Quotes of the day
posted at 9:52 pm on September 20, 2008 by Allahpundit
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“The problem, as far as our political process is concerned, is that half the electorate revels in Palin’s lack of intellectual qualifications. When it comes to politics, there is a mad love of mediocrity in this country. ‘They think they’re better than you!’ is the refrain that (highly competent and cynical) Republican strategists have set loose among the crowd, and the crowd has grown drunk on it once again. ‘Sarah Palin is an ordinary person!’ Yes, all too ordinary…
Ask yourself: how has ‘elitism’ become a bad word in American politics? There is simply no other walk of life in which extraordinary talent and rigorous training are denigrated. We want elite pilots to fly our planes, elite troops to undertake our most critical missions, elite athletes to represent us in competition and elite scientists to devote the most productive years of their lives to curing our diseases. And yet, when it comes time to vest people with even greater responsibilities, we consider it a virtue to shun any and all standards of excellence. When it comes to choosing the people whose thoughts and actions will decide the fates of millions, then we suddenly want someone just like us, someone fit to have a beer with, someone down-to-earth—in fact, almost anyone, provided that he or she doesn’t seem too intelligent or well educated.
I believe that with the nomination of Sarah Palin for the vice presidency, the silliness of our politics has finally put our nation at risk.”
***
“[T]he accusation here is not really that Palin lacks experience; it is that she lacks the right experience. She attended the University of Idaho, entered a beauty contest, joined the NRA and a church where people speak in tongues and was elected to govern a state with few Starbucks. Obama rose quickly from Columbia to Harvard Law, taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago and joined the most exclusive club in America, the Senate. Even with no governing experience, he can claim what might be called ‘elite experience.’ And this is enough for elitists…
Americans who support Palin are not fools, peasants or theocrats. They have reasons, which elites may not agree with, but cannot dismiss. Many are attracted to her because she embodies the values of the American West, which they find superior to the values of coastal elites. This was part of the appeal of Goldwater and Reagan—a log-splitting, range-riding conservatism that emphasizes freedom. (Palin adds moose hunting to the list.) It’s not irrational or simplistic for voters to prefer candidates who reflect their deepest values…
Elitists can be badly wrong. Populists can be resoundingly right. It is values that often make the difference.”
***
“‘What we’re seeing in both campaigns is a fierce determination to win and that principles don’t matter,’ said Heather Mac Donald, a social conservative thinker at the free market Manhattan Institute. ‘There is a lot of populist demagoguery.’…
‘The implosion of anger against anyone – heaven forbid – being elite or having experience that isn’t moose-hunting makes me uncomfortable,’ Mac Donald said. ‘There is no question that I would have preferred someone with business experience in the White House.’…
Mac Donald is considering voting for Obama, even though she fears he is also underqualified. ‘I go back and forth on it. I would not rule it out,’ she said.”
***
“Why does Sarah Palin energize all of us who don’t belong to the gilded leftwing circle? Because she’s us. We sat beside her in class. We hung out after school (might’ve even shared a backseat combat zone on prom night). And now she lives next door, raising her kids.
For the first time since Ronald Reagan, our last great president, we, the people, see a chance that one of us might have a voice in governing our country…
So here’s the message Palin is sending on behalf of the rest of us (the down-market masses Dems love at election time and ignore once the voting’s done): The rule of the snobs is over. It’s time to give one of us a chance to lead.”
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Yeah, I’m sooo sick of this moose-hunting meme. It’s not like she’s campaigning on it; it’s something she does as a hobby/for sustanance during Alaska’s winters– it’s the left that just keeps caller her a “moose hunter.”
She ran a small business, a town with a budget in the millions, a state with a budget in the billions, forced corrupt people in her own state to resign, and finally got a trans-alaskan pipeline started that was shelved for 30 years. Memo to Harris and Mac Donald: THESE ARE IMPRESSIVE THINGS, YOU HEAD-IN-THE-SAND JERKS. Sheesh.
Pasalubong on September 20, 2008 at 11:15 PM
There’s a difference between “elite” and “elitist”. One means better than the rest, the other means a snob. These are 2 completely different, and usually mutually exclusive terms. Obama is clearly the latter, as he’s shown himself to be many times before. He’s got a loooong way to go before he proves he’s the former.
AlexB on September 20, 2008 at 11:16 PM
If you can’t see the difference between questioning someone’s political intellect versus questioning her entire being, then you’re missing (again) the entire focuse of the post by AP.
