Political Hay
The Palin Effect
Pundits and the party base remain split over the soon-to-be former governor.
Conservative intellectuals and pundits are old hands when it comes to being at odds with grassroots America. Whether it was William F. Buckley’s opposition to the War in Iraq, Milton Friedman’s championing of legalized marijuana or Heather Mac Donald’s defense of atheism, conservative writers and thinkers have been unafraid to take unpopular stands even if it means thumbing their nose at the home crowd.
A few of them were at it again this week. Exhibit A is the recent criticism of soon-to-be former Gov. Sarah Palin. The Los Angeles Times noted that while Palin remained the darling of the Republican base, many conservative pundits harbored reservations about her qualifications for the nation’s highest office, a charge echoed by Bill Kristol in the Washington Post. “[M]any of my friends in … the Republican establishment…tend not only to dislike and disdain Palin, they also want to bury her chances now as a presidential possibility. What are they so scared of?”
What indeed? A constant theme seems to be that Gov. Palin is simply not the man or woman to rebuild the party. Conservative intellectuals are wary of populists like Palin, skilled at waving and winking, but seemingly lacking intellectual heft, and after eight years defending George W. Bush’s intellectual prowess who can blame them? What’s more, they remember the apprehension many on the right felt as Palin went into her debate with Joe Biden, hoping only that she would not embarrass the party. She didn’t, but that is hardly a recommendation.
The Times’ piece quoted several “Republican strategists” who had remained silent during the 2008 campaign due to their reluctance to violate Ronald Reagan’s 11th Commandment: Though Shall Not Speak Ill of Any Other Republican. It seems Reagan’s commandment has been repealed. Perhaps more important, conservative intellectuals are speaking out. George Will was one of the first to express serious doubts about Palin, particularly her inexperience—experience being the Founding Fathers’ foremost criteria for leadership. Will acknowledged that Palin was the most conservative of the four candidates for national office (McCain, Palin, Obama, Biden), but he remained unimpressed:
Among the four candidates…perhaps only Palin might give a Madisonian answer — one cognizant of the idea that the federal government’s powers are limited because they are enumerated — if asked to identify any provision of the Constitution, other than the First Amendment, that imposes meaningful limits on congressional or executive authority to act…. But is there any evidence that she has thought about such matters?
Will was writing during the final weeks of the 2008 campaign. Now other conservative intellectuals are beginning to speak out. To Peggy Noonan, Palin is something of a drama queen who “makes the party look stupid, a party of the easily manipulated.” She is a “ponder-free zone,” who wasn’t “thoughtful enough to know she wasn’t thoughtful enough.” Palin is a casualty of the self-esteem movement which raised an entire generation with no proper sense of its own inadequacy. She “couldn’t say what she read because she didn’t read anything.” Worse she took the American tradition of anti-intellectualism to a whole new level. Conservatives once mocked Dan Quayle because he said it was “hard get through The American Spectator,” but at least he tried. Palin couldn’t even come up with the name of a single magazine she had read. Not even Field and Stream.
David Frum expressed a fear that a Palin candidacy would lead the GOP into “a 1964-style debacle, accompanied by unnecessary losses down the ballot…[H]er core group of supporters excuse everything on the grounds that she is a social conservative martyr, scorned by her cultural betters.”
Veteran GOP ad man Mike Murphy told the LA Times that Palin’s popularity rests entirely on the shaky foundation of her looks, which, at her age, are bound to go soon. “If Sarah Palin looked like Golda Meir, would we even be talking about her today?” GOP strategist Peter Wehner, once an admirer, has had a change of heart. “[E]ven those of us who were disposed to like her cannot deny that her public appearances have generally ranged from mediocre to awful. She’s had more than a handful of chances to show her stuff; what we’ve seen has not been reassuring, and at times alarming.”
Not all conservatives are so eager to dismiss Palin. Bill Kristol is keeping at least one foot in the Palin camp, insisting that she has been treated unfairly, a victim of the liberal media. Maybe, but since when do conservatives play the victim card?
CONSERVATIVE INTELLECTUALS have been long concerned about the populist drift of the GOP, a movement that began in the 1960s with the Southern Strategy. The stratagem has worked wonders at the ballot box as the GOP has to a large extent shaken off its reputation as the party of cigar smoking fat cats, while reinventing itself as the party of NASCAR America. Indeed it is now the Clintons and the Obamas who are seen as Ivy League elitist snobs. And yet many conservatives are uneasy with this state of affairs, particularly when it gives rise to populist politicians.
Palin’s defenders might point out that John Quincy Adams was the most qualified, and far and away the most intelligent president in American history, and yet his presidency was remarkably unproductive. (James Buchanan is also said to have been the most qualified president, and is consistently ranked one of the worst presidents in American history.) Adams was unable to get his programs passed by congress and was decisively voted out of office in favor of the backwoods military hero Andrew Jackson.
