Is McCain hanging Palin out to dry to distract attention from his own mistakes?
posted at 3:37 pm on November 11, 2008 by Allahpundit
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[I]t seems to be a win-win for McCain.
The Palin obsession — which she has fed by going on a media tour and returning to the Lower 48 for the RGA meeting — obscures the mistakes McCain made in his own campaign (though some would say one of those was in picking the Alaska governor). The central debate in the GOP is not now what typically takes place after a party loses — what the candidate did wrong or whether he ran too far to the left, right or middle.
Instead, it’s entirely forward-looking, and based around whether Palin represents the future of the party. McCain will have a voice in this, yes, but the base of the party never cared much for him and McCain himself never has shown much interest in being a party leader. So now, as the battle over Palin begins, McCain can quietly begin to reclaim his own legacy and place in public life. That begins tonight with an appearance on Leno and will accelerate as he re-engages in the Senate.
It is distinctly odd that he and the ‘Cuda have been in contact regularly, by her own admission, yet he hasn’t thought to speak up publicly in her defense until tonight’s tete-a-tete with Leno. Which makes me wonder: What would he have to say to convince you guys that he’s not simply going through the motions in praising her? He’s sure to declare that she was a great running mate, an inspiration to the base, a mavericky reformist maverick reformer — all standard palaver thus far. What could he do to up the ante? Threaten to out the people who are leaking if they don’t straighten up and fly right? Pronounce her the presumptive nominee for 2012?
Re: the latter, read Ron Brownstein’s exit poll number-crunching to see how much work she has to do among independents to become a viable presidential candidate. The only way she adds to that 35 percent, I think, is to totally wonk out on foreign and domestic policy in interviews going forward. But that presents a dilemma: The reason the media’s fascinated with her is because she’s not a wonk, but rather an average Jill who shuttles the kids to school and whips up a little moose stew on the fly when she’s not busy governing the biggest state in America. That’s why not one, not two, but all three interviews she’s done this week have included scenes of her in the kitchen and around the house. Once she starts demanding that they skip the vignettes related to her persona and ask her questions about Ukraine, how many reporters will still want to talk to her?
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No more clothes, cooking and kids interviews. We know all this of Mrs. Palin. Besides, MSM is trying to make a ninkinpoop out of her and wants us to think that’s all she knows. Let’s get serious and on to core conservative principles and apply them to policy. Do your homework every nite…pick an issue, a country..eat, sleep and breathe it. Slow down your speech, Mrs. Palin (it’ll deepen your voice, but keep up the volume…don’t go soft) and start thinking Presidential. 4 years and counting.
gracie on November 11, 2008 at 4:36 PM
There has not been one day since the election that I have not received an email solicitation to send money to defend Sarah Palin. Now I wonder if it is not the same people who want money to defend her are not the ones attacking her.
Call it the full employment for political stooges form of the old mafia protection racket. Only the victim doesn’t have to pay, their supporters do.
meci on November 11, 2008 at 4:37 PM
Well evidently I haven’t read all the latest data. Sorry…i need to go read now ;)
R D on November 11, 2008 at 4:37 PM
1. You’re not my friend.
2. Katherine Harris never had a 91% approval rating.
3. Say hi to Axelrod for us.
The election’s over and you won. I know it must be difficult for you to deal with, but the sooner you allow yourself to accept it, the better off you’ll be.
No. He’s a hoaxer, and he’s a hoaxer.
Jim Treacher on November 11, 2008 at 4:39 PM
So it didn’t change, huh? Where were Huckabee and Romney at the end of the primary season? Same as at the beginning? Stop being ridiculous. My wallet is empty from supporting McCain. I went to ALL his many Western PA rallies and stood for hours on a prosthetic leg leading the cheers. I spent days at the GOP phone banks in GreenTree. I gave my lawn signs to a Gold Star Family down the street who had theirs stolen by ObamaNazis, who I even caught conducting a stakeout if front of their house! McCain sucks. He has sucked on immigration, on campaign finance, and on brutalizing every fellow Republican he could. I didn’t let on that he sucked throughout this election season, but now I will say it loud, clear, and forever — HE SUCKS. He’s no good for the Party, and he should never be allowed to get close to a presidential campaign again.
jay12 on November 11, 2008 at 4:40 PM
What people seem to forget is that McCain campaign leaks torpedoed McCain as well.
