MSNBC anchors wonder: Is hotness the key to Palin’s appeal?
posted at 9:01 pm on July 27, 2009 by Allahpundit
Todd Purdum made this same point in that Vanity Fair hit piece a few weeks ago, as I recall; media types get off on it (no pun intended) because it gives them a chance to blather pseudo-cerebrally about the nexus of politics and sex. In fairness, there’s a superficial logic to it: How can being extremely telegenic hurt a politician? Half the job is commanding the stage in order to advance your agenda, and if people are more drawn to you, the stage is that much more easily commanded. Sarahcuda herself seems to buy it or else, I assume, she wouldn’t be dropping atomic hotness like this. And yet I’m skeptical. Beauty will get you a first (and second, and third) look that others might not get, but once you’re in the door and have to deal with objectification, cattiness, and “bimbo” stereotypes, it’s probably more of a liability in being taken seriously than an asset. You tell me, ladies: Do you feel like your ideas are being taken with utmost seriousness when a guy’s busy checking you out?
I don’t think the real key to Palin’s appeal is any great mystery. She’s the most convincingly unpretentious, small-town pol to come along in ages. She’s religious, she’s got five kids, she likes to hunt — she could be the mom in your car pool if she wasn’t, you know, Sarah Palin. No wonder so many people picked homemaker when asked what her best job would be. Liz Cheney has much the same vibe, except that Cheney’s been inside the Beltway for long enough that she’s prone to wonk-speak. Not true of Palin (at all). It’s the authenticity, stupid.
Blowback
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Judas
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Nope,that was a mob hit bought by LBJ & J Edgar Hoover
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Of course it’s the sexy secretary look. Do you really believe her appeal is the Bill Kristol neo-political platform or a grasp of policy?
The Dean on July 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Remember, JFK had a guardian angel with the mob until RFK told him to get lost. (Sinatra)
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Are we going to start this……
HornetSting on July 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
Colonel Mustard, in the Library, with the rope.
thomasaur on July 27, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Judas
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:48 PM
Hey, we bonded the other night, remember? On the Sarah topic, what is wrong with being a good looking woman?
TXMomof3 on July 27, 2009 at 9:52 PM
I can understand your viewpoint. But to me, at the time, JFK was as much a threat to America as Ogabe is now.
I grew up believing that America stood for freedom and that we never let down other people who aspired to democracy.
JFK allowed the Bay of Pigs invasion to go forward, but at the very last moment, prompted by his Harvard advisers, he recalled the critical air support the freedom-fighters were promised. He left them to be slaughtered on the beach.
Even at the age of 13, I knew that was an abomination.
Actions have consequences. His consequence was to have his brains splattered all over the back of a Lincoln convertible.
Darn good shootin’.
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:53 PM
It’s because Palin said that she wasn’t proud of her country until McCain picked her for the vp nom…
oh wait…
TimeTraveler on July 27, 2009 at 9:53 PM
The mob hated the Kennedys because of RFK. Also Irish mafia vs Italian mafia. Sinatra liked being part of the Camelot action fronted in by Peter Lawford. Eventually JFK told RFK to tell Frank he wasn’t welcome. The “guardian angel” bit was off.
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:54 PM
I was gonna blame big Daddy Bush….if in doubt, blame a bush.
HornetSting on July 27, 2009 at 9:54 PM
LOL
cmsinaz on July 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM
I was kidding about Judas.
And I cannot imagine a single thing wrong with being a good looking woman.
Although…if Sarah Palin looked like Sonia Sotomayor but still had her values, I would admire her just the same.
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM
The Kennedys were all gutless punks who wouldn’t have a pot to pee in if it wasn’t for the old mans bootlegging.
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
I think that some of the appeal of Sarah Palin to conservatives is the same appeal of Barak Obama to liberals: they both put a very handsome face on their respective political philosophy. And since people like to think of their own politic views as being (naturally) very attractive, they’re much more likely to follow an attractive political figure.
capricorn on July 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Me too,but I wouldn’t be drooling.
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:56 PM
Miss. Scarlet, in the Ballroom, with a lead pipe.
FontanaConservative on July 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Nope,that was a mob hit bought by LBJ & J Edgar Hoover
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 9:50 PM
Are we going to start this……
HornetSting on July 27, 2009 at 9:51 PM
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 9:59 PM
Sarah’s hand is perfectly formed to hold a Remington 870 12 gauge, or a Hoover.
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Oh, I see what I did there.
FontanaConservative on July 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
You got it.
Her looks have nothing to do with it.
When a chick starts talkin limited government, energy independence, low taxes and spending, choosing life, I just get WAY WAY WAY turned ON!
