Krauthammer: Palin isn’t a serious candidate for president
posted at 4:40 pm on July 2, 2009 by Allahpundit
Oh yes, he went there. We’ve been having a running debate on Twitter this afternoon about Sarahcuda and my contention that criticism of her is verboten among righty blog readers, HA’s included. This thread will be an interesting test case. Most of the heat Kraut takes will be for his contention that “You cannot sustain a campaign of platitudes and clichés over a year and a half if you’re running for the presidency.” Didn’t Captain Hopenchange do exactly that? Well, yes and no. Granted, the most memorable line he uttered in 18 months on the trail was “Yes we can,” but he’s done countless policy interviews, debated Hillary 20 times and McCain three, and held numerous press conferences. The TOTUS jokes are fun but The One’s perfectly capable of straying off script when need be. Is Palin? She seems at ease when discussing energy or life issues but the jury’s still out on most everything else, which is why Kraut feels comfortable asserting that she hasn’t (yet) brushed up on national policy the way we all thought she would.
While we’re on the subject of uttering anti-Palin heresies, I guess Frank J. from IMAO and I are the only two who thought the ‘Cuda came off worse in the Palin/Schmidt campaign e-mail exchange about the Alaska secessionist party published this morning by CBS. Quote:
“That’s not part of their platform and [Todd] was only a ‘member’ bc independent alaskans too often check that ‘Alaska Independent’ box on voter registrations thinking it just means non partisan,” Palin wrote. “He caught his error when changing our address and checked the right box. I still want it fixed.”
Palin was attempting to bend the facts ever so slightly to fit neatly into her version of events. In truth, the box that Alaskans have the option of checking when registering to vote states the full name of the party, “Alaskan Independence Party,” not “Alaska Independent,” which would make an error by uncommitted voters more plausible.
Clearly irritated by what he saw as Palin’s attempt to mislead her own campaign and apparently determined to demonstrate that the ultimate authority rested with him, Schmidt put the matter to rest once and for all with a longer response to everyone in the e-mail chain.
“Secession,” he wrote. “It is their entire reason for existence. A cursory examination of the website shows that the party exists for the purpose of seceding from the union. That is the stated goal on the front page of the web site. Our records indicate that todd was a member for seven years. If this is incorrect then we need to understand the discrepancy. The statement you are suggesting be released would be innaccurate. The innaccuracy would bring greater media attention to this matter and be a distraction. According to your staff there have been no media inquiries into this and you received no questions about it during your interviews. If you are asked about it you should smile and say many alaskans who love their country join the party because it speeks to a tradition of political independence. Todd loves his country
We will not put out a statement and inflame this and create a situation where john has to adress this.”
The leak is one thing, but on the merits Schmidt’s strategy is the better of the two. Why inflame the story, with bad information no less? Reading this, the Cuda’s decision to fire back at Levi Johnston in press releases starts to make more sense. Like Frum says, before Palinistas start filling her coffers, they’ll at least want some evidence that she can mount a competent national campaign. Right?
I’ll leave you with two pro-Sarah pieces for balance, one from Republican bigwig Fred Malek calling her “smart, curious, hard working, charming, and effective” and attesting that he’s personally seen her hold her own in private discussions on policy with heavy hitters. The other’s from Jim Geraghty, theorizing why it is that the left despises her so. He’s certainly got part of the answer — happy, successful pro-life conservative women are a grievous offense to leftist feminism — but I think he misses the element of sheer contempt they have for her intellect. To the left, I think, she embodies a sort of comfort with ignorance that they think characterizes most/all conservatives. Why they’ve come to see her that way is complicated (part of it’s probably educational pedigree, part of it’s her affinity for rural pastimes like hunting, part of it’s the Katie Couric interview and the canned answers she gave at the debate with Biden), but I think it’s a mistake to assume that their antipathy is rooted in nothing but fear and defensiveness. That’s not true of the right vis-a-vis The One, after all. Is it?
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next »
Yeah, but the mysterious thing is that Romney can spout platitudes and cliches and yet you don’t seem to doubt his “depth”. Get it?
ddrintn on July 3, 2009 at 10:45 AM
Haven’t been following the threads the last few days have you. From out right lies to needless almost childlike attacks. You could not be more wrong in your “picking the low fruit” analogy.