Remember the line that Obama used against McCain at EVERY opportunity, “Their own campaign says: If we keep talking about the economy, we’re gonna lose”.
THAT came from an anonymous McCain staffer and Obama used it to land DEVASTATING blows against McCain.
Arrowhead on November 11, 2008 at 4:41 PM
I always thought it was McCain’s to loose,, and boy did he loose it well. I was surprised when he did pick Palin and watching her see why he did. I think he really thought she could bring over the Hillary crowd. No matter who was the VP pick, McCain failed to hammer on the issues allowing the opponent to control the tone and issues. Of course the media was in the tank for Obama IMO but I think some real smack down straight talk could have gotten some attention. McCain allowed others to define him.
Conservative Ivan on November 11, 2008 at 4:43 PM
Is McCain hanging Palin out to dry to distract attention from his own mistakes?
Yes. Yes he is.
Dave Rywall on November 11, 2008 at 4:44 PM
McCain’s low profile during this whole post-election kerfuffle might be DELIBERATE. Not to justify himself or to bring Palin down, but to get people to focus on Palin and ask her for her side of the story. If, as Palin said, McCain had vetted her votes as far back as when she was councilwoman (not yet mayor) of Wasilla, McCain knows that Palin is (at least part of) the future of the GOP. The more attention she gets and the better she defends herself, the better she looks for the next time around, when McCain will be out of the running. By letting Palin stand up for herself, McCain is in effect falling on his sword and passing the torch to Palin.
Let’s not under-estimate Sarah Palin in the “wonk” department. In her debates for the Alaska Governorship, she out-wonked the best of them, because SHE KNEW THE ISSUES after dealing with them for 14 years in Alaska political life. As a second-year Governor, she was probably too focused on her own state to delve deeply into national issues or foreign policy, other than Canada. When the country was reeling from $4/gallon gasoline, Drill-Baby-Drill seemed like a great solution, and Palin was the perfect spokeswoman. When the banks started failing, gasoline prices fell, that issue was off the table, and voters blamed Bush for the banking crisis and voted for Obama.
Sarah Palin is a VERY quick study, although 9 weeks to become Vice President is a steep learning curve. She now has four years, and can hold pow-wows with McCain and other conservative foreign-policy experts regularly to bone up on Ukraine or Iran or Russia or Colombia or South Africa or wherever.
By 2012, if the ObamaGestapo allows an election that year, Republicans won’t have to run away from the Bush Administration, but run against the Obama Administration, which is likely to be a “target-rich environment”. Sarah Palin, if she decides to run that year, will be MUCH better informed, can run on her own, and can credibly portray herself as “change” from the “failed policies of the past”–of the Obama Administration.
Steve Z on November 11, 2008 at 4:45 PM
.
The Right believing the smears is NOT the problem. The problem is how the lies have spread all over the media. Even when Palin speaks against them, people who are caught up in the “she’s dumb as rocks” mindset aren’t likely to believe her denial.
Bottom line – it is supposedly McCain staff spreading the tales – so it is McCain’s place to discount them.
katiejane on November 11, 2008 at 4:46 PM
I think McCain needs a younger, richer wife…
yubley on November 11, 2008 at 4:46 PM
It sounded plausible to me until Drywall slithered in…
Jim Treacher on November 11, 2008 at 4:47 PM
Most people won’t see all three interviews though. They’ll probably only catch one, or part of one. Time Magazine’s website has an interesting point on the ‘Cuda’s media tour. Here’s the meat of it:
“While Palin may have years, or at least long months, to plan her next move, she’ll only have the white-hot pop-cultural attention—already starting to cool—for a while longer. That leaves this as her best chance to make voters’ last memory of her, before her eventual re-introduction, as a positive one: a scrapper, a go-getter, a charismatic folksy pol (hence all the interviews in her kitchen with the family) who was in no way to blame for the McCain-Palin ticket’s loss.”