SteveMG on September 20, 2008 at 11:08 PM
Job approval 80%. Means she is damn good at her job. bush approval rating 30% means he is damn bad at his job. Congress approval rating 9% means only blood relatives still want to talk to them. I will take an 805 approval rating canidate over a 9% approval canidate anytime. Obama has not been able to shine in a gruop with an approval rating of 9%. If he was not running for president no one would have ever heard anything about him. He does not do the job he was hired for. He is a failure as a Senate why would we promote someone that is a failure? No a person with a job approval of 80% where 50-60% is a great job performance deserves to be promoted. that is experience. I don’t care if she has the wonk experience she has leadership experience. she knows how to get crap done. Not talk people to death.
unseen on September 20, 2008 at 11:16 PM
They were but not anymore. Knowledge is too diffuse these days.
mred on September 20, 2008 at 11:17 PM
I have two Bachelor’s degrees and a Masters.
My father never even graduated high school.
While I am more ‘elite’ than my father as far as schooling and education is concerned, my father, in many ways, is a better person than I.
In my years in academia I have seen all sorts of people. – good and bad, brilliant and pedestrian.
Mostly, though, I am chagrined and ashamed at the sorts of shallow, unintelligent, thick headed people who have the same degree(s) as I do.
The left mistakes education for character and degrees for intelligence.
“Elitism” isn’t simply the better person. Here it is being used to describe the person with the better pedigree.
For myself, I’d rather have a person who has character and consistently makes good decisions than a person with a bunch of degrees but thinks it’s a good thing to meet unconditionally with terrorists but declines to meet with your own general.
As far as degrees are concerned, let’s remember that while Gov. Palin only has a Bachelors, Deb Frisch has a PhD.
Religious_Zealot on September 20, 2008 at 11:17 PM
“‘What we’re seeing in both campaigns is a fierce determination to win and that principles don’t matter,’ said Heather Mac Donald, a social conservative thinker at the free market Manhattan Institute. ‘There is a lot of populist demagoguery.’…‘The implosion of anger against anyone – heaven forbid – being elite or having experience that isn’t moose-hunting makes me uncomfortable,’ Mac Donald said. ‘There is no question that I would have preferred someone with business experience in the White House.’…
Mac Donald is considering voting for Obama, even though she fears he is also underqualified. ‘I go back and forth on it. I would not rule it out,’ she said.”
Does anybody see what is wrong with this picture?
Saltysam on September 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Am I missing something — carry-over of an argument from a different thread, perhaps? It looks like SteveMG and barry both seem to agree that Palin is qualified based on her accomplishments, not some real or imagined academic or intellectual qualifications.
Don’t you both agree that what matters is what she’s accomplished, not where she went to school or whether she’s in Mensa?
Y-not on September 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Does anybody see what is wrong with this picture?
Saltysam on September 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Why is it soo hard to elect someone who you would be honored any other time to know or be a friend
John McCain – would you NOT want him to speak to young men and women about duty and honor?
Sarah Palin – Where is the problem with someone having stong values and strong leadership?, her son serves in the military, and her kids go to public schools? Yeah her only crime is being a decisive politician with a breast pump!
Look on the other side – we have a guy who cavorted with mobsters, terrorists and has constantly blamed our country – the same country that fought a civil war – so he and his wife could stand up there and trash the same country with help from their religious advisor – and he picked a guy whose son was lobbiest under investigation and a runnning mate with documented trouble telling the truth about himself – much less anything else…
Time to snap on a pair and quit moping – its a battle between the makers and the takers – simply put thats what and where this race is
EricPWJohnson on September 20, 2008 at 11:19 PM
I did not realize that Obama was running against Palin. Also, there is a difference between elitism and snobbery.
Snobs eat in elite restaurants but you will not find them at BK or Taco Bell.
It is accomplishment and achievement that makes one elite. Not a title or appointment.
AnthonyK on September 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM
Sara Palin has intellect, class and is, like my wife, a lady.
Barrack Hussein Obama has intellect, money and snobbery.
The difference is black and white, or white and half-black as it were.
Bubba Redneck on September 20, 2008 at 11:20 PM
*heh* Sorry ’bout dat…
Tengripundit on September 20, 2008 at 11:21 PM
The Team Who Knows How to Get Things Done vs. Captain and Second Lt. Bullsh*t.
Blake on September 20, 2008 at 11:21 PM
Amen.
mr.blacksheep on September 20, 2008 at 11:21 PM
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Remember that? The idea that was an something remarkable about the People, that they had rights inherent in their being..not given to them by man but by their Creator was the foundation of this country.
Today we have elites who sit themselves up like the monarchists our founding fathers revolted against. They think we owe them our allegiance.
Screw that, they can earn it. Sarah Palin has earned it. Heather MacDonald has not.
Terrye on September 20, 2008 at 11:22 PM
\
Thank you. That’s what it’s all about.
Pasalubong on September 20, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I have an answer to all this tripe…………….
