Danger, Will Robinson …
posted at 1:00 pm on September 11, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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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.
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Agreed. . . how’s this.
SMALL GOVERNMENT. LOWER TAXES. STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE (including securing our borders from ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS).
You don’t really need any other message than that.
ThackerAgency on September 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Good point. Time to talk turkey.
newton on September 11, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I don’t think the bloom will fall from this rose, however, because she’s genuine, not fake; more aligned with normal America.
toenail on September 11, 2008 at 1:04 PM
AP getting to you, Ed?
I beg to differ. Obama seems content to stay here. And with the media clamouring for Palin, it’s all he can do.
We do have a message. They’ve completely co-opted Obama’s change mantra. They push (and push hard) Washington reform, cutting spending and Palin even talks about washington not being able to spend money wisely.
Republicans win huge on energy independence and are barely behind on economics (according to polls).
lorien1973 on September 11, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Sounds good.
Montana on September 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Not going to happen Ed. Palin has substance. Her leadership inspires and will continue to do so.
Obama has great oratory skills. Nothing more.
Apples/Oranges.
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
very astute, Ed.
let’s not get caught up in the fee-vah.
now’s the time to kill ‘em with substance.
jimmer on September 11, 2008 at 1:05 PM
I would be happy to hear the campaign message, and the McCain campaign will deliver it. Unfortunately, because I live in CA, I have to go get it (over the internet). It ain’t gunna come here!
None the less, I agree with you Ed that it is too easy to fall into the false sense of security of riding the personality wave. We need to look no further than the other team’s candidate to see it’s long term effects.
Weebork on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Wake me when Palin supporters talk about changing their names, like the Obama supporters who have put “Hussein” as their middle names.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Your main problem would come in if Palin boffs this interview with Gibson, fails during the debates or starts saying some really stupid things on the trail. People will fall away.
But she comes across as too genuine not to like. And don’t dismiss that.
lorien1973 on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Indeed. I hope they don’t get back on lipstick-gate on Friday. Palin needs to do a speech on energy policy. She should mention Alaska’s tides like she did on the Kudlow (?) interview to assure independents/greenies of her renewables commitment.
lodge on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
I’m down with that.
Let’s put the Normandy invasion behind us and march on Berlin.
Keep the goal in mind.
“Let’s not start patting each other on the back yet” – Harvey Keitel as Mr. Wolf in Pulp Fiction.
moc23 on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Absolutely. Conservatism doesn’t need stupid cults of personality like Obama has. Even Reagan, who is the closest thing to an idol for conservatives, wouldn’t have been the great figure he was (and is) without sound policy.
Conservatism kicks the @$$ of liberalism. We all know this, and it’s far better to stick to principles than push the idiotic hopechangey cult that Obama and his doofus followers are wrapped up in.
fiatboomer on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
We have always had substance but Barry always beat us flash…until now. Let McCain make him him answer the tough questions on the fly and watch Barry sputtter and whine.
RobCon on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
I know the goods when I see the goods.
Smooth Rooster on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Been doing that little by little on my own. But yes the message of how great the both of them are for each other is the best thing that can be done at the moment. America just can’t afford Obama and the Obamatrons that follow.
theguardianii on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Republicans are historically stronger on issues. Having a bit of personality with it is just icing on the cake.
The cake is not a lie.
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Another thing: McCain should say
“Obama keeps saying lets talk about the issues, so here I am. Debate me in a series of townhalls, this is the 2nd time I’ve offered”
lodge on September 11, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Why not, Obama dethroned The Queen simply by using “Hope” and “Change.”
jimmy the notable on September 11, 2008 at 1:07 PM
I see what you are saying, and I think McCain has played this well. Obama is off balance and is going to want to turn attention to actual “ideas”, heck I’m waiting for Obama to take McCain up on townhalls to move the focus from Palin and when that happens McCain is going to chew him up. Their ideas are hollow. I loved O’reilly with Obama called him out on his socialism
spacekicker on September 11, 2008 at 1:07 PM
The only campaign putting out details is McCain/Palin. The Fannie/Freddie WSJ piece, for example.