I hadn’t thought of it that way (guess that’s why I’m not a political consultant), but I see his point.
meltenn on November 11, 2008 at 4:48 PM
Who is to say there will be an America still standing in 2012? Be afraid be very afraid.
lexa on November 11, 2008 at 4:49 PM
Yeah, how cynical to be interviewed in your kitchen as you prepare food for your family. And did you see how she was walking around outside with a heavy coat and mittens? Nice cliche! This broad is so fake it makes me sick.
Jim Treacher on November 11, 2008 at 4:51 PM
I don’t really care about McCain now, never really did. He is the past. We need to learn from our past.
He will continue to thumb his nose at the conservatives, some who supported his campaign ONLY BECAUSE OF PALIN. He will work with his friends across the aisle that slapped him around in the MSM.
Hopefully in 2010, a conservative candidate will emerge from the cactus and run against him and win his seat. He needs to be put out to pasture.
He is not our friend and he is not our future. Good-bye.
HornetSting on November 11, 2008 at 4:53 PM
See folks, here is Drywall, Canadian moron who hangs out on American websites. Jim is correct, if Drwyall says it is so, you just know there is something wrong with the whole idea. Trouble making little back stabber that he is.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 4:54 PM
If McCain doesn’t come out tonight and defend Sarah I will be done with him!! I don’t want to hear his regular talking points either (Isn’t she great)!! I want a denouncement of HIS aides that started these vicious rumors. Name Names Mac!!
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 4:55 PM
katiejane:
How they spread?? This is how they spread. The internet, the chatter. Here we are, talking it up. If people just dismissed it as nonsense, that would be the end of it.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Amen to that. Just think, had McCain been successful in past primaries, we would have had President Gore and/or President Kerry.
jay12 on November 11, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Ozard:
Defend her against what exactly?
People are such suckers.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 4:57 PM
Sounds to me like it’s time for you to pack up and go elsewhere Jim. See Ya!!
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 4:58 PM
HornetSting:
Yeah, let’s just say screw him on this Veterans Day. After all 6 years in a POW camp is not enough to earn respect. No siree.
I say Republicans should do what they do best: eat their own.
works so well for them.
Here in Indiana, McCain might not have lost if people had not voted for Barr. Barr for Gods sake.
No doubt, all those Barr voters are whining about what a Marxist Obama is and yet they had to know they were helping him win.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 5:00 PM
It’s sarcasm, Ozark_sky.
wise_man on November 11, 2008 at 5:00 PM
Oh for heavens sake Ozark Jim is being sarcastic.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Reread my post…I stated it clearly!!
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 5:01 PM
Sorry Jim
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 5:02 PM
What I want to hear McCain say:
“I am going to crawl under the bus before they throw me under. Goodbye.”
Finito
drunyan8315 on November 11, 2008 at 5:03 PM
Come on, Terrye. We are talking politics. Don’t give me that bullsh*t.
As far as eating our own. McCain was NEVER one of us. He was beaten by a socialist because he wouldn’t and couldn’t fight back because in his heart of hearts, I think he agreed with Obama more than with conservatives.
As far as Barr is concerned. Don’t hang that BS on my either. We had five or six candidates on the ballot in NM. If people are stupid enough to vote for those…too bad.
HornetSting on November 11, 2008 at 5:04 PM
It’s a week after the election. Do you really expect her to start throwing down with Democrats right away? She has a long time to prepare for either ‘12 or ‘16.
V15J on November 11, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Ozark Sky:
How do you know that these people even really said that crap? How do you know that McCain even knows it is true or who they are or anything else? And how do you know that he and Palin have not talked about all this or what will happen?