Palin’s supporters are right about another thing: experience alone is not enough. What else is needed, writes George Will, are the three C’s: character, common sense, and constitutional sense. Charisma, which Palin clearly has in spades, is notably not one of the three C’s.
Incredibly Palin’s resignation as Alaska governor actually boosted her standing among the Republican base, according to a USA Today/Gallup Poll. This hints at what some conservative pundits have feared, that her supporters are not only fervent, but fervent to the point of irrationality. They seem to believe that the more Palin is hated and attacked the better leader she will be. But the simple fact that the mainstream media dislikes Palin is no reason to support her for president. The GOP base might do well to remember that the great populist William Jennings Bryan failed to win the presidency for the Democrats three times. Popular as Bryan was, the majority of Americans still did not want him running the country.
About the Author
Christopher Orlet writes from St. Louis.
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Kitty| 7.16.09 @ 7:09AM
Yet another piece inventorying the right-wing's egghead ugliness.
I think William A. Jacobson is right when he wrote, "It Always Has Been About Trig."
http://legalinsurrection.blogspot.com/2009/07/it-always-has-been-about-trig.html
...
Siegfried X| 7.16.09 @ 7:10AM
No need to argue about it. Let's just have a clean primary in 2012, and decide by voting.
Appleby| 7.16.09 @ 7:18AM
I am still surprised, and very disappointed, to see the No Girls Allowed Riff trumpeted by men who should by now be over it -- that Mrs. Palin got by on her looks, and *If she looked like Golda Meir would we be talking about her?* is a stupid bleat because in fact we ARE talking about Golda Meir.
Margaret Thatcher was no Barbie doll, and I notice we are still talking about her too.
If a woman is good looking, men say she slept her way to the top. If she is not good looking, men say she craved power because she is NOT good looking.
Did none of you pitiful objects have mothers that you respected for their intelligence and abilities? Have you no female relatives that you look upon as anything but empty headed dollie girls or breeders of cousins?
It seems to me that the more successful women become, the shriller and more hysterical the men become in reply. If you think we need a masculine candidate to match or exceed Mrs. Palin, bring him forward and let him compete on some platform besides the No Girls Allowed Riff. If you can find anybody, that is.
Motown Mike| 7.16.09 @ 7:35AM
The criticism of Palin as having no experience is nonsense, especially when compared to the thin resume of Barack Obama. She was running for the vice presidency! What better place for a governor from a remote, small-population state to get the seasoning she would need to become a future Republican star? But, by violating Reagan's Eleventh Commandment, the Republican elite again demonstrated the party's out-of-touch incompetence and undercut its own future.
TennesseeVolunteer| 7.16.09 @ 7:40AM
We like her because she gets it. Her short article about the Cap and Tax bill put the administration under the bus. Her clear strategy for American energy independence was short, clear and full of common sense that the majority of Americans would agree with, particularly if the media didn't dramatize the fact that she wrote it.
I am not saying she should be President or not, that will play out. What I am saying is she speaks plainly to things we understand and agree with.
I am done with politicians who say one thing and do another, our current administration is the epitome of that.
James Bailey| 7.16.09 @ 7:50AM
Why is Conservative not one of the 3 C's of Conservative Intellectuals?
To be an intellectual do you have to act like a junior high school teenage snob? Anyone who dares rise without your blessing is to be smeared with falsehoods.
It used to be that conservatives of many stripes, fiscal, social, strong defense, even intellectual, would unite together against liberals to make progress in achieving all of their goals. Now, it seems that when anyone "qualifies" their conservatism, it is with some restriction, with the intent of attacking other conservatives instead of liberals.
Thus we have the sad state of today's conservatism, with many "so-called" conservatives kissing up to the most Marxist President we have ever had, and joining with his liberal cohorts in attacking the one person with the best chance ousting him in the next elections.
I keep expecting to hear the Candid Camera theme song any time now. But I am not smiling. This is one ugly, sick, twisted joke.
D| 7.16.09 @ 8:09AM
I have a fundamental problem with anyone who considers himself or herself to be "an intellectual." This generally means they know alot about one little thing and just about nothing when it comes to everything else. Including how insipid and arrogant they appear.
Christopher Orlet teaches English and journalism; I am just SO impressed.