You guys highlighted that (good for you). So how about, since this is our political watercooler, you guys start outlining the details coming out of the campaign and lay off the lipstick, which has been the top stories of your site for a couple of days. Today it’s Trig (more personal Palin stuff).
We’re the fans. Get us talking about the details of the plan and we’ll get others talking about it too.
beatcanvas on September 11, 2008 at 1:07 PM
Palin’s record of challenging the corrupt Republican politicians in her own state appeals to those who want true change. Obama’s sponsor, the Daly political enclave, has made him a product of that system. His associations are not ones of progress or change, but more of the same corruption that most voters abhor. As the choice becomes abundantly clear, the acts of desperation by the democrats will brecome so vile as to not be able to disguise their evil intent.
volsense on September 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Ultimately, there is only one place to get the experience necessary to be president. That place is the Oval Office.
We pick our presidents for their judgement. We use their experiences to help us determine that judgement.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Wake me when Palin supporters invent some kind of hand signal.
Wake me when Palin supporters make eerie Lenin posters with her image.
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Well, I think that will happen with this interview by Gibson. He will certainly challenge her on policy, and she will, I hope, lay out a coherent Republican policy. She’s nails on energy, of course.
I think the platform should be energy independance with security. Just hammer home what dropping the price of oil down to, say, 40 dollars a barrel would do for all Americans–especially the poorer ones! Gas going to 2 dollars a gallon, or even 1.50 would be the same or better than a tax cut.
Energy independance would help with national security, the deficit, and increase income to the government via oil tax revenue that instead is going to the Saudis.
Jobs from the increase on oil, security, strengthening economy–and one Obama’s completely on the wrong side of.
Plus, add in a reform message, and that’s all we’ll need.
Vanceone on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I concur. Tell us about putting Drill Baby Drill into practice, and Thacker’s list above. Wouldn’t hurt to discuss some economic reforms that go to the heart of the corruption the Feds enable in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and such, and how they will fix that. Don’t let the Dems grab that issue and define the narrative!!
Maquis on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
I agree, Ed. Some of the enthusiasm for Palin is getting a bit, well, thick around here.
I’m hoping — and believing — that there is substance to her, and that it will emerge as the campaign goes on.
After all, one of the knocks on Osama Obama — aside from his creepy associates, his belief in Marxist ideology, his arrogance, inexperience, etc. — is the cultish nature of his following. To react the same way to Palin, as some are already doing, is to fall into a trap.
MrScribbler on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Yep!
School Choice, Judges that Do not legislate from the bench, 2ND Amendment.
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Kinda brought this up a week ago…………. but the biggest problem:
If she can clean house of the entrenched bureaucrat RINO’s, then we have a chance at reform.
Seven Percent Solution on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE Whacker? Unless it’s Putin, then we roll over and play dead?
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Keep taxes Low.
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:09 PM
Here’s a better one- Sarah has no D.C. beltway insider experience of screwing over the American people like Obama, Biden or McC…oh, wait…that won’t work….
Fletch54 on September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Raising Babies
Killing Taxes
Drill Baby Drill
Elizabetty on September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Amen. The good thing is that both McCain and Palin have credibility as reformers based on their past records (even if we don’t necessarily like some of McCain’s reforms). Now we just need them to outline some reforms they will make once they get to Washington.
Personality is a great way to grab people’s attention. Let’s hope McCain/Palin make the best of it once they have it.
thirteen28 on September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
I’m just waiting for the left to start invoking Godwin’s Law (reductio ad Hitlerum) and warning against the evils of a cult of personality.
……David Axelrod, paging Leni Riefenstahl.
moxie_neanderthal on September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
Republicans have also recaptured the defense of nation issue.
MarkTheGreat on September 11, 2008 at 1:10 PM
It’s time for her to start talking more about energy and drill, drill, drill…
And for Mav to start getting at the important economic and education points…
And they should both keep beating the reform/change drum…
For all the talk of her being a risk, remember that with great risk comes great reward!
RocketmanBob on September 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Indeed.
And the list goes on.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM
Her actions speak loader than works. She needs to talk about her accomplishments in Alaska, and how they can be incorporated into the running of the federal government.