Sarah Palin is not some fragile little female. She wanted to be VP with an eye on the Oval Office. Who would defend her if she got that job?
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 5:06 PM
McCain has been crapping on the base for years. The base did not forget. So long Johnnie………
jims on November 11, 2008 at 5:06 PM
It is nice that regarding this election, Palin DOES remember Reagan’s 11th Commandment. A vote for her is just that, for her, not a rejection of the other guy.
If she does compete in the primaries for 2012, she will not be the negative candidate attacking others. She will clearly rise above it, others will attack her, and an easy majority will come to her defense. That is what will happen if she throws her …. um …. moose rifle into the ring.
Sapwolf on November 11, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Terrye:
If someone came out and trashed one of my “friends” I would come out in a heartbeat to take a stand for that person!! It doesn’t matter who said what! You come out and take a stand for what’s right.
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 5:11 PM
HornetSting:
No, McCain was beat because there was an economic meltdown in October that destroyed his lead.
And what exactly does it mean that he was not one of us? He won the nomination and that makes him the Republican nominee. Now we have pissy people trying to blame him for losing, as if he wanted to lose.
As for not fighting, what the hell is that? Do you think people are just stupid? Do you think that most Americans did not know about Wright and Ayers and all that stuff already? Most Americans thought McCain was more negative than Obama as it was.
As for this is just politics, forget that. One of the reasons I voted for McCain and Palin was that I have had family members fight in the war in Iraq. I did not want to see their efforts end in vain. I voted for him for the same reason that 68% of the military voted for him..because McCain would have made the better Commander in Chief. He loves this country and he has served this country and to be honest I am totally disgusted that even on Veterans Day people can not refrain from this kind of bashing.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Ozark:
Good God. This is all anonymously sourced. You don’t even know that it is real. McCain picked Palin for VP, obviously he respects and admires her.
Terrye on November 11, 2008 at 5:14 PM
I think you need to take a pill and step away from the computer for a little while.
As far as bashing on Veterans Day….you need to get over yourself.
HornetSting on November 11, 2008 at 5:16 PM
What makes you think she wants to run in 2012? Or even 2016 (when Piper will be 13 – 15 during the campaign season)?
It would be great if we could get her to gang up with the Club for Growth, and gt involved with the Republican Primaries. And she’s can serve a big use doing fundraisers and speeches for House and Senate candidates in 2010, esp in Red States.
But don’t expect her to run for President until Piper’s off to college.
Greg Q on November 11, 2008 at 5:17 PM
I don’t think this discussion is worth you taking God’s NAME.
If you respect and admire someone you stand by them when they are under attack. Real or not…you speak out!
Ozark_sky on November 11, 2008 at 5:19 PM
She was willing to run for office with a Down Syndrome baby and a pregnant seventeen-year-old, so I don’t think the fact that Piper is only 11 in 2012 is going to keep her from running.
Illinidiva on November 11, 2008 at 5:23 PM
First off, what is there to win for McCain? He’s part of the Kennedy – Kerry – Goldwater “came so close but no cigar ” crowd. He will retire out of the Senate because Obama won’t offer him a Cabinet position, and neither will a Repbulican who thinks they may be bullied by the Maverick. McCain’s age is a future disqualifier for another run and the Presidency, even in just four short years. I’m still not convinced McCain’s silence isn’t from a request by Palin to do so, to prevent the illusion that Palin somehow can’t defend and take care of herself. Only one person can change the perception of Palin, and that’s Palin.
I think she’s perfectly capable of doing so and doesn’t need anyone’s help doing it. As a matter of fact, I’m convinced that any “help” will do anything but help once the MSM get’s done with it.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 5:24 PM
How long does McCain hang on in the Senate? Isn’t it time to find something new to do, and make way for new blood?
james23 on November 11, 2008 at 5:35 PM
The Democrats only need a few Republicans to cross over to reach 60 votes in the Senate, so we should start a pool to bet on which Republican will cross over the most. I bet McCain will be in the top 5.
