the pockets of his campaign contributers, is going to be overlooked because Palin may not have seen the problem EARLY ENOUGH!That’s the best you’ve got?
Bottom line: One canidate opposed it. One canidate voted for it.
These arguements are lame in the exterme.
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 2:36 PM
Very good points, Ed. We need to stay focused on what is important: McCain/Palin is better for the country than Obama/Biden. Not better for the Republicans-for the country.
Obama made a splash, and now Palin…but Palin has substance.
She’s no superwoman; a lot of us pinning our hopes on McCain/Palin need to stay grounded in reality. She’s good, but we can’t become the mirror image of Obamaniacs.
Doug on September 11, 2008 at 2:37 PM
Man am I a bad speller or what?
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 2:38 PM
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=ODQzZTc0NTE4ZWVmOTgwMGExOTUxNjM1MGY3YWY1MTk=
People will name daughters Sarah and people will yell her name a rallies and such, but remember she is not wanting to be our messiah as Obama was. It’s precisely because she points to God above instead of herself, and says it’s about us doing what we need to do for our nation by His grace, that we love her and the left hates her. Everyone knows that up front and it frees our minds up to be thankful for her leadership without apology.
The left on the other hand rewards those who use the name of God and a cloak of Christianity to deceptively direct people toward government worship. The ultimate goal of the Marxist left for America is an athiest nation with government as our God, and Obama was supposed to be the physical embodiment of that spirit who could also connect with Islam and then “go global” with he concept.
This religious effort has been brought to a screeching halt by the sudden appearance of an anti-Obama, and all who worship him are now very confused about where this powerful woman came from and what it all represents. They’re scared, so they just want to destroy her quick before she can destroy their idol.
That the core of the community of condescension we see Obama organizing. He also seems to really enjoy being the Messiah of Misogyny, so he’s dual qualified for those roles and ready to lead.
econavenger on September 11, 2008 at 2:39 PM
And drill, drill, drill for oil. I like it.
I absolutely agree that we have to guard against the sort of cult-persona that the Dems built up for Obama. I won’t care if I never hear the term “hockey mom” ever again. It’s time for policy, and Thacker’s list plus energy policy is a winner.
holygoat on September 11, 2008 at 2:42 PM
1) I’d put 2 years as governor over 3 years as US Senator everyday. Especially since Obama started running for President as soon as he took office. He hasn’t even been attending meetings of the only committee he was assigned to.
2) I’d put 8 years as mayor, even of a small town over 7 years as a state senator. Especially one who voted present on most bills.
3) Palin’s running for VP. Obama is running for President.
4) It must really suck to be you.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:45 PM
petunia,
Tom’s not blind. He’s desperate.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Whacker actually thinks the way to security is to cower in fear of anyone who wishes to do us harm.
Especially if he has strong manly arms like Putin.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:48 PM
Whacker, Why do you fear a handfull of bombers so much?
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:49 PM
InTrade:
McCain 51, Obama 47
MacMentum.
Limerick on September 11, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Whacker,
You claim that we need a strong military. Yet you advise us to cower in fear against any foe that might actually do us harm.
Russia invades Georgia, your advice, cower in fear lest Putin gets mad at us?
When Russia invades the Ukraine, will you still be advising that we cower in fear lest we get noticed by the big bad Russians?
When will the cowering stop? When the Russians invade Alaska? Or will it not stop until they are rolling into your home town?
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:55 PM
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 2:46 PM
I totally agree with your opinions on the other part of his post too! I’m glad we chose different parts we sort of tag teamed him.
:)
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 2:57 PM
Ohhhh! I was not following that at all. I thought maybe he was…oh never mind. I get it, now.
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 3:00 PM
That is good news!
On RCP in the graphs… how do you read the lower part where it is either above or below 0? The gray graph below the bright colored one. Is that leading on Intrade? I didn’t realize McCain had ever been leading on Intrade before. I know there is something somewhere in my brain that should make sense of that but it doesn’t.
petunia on September 11, 2008 at 3:06 PM
How about:
“Build a bridge to somewhere!!!”
* Energy Independence
* Fight Corruption
* Eliminate Waste
* Low Taxes
* America First
This combines the major themes buried in speeches.
landlines on September 11, 2008 at 3:09 PM
There’s no danger of it becoming cultish. Her magnetism is that she’s “just like us.” Cult figures are worshipped as being “better than us.”
rightwingprof on September 11, 2008 at 3:19 PM
Your spelling will never be criticized on HA because, as busy movers and shakers, we all type fsat.