Either you are not intellectually honest or are just trying to mitigate what is happening.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:45 AM
But it doesn’t give true results because I would be hard put to classify myself as a Palin supporter. I am more of a supporter of the supporters of Palin. I guess I am the anomaly.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Kind of like the 57% Obama rating.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
krydor on July 3, 2009 at 10:39 AM
“SHE HASN’T STOPPED BEING A GAFFE MACHINE SINCE THE ELECTION ENDED…”
Of all the things that you have said today that statement is the most absurd.
One of the primary reasons for the attacks now is that Sarah Palin has NOT made any UNFORCED ERRORS over the last 8 months and NOT damaged herself.
Thus the need to try to flush her out into the open and cause her to come out of her stronghold in Alaska to be caught in a crossfire or to run the gauntlet.
Obama and his war room and the GOP establishment are so upset because Sarah has outsmarted them again by remaining mute on the Vanity Fair article and the CK comments. She refuses to expose herself. And she will continue to not make UNFORCED ERRORS if she follows the same game plan as she had previously.
EAT YOUR HEART OUT ANTI-PALINITES.
technopeasant on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
ddrintn on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I’m not sure I understand your response.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 10:49 AM
But..statistical polls show that 39.7% of women will like his hair and vote for him.
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 10:49 AM
So Palin needs to get out more, let the public see and hear her, but not give the MSM whores any “low hanging fruit”?
Everything Palin does is low-hanging fruit; she could stand still in an empty room wearing a demure outfit and the MSM would still find ten reasons to ridicule and hate her, and if that wasn’t productive they would ignore Palin and go after her family.
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 10:44 AM
No, Palin needs to go away for 6 months to a year and attempt to learn what it takes to be a candidate on a national stage. That’s just the candidate part. It will two years for her to understand what it takes to be the President.
Krydor on July 3, 2009 at 10:49 AM
My 2 cents. I like Sarah Palin a lot; however, I don’t think she’s ready to be President. We already have a President now that wasn’t ready either and look at the mess we’re in.
If Sarah is serious about running for President, give her another 4 to 8 years. She lacks dearly in international politics.
As for Krauthammer, I’ve heard him talk about her on Fox, and I have to agree with him. Whether we like it or not, her family issues are polarizing. It would be best for her to go back to Alaska, study and concentrate on her weaknesses to where even Krauthammer and better yet, the American people can see that she has matured enough for a greater position.
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I didn’t catch that it was a lie.
I just have not been following Lebanon lately. I do follow the economy, and I’m amazed how ignorant people are of certain economic principles.
It could have been interesting if she really challenged him hard on it. But, I don’t care about Lebanon. I do care about unemployment, inflation, the weakening dollar, the debt and deficits, the troops in Afghanistan, Israel, etc.
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 10:51 AM
It’s OK CM. I know exactly what you mean!
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:51 AM
It is. I challenged Krydor again to give us a few examples of those gaffes. If she’s been a gaffe machine since the election, it shouldn’t be difficult. Come on, Krydor.
ddrintn on July 3, 2009 at 10:52 AM
2 years. As far as International Politics, I’m not quite sure what your going for here. I think she should have some reasonable knowledge of international dealings, but she doesn’t need to be friends with anyone outside the US. I wouldn’t mind the US becoming a little less involved in every single International affair…
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 10:52 AM
crickets
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:53 AM
The koolaid has affected this one strongly Yoda…
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 10:53 AM
And 60.3% of women will vote for him if his hair is a little longer and messed up and he has a bit of stubble. ;-)
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Good lord – the decline of the American education system is producing adults such as this…. I’ll challenge you to a duel on the internet! LMAO
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Kind of like the 57% Obama rating.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Yes, because 57% of the people of the USA are members of the Democratic party. The Bush approval rating was approximately the same percentage as the membership of the Republican party. That was my point.
technopeasant on July 3, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Except for her rejection and then acceptance of federal stimulus for starters…
Oh, by all means throw her to the wolves in 2012 so that the Republican party can have a clean start in 2016. It’s almost as if US conservatives are utterly unaware that the demographics of the USA are changing and they refuse to change with them. This kind of worship of Palin is a road to nowhere because you people will not even accept constructive criticism of how she’s handled herself in the spotlight.