But hey, I’m a conservative and was turned on by Thatcher even though I wasn’t British.
Sapwolf on July 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Don’t forget it pee’d off that liberal SOB Cronkite
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 10:01 PM
JOKERAP(John Wayne voice)
Listen up, pilgrim. A day without
bloodA Palin post is like a day without sunshine.PAYBACK
Shi-i–i-t!
JokerAP thinks the bad bush is between old mama-san’s legs.Some laughs.
TheBigOldDog on July 27, 2009 at 10:03 PM
I used to keep a signed photo of Thatcher on the wall of my office. It was the one of her on the docks at London, in military camo uniform, seeing the Brit troops off to the Falklands.
Anyone who recognized her got a job or a promotion.
My dream girl, Thatcher.
guntotinglibertarian on July 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM
I hear Thatcher want to meet with Palin. She has some things to discuss with her.
Jeff from WI on July 27, 2009 at 10:08 PM
US President policy initiatives in jeopardy from his own party, and MSNBC does an in-depth investigation into why people think the ex-Governor of Alaska is hot.
Huh……..
BobMbx on July 27, 2009 at 10:09 PM
It’s actually the:
1. Authenticity
2. Conservative Principles; and
3. Fearlessness
latinchic on July 27, 2009 at 10:09 PM
I thought the MSM openly admitted that Obama’s hotness was a big part of his appeal and that that was a good thing……
I’m so confused.
29Victor on July 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Donny Deutsch is a sexist pig just like the rest of the anchors on MSNBC. Yes, Sarah Palin is attractive. She’s got a hot bod, one she works very hard to maintain. So effing what? This is the key to her appeal? These are the same scumbags who like to riff on Hillary’s pantsuits and cankles. No one would ever think to suggest that the key to a male politician’s appeal are his good looks. Mention might be made of it (Exhibit A: Obama’s pecs), but no one would ever make a serious case of it. Yet these pigs think nothing of placing undue importance on a woman politician’s appearance.
I hate these slugs.
NoLeftTurn on July 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM
RIGHT ON!
It’s also her GOODNESS.
Watch her video ad for Idaho Special Olympics again.
I love good people.
Sapwolf on July 27, 2009 at 10:16 PM
I’m so confused.
29Victor on July 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM
I’m confused too, I don’t see Obama’s hotness.
TXMomof3 on July 27, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Obama’s greatest asset in the campaign was being black, without it he could never have become president.
I said it… Call me a RACIST!!!! you crazy left wingers.
TimeTraveler on July 27, 2009 at 10:26 PM
I could do with a little more of the atomic hotness links, Allah. And what’s wrong with being hot? If it helps sell a message, more power to her.
Let the less attractive female politicos whine in the night. :P
itzWicks on July 27, 2009 at 10:32 PM
It’s just a shame that all we have to contrast Sarah Palin with is ugly liberal women.
David2.0 on July 27, 2009 at 10:37 PM
Gates-gate and Obamacare, yet Morning Joe spent most of its morning on Palin. Hell, Fox didn’t camp a broadcast host in Alaska as MSNBC did with Nora O’Donnell.
MSNBC is fricking obsessed with Palin. Even Mika is a little put off by the obsession. Speaking of Mika, does anyone else think she’s a little work done recently? She’s looking, er, very upright these days.
BuckeyeSam on July 27, 2009 at 10:40 PM
You’re right, I don’t some of the Palin critics will never get her appeal. She has something very special that I have not seen in a politican in my lifetime, not even Reagan (whom I loved dearly).
Norwegian on July 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Gotta hand it to you, Allah, this is pretty dead-on. It’s the main thing I find attractive about her. That, and I think she just has a lot of good old fashioned common sense. Something that is terribly lacking in the political intellegensia of the day.
jimmy2shoes on July 27, 2009 at 10:45 PM
The majority of men in the workaday world are more mature and evolved than your question suggests…at least men who are not perpetually stuck mentally in their teenaged years.
Christina_M on July 27, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Howard Dean is guest hosting for Olberdork tomorrow. Is there really any doubt that MSNBC is the Democrat Party’s unofficial mouthpiece?
Speedwagon82 on July 27, 2009 at 11:00 PM
While I admit my bias towards mature brunettes, I find a woman who “gets it” as far as political and constitutional philosophy irresistible.
I think she’s the reincarnation of Reagan. Reagan was also a populist. But like Palin, with the CORRECT philosophy and views.
wildcat84 on July 27, 2009 at 11:20 PM
And if Reagan looked like Adlai Stevenson…and if Obama looked like Charlie Rangel…and if Romney looked like Henry Waxman…pointless.
ddrintn on July 27, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Palin just gets it. Also I think for the first time in this country you are seeing an everyday person in a national role.