………. as someone who used to carry a badge and sidearm, and went through this rat’s maze, I think it is time to require all elected and nominated politicians to take the follow tests……………. then have the results posted.
…………. let us start with the current candidates:
“
Seven Percent Solution on September 20, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Who, it turned out, didn’t know what the meaning of the word “is” is.
For those of you who don’t remember, don’t worry, I do: Clinton didn’t run as a Rhodes Scholar, he ran as “The Man From Hope (Ark),” a symbol of what is possible in America. Never forget this when you see Clinton strutting around as a cosmopolitan all-World figure — he was asked by a reporter during the campaign what his favorite TV show was. His answer: American Gladiators.
L.N. Smithee on September 20, 2008 at 11:25 PM
No, we don’t agree.
Barry is arguing that I was a hyprocrite for criticizing those opponents of Palin while I also said (in an example) that Barbara Boxer was a dolt.
As I pointed out (repeatedly), it is one thing (acceptable) to say that Bush or Biden or Obama or Boxer or Palin is an idiot because of their political views. We (left and right and center) do this all the time.
But the criticism by the left of Palin’s is not limited to challenging her intellect. The criticism goes against her very being as a woman. That is, she doesn’t have the proper pedigree. Her religion, her family background, her education are all not correct.
I limited my criticism of Boxer to her policy views and intellect.
I did not criticize her family or education or background or culture or religion.
That’s the difference.
Barry can’t – or won’t – acknowledge the difference.
SteveMG on September 20, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Actually a flame broiled whopper with fries, a shake and some apple pie sounds good about now. Either that or Arby’s or if there is a Carraba’s close by……
Bubba Redneck on September 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Way to completely miss the point, Harris. Elite and elitist aren’t interchangeable terms. Elite means you’re better than the rest. Elitist means you’re a snob. You can be better than the rest without being a snob.
amerpundit on September 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM
If only our greatest minds, those with unquestionable character, complete with leadership qualities that were forged during the most trying times, would run for office. The question is: why don’t they? Probably because our neither political system nor our culture rewards excellence. Anyone remember Justice Alito’s confirmation hearing? None of those Senators or Representatives were worthy of moving his law books, yet they only tried to embarrass the man. Most folks consider elite and elitism to be one and the same. For many, Michael Jordon was a basketball elite because of his talent, not the many hours of practice. Most consider parents with good kids to be lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it: parenting takes a lot of time and effort.
Elitism is a legitimate concern; however, we should also be careful not to confuse elitism with jealousy on our part. Elite is a quality of performance. Elitism is a quality of attitude. I’m by no means defending/attacking any particular politician. I want the Joe Montana of politics, not the Deion Sanders. As Rudyard Kipling said in his poem, “If”, “If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings — nor lose the common touch…”
Send_Me on September 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Teddy Roosevelt was a moose hunter and now his likeness is on Mount Rushmore.
Terrye on September 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Oh…also, the Left’s love of elitism also stems from the belief that “normal” people don’t know what they’re doing and need to be taken care of by their betters.
29Victor on September 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
In 1776 we declared our independence from elitism. We decided that people on the other side of an ocean could not effectvely govern because they were out of touch. It is the American tradition to be governed by a government of the people. People that understand the needs of the people. Over the years it seems that we have allowed a new aristocracy to arise in this country, the political elites I’m Washington. They are out of touch with the people they are supposed to be representing. They are threatened by the though that the people have begun to realize this. They fear Gov. Palin because the people see one of the rabble rising up and people seeing the contrast. A new revolution is fomenting and they are scared.
elBarto on September 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
There’s a difference between being elite and being an elitist. Elitists sneer at the non-elite.
Kafir on September 20, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Send_Me on September 20, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Anyone that has listened to a Q&A session between Congress and the Fed chairman understand that the majority of our elected leaders are dumb as fenceposts. Yet they are able to write bills, pass laws, pad their pockets. Etc. The more I hear from the elites the more I understand they are afraid that the curtai will be pulled back and Ameirca will see that it is only a old man minding the store not some great and mighty being.
unseen on September 20, 2008 at 11:30 PM
“The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would hire them away.”
–Ronald Reagan
amerpundit on September 20, 2008 at 11:31 PM
If it weren’t for that dadgum Constitution…
L.N. Smithee on September 20, 2008 at 11:31 PM
elBarto on September 20, 2008 at 11:27 PM
agree 100% We declared war on elites several hundred years ago. We tar and feathered them then and can do it again if needed.
unseen on September 20, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Thanks. Man, this thread has a lot of nuance! ;-) /sarc
On a somewhat related note, did anyone catch this new McDonald’s ad? (The only link I could find was to this blog by some gal I gather is upset by the ad, sorry.)