Krydor on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
So, tell me, as a “conservative”, why should anyone flock to Palin? Sure, she’s a woman (meaningless to me), she’s a former beauty queen (And?), a lifelong member of the NRA (well, tickle me pink- what’s she done in support of 2nd Amendment rights?), she likes hunting (So? I’m not looking for another hunting buddy), her Dad was a school teacher (Swell. Well my Dad is an electrician. I don’t much care about her Dad), her son’s in the Army (Cool, I’ll be sure to say hi if I see him), she’s the head of her state’s National Guard (Great, aren’t all governors? It’s not like she’s leading them in combat or training them.), pro-life (Oh good, finally a policy point), shared McCain’s views of Russian aggression in Georgia (Oh, so she also supports lots of talk, little action, alienating more of our allies?), supported the Surge (Wonderful. I’m glad she’s figured out the value of this operational/strategic idea. So what are her War on Terror policy ideas?), shot down some pork (Good to hear. What are her thoughts on taxation, role of gov’t, state vs. federal roles, etc.), supports capping carbon emissions (as of Oct 08), supports windfall-profits taxes, is a card-carrying feminist, supports a “path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants and no amnesty for illegals who have violated federal law (huh? isn’t immigration law…), supports a “smaller and smarter” Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (riiight- like that is their problem.), bought into the idea of climate change… I could go on, but I think you all get my point. Show me, don’t tell me she’s a conservative. Show me, don’t tell me, she’s good for this country. I care not for extraneous dribble, which is what most talk surrounding this woman is.
Send_Me on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
With you on that one. What most people never hear about is the endless sending of tax dollars to countries that we should not be involved in in any manner.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 10:50 AM
I have to laugh at you and people like you. first is was go home, study up you will be ready in a couple years….now its 8 years…or 16 years.
Nothing like trying to keep a woman barefoot and with child…
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Two word rebuttal for being better off with a GOP President
with international experience: Richard Nixon
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Sure, and then the MSM whores write a thousand articles about how Palin couldn’t take the heat while other potential candidates were getting their campaigns rolling and is this who we as Americans really want as a President?
Palin does nothing, says nothing, and still the MSM and her other various detractors spit and point and throw insults at her. Everything she does is fair game, and if the whores get no reaction, they concoct some spurious tale about Bristol having been seen partying at a nightclub and “oh my God shouldn’t she be home watching her child, what sort of screwed up family are the Palins?????”
Everyone has advice for Palin on how to be more Presidential, how she needs to “learn how to be President”, yet at the same time those people want her to be less slick politico and more a representation of the average citizens of America.
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Thank you.
More sanity has entered the room.
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Applause! probably the best comment in this thread. Batten down the hatches though – tecno, ddrtn, and the other knights of the round table will be challenging you to a virtual duel for the hand of the fair princess!
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM
And yet there are many people in the Conservative movement that have become shall we say satisfied with this International Policy…
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 10:59 AM
The problem send me, is after people would agree with you, the next question is WHO do you run that is ALL the conservative things one would want, and have an actual chance of winning. See you’re dealing in the abstract, we’re being pragmatists.
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Sorry. I am saying that Allah would take this thread, pull out the comments of those folks who will hear no criticism of Gov. Palin, and declare that his point has been proven. I look at the thread and see that the vast majority believe that Mr. Krauthammer has a legitimate argument. Some believe that she can learn and thrive, others believe she is done. Regardless we will be spending the next three year arguing the same points, it will be interesting to see if anyone changes sides.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Here’s the key to Palin.
Rank and file Republicans are drawn to her because instinctively, they get that she’s the one who unites the Fiscal Conservatives with the Social Conservatives, as Reagan did!
Squishies like Frum dismiss the Social Cons, unknowingly asking fully a quarter to a third of Republican voters to sit out the next Presidential Cycle.
Palin doesn’t do that. Palin welcomes them in and speaks for them, but not stridently so. She literally walked the walk on the Culture of Life, and the RTL Lobby knows that She is one of Them. Culturally, Palin is also in the forefront of the RKBA Movement in a time when the Ruling Party has been captured by anti-Gunners. Strike Two for Palin. Again, the Rank and File see what the Washington G.O.P. doesn’t even begin to perceive.
At the same time, Palin walks the walk as a Fiscal Conservative. She contrasts nicely with the Bushtards who blew the budget out the window between 2002 and 2007, making a mockery of any Republican claims to fiscal rectitude. Do not be surprised to see Palin make common cause with members of the Republican Study Group over the Midterm Cycle.