Tommy_G on September 11, 2008 at 1:11 PM
ALL OF the Above! Including new technology, conservation, and the rest.
Comprehensive plan, that’s the winning ticket.
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:12 PM
I think I recall someone mentioning the ‘Raising babies, killing taxes, not the other way around’ idea for a bumpers sticker before.
Was one ever made? Cafe press?
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Oh, cmon Ed.
Why cant normal, working class women in this country have their own heroine without some man coming along and telling them to get serious….
And I am a man, lets be clear. But seeing this enthusiasm and passion for a Republican candidate from previously disenchanted women based on who Sarah is and what she represents is fantastic. Stop trying to be a stick in the mud and lets revel in the fresh new face of conservatism.
Always Right on September 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
I believe Palin’s “Cult of Personality” is a direct result of her accomplishments. She would just be another snappy, pretty blip if it weren’t for what’s she’s already done. That’s the divergence ‘twixt her and Obama. And if they keep building on that solid footing ~ the footing Palin laid on her OWN ~ the sky’s the limit.
tree hugging sister on September 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
+1
maverick muse on September 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
They needed to get the nation’s attention before they could start making the arguments effectively, and know they’ve got it. If Palin mentions Ayers or Rezko in a speech, there will now be perhaps 5,000 people listening, and it’ll likely get played on a few TV stations.
Knocking Barry off his celebrity perch has also bought out the worst in him and his campaign, so the whole popularity thing has been useful in that respect too.
EnglishMike on September 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
Experience is one thing, wisdom is another. Palin has shown she has great judgment, thereby her wisdom is enough to earn my vote.
Conservative Voice on September 11, 2008 at 1:13 PM
They want Obama to be real….he never had THIS MUCH hoopla and excitement. And he’s mainly a media fabrication. It’s obvious.
Palin IS real and that’s why much of the feeling is that we finally have someone who’s genuine in our presence.
We should be mindful that we dont go to the idol worship idiocy that the Obama-ites are stricken with.
wildweasel on September 11, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Reduce Spending, Secure the Borders, Free Trade, Confirm the Judges, Lower Taxes, Support the Troops!
heldmyw on September 11, 2008 at 1:14 PM
We, McCain-Palin supporters, also should not go ballistic in response to stuff like “pigs and lipstick.” Makes us sound like whining victims, which is what we’re running against!
rgeaste on September 11, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Oil, Oil shale, Clean Coal, More Safe Nuclear power, Wind, Solar, Tide, bio-fuels, Geothermal, New technologys, higher standards.. All of it.
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:15 PM
As someone who believes Gov. Palin has that “X” factor that makes her a potent political player conservatives need to study her to see if she truly is the future of the conservative movement and the GOP. She espouses conservatives principles in an instinctual manner. She doesn’t need to have read Burke or Kirk or Hayek to get conservatism. She lives it. We still need to learn how she’d tackle national and international problems. How does she learn about the world? What thinkers or writers does she study (when she has time between parenting and running Alaska’s government)? What are her thought processes? How does she rank policy issues? Does she desire to lead the conservative movement for the next few decades?
There is much I’d like to know even with her impressive first impressions.
seanhackbarth on September 11, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Amen.
And, please, a new stump speech.
JudetheFossil on September 11, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Her stump speaches are already getting the message out: Reform, Reform and More Reform. I think if they hammer on this one issue with energy as the support issue, they will convince middle America. Her record is most impressive. She made ethics in government her platform when running for governor, and it’s earned her an 80%+ rating with her constituents. That’s powerful!
JimK on September 11, 2008 at 1:16 PM
I agree with everything but the headline.
Palin actually said the words that in the end are all that matter and warm the hearts of all conservatives: We know government isn’t always the answer; in fact, many times government is the problem.
As with any other contest or battle or campaign, this election has to play itself out in stages.
This stage we’re finishing has been about creating the tickets, introducing the tickets to that vast part of the electorate that isn’t political junkies, and then building enthusiasm in the bases of the parties and in the country at large for the tickets.
Could our team have done any better?
Could their team have done any worse?
Now, though, does come the final stretch, and both teams have to actually play the game. There will be the debates and interviews and the actual final pitches to close the sale.