Kinda like how people felt about Andrew Jackson. The everyday people in the country at the time felt he was just an average joe. Palin lives the life and made it because of her charisma and living a consertative life. That why she admirable.
Gracelynn on July 27, 2009 at 11:50 PM
Blast you, now I have to clean off my screen!
Fighton03 on July 27, 2009 at 11:52 PM
or a veto pen.
Fighton03 on July 27, 2009 at 11:54 PM
Of course she became popular because she’s hot. That’s how politics goes often times.
Interestingly lot’s of ugly women in power said Palin should do her hair and makeup more like an ugly old woman. That would be just the thing to diminish her appeal.
That said Palin seems like a nice woman with some good values. I’m personally for Romney due to his massive experience, but Palin isn’t a bad choice either.
scotash on July 27, 2009 at 11:56 PM
I thought the black lady was very fair… Norah O somewhat and Moore’s head must about explode at men drooling over Palin…
I am way too vain to ever call myself a Liberal , feminist or Democrat…I’m proud that our girl is so good looking but more proud that she is conservative, pro-life, has integrity, is a fighter and lives her values! Todd is an extremely hadsome and rugged man…that’s very attractive and so is the fact that she hasn’t lost her fimininity and that they are obviously still very much in love…
CCRWM on July 28, 2009 at 12:02 AM
ahhhhh, looks more like Tina Fey.
Fighton03 on July 28, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Meredith Viera was interviewing Obama about the mom jeans and she said that Michelle Obama was such a fashion icon and I couldn’t help thinking that no matter how hard they try to sell that to us, it will never fly…Michelle Obama is just not attractive and dresses atrociously…sorry
CCRWM on July 28, 2009 at 12:07 AM
Neither do I… too effeminate… but like with Michelle the MSM keeps trying to sell it…
CCRWM on July 28, 2009 at 12:23 AM
Funny how Palin’s attractiveness is an issue, but there was no such discussion about Obama’s shirtless beach picture in whatever magazine that was. Nor was there a problem when women reporters giggled at Obama putting his leg up on an armrest on his campaign plane.
JimC on July 28, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Depends on the man. Some remain utterly convinced that a hot, brilliant woman is the ideal; others are too insecure in themselves (and too busy compensating for certain shortcomings) to even deal with a woman as an intellectual unless she is horrifically unattractive.
It’s what separates the men from the boys, or the alphas from the betas.
Roxeanne de Luca on July 28, 2009 at 1:02 AM
Eh, isn’t MSNBC just another cable porn channel? Thrills up their legs, teabagging, pearl necklaces… is it any surprise that they’re fundamentally unable to address any subject intellectually?
malclave on July 28, 2009 at 1:35 AM
Wow.
e-pirate on July 28, 2009 at 1:41 AM
I don’t know who that guy is,but I do know he is an idiot.How many votes did Kennedy get based on looks?How many votes did Clinton get because he was younger and more sexually appealling than GHW Bush?Did the MSNBC clown not see the photos of Obama in tight jeans,and runing on the beach?
This guy is one of those who buy Playboy “for the articles”He must be bucking for Olbermann’s job.
DDT on July 28, 2009 at 1:49 AM
I’m not interested in hearing about your sex life.
AaronGuzman on July 28, 2009 at 2:06 AM
Wait! What? You mean there are people that don’t think Hillary or Pelosi are hot? Wow! /sarc
Fed45 on July 28, 2009 at 3:02 AM
I consider myself a highly intellectual conseravtive.
I like to drink so what.
I’m waiting on my orders to ship out for the US Army.
And I LOVE Sarah Palin.
I have had dreams about this woman. from illogical, to ‘blacked out and there is sarah palin’ dreams, to ‘please save this country sarah dreams’ to ‘sarah lets get it on dreams’
The woman is the complete package and there is no denying this.
If grenades were more rradily available liberals would be doing the 1 to 4 grenade / suicide move.
That is the tactic against this woman.
total propaganda or just suicide.
Sarah,
I’m sorry for mentioning, thinking, sinning about you in this state of mind. 13 beers can do that to you.
I love you. You are mentally and physically my dream woman.
I’m sorry for posting drunk Sarah.
Hot Air: Quit disrespecting this woman. At the bar I would whoop your ass Allah.
dip it in cider on July 28, 2009 at 4:04 AM
OMG runnersworld.com palin shots.