Her only perceived weakness is in foreign policy, but her instincts are muscular and Reaganesque. The fact that her eldest son is serving overseas is a plus. Fred Malek testifies that she’s been able to hold her own with foreign policy heavyweights, so I’ll have to leave that there. Suffice to say, she’ll be called upon to carry heavier water along this line.
Sarah Palin is the only one who restores the Reagan coalition that was sundered by Bush I and not put back together by Bush II. That’s what the Democrats see and that’s why they are scared of her.
victor82 on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Show me, don’t tell me, she’s good for this country. I care not for extraneous dribble, which is what most talk surrounding this woman is.
Send_Me on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
Let’s see she CUT spending. She talks ablout smaller government believes in local control not federal control. Supports 2nd amend. POLICY POINT. beleievs that mos tof the climate change is due to natural cycles. not manmad CO2. wants to deal with the changes of climate change not try to stop it. (Smartest person on this subject yet in national politics)
Her stand on immigrations was McCain’s stand.
Beleives in doubt to give the power to the people.
The list goes on but i am not going to waste my time your post is simply an attempt to flame Palin I don’t really think you care for a response.
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
You must be a youngster. Everything goes in cycles. What you hope are the changing of American attitudes will be short lived. It’s this “new” attitude that is putting our nation in serious jeopardy. A great professor started class off each day with the phrase “economics drives politics”. And, mark my words that economics will drive the social agenda also.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Sarah has no international politics experience whatsoever. It would be nice if we didn’t have to get involved with the world, but that isn’t reality.
You’re right, she doesn’t need to be friends with anyone outside of the US, but it wouldn’t hurt if she cultivated stronger friendships outside of the US while she’s learning about international issues.
None of this would hurt her, it would make her a stronger candidate.
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Why is it necessary to belittle people you disagree with?
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Why is it necessary to belittle people you disagree with?
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Because, just like DaveS and others, it gives him a feeling of superiority and winning the discussion, even if he isn’t.
kingsjester on July 3, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Cherry Picking? Allah? Noooo *feigned outrage*
BTW, Allah can slam on the “nutroots” such as Limbaugh, but then he takes a few pages from his book… Hmmm… Don’t get me wrong. AP has great potential, but right now he squanders it by riling up the loyal HA readers…
Yes, I get this sinking feeling that Sarah Palin threads are just like the Religion threads… The atheists will hold their point of view and the religious people will hold their point of view…
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Two word rebuttal for being better off with a GOP President
with international experience: Richard Nixon
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 10:56 AM
oh you mean wage and price controls?
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
When you have the intellectual honesty to ask the same question of them I will answer your question to me. Look at his comments to csdeven for example, someone who has a child serving in the military, yet he is not good enough to be in the conservative camp…
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Related to Terry Silver, perhaps?
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
You’ve got a scary brain if you derived that from what I said.
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 11:06 AM
I sent this link to Jonah G. at National Review after reading his ridiculously lame and way lazy column on Sarah.
I also told him to “Stay home and do your job and your homework.”
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM
That is too funny!!!
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 10:57 AM
She’s not attempting to run for President of the Republicans. She’s running to be President of the United States of America. This means she has to appeal to a PLURALITY of the citizenry. That’s the long and the short of it. She doesn’t.
The longer she goes without any attempts at improving herself, the harder it will be to dig herself out of the hole she dug. She’s allowed herself to be defined by others. Generally, that spells the end.
Krydor on July 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Again, she’s not running for the President of the UN. I don’t see why she needs experience in International politics. A healthy understanding of the world would more than suffice. Here’s some reality. If we don’t stop interfering with every single thing going on in the world, we will probably go broke. So, I’d say it’s more than realistic to hope the next President starts reconsidering our foreign policy. America shouldn’t be “winning” wars by building embassies.
With whom? I’d love to see her meet Thatcher, for historical purposes, but who would you have her become friends with?
Again, she needs to hit the books instead of pulling an Obama Euro-tour.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Not a duel. I just asked for examples. Specifics. Shouldn’t be too hard to come up with some, since she’s allegedly a “gaffe machine”, right? Or do you have problems understanding the terminology?
ddrintn on July 3, 2009 at 11:09 AM
Sarah has no international politics experience whatsoever. It would be nice if we didn’t have to get involved with the world, but that isn’t reality.