And our team at this point is the team to beat. Because even as the left is consoling itself that once the topics get back to issues and if Barry can get back to issues it’ll all be fine…they will, but for them, it won’t.
Barry already gave a preview at Saddleback. He can’t speak directly about issues because if he does, he’ll lose in a landslide.
McCain on the other hand, can speak bluntly, clearly, decisively and directly. And to back him up, he has Sarah, who is a freaking natural.
Sure, anything can happen and it’s not over til it’s over. But I’d sure rather be us than them right now, and if you read between the lines, you know they would too.
Typhoon on September 11, 2008 at 1:17 PM
That Palin homecoming speech posted in another thread hit more than a little bit on energy policy. She just delivers it in a manner so unlike most political speakers.
Still, we do need to be wary of the “cult of personality” which we are so critical of Obama on but that has more to do with that’s all Obama has going for him than anything.
Yakko77 on September 11, 2008 at 1:17 PM
My idea and no shirt yet. I am a procrastinator.
Republicans:
Democrats:
carbon_footprint on September 11, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Indeed, they need to shake things up or they’re going to lose everything. They need one domestic policy idea that they can easily articulate and shows what kind of country they want to lead… They need to figure out a way to get health care to all children, “nudge” hard for exercise and recreation, and emphasize early screening, diagnostics and checkups. Call it the teddy roosevelt get off your arse and take care of yourself health care plan… This will exacerbate the wimp/strong-individualist/collectivist factor between Obama and McCain. If McCain loses it’s because he didn’t sound different and competent on one of the big kitchen table issues. He’s extremely vulnerable on health care…
ninjapirate on September 11, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Bull.
McCain picked her because she was a woman and a conservative that would shore up the conservative base to vote for him. This was an entirely political – not ideological – decision for him. If he could have won the election by selecting Leiberman or one of those others he would have.
samuelrylander on September 11, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Does this mean upinak gets bounced from the board?
BigD on September 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Here’s why Democrats fail. (hint: it’s the issues)
Nethicus on September 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Agreed, after the Gibson interview, I think the campaign begins…the campaign for ideas. The personality contest has been won by the Republicans, now they can focus on the issues.
Reform, taking things like energy and pounding away that this should never be a partisan issue. That anyone taking a partisan stand is disingenuous to the American people.
Get back onto the energy train, that is what is draining our economy.
right2bright on September 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
carbon,
“Not going to happen Ed. Palin has substance”
It will happen, if they don’t display that substance. So far they haven’t done a lot of that.
exhelodrvr on September 11, 2008 at 1:18 PM
Solid Conservative values are all she needs to preach. What are they?
1) Defend the country. And our allies–no more of the Obama bodysurfing while an ally is overrun.
2) Energy independance. I really don’t think people know how much benefit a lower cost of oil will have on everything. Just think what happens if you whack the transportation cost in half would do! Prices for goods would go down–combating inflation. Shipping costs will decline. Travel costs will decline. All of those huge expenses on businesses of all kinds will go down. Food prices will go down.
Then all the jobs created by the Drill Here campaign. Think of all the steel jobs to make the pipes. The blue collar jobs to install them. The rigging industry. The white collar jobs–engineer demand, chemist demands, etc.
It’s not just drilling, either–what about refineries? Nuclear power as well. Opening up the coal industry–my particular area of the country would LOVE it, as we have untold quantities of coal that is offlimits.
Energy Independance would be a huge shot in the arm for the economy on all kinds of fronts. Less money going overseas. And so forth.
3)Reforming government. Get rid of the corruption. Palin and McCain have a history of bucking their party. Yes, the Republican brand is poison. But those two have fought the corruption in our own party–they are the only ones who can be trusted to do that and face off the Dems too! Clean up Washington.
Those three planks are a strong message, none of which the Dems can co opt. That’s solid policy, and a strong one. Let the states fight the culture war.
Vanceone on September 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Close enough for HA ;)
LimeyGeek on September 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
I agree with Ed’s post and it needed to be said (written?). There are, I think, 54 days left – lets get down to business. This is not an election for senior class president.