CliffNZ| 7.16.09 @ 8:19AM
If her public appearances had really ranged from mediocre to awful I find it hard to understand why Sarah Palin is still so popular. Did all her supporters miss these awful appearances? Or are they unable to assess her public appearances because they are not intellectuals? I am also amused at this self labeling. I come from New Zealand so I don't know if this is common place in Washington. Do Washington Republicans walk around saying "I am an elite, conservative intellectual and they are grassroots, conservative, non intellectuals." It all sounds rather daft this categorising that goes on from writers like the author of this piece. I think Sarah Palin is liked by a diverse range of people, from many different backgrounds and experiences. It is not these supporters who are fervent to the point of irrationality, rather it is many of her detractors who are fervent in their irrational disdain, while attempting to cloak it as "intellectual analysis."
jack| 7.16.09 @ 8:34AM
as long as Republicans choose appeasement when dealing with Dems and Socialists as they did by putting McCain on ticket,the party will suffer defeats and the country will sink further into the hands of the Socialists and central planners. The Republicans must fight every Dem idea and every Dem candidate to the death. If the country and party are to survive the Republicans must use the same tactics the Dems have been using. You have to destroy every candidate or potential candidate by throwing everything at them and hoping something will stick. This is a war for the future of the country, a free country or a dictatorship of the central planners,those who believe they are smarter than the rest of us. Those who believe proper tire inflation is an energy policy,those who believe in the global warming hoax, those who believe government is a better judge of our needs than the individual must be destroyed no matter the cost.
Gen. Malaise| 7.16.09 @ 8:49AM
Jack, I agree with you, that tire inflation is not an energy policy. As long as Sarah keeps her head up as she dribbles down the court and keeps an eye on the basket, and as long as she doesn't float downstream with the elite liberal fish, I think she could make a great president.
Marcell| 7.16.09 @ 8:57AM
Siegfried X| 7.16.09 @ 7:10AM
No need to argue about it. Let's just have a clean primary in 2012, and decide by voting.
**************
If the Republican primaries were today, we could take your base & divide & concur it by using Palin to our advantage.
The leadership of the Republican Party wants Romney & the base wants Palin, so we can easily focus on how the machine always picks your candidate for you. Then, promote a no name candidate to create chaos & attack the Machines candidate.
With that said, I am sure the machine will pay off all of their potential threats to steer clear from running, so Romney will have no competition… Good.
There's more, but if I told you that part of an agenda, I would have to merk you to keep you quiet.
Great post| 7.16.09 @ 9:03AM
James Bailey| 7.16.09 @ 7:50AM
..."ROTFLMAO"
Michael L. Hauschild| 7.16.09 @ 9:06AM
Mr. Ortlet,
Parroting, as opposed to the enhancement of the simple quote, is a very unbecoming literary technique. It demeans the author and assures that he will assume the lowest IQ of his sources, embody the snarkiness of the gaggle, and become a simple echo. The inevitable summation contained in a work such as this is not analysis; it is a simple average of the “sour grapes” provided by a cast of losers. The “pundits” you mimic are all transitional, having devolved from influence, to suspected validity, to proven incompetence.
As the Tennessee Volunteer states you simply do not “get it” about the appeal of Palin. It lies in the fact that she is “none of the above,” she is a straightforward example of moral, ethical behavior.
Our prior candidates mimic and proclaim “conservative” much the same way you have approached literacy, they compose to the “peer revue” and not the readership. While we may afford you the courtesy of a “read,” I am sure that many such as myself are not “listening.” We are tired of the canned “what I believe” posturing and long for the “this is who I am.”
Bill| 7.16.09 @ 9:10AM
It seems that there is not much difference between the current crop of Reps and Dems. Both have people serving that have been there way too long and are out of touch with the people they represent. I look at the Tea Parties that are made up of people that cover the spectrum of Dems, Reps and Independents and think that those of us who care for this country need a third party. Who better to rally around than Sarah. She can count me in anytime. Common sense and doing what is right is more important than a Eastern college degree.
blackelkspeaks| 7.16.09 @ 9:19AM
The greatest asset Palin has is this: She has no part of the "elites" of the Republican gang. Whether the monied men who bankroll their favorite shills to put in power to rape the taxpayers or the intellectualoids who are always trying to be too clever by half and wind up undermining their self-aggrandizing claims to wit and brilliance. This country is being destroyed by such as these. That is, the East Coast Ivy League, the Beltway Boys, the RINOs, the Confused Punditocracy, the Corrupt Political Careerists. All of them are advocates for Leviathan government.
I have already decided that I will vote for Palin for president in 2012, whether she chooses to run or not. I'd rather write her name in, regardless of who the Republican asshats choose to prop up, than continue to support "the lesser of two evils".
As we see, we wind up with the evil part anyway.