You’re right, she doesn’t need to be friends with anyone outside of the US, but it wouldn’t hurt if she cultivated stronger friendships outside of the US while she’s learning about international issues.
None of this would hurt her, it would make her a stronger candidate.
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Oh you mean like the trip this past week to Kosovo and Germany where she visted the troops and SPOKE TO SOME WORLD LEADERS. Yeap anpother point of critisim soon to be checked off the.
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:09 AM
she is destined for trivial pursuit type of notoriety and little else
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:10 AM
And how was it lazy?
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:10 AM
so the point is she’s not a “gaffe machine”…..oh
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Again, she needs to hit the books instead of pulling an Obama Euro-tour.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Again prove that she does not have the knowledge. What is the basis for your argument that she isn’t ready?
everything I have seen besides the 2 MSM hatchet jobs of interviews have shown me that she is ready.
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Actually, in a longer range way of looking at INTERNATIONAL things…China
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
I did miss any comment that suggested anyone was not fit for the conservative camp and would not agree with that stance. Did your remark further the argument? I do admire your defense of like minded commenters and look forward to the treatment for all.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Apply the same standard for any potential candidate. That’s all I’m saying.
ddrintn on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
She should quit wasting Alaska taxpayer money on junkets and spend time focusing on the job she was elected for…
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
Harsh, very harsh.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:13 AM
First, even if she were ready, you’re saying that she shouldn’t study up? Here’s something she could read up on. The Constitution, unless you object.
Oh, and those two hatchet jobs, well, she better start preparing for the next few.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Jonah’s spot on with this advice.
Mr. Joe on July 3, 2009 at 11:14 AM
Fire and Brimstone upon thee /sarc
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Just don’t think she can win. I like her, I admire her fortitude, but I just don’t think she could pull it off. Like it or not, in this day and age the MEDIA has to like you or you’re screwed.
scalleywag on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Kind of like the way the democratic congress has increase travel spending by 50% this year. Geez.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Something must be wrong with comprehension today.
Below is my original quote. Now, show me where I said she needed to go on a whirlwind tour. You can’t, because I didn’t say it.
YOU are the one who said she didn’t need to make international friends. I just elaborated on your comment and said it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
I get you disagree with me, but don’t be dishonest and attribute things to me that I never said or implied. The same goes to that “unseen” person.
moonsbreath on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
You’re not voting for anybody. It’s June ’09.
Jim Treacher on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Yes she does. You have been lazy and are not following events.
The Letterman joke and the smackdown that her followers put on him was joined by NOW and other organizations that are not conservative.
It was a great win.
Name me another conservative GOP prospect who can get NOW to shoot down a late-night host.
It helped boost her support with women. She will continue to grow nationally and people will start to find out about the real Sarah over time. When the indies find out she for lower government spending, lower taxes, and less government, they will vote for her if she is up against Obama.
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 11:15 AM
She is not “wasting Alaska taxpayer money on junkets”–She was visiting Alaska-based troops in Kosovo.
And she does nothing but focus on her job as Governor and spends every moment pushing the state and its resources.
BTW, are you an Alaska resident?
Who are you to complain that she isn’t working for the people of Alaska?
Jenfidel on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Or July, either one.
Jim Treacher on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
You must be a youngster. Everything goes in cycles. What you hope are the changing of American attitudes will be short lived. It’s this “new” attitude that is putting our nation in serious jeopardy. A great professor started class off each day with the phrase “economics drives politics”. And, mark my words that economics will drive the social agenda also.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Oh, brother. Hardly a youngster. You, however, sound like you’d like the kids to get off your lawn.
Economics is driving politics RIGHT NOW and it isn’t driving it to the right.
Krydor on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
It is patently obvious that there is nothing Gov. Palin could do to make you believe she is a viable candidate. That is certainly your right. Given that, why do you continually rain on other people’s parade? Are you the truth, the light and the way to rational thought? Obviously, considering our current president, there is no law against deluded people.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
I love the smell of hypocrisy in the morning. Don’t criticize sarah because the dems are doing the same thing.. beautiful….
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Actually, in a longer range way of looking at INTERNATIONAL things…China
Jeff from WI on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
China??? you many where we have outsourced all our jobs, where we send trillions a year to cover our debt.