HawaiiLwyr on September 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
tree hugging sister
Even Camille Paglia gives Western Frontier Women their due respect, contrasted from city slicker corseted trinkets and from barren, selfish Steinem styled professional dry bones.
Palin is “Woman”.
Insecure and invective men and women dislike “Woman”.
Healthy people love or at least appreciate “Woman”.
maverick muse on September 11, 2008 at 1:19 PM
Ed,
I think most people won’t hold her Good looks, likeability and common sense against her.
What she is to me is the good message with a track record of proven results.
TheSitRep on September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
BTW, I got the “Danger, Will Robinson” feeling whenever hearing McCain aides say out loud that they’re going to run on biography… can they really be that stupid? If you’re really going to do that then shut up about it…
ninjapirate on September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Why?
Here’s a flash: They all use the same stump speech over and over. The only reason you’re seeing so much of Sarah’s is that you’re seeing so much of Sarah.
Typhoon on September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
omg – editor please erase my post – i meant BIGGER govt…please erase that
JustTruth101 on September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
I know, I said I was going to ignore you and I should. Anyone arrogant enough to call themselves ‘the great’ deserves to be ignored.
But NATIONAL DEFENSE does not mean provoking a new Cold War. It does not mean putting our civilians at risk over a foreign country (Georgia). It does not mean provoking a new nuclear stand off by putting a missile defense shield in Poland – unless you are willing to accept Russian bombers and military in Cuba (bay of pigs ring a bell)?
I don’t like what Putin is doing, but I think how we are responding to what Putin is doing is putting us at a greater risk. I FEAR Russia and Putin. You don’t seem to. You seem to actually believe that Mutually Assured destruction is ’safety’. I don’t.
I fear that Russia will attack our main bases with nuclear weapons from submarines (missile shield in Poland won’t help that). And invade America from Cuba with Chinese aliance and help. Putin is positioning for it now. . . but our only ‘national defense’ for it now, and under McCain is ‘if you kill 100 million Americans, we’ll kill 100 million Russians’. That isn’t a ‘STRONG NATIONAL DEFENSE’ you idiot no matter how many missile defense shield contracts we submit.
This is about Palin and McCain. I could discuss foreign policy with you somewhere else, but as I said initially, someone like you is better off ignored.
ThackerAgency on September 11, 2008 at 1:20 PM
Besides, I’m sure Steve Schmidt knows all this. The man is almost at Rove’s level.
lodge on September 11, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Exactly. The other day someone on the news said that Obama’s been giving the same stump speech for over a year now.
lorien1973 on September 11, 2008 at 1:21 PM
Crawl back under your rock.
Typhoon on September 11, 2008 at 1:21 PM
JT101
n-wordmaverick muse on September 11, 2008 at 1:21 PM
The PR guy on FOX said if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. It’s hardly going to turn voters off, and it gets crowds fired up.
lodge on September 11, 2008 at 1:22 PM
But Palin can deliver that message and enthuse the crowds in ways that McCain cannot. People can relate to Palin because she doesn’t seem as distant as the old guy on the stage that keeps calling everybody friend. Social conservatives and evangelicals trust Palin because she has a record of supporting the issues that matter to this group. She actually mentioned GOD in her arrival speech last night when McCain rarely talks to faith issues and certainly not as something that is an integral part of his daily life.
You say we need to scale back the Palimania but that is what refueled and got the grassroots happy to be Republicans again. That one selection by John McCain is probably what saved his chances of getting elected in November. Yes, it is possible to oversell her experience (she isn’t a military expert because she is CINC of the AK National Guard) but is it possible that you underestimate how much rank-and-file Republicans have had it with DC insiders including McCain who is essentially a career politician? I say run with that reform thing and truly throw the bums out that are more concerned with getting along and getting reelected than doing the people’s business.
highhopes on September 11, 2008 at 1:22 PM
MUAHAHAHA. You figured that out all by yourself? Since when has selecting a VP been anything other than “political?” I am astounded by your brilliant insight, O sage. *cough*
fiatboomer on September 11, 2008 at 1:22 PM
All running mate selections are political to some degree or another. But if if was a purely political decision, and not idealogical, he could have went with a more “safe” pick that didn’t have Palin’s reformer credentials.