Does anyone have these hi-res?
Please mail all sexy Palin pics to matt2k7@hotmail.com
I’m sorry I had a couple cold ones but I love this woman.
My daughter will be named Sarah.
dip it in cider on July 28, 2009 at 4:17 AM
dip it in cider on July 28, 2009 at 4:17 AM
Surely this guy didn’t just post his real email address? Good reason not to surf while drinking. Sarah should not be seen just as an object. Good looking women have a harder time than most want to admit. They have to battle to be seen seriously. Beauty may open a lot of doors, but it closes a lot of minds as well. Especially bitter liberal female minds, as a parting shot.
TXMomof3 on July 28, 2009 at 6:26 AM
I don’t see why people are still concerned about her. Her political career is over now. I read it on the interenets.
MikeA on July 28, 2009 at 6:48 AM
Yes it is part of her appeal but not neccessarily the most important part. However the sex appeal factor helps to explain why other women resent her.
aengus on July 28, 2009 at 8:10 AM
Why are these idiots still on the air?Oh I forgot GE is their sugardaddy! They will never allow themselves to admit Sarah speaks for conservatives,of which alot of this country is made of.
ohiobabe on July 28, 2009 at 8:27 AM
Hit the bullseye with that one. You are correct that her hawtness gets her the first look. Once that is over and we start listening to her, her other charms are what keeps your attention. Her logic is better than average. Her patriotism is unquestionable. Her common sense is extremely appealing. And the fact that she doesn’t mind the slings and arrows until they cross the unbroken line laid for other politicians (their kids), makes her more refreshing than a dozen waterfalls.
We love her because she pisses off all the right people.
Including, sometimes, Allah and Ed.
Subsunk
Subsunk on July 28, 2009 at 8:56 AM
It’s the stupidity, stupid.
B26354 on July 28, 2009 at 9:17 AM
Hey, ask the boss! She seems to be doing pretty well with it. Half the comments here at Hot Air from last night’s interview with Hannity were about her appearance! But I think she got her points across very well.
Same with Kelly King, the police officer who stands by Crowley. Seems to me we are headed to the point in our TV/YouTube generation where if you are not beautiful, you are not fit to lead. It’s a bit scary.
That said, thanks Allah for recognizing Sarah’s real appeal: authenticity. Would that we had that in our POTUS.
Christian Conservative on July 28, 2009 at 10:53 AM
There is no way to have a meaningful debate on the opinions of a grown man who refers to himself as “Donnie”. That his full name is Donnie Douche doesn’t help. And so…
Well played, Sir. But I take Butch Maddow as a foot-fetishist. She probably has the boudoir plastered wall to wall with these.
Jaibones on July 28, 2009 at 12:25 PM
I am developing a great deal of animosity for those who would sign their comments, which are signed for them below. But maybe it’s just me.
Jaibones on July 28, 2009 at 12:27 PM
One thought there has nothing to do with the other.
- Men (and women) will take you seriously if you take yourself seriously, and if your ideas are well-thought-out and communicated.
- Men (and women) will “check you out” if you project an image which meets with their perception of sexual attractiveness.
There will be times of inconvenient conflict in these two issues, when you wish to engage in a discussion of [whatever] but the man (or woman) in question is busy perceiving the sexual thing. Good luck with that.
Jaibones on July 28, 2009 at 12:34 PM
And I’m wondering is stupidity the key to getting a job at MSNBC anchor.
TrickyDick on July 28, 2009 at 1:51 PM
We all know that Bahbwah WahWah and all but one on DaView were swayed and charmed by that ObaMagic….
But I must admit… she’d be easier to look at for four years than The Obameister or McCain…..
CynicalOptimist on July 28, 2009 at 2:19 PM
Hillary, Pelosi, Bernie Johnson, Michelle Obama and others just have to be gritting their teeth at this one.
CynicalOptimist on July 28, 2009 at 2:22 PM
I had the misfortune to see that little exchange and it almost made me retch. They were practically sitting in his lap while telling him how sexy he is.
The glistening pecs story, the beach shot, the NYT POTUS porno blog, Michelle is the most fahionable First Lady EVAH, etc. Yet somehow it is the Palin supporters who are tagged with the shallow/physical attraction characteristic.
Projection. No body does it better than the Left.
Not that I’ll complain if Sarah’s election in 2012 results in a shot of her in her bathing suit. Wouldn’t mind seeing Bristol in hers either. And I know damn well that the sight of Todd in his swimwear would wow the female electorate.
That would definitely be the hottest first family in history.
OlympicLeprechaun on July 28, 2009 at 5:53 PM
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