Nixion worse mistake was bringing china into the fold. we should have kept them poor. China will destory us, Nixion woke the dragon and it will swallow us whole
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:18 AM
And you honestly don’t think any other politician would speak up for their kids if somebody treated them like that on national TV. You don’t think they’d be criticized if they didn’t.
We get it, you don’t like Sarah Palin. That’s fine. But the double standard is not fine.
Jim Treacher on July 3, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Well…. he is our president just as Bush was our president. As for raining on someone’s parade don’t you find the cultishness about sarah a little off putting? Do you see the dismissal of moderates and independents who don’t particularly care for her as healthy for the GOP?
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:18 AM
OK, I had to do a second take… I looked at your comment. I got worried first, because I saw this…
But then I remembered you said more…
Who would you have her cultivate stronger friendships with? That’s my simple question.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:19 AM
No he’s not. He’s lazy.
Check out C4P putting out a very reasonalbe smackdown on Jonah about that lame lazy effort
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Really, the American people seem to be embracing the president’s economic plan? Proof of a parallel universe right here on HotAir.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:19 AM
No they kids play here all the time. I would like to hear just how the economis of the left are helping the country out. BTW that wasn’t an insult. It meant that you seem to possess an attitude that does not reconcile with experience.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Tell that to the democrat Congress critters.
DannoJyd on July 3, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:18 AM
We were all wondering how long it would take for you to refer to Boooosh!
kingsjester on July 3, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Didn’t Friedman wake the dragon too?
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:20 AM
She should quit wasting Alaska taxpayer money on junkets and spend time focusing on the job she was elected for…
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:11 AM
It is patently obvious that there is nothing Gov. Palin could do to make you believe she is a viable candidate. That is certainly your right. Given that, why do you continually rain on other people’s parade? Are you the truth, the light and the way to rational thought? Obviously, considering our current president, there is no law against deluded people.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Because he is an idiot that likes Newt/Mitt or someother one trick pony. He may even hate powerful women.
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:21 AM
The double standard has been there for a long time. She is not up to the task at this point. Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush II… they didn’t give the critics the satisfaction of responding to every bit of snark.
Yet you seem to expect the rules be rewritten for Sarah Palin?
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:21 AM
I don’t expect you to understand what I expect.
Jim Treacher on July 3, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Yet you want Palin to disappear for six months to “learn” how to be more Presidential; as if you learn how to ride a bike by locking yourself in the basement and reading Schwinn technical manuals.
Palin gets attacked for doing nothing, i.e. “defined by others”, then when she responds and defends herself everyone kicks her in the teeth while yelling “You need to ignore it and be more Presidential, you ignorant hick!”
I don’t get it, and I don’t understand what it is to “learn how to be more Presidential.” Ogabe was the epitome of sounding Presidential, maybe you’re wrong and the plurality of American people will turn to someone who tells it like it is.
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 11:23 AM
And this is why you fail. When was the last time “the lesser of two evils” ever led to a good outcome? Nixon? Nope. Bush the Elder? Nope. Bush the Junior? Nope. Dole? McCain? Just look at 90% of the Presidents of the last century.
Here’s the biggest problem with “conservatives”: they don’t vote based upon the very principles they claim to espouse. You repeatedly vote on expediency vice principle. Three things happen as a result: 1) Neither Republicans nor Democrats have any respect for you as a voting group. Why? Republicans know you’ll always vote for them, so they don’t need to focus on reaching out to any of your demands of principle. Why should they when they know you’ll “never waste your vote” on a third-party guy and that you’ll never vote Democrat. Democrats know that you’ll never vote for them anyway, so why bother trying to please you? 2) The Democrats and Republicans grow closer together in terms of policy stances, especially when not only dealing with words, but also with deeds. What have the Republicans done to fix our nation’s energy policies in the last 35 years? What has either party done to fix welfare’s woes? What about Medicare/Medicaid? What about the deficit? What about illegal immigration? What about our failing public education system? I hear a great deal of talking, but haven’t seen a lot of positive action in the past 20 years in any area that requires vision beyond their term of office. What most call RINOs are nothing more than the modern Republican party. Have you considered that most Republicans are RINOs? Why is this? Perhaps it’s because they don’t care what you think. 3) This pragmatist thinking forces out fresh blood. John Adams was exactly right when he said, “There is nothing which I dread so much as a division of the republic into two great parties… This, in my humble apprehension, is to be dreaded as the greatest political evil under our Constitution.” It stifles debate. It keeps out third-parties whose platforms may actually better reflect the views of most Americans.