Dohn Joe| 7.16.09 @ 9:27AM
When Sarah decided to not finish her term as Governor of Alaska I said to myself, wow you don't get anymore out of the box than that. In fact, this is the kind of pure selfless patriotic out of the box thinking that has the cheese and wine tasting liberal fascist elite french fry loving snobs so scared of us.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 9:33AM
You are all precisely right. This country is being ruined by smart people. We need leaders who achieved a "D" in macroeconomics because all economic theory is useless. Who needs to be able to understand the basics of inflation, derivatives, capex, etc.? We need leaders who don't understand the Constitution because it isn't important. We need leaders who don't know much about the Supreme Court because who needs a country governed by laws? We need a leader who has a history of quitting because if the job of President gets to be too much, they will go back to fishing.
This country has been ruined by smart people like Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln and others. We need to be led by quitters who don't understand history. Besides, these dumb people will be led by the nose by the politicos that surround them in the cabinet. This type of leader will also eschew the media so much they will only talk to Fox News and not hold press conferences.
We can also tell our young that education is not important. Go to the worst schools, get poor grades, and become leaders. It's an important message.
We will be known as the country of "dumb". We can all be proud of that.
tr Rushling| 7.16.09 @ 9:48AM
I think if Jefferson were alive today, he would have been on that fishing boat with Sarah to show his support of her. Her resignation speech reminded me a lot of some of his later writings. He would also have appeared on the Sean Hannity and Glen Beck radio shows to help launch her bid for president.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 9:52AM
Rushling -- I suggest you actually read Jefferson. Oh, that's right, there's no need to read history...
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 10:01AM
Rushling, one more comment. Here is a quote by Jefferson that talks about the importance of learning:
"Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital."
Yeah, that sure explains Sarah... With Jefferson's reverence for learning and philosophy, there is no way he would support her.
owyheewine| 7.16.09 @ 10:03AM
If it's a choice like forgettable bores like George Will and aging green eyed divas like Peggy Noonan and the tea party crowd, I know which side I come down on.
fred| 7.16.09 @ 10:09AM
I am both a Palin supporter and a member of Mensa. And let me assure you, Palin is not the moron so many seem to think she is, not even close.
And I just don't know what "rambling and incoherent" resignation speech of Palin's people are talking about. The speech I saw was both clear and straightforward: she cited her many accomplishments as governor, her hopes for Alaska, and then her quite rational reasons for resigning. And she did so in clear, plain, English. There was none of the usual doublespeak we have all come to expect from politicians. Actually, maybe that's why it seemed incoherent to so many people: it wasn't the political doublespeak they expected.
Michael L. Hauschild| 7.16.09 @ 10:14AM
Mr. Orlet,
I sincerely apologize for misspelling your name.
Bob,
I too once received a "D" in and economics class, (they did not have micro or macro back then) of course since that era I have owned and operated numerous small business, often concurrently and ALL successful. Still run two. I have also "dropped out" quitting my quest for a PhD. to take care of my very elderly parents and get back to making money to provide for the care they need, in dad's case needed. The "higher calling" of family trumps "higher education" (and I suspect political office) every time, and for me academe may again call (the head of my committee claims they are holding a position open for my return).
Politics, like research, gets into your blood and I suspect that once Mr. and Mrs. Palin get their family stabilized she will return to the national scene. Call me dumb (and you have) but I look forward to this and will blissfully and ignorantly support her in any manner she deems fitting.
blackelkspeaks| 7.16.09 @ 10:15AM
To Bob:
What are you, a DNC leftist troll or an RNC intellectualoid shill? What makes you think that Palin is not herself familiar with the writings of those you snobbishly quote? I've heard a number of her speeches and read a number of her published opinion pieces. You can bet that she is, indeed, familiar with the works you refer to. In fact, she's practically the only politician I have heard that references the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, and uses terms such as "freedom" and "liberty" with alacrity. I support her without reservation.
And I have degrees in Philosophy and History.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 10:16AM
Fred, perhaps you can direct me to some evidence of her high level of intelligence? Grades in school? Position papers before she was named VP? Books she has written? Perhaps you can tell me, if she is not a politico, why she supported cap and trade as VP candidate and now doesn't? Isn't that called "integrity"? Please show me that you deserve to belong to Mensa by providing substantive support for your proposition. Please tell me this isn't just a "feeling" you have and that it is based on intelligent analysis. Thank you.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 10:22AM
blackelkspeaks -- please link to one of her "opinion pieces" prior to being named VP. We all know that these were written for her after that time. She isn't even writing her own book.
And yes, I consider myself a snob because I read Jefferson -- a proud snob. Again, can you show any evidence of her knowledge PRIOR to being named VP?
And yes, I align myself with Will, Frum, Powell, etc. I am proud of that association and the fact that I am a limited government, fiscal conservative. But I am also a strong supporter of education and providing examples for our children. By the way, why do you even need your college degrees? You obviously don't value them.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 10:31AM
How exactly does Sarah Palin qualify as "conservative"?