This was every bit as much an ideological pick as it was a political pick, and she was the near perfect storm on both fronts for what his campaign needed.
thirteen28 on September 11, 2008 at 1:23 PM
Not to worry Ed.
We’ve heard Obama’s story and message, which could only be swallowed hook, line and sinker by a gullible cult following who would swoon and faint for anyone running for office who isn’t named Bush.
Palin has a real story to tell and a message that hits home with everyday Americans. The public’s acceptance of her earthy style will not fade between now and election day, it will blossom.
We have only seen the tip of the Alaskan Iceberg. Obama and his titanic cult following are heading for disaster.
fogw on September 11, 2008 at 1:24 PM
My apologies for jumping on you then.
Kind of strange that word doesn’t get flagged for moderation.
Typhoon on September 11, 2008 at 1:24 PM
when I mentioned ‘bay of pigs’ I meant ‘Cuban missile crisis’. It just rattles me to no end that people don’t think Russia will launch nuclear missiles at us. You didn’t think they’d invade Georgia either.
ThackerAgency on September 11, 2008 at 1:25 PM
McCain wanted a Young Reformer that had a track record of shaking things up, he was either going to pick Bobby Jindal or Sarah Palin(Bobby wasn’t picked because of the Hurricanes I believe, Bobby couldn’t be campaigning while cleaning up a mess of a hurricane)
So, Michael Moore got his wish..
Chakra Hammer on September 11, 2008 at 1:26 PM
It is a typo…I have written and asked them to erase it, it was a terrible mistake, i would deserve to live under a rock if i meant that, i didn’t…
JustTruth101 on September 11, 2008 at 1:26 PM
Two words I’d like to hear from Sarah Palin: Grace Commission
RedWinged Blackbird on September 11, 2008 at 1:26 PM
It doesn’t really matter why we perceive repetition (ie. seeing more of Palin), it only matters if such repetition can diminish her standing as a ‘fresh’ candidate.
I’ve said before that expecting a unique speech at every stop is unrealistic, but she needs to mix it up.
Identify the key ‘power’ phrases that punch home their message and pump up the crowd, and mix up the delivery.
I felt she did this successfully at this very reception – “put maverick in the white house” etc were familiar phrases that the crowd responded to, but she delivered the whole speech with a fresh “Yay Alaska!” vibe.
Job well done.
LimeyGeek on September 11, 2008 at 1:28 PM
Will Robinson? Try Glum from The Adventures of Gulliver:
“It’ll never work! … We’re doomed! …. We’re all gonna die!”
TheBigOldDog on September 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM
and it’s slips like that that can cost McCain/Palin the office.. :)
the clue is “Governments who annoy you”
DaveC on September 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Absolutely what I was thinking this morning. We need to move past the initial high now and move on to real substance.
Small, streamlined government, national security and they HAVE to make their plan for the economy front and center.
People want to know what they are going to do to help the average 9 to 5 worker who is going broke every time they go to the grocery or gas station.
#1 issue without question!
HoosierCon on September 11, 2008 at 1:29 PM
Ed, I don’t disagree with you much, but it does happen from time to time, and this is one of those times.
Gov. Palin has been talking about the issues. Granted, she throws a shot in there every so often, but her powerful speech at the convention was powerful because it had substance, and showed the American people her stance on topics that matter to the American people.
She has handled this endless storm of media prejudice with the utmost civility and decency. This has only inspired the media to become angry and shovel more dirt. The public eye has seen this and become angry about it.
Should we not be outraged about the way she’s being treated? I most certainly am. Sarah Palin reminds me of my own mother in many ways. Conservative, down to earth, from a small town, graceful, accomplished, and feminine. So when every thing good and pure becomes a topic of attack for a ruthless and shameless media, I’m outraged. Because if they would do it to her, they’d do it to my own mother.
So are we outraged? Yes. Do we have a right to be outraged? Yes. Why? Because Sarah Palin isn’t allowed to be outraged due to the nature of politics.