Akzed on September 11, 2008 at 4:00 PM
To be honest, I don’t see any Palinmania taking root, not permanently for sure. Conservatives have a habit of eating their own. Even Reagan had his critics in his own party back in his day. One might not know that to hear him eulogized today, but there was no shortage of people on the right who complained him. conservatives have a disconcerting habit of eating their own. I just hope that this time they wait until after the election to turn on Palin.
Terrye on September 11, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Ed,
First debate – its over
Rubber hits the road
EricPWJohnson on September 11, 2008 at 4:11 PM
By definition, for us to determine if it takes root permanently, a significant amount of time will have to pass. It’s only been two weeks or so. Your observation is fatuous.
Correction: conservatives consume those who need to be consumed. When a conservative does something that even suggests shame or brings opprobrium upon conservatism, he or she is dispatched (think Trent Lott). Contrast this with Liberals, who almost never consume their own, unless the perpetrator is caught red-handed in some act of indisputable moral turpitude. Even then, they are lauded for their courage (think Bill Clinton) unless they are of no use politically (think John Edwards).
No you don’t, Terrye. You are hoping they turn on her NOW.
ManlyRash on September 11, 2008 at 4:15 PM
I’ve been listening to Hugh Hewitt a bit this week, and it seems many have gone off the deep end for Mrs. Palin, whom I like.
Let’s not forget that she is a politician, and like all politicians, she should really have to win our trust regardless of party affiliation or personal affability. I say this knowing full well the attacks on her and her family are the nauseating politics of personal destruction decried but ably practiced by Democrats.
This election is not over, not in the bag for our side, and will turn at least once or twice before November 4th.
The broadcast networks, most cable news outlets, and most major papers will tilt heavily to the Obama campaign. McCain will have to make his case to us and to independent voters over this media favoritism – and it remains to be seen whether or not he can do so, despite his compelling personal history.
The experience angle never works. Obama is seen as credible by many voters by virtue of the fact that he is the Democrat candidate. It has to be issues, issues , issues – and we have the winning arguments on most issues – IF McCain can make them.
Sheerq on September 11, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Oh, you mean the Conservatives don’t tend to blindly follow a single Godhead leader?
Yep, your right… I was one of those who had problems with Reagan… after he betrayed those of us who were in Lebanon in 83…. and used the troops who were supposed to be relieving us on station to invade GRENADA?
Conservative leaders are not above reproach, and if you expect Conservatives to remain silent about problems they have with McCain, or Palin… I think you have unrealistic expectations.
Romeo13 on September 11, 2008 at 4:29 PM
I agree with you. It’s an old story that goes back to the Roman empire. The masses grow weary after a while. The key is not to overexpose the mania, and let it remain grass roots.
It is fun though to see The Big O lose his star power to someone that actually earned it.
Hening on September 11, 2008 at 4:39 PM
Interesting learning that McCain warned him about that. Between McCain’s call on the surge and finding out he warned about using Marines in that fashion in ’83, he’s the man when it comes to protecting our military and using them responsibly.
Hening on September 11, 2008 at 4:42 PM
From McCain’s acceptance speech:
This bread and butter promise has gotten zero attention. The crowd applause to the previous comment drowned this out at the convention. McCain hasn’t repeated it since. I recall Clinton made a tax credit promise in the 90′s which is why my conservative father voted for him twice (Oh the shame).
McCain needs to repeat his every chance he gets.
Mig on September 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM
I’ve been saying this for a week now: Palin’s hyper-competent, and succeeds at virtually everything she turns her hand to do, but she’s a political neophyte, and could get blind-sided by old boys trying to make her fail. The relevant difference between Palin and Obama, aside from the Marxist v conservative discussion, is that Obama has not excelled at anything, whereas Palin has excelled at everything.
That being said, and pure politics aside, the real issue in this race is that the Democrats have offered us a zero who has shown no capability to lead an office, let alone a nation, and whose impulses all arise from a default Marxist view of the world. Whatever we can say or not say about McCain’s policies, he’s really the only qualified candidate on the ballot.
philwynk on September 11, 2008 at 5:34 PM
No, I think we have eight weeks to define Obama as an empty suit and Biden as an arrogant blowhard.
d1carter on September 11, 2008 at 5:46 PM
…we have to guard against the same kind of cult of personality that arose around Obama and continues to this day.
There is no comparison. Obama’s popularity was always a fantasy. He was popular with the adoring media. He was the hope of the celebrities. He was the messiah of the elites and the idiot liberals and ignorant across the nation soaked it up.