As governor, she presides over the greatest state-level wealth redistribution program in the country.
Her actual stance on national issues is very difficult to figure out, and most of her public "speeches" and pronouncements concern her victimization by Alaska Republicans and the media.
I would submit that it is her ability to represent the resentful, anxious, disgruntled, and increasingly squeezed lower middle class as a victim that makes her so attractive to her supporters.
Gen. Malaise| 7.16.09 @ 10:34AM
Bob, I can only assume then that you also enjoy quiche, wine, cheese, french and russian dressings on your arugula salads. I'll take moose meat and salmon caught upstream not downstream with the rest of the dead fish any day.
Theresa| 7.16.09 @ 10:39AM
Oh my how I grow so weary of these people that think they know what 'mainstream' want from our representatives. For this writer to say that we Palin supporters only get more fired up the more the state run media trashes means that this writers knows very little of who we are. We were energized by Sarah Palin's refreshing message of change. Do your research about how grass-roots movements work. We the People grow tired of the same ole same ole politics as usual.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 10:43AM
Malaise -- and your assumption, as usual would be wrong. I grew up in South Central, like BBQ, fried chicken, burgers and fries. The last time I had arugula was perhaps 30 years ago. I've tried moose meat but like good old beef better. And I do like scrod better than salmon.
Your simpleton view of others is quite revealing.
Gen Malaise| 7.16.09 @ 10:56AM
Bob, I knew it! You admit to liking french fries! Next thing you will be trying to convince me that Obama is a Christian born in the United States and that he doesn't belong to a friday night bowling team with Bill Ayers, Rev. Wright and Leon Trotsky. And don't even think about trying to trip me up with facts, I listen to Rush and Glenn and Sean .
Appleby| 7.16.09 @ 10:58AM
Bob, I failed Economics at University. Later on I took it in night school, after I had been in the work force for 15 years or so, and the professor, who was quite young, used Samuelson as his textbook. Everyone in the class was a working stiff from various disciplines, and we constantly contested the theories and hypotheses in the textbook as being unrealistic, incoherent, and unworkable. Finally the professor lost his temper and told us that we were not there to argue with him, we were there to learn what was in the book and pass the test at the end, so would we please STFU and get on with it.
That, precisely, is why taking classes in school is so frequently a waste of everybody's time. One is far better off reading up on one's own at home.
P.S. I am a member of Mensa too. It's the only thing that keeps me sane.
blackelkspeaks| 7.16.09 @ 11:00AM
Bob wrote: "And yes, I align myself with Will, Frum, Powell, etc. I am proud of that association and the fact that I am a limited government, fiscal conservative."
Let's see; another "limited government, fiscal conservative" who associates with the likes of Will, Frum, and Powell, all of whom are shills for Leviathan government, yet wants to quote Jefferson, Adams, and such others.
Yep. Just another confused intellectualoid asshat.
But, you know, it doesn't take degrees in Philosophy and History to identify a jackass (like Hussein, and you) when you encounter one. All of Will's, Frum's, and especially Powell's education couldn't prevent them from putting the pieces together on their boy, Hussein.
I'll take the Sarah Palin's of the world every time.
As Disraeli said in similar circumstances, "I always support the masses over the classes".
TR Rushling| 7.16.09 @ 11:09AM
blackelspeaks, Do you enjoy some pro wrestling on TV .
Vern Crisler| 7.16.09 @ 11:14AM
More Palin bashing from someone who has the temerity to link WFB with Heather MacDonald. Sheesh, what's happening to the American Spectator?
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 11:20AM
Malaise -- I wouldn't dare try to trip you up with facts. Who needs facts?
Appleby -- so you are a member of Mensa and failed economics? The probability of that being true is relatively low. But you did fail mathematics as well? Regarding the study of economics -- I also took a number of economics courses and achieved high grades. Learning opposing theories provides a substantive base upon which you continue to learn through experience. I spent over 35 years as a business executive and my positions on economics have developed quite a bit since school. I constantly question assumptions. Perhaps, because I went to an Ivy League school, I value the methodology of learning more than the factual information in textbooks. I can remember my first day in business school disagreeing with the professor and supporting my case. However, that did not prevent me from learning. Perhaps you could have benefited from a better teacher. I've taught some college level courses and valued logic and support far more than having an answer congruent to mine. In fact, I gave my highest grade to a brilliant student who held vastly different beliefs because she did her homework and argued her case beautifully. To me, that is what education is all about and why Palin is woefully insufficient.