Again, Ed, I’ve listened to your show for a while now, and have the highest respect for you, but this is one point that I disagree with.
leetpriest on September 11, 2008 at 1:30 PM
The corrupt politicians that have raped this country for years are going to try and destroy the only sign of an obstacle in their path. A woman with integrity is something they cannot comprehend. If the women voters allow these crooks to destroy Sarah with lies and innuendos, the possibilities for the advancemnt of women will be set back for years.
volsense on September 11, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Now that is sweet! I wouldn’t have the stones to wear that in public, but I like the idea. Especially to throw this back in their faces. Not all democrats are ‘pro choice.’ But many of them are. And the rabid ones are the loudest.
wise_man on September 11, 2008 at 1:30 PM
It isn’t Palin who is pushing the celebrity angle of all of this, she can’t help the enormous positive response she has received. They have plenty of substantial issues to talk about, energy being the best.
echosyst on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
My thoughts exactly Ed.
kirkill on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
IMHO, she exudes a class that is beyond Obama’s capabilities, no rubbing of the forehead, flipping opponents off. He is a school-yard bully and he is the revered teacher.She will continue to shine because she is for real, not some Soros cardboard contstruction.
bbz123 on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Reform the Federal Government, get rid of the likes of Reid and Pelosi.
kirkill on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
I would agree the stump speech needs to be freshened if they want to maintain the enthusiasm, which should be the goal.
Maxx on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Bingo. This is just another contrived McCain pandering move. Palin will end up being nothing more than a Capitol Hill conservative runway model every time McCain and his liberal pubbies need to soothe the “base” between collaberative liberal legislative eruptions on immigration reform, global warming , et al….
Fletch54 on September 11, 2008 at 1:31 PM
Posted this before, but it’s relevant:
I’ve been giving this a whole lot of thought, because I was concerned that I was getting those same stars in my eyes. My response is thus, and I know it will be tough to back up: This is different.
First of all, we’re not rallying around a presidential candidate, we’re rallying around a vice presidential candidate. Come January, if we win, she will not be in charge of the free world. She will be one office away, but she will, for a few years, be serving far more as an icon. She will not have a mandate. John McCain will be the president, and those of us who love Sarah will hold just as much scrutiny on him as any. It would be different if Palin was running for president, and we may face that fact after another term.
Secondly, and this will be arguable, we’re not praising an image. I grant that many of Obama’s acolytes are looking to him because he is a die-hard liberal, even though he’s avoided playing that up in the media. He’s a liberal Reagan to them. They considered Hillary to be centrist, and threw fits when Obama dared to wander near the moderate line. However, a great deal of the Obama worshippers are basing their beatification on his speechmaking ability, even if there is no actual material. His slogan is “hope” and “change”, two completely vague concepts that none of his supporters can define past “not George Bush”. He has no history or actions to speak of. They are following a gold-plated calf, an empty suit, a man who perfected the art of politics but doesn’t know a thing about serving in office.
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin has been a mayor and a governor, a mother of five, and a leader rather than a politician. Instead of towing party lines, she rooted out corruption in her own party and fought very hostile enemies. She stayed consistent with her views and promises by getting rid of excess that was costing the voters money and returning it to them, as she did with the oil companies that were screwing around with the pipeline. We’ve seen flaws about her, and things like Troopergate are not being ignored. We’re waiting for the other shoe to drop, but the only one seems to be a daughter who doesn’t use contraceptives. This is in comparison to a candidate who associates with terrorists, black supremacists, and money launderers. If schlock is the best they have to throw at her, then bring it on.
Lastly, the difference lies in the ability of the Palin-adorers to be able to explain WHY they are voting for her. Take an average conservative, and ask them how they plan to vote, and for what reason. After last night, there are many clear stances she laid out that appeal to people, from energy policy to dealing with threatening foreign powers. Now ask an Obama supporter about one of his major policy stances that differs from John McCain. Ask them about his major pieces of legislation, or his executive experience. Ask them about the reforms he’s authored, or the way he’s cleaned up Chicago politics which, like Alaska, carries a great risk to one’s political career in order to combat. They’ll be stuttering as bad as The One does.
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
“She is the revered teacher” oops…..
bbz123 on September 11, 2008 at 1:32 PM
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