DFCtomm on November 11, 2008 at 5:41 PM
The more you think about it , the more it looks true , if McCain stepped in she would look vulnerable and weak.
the_nile on November 11, 2008 at 5:43 PM
I Don’t think McCain is hanging Palin out to dry. Would be nice if he was to speak out in her defense. In a way it would be nice if McCain stuck in the Senate for a while. I am sure he would notice any abusive Pork buns and call it. But, maybe he should sometime step down. Not right now though.
sheebe on November 11, 2008 at 5:44 PM
The more you think about it , the more it looks true , if McCain stepped in she would look vulnerable and weak.
the_nile on November 11, 2008 at 5:43 PM
Is how I see that too. And she isn’t vulnerable or weak. She is a Strong Woman, and can take the punches. I admire her.
sheebe on November 11, 2008 at 5:45 PM
McCain has another election to run in two years. Losers tend not to do as well as winners.
crosspatch on November 11, 2008 at 5:48 PM
There is a reason 20% of conservatives voted against McCain: He has insulted conservatives, voted against them, and promoted idiotic policies for decades. Yes, McCain SUCKS.
Palin was seriously handicapped by not being able to oppose the many stupid McCain policies during the campaign. By 2012, Palin should be able to get to the heart of policy debates with clear illustrations that ordinary people understand.
Fundraisers will allow Palin to build up a war chest and lots of friends around the country who owe her.
Right_of_Attila on November 11, 2008 at 5:48 PM
Sanford/Palin?
I know little about Mark except that he’s qualified and the base loves his conservative credentials. I’d prefer him over someone /just/ coming onto the national stage like Jindal, even if Jindal cleans up his act, cleans up LA and becomes a presence.
Gingrich/Palin?
Newt, what can be said about Newt? The ideas are all there, he has experience at playing the game and all that… While I would definitely support him if he ran because he has great ideas, I just can’t get over a sense that he’s a throwback to a time the Republicans can’t afforid to look back to anymore. He became speaker and he and his leadership never seemed to get it together on how to govern effectively. And of course, he started us down the primrose path toward where we are today…
Why Palin as only VP?
Even with four more years as governor of Alaska, I don’t think she’ll be palatable to the independents of this country who seem to have taken up a view of her as dangerous. She’s young enough to wait four years of Obama and eight of a Republican president before going out on her own. Better to wait and see what happens rather than field another candidate that will maliciously get Borked by the Dems, the MSM and gullible indies.
Vatican Watcher on November 11, 2008 at 5:54 PM
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot????? When did this guy come out of his coma? Begins…?
And it’s time to put down the polls. The prestidigitation performed on these ‘results’ by all the asshat experts is just so much noise. Let things shake out and worry the data after the press of creating a narrative eases a bit.
thegreatbeast on November 11, 2008 at 6:31 PM
I initially wanted Mac to step up and defend her as well, but now….not so much. She is doing fine and at this late stage of the game it wouldn’t help her. It would make it seem like she needs defending. If he had done it right away maybe, but if he butts in now it would be asserting himself into, and prolonging, a storm that is dying down with every interview she gives. She is coming off as a strong woman who is more that capapble of standing up for herself. I don’t know if she told him she could handle it or if he just knew that she could (or maybe even had to), but it’s best to let her take it from here. If asked about it, he should answer, but holding some press conference puts the spotlight on him and still won’t solve anything. The spotlight is where it needs to be, on Gov Palin, and she is taking care of it – like we all know she can.
XWing5 on November 11, 2008 at 7:20 PM
I have a feeling that once McCain gets settled back into the Senate again, he’ll become the bain of conservatives’ existence once again…since he wants to work across the aisle and all, ya know.