When I saw it today for the first time I immediately thought of Sarah Palin. McD’s is saying it’s ok to drop your pretenses and be normal (this blogger interprets normal as dumb, btw). Good subliminal message for McCain-Palin, I think.
Y-not on September 20, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Elitists remind us of the reasons our forefathers left Europe to come to America – so we could give birth to someone like Sarah Palin.
Connie on September 20, 2008 at 11:33 PM
The qualifications to be part of the “elite” in America have nothing to do with talent, training, or quality of any sort. You get to be part of the “elite” by being rich and buying influence, or by kissing up to those in power. (Which nowdays means kissing up to the left.)
flenser on September 20, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Our sociopolitical elites have dumped on their own credibility time and time again.
How many chances to screw up are holier than thous supposed to get before we catch on to the fact that ordinary people can do just as good a job if not better if their values and principles are good.
Speakup on September 20, 2008 at 11:34 PM
Yeah, typical thread where all hell breaks lose and people go off on their own little turf battles.
A bit like life, no?
Well, my life maybe.
SteveMG on September 20, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I live in an “elite” college town in SoCal that has a moratorium on any fast-food restaurants (except for some reason Pita Pit and Starbucks).
They all drive to the next town after soccer practice. Not very eco-friendly.
Y-not on September 20, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Well, as has been noted above, the word “elite” has positive connotations.
We all admire someone in an elite class. Education, whatever accomplishments in whatever field.
The word “elitism” doesn’t.
SteveMG on September 20, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I’m getting so sick of this BS and snobbery toward Palin. She is 100 times more accomplished and successful than all these journalists who are spewing all their votriol toward her.
ANYBODY can b*tch and moan and complain and put someone else down. It is a h*lluva lot easier to destroy something than it is to build it. Just ask Al-Queda. And that goes for reputations, too: it’s a lot easier to destroy one than the lifetime it takes to build one. I hope McCain-Palin wins not only because I agree with them on the issue, but to shove it down the throats of all these do-nothing-judgmental snobs. That would so eloquently say to them: F*ck You, thank you very much, doncha know.
JustTruth101 on September 20, 2008 at 11:39 PM
MacDonald is buying into the leftwing notion that the White House is some sort of head office of America Corp, with the President as CEO.
We don’t need better business people in the White House, we need better business people (”elites”) running America’s corporations. The ones doing the job today are laughably incompetent and corrupt. As long as that’s the case we could have Adam Smith as President and we’d still be screwed.
flenser on September 20, 2008 at 11:40 PM
I second everything Religious_Zealot @ 11:17 says above.
As someone with an advanced academic degree, I find advanced academic degrees grossly overrated in predicting leadership ability (including ability to delegate), pragmatism, good judgment and good instincts, common sense, discernment, decisiveness, personal drive and industriousness, courage, and WISDOM.
I’ve seen plenty of clowns with advanced degrees and plenty of princes with no postsecondary education. The qualities listed above are my first criteria, and in my (”educated”) view, Sarah Palin possesses the above in full measure. Barack Obama falls well short in several of these areas.
For these reasons, I say that Sam Harris in the first passage cited above by Allahpundit is full of crap, and I’m glad I don’t have to rely on the likes of him to select any leader of mine.
Edouard on September 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM
The “Best and the Brightest” did really good in the ’60s.
/sarc off
mred on September 20, 2008 at 11:42 PM
flenser:
Truer words and all that. After all this week the government had to rescue business, not the other way around.
Terrye on September 20, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Moose Shootin’ Mama
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZcdTI53mLA
ordi on September 20, 2008 at 11:44 PM
The problem is that everyone in America understands that our political elite are NOT better than the rest. In fact they are worse than average in most respects. The “elite” tag denotes that fact that they have power, not ability.
flenser on September 20, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Something isn’t working here….is Ms MacDonald unaware that Barack is as left as it gets and was party to the unraveling of our financial systems so that now they will be nationalized? This just does not compute for either her supposed social conservatism or her employment in “free market” matters.
Barack Obama is in favor of socialism for the U.S. and he fraternizes with America haters so I’m not sure how that will fit into Ms. MacDonald’s view of America’s future. I would recommend she read “What Color is Your Parachute, A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers,” and reconsider her career choices.
SayWhat on September 20, 2008 at 11:45 PM
The “Best and the Brightest” did really good in the ’30s.
mred on September 20, 2008 at 11:45 PM
Palin rubs elbows at U.N. Tuesday.
SouthernGent on September 20, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Check out this glorious picture…
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/09/13/gal_palinactress-jolie.jpg
V15J on September 20, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Sometimes qualities like intuition and decisiveness can be more important in a leader than pedigree.