Have you noticed that no one has found support for the assertion that Palin has any intellectual competence shown before she was chosen as VP? It's like having someone prove that tax cuts are stimulative through inflation adjusted graphical data -- I've challenged anyone on this board to do that and no one has been able to do so while I have actually linked to the data.
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 11:23AM
Guys...
What if Sarah could accomplish nothing more than helping 6 or 7 honest, decent, conservative Senators get elected?
Even the threat of that...ie a non fillibuster-proof Senate...with 6 or 7 hellraising "fillibusterers" scares the living worms out of the business as usual types.
PS: I have heard a rumor that Sarah and Dick Cheney have become serious pen-pals. If so, cool!
She could not have a more savvy mentor/friend.
Big J| 7.16.09 @ 11:30AM
These wizards of smart (Orlet, Noonan + Bob, Liberal Reader and others) are completely confused by the likes of most who post on this site. They try to explain our opposing views to us (an effort in futility, as we don't fit the mold, so to speak), in an attempt to justify their perception of the world.
Give it up Bob. We are not a bunch of irrational, undereducated nincompoops that have no worthwhile, logical viewpoints.
We are hard workers, some with higher education, some with PhD's from the school of hard knocks.
Some of us are intelligent AND smart at the same time.
Some of us own companies, and most strive to some day.
The posters that you continuously look down on as "unsophisticated" or "irrational" seem to me to be some really well-rounded, solid-based conservative Americans that believe in less government intervention and the free market system (you know, the system that you despise).
We love this country and the diversity that it offers.
We tolerate odd cultural behaviors and beliefs only to the point that they don't intrude in our daily lives.
We hold human life in the highest regard (hint: it starts at CONCEPTION), until such time that one life takes another - then it's open season. Personally, I prefer the older methods - hanging or the electric chair, as I feel visual stimulation is an excellent deterrent. There's something just a little to "humane" in death by lethal injection.
So here you are, typing away on the keyboard explaining to us irrational, feeling based people why we are inferior. Here you are, telling us why we are so ignorant for believing the way we do. Here you are, justifying a fact that you just don't get - why we love Sarah Palin so much. You see, she is just like us.
She doesn't fit the "Bob Mold", and you will never get it.
I say, go back to your french fries and ponder: How could it be that so many people would support a non-elite? How could one so far outside the status quo be so popular? Why doesn't the man in the mirror get these regular people?
Those are the questions I would ponder, Bob. Even if it cost you a little time spent on macro-economics, you might find it worthwhile.
Then, you might actually have something of consequence to say on the topic.
Big J| 7.16.09 @ 11:33AM
*to "humane" = too "humane"*
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 11:34AM
Those elitist snobs mentioned in the article are the reason I am not a Republican anymore.
Peggy Noonan and her type are bad for the Republican party and great for Democrats. As far as Sarah's beauty, it's the only reason why feminists and liberal Republican women like Noonan attack her with such vile and despicable hatred. I think they are secretly replaying some high school jealously game.
The liberal Republicans are the ones who keep repeating we need to act more like Democrats to win elections ("Murphy: it's demographics dummy"). They don't want lower taxes (all of them); they don't want smaller gov't; they want bigger gov't; many of them believe in global warming (McCain: we must do something, dummy); they want amnesty -- oops, earned citizenship -- for illegal aliens (McCain: we must help, dummy); they accuse me of hating Mexicans because I oppose illegal immigration (Lindsay Graham: you are racists, dummy); they live in a protected bubble in their enclaves shielded from the consequences of illegals everywhere; they don't oppose affirmative action; they equate Sarah Palin with stupidity and inferiority and use lies and prejudice to spread their hatred (Noonan: she doesn’t even know how to read, dummy; Parker: you are just lusting for her, dummy).
Who is being the populist?
Bush's mistakes were not due to a lack of intelligence. It was lack of a conservative philosophy.
I am getting more and more furious by the day and moving further and further away from what "Republican" stands for. And I repeat, it’s because of people like Peggy Noonan.
JS| 7.16.09 @ 11:37AM
There is already a party for "moderates" its called the Democrat party. Why can't people like Bob leave our party alone and join the Democrats he has so much in common with?
Jim| 7.16.09 @ 11:37AM
Among the many reasons we true conservatives support Palin:
1. She understands that National Defense is the first responsibility of the President and the Federal government, even if extreme measures are sometimes necessary.
2. She appreciates the fact that all human life is precious and that life begins at conception.
3. She understands that the Second Amendment defines a fundamental individual right and in a sense is the ultimate guarantor of the Bill of Rights.
4. She grasps the fact that a robust, vibrant, growing economy is only possible when energy is abundant, affordable, and secure.