The solution: “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” ~John Quincy Adams
Be bold enough, brave enough, to vote on principle rather than pragmatism. Imagine, for a moment, if all Americans did this?
Send_Me on July 3, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Again, how is he being lazy…
BTW, that “letter” was quick…
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Thank you. According to the definition of hypocrisy..your’re it.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
You’re not off base. I don’t like being treated like an object that can be manipulated into generating page views. Some very smart people often demonstrate contempt for people of less intelligence or differing views, as if they are our superiors. They’re not.
Of course, the reverse is also true. The very first time I went South, the first exchange I ever had with a Southerner who saw my license plate went something like this:
Me: Hello.
Southerner: So, you’re a DAMN YANKEE!!!!
And, the vitriol aimed at me proceeded none stop from there, including my “uppity” use of big words.
Bias and bigotry against others is not limited to any particular group. Often it seems a required characteristic of being a member of some groups. Never having been a member of any group, perhaps I simply am incapable of understanding the advantages of it.
Loxodonta on July 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Didn’t Friedman wake the dragon too?
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:20 AM
How so? I don’t remember asking the USa to make china a member of the WTO
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:24 AM
I don’t see it. Any mistakes she might have made in selling herself to voters was far eclipsed by the coordinated media effort to destroy the woman. If McCain had picked someone from a minority they would have received the same treatment. Being a woman or minority in politics is only seen as “valid” when they toe the liberal line.
Allowing oneself to be defined by others has not been a Palin problem, but a Republican problem, inasmuch as the MSM has a built-in bias against them (the attacks on her were particularly nasty because she’s a conservative woman and therefore a traitor). The MSM are still the loudest voice in forming public opinion, and they will continue to be as much, even past the point of their own financial implosion.
TheMightyMonarch on July 3, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Uh… no Milton probably wasn’t a huge fan of the WTO.
He just advised the Chinese.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:26 AM
As I have pointed out I am not sold on Gov.Palin, nor any of the current considered front runners but I defy you to read this thread and believe that it is made up of a majority of Palin devotees. You have picked the comments of people who have committed to her and then systemically denigrated them while totally ignoring those who believe Mr. Krauthammer’s point is well taken. You also claim that she is both untried and untested and then claim that anything she does to broaden her horizons is a terrible waste of the taxpayer’s resources. You’ve got it all covered, good job.
Cindy Munford on July 3, 2009 at 11:26 AM
ooh burn… the wizard of the thread has spoken…
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Thanks Cindy … knew you would come around
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:28 AM
don’t get it, and I don’t understand what it is to “learn how to be more Presidential.” Ogabe was the epitome of sounding Presidential, maybe you’re wrong and the plurality of American people will turn to someone who tells it like it is.
Bishop on July 3, 2009 at 11:23 AM
It basically means stay in the kitchen. It is a nice way of saying no way are we going to allow you a seat at the table. Guess what her Poll numbers are going up so she must be doing things right. and the “advice” iof staying in AK is wrong.
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Do you have any clue how favorable it was for Sarah to be seen defending her 14-year old daughter? In front of all the women of America? Oh, and by the way just before Mr. TAnline cheats on his wife?
You have no clue that this helped Sarah with women who now know she fights for her family as they would too.
Another indication that Sarah is one of us Americans.
Bradky,
I can understand if you are just burning off morning caffiene, but get a clue.
Sapwolf on July 3, 2009 at 11:28 AM
A characteristically cogent riposte.
Jim Treacher on July 3, 2009 at 11:29 AM
and Cindy… she was not elected for the purpose of using it as a launching pad to the presidency. That is why the trip is a waste of taxpayer money. Are you really defending that?
Bradky on July 3, 2009 at 11:29 AM
He just advised the Chinese.
Upstater85 on July 3, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Oh ok. thought you meant he advised nixion about china
unseen on July 3, 2009 at 11:29 AM
good job. could not or would not attempt to say it better.
HoustonRight on July 3, 2009 at 11:30 AM
Comment pages: « Previous 1 … 15 16 17 18 19 20 Next »