I think people have lost faith in the elites.
Terrye on September 20, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Southern Gent:
Yes, I read that. Needless to say the Heather MacDonalds will be mortified that this country bumbkin will be out there meeting foreign heads of states and such. The nerve of the woman…who does this Palin woman think she is????
I hope she knocks em dead. {not literally}
Terrye on September 20, 2008 at 11:51 PM
Harry Truman also was often regarded as a rube also by elitists. Yet he was far greater as a man and as a leader than the empty suit currently masquerading as the Democratic nominee.
How can one NOT prefer “The Buck Stops Here” to “Above My Paygrade”? Both McCain and Palin align firmly with the former attitude. Enough said there.
Edouard on September 20, 2008 at 11:55 PM
I wonder, are those we call “elites” elite because they got elected to an office or because they’ve truly accomplished something? John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton… all shared the same job title for a time, but not all were “elite” in the sense that they truly did something great with that title.
Bobby Jindal is a great example of what I’d call “elite” vs. an “elitist”. He’s the guy I want for President. The only things he lacks, from what I can tell, are experience in foreign affairs and military matters (though, yes, his time as Governor in charge his state’s National Guard following a hurricane does carry a bit of weight).
Send_Me on September 20, 2008 at 11:59 PM
You’ve said it perfectly, Terrye!
Give me a “go getter” who is honest and tenacious any day over a person with advanced degrees who usually feels superior and isn’t really accustomed to being down in the trenches.
SayWhat on September 21, 2008 at 12:02 AM
The reason these liberal idiots don’t scrutinize Obama’s black nationalist church is because they know that he just went to it to pander to his constituents and is an agnostic in reality.
Speedwagon82 on September 21, 2008 at 12:03 AM
The fact that someone even refers to themselves as elite is enough to know they are arrogant, asinine, elitists.
csdeven on September 21, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Forgive me, I am a little rusty on Constitutional Law, but the only test that can’t be given to a politician is a religious test……….. it is only up to “The People” to require that our elected officials of are sound mind…… so why don’t we?
……….. but I could be wrong, and if I am, please correct me.
Seven Percent Solution on September 21, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Benjamin Franklin – self-taught Renaissance Man, printer, diplomat, scientist, writer, philosopher, statesman, Founding Father.
Common Sense on September 21, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Most of the people debating elitism are missing the point… its not about excellence vs. mediocre, rich vs. poor, or big name college vs. small town u.
Its about political elitism — the belief that a nation should be ruled from above, with the so-called best and brightest defining the limits and scope of the people’s lives. It is top down, as opposed to bottom up. It is the view that the culture, traditions, and beliefs of the people are clay to be reshaped by those who know better than us. It is masters and proles.
Marxism is inherently elitist — the party defines what is marxist, and the people just obey.
Open borders is elitist — it hinges on the belief that the people are just a commodity, their culture and beliefs insignificant next to their economic contribution.
Multiculturalism is elitist — for the same reasons open borders are… only those suffering from the “Davos Affect” could really see the diffferent cultures of the world as equal.
The redistributionist welfare state is elitist — it is the surrender of your economic autonomy to a DC defined “collective good”.
Don’t be suckered into debates about houses, or money, or degrees… those are besides the point. Those are not the signs of political elitism. Look for the re-shapers, the re-makers… if they want to redo the people, they are elitists. If they want to reform Washington, maybe they are not.
stevieray on September 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM
When Palin has 4 years as Vice President of the United States, as President of the Senate, of countless visits from foreign dignitaries, and daily briefs on national security, added to her current resume of city council, mayor, and governor, who would have more credentials to be President in either party?
They know they are in trouble if they don’t draw and quarter this woman, now. It is going to get very…very…vicious.
Watch your back Sarah, I think the squishy Republicans are the ones you better keep a sharp eye on.
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 12:14 AM
I think it’s instructive that the Founding Fathers didn’t think it was necessary to put in any specific education or experience requirements to run for President. They obviously understood that the best measure of a man (or woman) is to look at their deeds when considering them for the job.
Out of 42 Presidents, 9 didn’t go to college included two people sitting in your wallet right now: Washington and Lincoln.
Dagnar on September 21, 2008 at 12:16 AM
Sarah Palin is among an elite class of American politicians. She is a governor of a state, and there are currently no more than 50 of those at any time. For all of American history, there have been no more than about 2,400 governors of states, less than all members of Congress or all Senators or any other elected officials other than Presidents & Vice-Presidents. Governors are a very elite group of people.
Also, she is still not a common person. By her words and deeds, Sarah Palin is a Champion of the Common People. There is a big difference.
Loxodonta on September 21, 2008 at 12:17 AM
BTW,I like Heather McDonald(and I bet Allah does, too.)