5. She is moral, with all the personal virtues that entails.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 11:43AM
I'd like to give Peggey Noonan a test and measure her level of knowledge in a dozen or so subjects like: mathematics, physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, economics, philosophy, sociology, psychology, biology, astronomy, geology, construction, electricity, materials science, computer programming, .... I could on and on... and be able to "prove" using her own standards that she is "super dumb" and that she "doesn't read."
I have one final question for Peggy: doesn't it just infuriate you that so many men find Sarah attractive?
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 11:45AM
Bob,
Why are you commenting again? Especially on Gov. Palin's constitutional apptitude?
For those of you who don't know, until recently, Bob thought that blacks had 3/5 of a vote under the U.S. Constitution, as originally written. He went to Harvard, don't cha know.
You seem to have alot of time on your hands, Bob, go buy some books and educate yourself. You betcha!
Crusader| 7.16.09 @ 11:54AM
Its funny, libtards like Bob are worried about Palin's grades--hey Bob, what did the usurper get in college? Oh that's right, like everything else about him we don't know because he won't release it. Why are you worried what a small-time soon-to-be ex-governess got in school and not the libtard in chief?
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 12:02PM
Big J -- your inconsistencies abound:
"We are not a bunch of irrational, undereducated nincompoops that have no worthwhile, logical viewpoints." -- Then please show us through logical, educated, factual proofs. If what you say is true, this should be easy.
"We love this country and the diversity that it offers." -- Many of us love this country. I volunteered to fight for this country during Vietnam. Did you?
"We tolerate odd cultural behaviors and beliefs only to the point that they don't intrude in our daily lives." -- And yet you want to intrude on mine and others through your beliefs on abortion and gay marriage.
"How could it be that so many people would support a non-elite?" -- Actually, polls show that most people do not support her -- even the non-elite.
Perhaps, BigJ, you could actually think about your positions. Since you cannot support them, they have little consequence.
JS, you said:
"Why can't people like Bob leave our party alone and join the Democrats he has so much in common with?" -- Because Democrats do not believe in limited government and fiscal conservatism. I believe there is a strong intellectual and economic argument for these things that is being derailed by candidates like Palin. I do not agree with you on social issues because I am libertarian on those things. I want the least intrusion by the government on both fiscal issues and personal issues. In that way, I am highly consistent.
Jim, please show me evidence that Palin understands National Defense. If this were her highest priority, don't you think she would have know the top commander in Afghanistan during her debate? On "fundamental" do you understand the distinction between the common definition of the word and the legal definition? If not, I would study the issue. Regarding morality, is getting pregnant prior to marriage moral? Is getting government to pay for your children's travel moral? Is taking money for living in your own home moral? Is quitting when you were elected for a term by your constituents moral? Think about it.
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 12:03PM
Ya know why the Bobs and Liberal Readers are afraid of Sarah Palin? '
'Coz she represents all the Average Janes and Joes:
* Who greatly outnumber the prissy sophisticated elites.
* Who also know how pitchforks work.
You betcha.
lynnrockets | 7.16.09 @ 12:05PM
Don't blame Sarah, she was born with a Naughty Monkey in her mouth.
MS. PALIN
(sung to the Kingston Trio song “Tom Dooley”)
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
Alarm bells should be soundin’
For the First Dude’s wife
There’ll be no vote countin’
Short was her shelf life
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
This time tomorrow
Wonder where she’ll be?
Poll numbers are a fallin’
There’ll be no Presidency
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
Words ringin’ hollow
A useless degree
Member of the G.O.P.
That’s Little Miss Mavericky
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Hang down your head and cry
Hang down your head, Ms. Palin
Kiss your career bye-bye
Kiss your career bye-bye
Kiss your career bye-bye
Kiss your career bye-bye
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 12:06PM
Nick, we went back and forth on the 3/5th issue and the thrust of my statement was correct -- that counting blacks as less than whites in any context is wrong. It seems that you believe we should still have that provision. Perhaps that's why the Republican party as it stands has so few blacks and Hispanics.
William| 7.16.09 @ 12:07PM
The Republican Club is dead and irrelevant. They are in essence the Mensheviks to the Democratic Party Bolsheviks.
I don't know where we go from here, but no conservative should continue to support the Quislings in the GOP.
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 12:10PM
Mr. Bailey,
Excellent post, sir.
Except the part about conservatives uniting together to "make progress".
In the last 30 years, what conservative progress has been made, other than the collapse of the Soviet Union ( a biggie, I'll grant) and getting a few private property rights back that were stolen during the Raw Deal?
Societies are built from the ground up. It starts with the family, as Pope Leo XIII said. Government can't cure the ills of society, even if we could repeal 95% of the Federal Register.
American society has become more debased and licentious in the past 50 years.