CP on November 11, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Four years is a long time and she may or may not be who we want as our candidate at that time. Someone else may come on the scene between now and then who we would prefer, or it could be Jindal, or who knows. If she’s not our candidate, maybe she could be a cabinet member…or just a hugely popular spokesman and fundraiser. Always in motion is the future, and there is lots of time to decide.
One thing is for sure though, she is the standard bearer right now and a powerful symbol for what the Republican Party ought to be. You can judge other potential candidates by whether they are more in line with Sarah Palin’s core philosophy or that of the tired, worn-out Republican elite.
I am disgusted by what some Republicans are attempting to do to her now. Do any of them think that they can win that battle? Is there anyone in the Republican Party with one tenth the popularity and charisma?
One more thing: I volunteered for the McCain campaign, and was given a silly script for a silly survey. I don’t even know what the point was. When I found out what the Obama volunteers were doing (after the fact) I felt sick. They had a tightly coordinated nationwide effort, using modern communications technology to the greatest extant. It’s amazing the race was as close as it was under these conditions.
It was only that close because of Sarah Palin.
Nosferightu on November 11, 2008 at 8:07 PM
The ONLY good reason I can think for McCain not publicly and forcefully defending her is that Palin told him not to and that she would handle it herself. Then again, he could have refused that and gone after the jerks anyway.
aikidoka on November 11, 2008 at 8:11 PM
I agree that she has work to do if she seeks higher office, but who doesn’t? What the numbers in the article tell me is how successful college brainwashing is as it creates a sense of faux sophistication and superiority. Likewise, those who buy into MSM brainwashing believe they are well informed and certainly above them rural hicks.
From what I’ve read of Sarah Palin, those around her say she’s a quick study and her leadership abilities are obvious.
I see fear in the corrupt old guard; they refuse the tar pit, and Sarah is capable of pushing them in.
McCain is a confused, tragic, and treacherous figure. He might betray Palin, but it remains to be seen. He needs to retire. There is dignity to be had in not screwing things up worse than he already has.
Feedie on November 11, 2008 at 8:41 PM
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081112/ap_on_el_ge/mccain_leno_2
Good reply from McCain. I’m even more convinced Governor Palin asked McCain to let her handle her own image and defense. He didn’t go too far and appear to come to the rescue on Palin’s behalf, because she doesn’t need to be rescued.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 9:04 PM
McCain not coming out and vigourously defending Sarah, probably helps Sarah’s image as a potential candidate in ‘12, more than if he did ! OH YEAH THAT MCCAIN SHITHEAD, HE WOULDN’T EVEN STICK UP FOR SARAH ! Hmmm, yup, that pretty much says, whatever she does from here on, she’s not standing in McCain’s shadow, or even by his side. Plus the media will probably give her a better shake, ’cause they’ve noticed she does give them ratings. Just my opinion.
bigmike on November 11, 2008 at 9:51 PM
Why did the GOP lose the election?
New Hampshire.
Never forget.
Saltysam on November 11, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Kinda sorta. Palin was a VP nominee, she had a line to tow as part of the ticket. She wasn’t the main player but only a support player. Now she’s just a Governor again. She answers to no one but those who elected her, and they mostly love her. A couple of more rebate checks made from sound business deals on the behalf of Alaska and not unfair tax codes, they will really love her, securing her next election as Governor as Alaska.
The “Cuda” is already proving she is off the chain. Love her or hate her, she’s going to introduce herself to the masses. Not the pitbull with lipstick, but the Governor with 80% + approval ratings, giving back money to taxpayers, fighting corruption, and that she can bring home the moose and fry it up in the pan as well.
Hog Wild on November 11, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Who cares?!
McCain won’t be back as the 2012 nom and nobody will shed a tear about it.
Time to sit back and watch both parties commit seppuku.
Limerick on November 12, 2008 at 12:45 AM
Approximately 452,012.
Mr. Wednesday Night on November 12, 2008 at 2:53 AM
Is this a question? I thought the answer was self-evident.
Cylor on November 12, 2008 at 5:18 AM
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