And I think there’s a meritocratic elite out there. Some people are smarter than others. Some people are better leaders.
Some of them go to good schools. Some of them don’t.
see-dubya on September 21, 2008 at 12:17 AM
Which are the good schools?
a capella on September 21, 2008 at 12:25 AM
A ‘unnamed’ “Republican” my ass.
DaveC on September 21, 2008 at 12:29 AM
“I would rather entrust the government of the United States to the first 400 people listed in the Boston telephone directory than to the faculty of Harvard University.”
–William F. Buckley
rockmom on September 21, 2008 at 12:32 AM
Don’t think for a second this realization isn’t behind every lie & smear & MSM distortion they’ve pushed since she was named. She is the lib’ worst nightmare made real.
Purple Fury on September 21, 2008 at 12:34 AM
By they way, SNL is doing a devastating sketch on clueless New York Times liberal witers getting ready to go to Alaska to investigate Sarah Palin.
rockmom on September 21, 2008 at 12:36 AM
This from the Sam Harris article. He goes on about the type of people at Palin’s former church. One has to wonder if Harris has ever applied the same to Obama…
kgs_mvs on September 21, 2008 at 12:38 AM
Bobby Jindal. His resume speaks for itself. Also, being “President of the Senate” doesn’t mean much. Anyone who’s sat on an Elk’s Club committee that’s used Robert’s Rules of Order could do the job (other than casting a tie-breaking vote.) Also, nothing about receiving classified briefings makes one more qualified than another. As for Jindal’s resume that completely dwarfs Gov. Palin’s:
1988: Graduates from Baton Rouge High School
1991: Graduates from Brown University with honors, in biology and public policy
1994: Graduates from Oxford University as Rhodes Scholar with a graduate degree
1994-1995: Advises Fortune 50 companies as a consultant for McKinsey and Company
1996: Appointed Secretary, Department of Health and Hospitals; rescues Louisiana’s Medicaid program from bankruptcy by turning a $400 million deficit into three years of surpluses totaling $220 million.
1998: Appointed Executive Director, National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare, a 17-member panel charged with devising plan to reform Medicare
1999: At the request of the Governor’s Office and the Legislature, volunteers his time to study how Louisiana might use its $4.4 billion tobacco settlement
Appointed President of the University of Louisiana System (16th largest in the U.S.)
2001: Appointed by President to be Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation of Health and Human Services
2003: Resigns from federal post to return to Louisiana and run for Governor
2004: Elected to U.S. Congress, representing Louisiana’s first district
2006: Re-elected to U.S. Congress
Announces intentions to run for Governor of Louisiana
2007: Elected Governor of Louisiana with 54 percent of the vote in the primary
2008: Sworn in as Governor of Louisiana
This list from his website doesn’t include his accomplishments so far as Governor of Louisiana. All in all, not bad for a guy who’s 37.
Send_Me on September 21, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I just read that Newsweek thing and I must say I have never seen any politician so thoroughly attacked before, including Dubya.
CanadianGuy on September 21, 2008 at 12:49 AM
Hear, hear.
CanadianGuy on September 21, 2008 at 12:50 AM
Paul Watson: CEIBS Professor of Economics and Finance Xu Xiaonian told a conference yesterday that “The fundamental source of Wall Street’s meltdown is caused by Federal Reserve overissuing currency.” He cautioned that the US government has already exceeded its scope in terms of intervention compared with their usual policy.
Similar sentiments were echoed by economist Zuo Xiaolie, who said that the amount of money injected into the market will have little real impact, but that such measures are a “Narrow minded way that the Federal Reserve uses to diversify the pressure of currency adjustment to other countries, which leads to the devaluation of the dollar, causing imbalance in the global economy.”
“The amount of money that has been put into the market can not fundamentally save the market,” said Xiaolie, adding that the move was merely part of an agenda to “regain the trust and justify future further intervention in the economy.”
On Wednesday, China’s official People’s Daily newspaper, the voice of the ruling Communist party, said that the US had unleashed economic “weapons of mass destruction” and set off a “financial tsunami” by allowing Wall Street lenders to trade in subprime debts and unstable financial derivatives, according to a Press TV report.
China has previously threatened to liquidate its vast holding of US treasuries, amounting to $1.33 trillion, if Washington imposes trade sanctions to force a yuan revaluation. The Communist power has also repeatedly expressed its anger at the Fed’s indifference to the weakening dollar. If China were to dump the dollar it would likely set in motion a chain of events that would lead to a collapse of the greenback.