The enthusiasm that Sarah Palin receives is as genuine and real as she is! It has been a long time since conservatives had someone to shout about! I am not going to feel guilty about it!
JellyToast on September 11, 2008 at 6:25 PM
Geez.
Ed, we’re not DIMocrats. We’re Republicans. We’re different, and one of the ways in which we differ is in our capacity to combine our enthusiasm for America with our ideals and our objectivity.
Remember President Reagan. We loved him just as much as we love Sarah and the nut-mutts on the left loved to say the same vile things about him as they’re saying about Sarah.
Dude, these people are justifiably terrified. They’re spiritual dinosaurs and they know it and they know that Sarah, like Ronald Reagan has has the mirror to give them the Medusa treatment.
Quit with the freakin’, dude.
pabarge on September 11, 2008 at 9:35 PM
It’s been one week since we had her. Why can’t we enjoy it for awhile. Bask in the glow
kangjie on September 11, 2008 at 10:23 PM
Eat their own? No, we just expect those who espouse the same beliefs that we do to live up to them. If they lie or deviate from what they promised, they get called on it. If they call us bigots and tell us to shut up, we promote them…er, wait a minute…
austinnelly on September 11, 2008 at 11:24 PM
They detested Reagan too. I remember all to well Sam Donaldson et al surrounding Reagan, peace be upon him, like a pack of jackals.
Mojave Mark on September 12, 2008 at 12:14 AM
Palin/Jindal in 2012!
rotorhead on September 12, 2008 at 6:42 AM
What really gets me is that her Executive experience in government is not a mere talking point: she has more of that than the other three Senators *combined*.
And I am very much in agreement with PJ O’Rourke on politicians:
Yes, that about sums it up. Very few of those carp ever start to tell me its time to start fishing the river clean of them because of the bloated mess they are presenting as their swollen bodies protrude above the water. When one starts to hear that from other carp, then the time just might be around to start banging the worst on the head and generally fishing the river with nets for awhile. Maybe dam up the thing and lower that downstream water level a bit so they don’t have so much to get corpulent on.
That means voting them out of office and getting those in office who can cut down the water level just before they change into carp. Then fishing them out of the river.
Gov. Palin hasn’t become a carp yet… but the gills on the rest of the candidates tells me a lot about them.
ajacksonian on September 12, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I have to agree.
I know I’ll get flamed for this, but I think Palin can’t live up to the expectations some folks have for her. The big bounce McCain has gotten is IMHO from previously hesitant McCain supporters “coming out of the closet.” The convention, the pick of Palin, and some effect from all the media attacks on Palin make people likely to vote for McCain more likely to feel safe in expressing their support.
I mean, a month ago, one could expect to be given some cockamamie “test” for implicit racist attitudes just for saying you are voting for McCain.
Sekhmet on September 12, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Interesting thought; but there’s a big problem with it. (1) To any honest observer, Obama’s experience compares as favorably as, if not moreso than, Palin’s. It’s a different kind of experience, which appeals to different kinds of people. But Obama’s experience at the national level of politics and his having run both a US Senate as well as a Presidential campaign have given him lots of experience relative to the leadership job that comes with the position of the Presidency. (2) Obama versus Palin may indicate that only McCain is running for President; but it just as easily may indicate that the GOP Presidential nominee is really Palin and not McCain, at least as far as Republicans supporting the ticket are concerned. It is very likely, and seems to be the case when I read enthusiastic Republicans, that Palin headlines the ticket and that McCain is more the afterthought. I think it’s the GOP that needs to worry that Palin doesn’t become the party’s reason for the Presidency, because that is most definitely a losing strategy. And if Obama can make Palin appear as the top of the ticket in the public consciousness, his job in defeating the Palin/McCain ticket becomes all the easier.
JimmyHuck on September 12, 2008 at 2:50 PM
Hopefully McCain keeps making good choices as with the Palin pick, but we’ll see. Obama keeps putting his foot in his mouth when he talks and theres plenty of soundbites on his record in ‘cago. We’ll see what happens.
tx2654 on September 12, 2008 at 6:12 PM
There’s little danger of Palin becoming a cult. A cult is formed around someone who is “better than us.” Sarah’s attraction is that she is “like us.”
Well no, not if you’ve been paying attention. It was wholly in line with his history. McCain does what he believes is right, even if you don’t like it. So does Palin. So did Reagan. What gets me about all this MDS is that apparently, you people want a weak, simpering panderer who will kiss your behind the minute you demand it. What’s conservative about that?
rightwingprof on September 14, 2008 at 9:26 AM
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