We know we are in trouble when the Chinese Communist Party sound like bastions of sound money policy and fiscal conservatism in comparison to the Bush administration and the Federal Reserve, who in creating more money out of thin air continue to bail out their friends on Wall Street while the economic future of hundreds of millions of American citizens is sold down the river.
KentAllard on September 21, 2008 at 12:58 AM
And here I thought all those folks in Congress put themselves in office… oh… wait… “we the People” elected them. That whole federal republic idea sure does bite us sometimes though, doesn’t it? Want to see something rather amazing? Watch what happens on election day: 90% of the fools up for reelection in our Congress, which has such an abysmal approval rating, will get reelected. Gotta love it.
Send_Me on September 21, 2008 at 1:06 AM
You miss my point. I could care less about that experience.
It’s that the straw arguments being made against her will be the exact same arguments they will be attacking in four years if they win, and she runs.
It will be quite the exercise of sidestepping their hypocrisy to qualify her “experience” as irrelevant.
BTW-I am a big fan of Jindal. I’m so boring, I watched 45 minutes of his news conference on C-Span to the state of LA during the hurricane. I was very impressed with him.
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 1:06 AM
KentAllard on September 21, 2008 at 12:58 AM
I believe you and I have common ground. What an uncommon thought!
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 1:11 AM
I am sure it’s already been said up thread, but being elite and being an elitist are two completely different thing. People confuse it for their own agenda. Wolf Blitzer, I’m talking to you.
Spirit of 1776 on September 21, 2008 at 1:17 AM
Fair enough. Thanks for the clarification.
(That’s not boring. I’d call it time well spent. Why read People magazine when you have “The Case for Democracy” by Natan Sharansky on the shelf?)
Send_Me on September 21, 2008 at 1:20 AM
Yet, I find it amusing that you leave out, Barney Frank, Chuck Shumer, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Jamie Gorelick, Greenspan, and the Fed’s policy of forcing lender’s to write sub prime mortgages.
What gives?
Why did you fail to mention McCain’s position against these policies in 2005?
BDS is curable, you know?
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 1:28 AM
Obama was a failure as a community organizer. But his skin color is all the qualification he needs for President.
pat on September 21, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Just as I’m sure many are voting for McCain/Palin because she’s helping break through the “glass ceiling with 18 million cracks in it.” Identity politics is never a good thing.
Send_Me on September 21, 2008 at 1:36 AM
Allah,
I’ve read your posts since i don’t know when.. Finally got to comment last year at some point, (hell i don’t know when), but this post.. heh, Is the best i’ve ever seen..
It is exactly what many of us have been trying to find, somewhere in the back of our heads it existed, just needed a lil push..
ty my friend, you made my night :)
stlpatriot on September 21, 2008 at 1:37 AM
Chuck Todd (National Journal’s Hotline) wrote this before the 2004 election:
So much for pundits.
I know that Bush 41 made the mistake of thinking people wouldn’t vote for a draft dodger, but I just can’t see people who learn about BHO voting FOR him. I guess we’ll see in a few weeks. I’m optimistic.
Mojave Mark on September 21, 2008 at 1:49 AM
Heather McDonald must be applying for a grant from George Soros. There is simply no other explanation for her sudden epiphany that Barack Obama is some kind of elite thinker or achiever.
That or she’s such a nasty piece of work that she finds all of his bird flipping and insult spewing exciting.
Well, one final possibility…she has such advanced Clinton Derangement Syndrome that she thinks Obama’s a hero for defeating Hillary.
funky chicken on September 21, 2008 at 1:53 AM
British minister says Palin is ‘horrendous’
Hazel Blears is the Labour Party’s Communities Secretary, which is sort of like a community organizer. She is noted for her campaign to get the British to eat more fruits and vegetables. How appropriate.
Within moments of Governor Palin’s selection, the floodgates opened up on the left and on the elite right, and all their prejudices came tumbling out all over the world. And they seem to think the sewerage they are spouting is a sign of their superiority.
Loxodonta on September 21, 2008 at 1:57 AM
funky chicken on September 21, 2008 at 1:53 AM
She’s got a crush.
Or
She’s jealous.
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 2:01 AM
She’s not making any sense. An overeducated elitist and she vacillates on a decision she, of all people, should know why she is voting for whom?
This is the problem with the elitists today. No gut, no guiding light.
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 2:14 AM
Saltysam love that TR quote.
funky chicken on September 21, 2008 at 2:19 AM
Elite is being damn good at what ever you do, elitist is thinking you are when you aren’t because you have a high social station. Obama is an elitist, Palin is elite, big difference. Palin has a record of accomplishment, Obama does not besides graduating from elitist colleges and melding with the Chicago Machine. There is a huge difference in good old common sense vs book learning. I’ll take the gal with common sense over the dude with book learning any day. I believe our country was founded on Common Sense, you know Thomas Payne and all.
goat on September 21, 2008 at 2:22 AM
Flash: Simple Woman Author Lost in Self Love
I think Simple Woman Author meant ‘educational qualifications’ unless there is a Palin IQ test score somewhere
What does extraordinary talent and rigorous training have to do with ‘elitism’?
The Ivy League is a dumping ground for upper class off spring and requisite quota makers
Extraordinary talent is obvious in the way young Senator Obama commanded the Senate, cutting back room deals and convincing seasoned pros to vote with him. Like a young Newt Gingrich, Obama aced the Senate. Oh, I forgot. He didn’t, but he had enough sense to leave his middle name ‘Hussein’ off his Senate web site.
That showed extraordinary talent. By hiding his middle name, instead of conquering his middle name, it has tagged along like a cyst the entire campaign. Unmentionable, yet suspect. Rigorous training prepares a man for greatness.
Most fighter pilots do not come from the Ivy League. They come from places like Wasilla unless their dads are Generals or Admirals. Sons of Bigshot pilots have a handicap when they get their wings which are suspected to be due to elitism instead of talent
Simple Woman Author has confirmed my suspicions the Ivy League must be dismantled to make room for more Whole Foods Markets
Ordinary? Most low IQ non elites never make it past motel maid or gardener. At least before the elites brought in the Mexicans.
Now non elites are drunk with power. As in the French Revolution, they are storming the elite palaces with torches and axes
If the elites hadn’t brought in replacement workers Palin would have been laughed out of Alaska.
Whoda guessed?
entagor on September 21, 2008 at 2:24 AM
Wow. What a thread.
CanadianGuy on September 21, 2008 at 2:43 AM
This is difference of thought that makes all the difference.
I have known some pretty elite people. And they are just not as exceptional as they think they are. Their talents are: superb test taking ability, and money or luck. And I am not a shabby test taker myself. However, at some point I figured out that talent that is often more useful at Trivial Pursuit than real life.
In the heat of the campaign you would be hard pressed to get the left to admit that Sarah Palin is extraordinarily talented. But under other circumstances it would be CW by now.
She is an amazing communicator. Empathy shines forth from her speeches in a way seldom matched by males and may be unique among female politicans. That is extraordinary talent.
Rigorous training–well that is in the eye of the beholder. Why is it more rigorous to studiously conform your mind to the shallowness of liberal professors at Ivy league colleges–than to ponder and consider all options and build your own philosophy–a uniquely Alaskan, true American, philosophy.
Palin is rigorously trained in the fullness, the roundedness, of the life she chooses.
Great minds do not copy others–they find new paths and lead others along them.
petunia on September 21, 2008 at 3:00 AM
Why is it that these supposedly smart coastal elitists don’t grasp that there can be people who seem ordinary who may be brilliant leaders? There are also some very smart people who choose to do very ordinary things in life. How difficult is that math?
The truth is that these modern over-educated people are simply not that smart and will prove it time and time again if we let them. Look at the MSM and our political and financial systems today for a perfect example of society’s elites running things into the ground.
They see a Ronald Reagan or Sarah Palin and detect a threat to their own identity and power that they spent time and paid good money to artificially build up. Instead of processing that internal tension honestly and maturing intellectually, they reject it to preserve their ignorance.
econavenger on September 21, 2008 at 3:01 AM
Newsweek’s Sam Harris begins by masquerading Jonah Goldberg’s premise that “elite” clarifies the most competent military for example, before Harris displays his own serpent’s mind. I’m not going past his 2nd page of diatribe.
That Sam Harris is against Palin motivates me to be FOR Palin.
maverick muse on September 21, 2008 at 3:02 AM
No every once in awhile we forget. Clinton only got 43% of the vote. Ross Perot took out his personal grudge with Bush on the country and punished us with Clinton.
petunia on September 21, 2008 at 3:06 AM
petunia, well put. “Great minds do not copy others–they find new paths and lead others along them.”
maverick muse on September 21, 2008 at 3:14 AM
econavenger
+1
GUILE is up to no good. But that’s what Washington and the Ivy League breed and inbreed.
maverick muse on September 21, 2008 at 3:17 AM
entagor
Touché
maverick muse on September 21, 2008 at 3:20 AM
If ignorance is bliss, then include me.
Kini on September 21, 2008 at 3:30 AM
-Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.
Margaret Thatcher
vs.
Let them eat cake
Marie Antoinette
Case closed.
Saltysam on September 21, 2008 at 3:35 AM
Can we get a rundown of kickbacks and payoffs in the most recent imbroglio by University attended?
I think we’ll find elites are far better at collecting cash.
Lonetown on September 21, 2008 at 3:53 AM
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