Garbage rolls uphill.
None of us can change the world by voting for X candidate, even Sarah Palin. All we can do is change that little part of the world we inhabit, by the way we treat those we interact with.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 12:14PM
DS80 -- the most recent Gallup poll says that almost 3/4 of Democrats think she is unqualified as well as a 55/34 split among independents. That doesn't support your theory that most average people support her. But then again, logic and facts seem to be unimportant to Palin supporters. Is that what you're saying about average Janes and Joes? That they are neither logical or factual?
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 12:26PM
Bob,
No, you were embarrassingly WRONG!
For someone who has the sheepskins you "claim" you have, I'm shocked you're willing to have your constitutional illiteracy displayed for everyone to see.
You are ignorant of the founding of this country. You are ignorant of the Constitution. You are ignorant of right and wrong.
This is why you RINO'S are for what is pragmatic and not for what is constitutional and proper.
I repeat, go buy some books and educate yourself. All Harvard did was indoctrinate you.
You betcha'! (wink)
Marcell| 7.16.09 @ 12:31PM
Ed vs. Rush: Showdown at 30 Rock
July 15: Playbook: MSNBC's Ed Schultz challenges Rush Limbaugh to debate him on "The Ed Show," after responding to some unfavorable comments from the conservative radio host.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/31929946#31929946
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 12:37PM
WELCOME! ALL SOROS ROBOTS!!!
(yep) I snuck in moveon.org's e-mail list last October. I get e-mails from them virtually every day.
The Robots here cut and paste SO much from there that it is actually funny.
So when you fellow constitutionalists here start reading their posts, good! You are reading Soros and can know their various propagandasssss.
lynnrockets | 7.16.09 @ 12:45PM
Sarah Palin/Joe The Plumber 2012
( the Cougar and the Snake)
MONEY FOR NOTHING
(sung to the Dire Straits song “Money For Nothing”)
I want my, I want my Fox TV
Now look at that Bozo, that’s the way you do it
Fouling up interviews on the TV
Brain ain’t working, that’s the way she blew it
Money for nothing and her clothes for free
Palin ain’t working, told the voters, “screw it”
While she gobbled up every crumb
Maybe get Todd’s sister a break from the clinker
Baby she’s a grifter, she’s pond scum
She belongs in a secret witch coven
Draped in her gaudy finery
She was exposed much sooner than later
By the pros on M-S-N-B-C
Palin’s a starlet with her beehive and her makeup
Yeah buddy, that’s her own hair
That Sarah Palin shoots wolves from her airplane
She even wants to kill the polar bears
She thinks a guv’nor’s pay ain’t worth nothin’
She can’t write despite her degree
We all know she’s a lousy debater
She’ll live off the SarahPac money
(musical interlude)
She thinks a guv’nor’s pay ain’t worth nothin’
She can’t write despite her degree
We all know she’s a lousy debater
She’ll live off the SarahPac money
She’s a rat. She’s a rat.
Her temperament is strangely bizarre
She gives jobs to her high school chums
Look at that Sarah, she can’t stop winkin’ at the camera
Man, that girl is dumb
She’s a nightmare, that cat. Whining annoys us.
Palin thinks the Congo borders Tennessee
Her brain ain’t workin’, that’s the way she blew it
Gets her money for nothin’, gets her clothes for free
She couldn’t take the pushin’ and shovin’
Another weakling G.O.P.
She’s a pre-marital fornicator
Preaching all about abstinency
Listen here
Her brain ain’t workin’, that’s the way she blew it
Her next employer will be Fox TV
She’ll be tongue tied, she’ll bite her tongue and chew it
Money for nothing just like Hannity
Money for nothing like O’Reilly
Killed a turkey for stuffin’ right on the TV
Huffin’ and puffin’ constantly
Look at that. Look at that.
They’ll pay money for nothing on that Fox TV
(I want my, I want my, I want my Fox TV)
Money for nothing just like Hannity
Sleazy, sleazy
She ain’t working.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 12:49PM
Nick, you have shown yourself to be devoid of factual argument and have a complete misunderstanding of the underpinnings of our form of government. Now I understand fully why you are a Palin supporter. Again, please post some factual evidence of Palin's intelligence provided prior to her selection of VP. The fact that you cannot proves the point.
What makes you so proud of yours, and Palin's, lack of education?
JL| 7.16.09 @ 1:01PM
How smart do you have to be to know that you can;t spend more than you take in?? I think Palin is smart enough to know this...while most of our "smarter" government officials in Washington are apparently not.
Go to an Ivy League school to learn how to bankrupt the US and pander to special interests over the will of the people...all the while claiming to be doing the "right things" for America.. I prefer a college dropout with common sense and integrity anyday.
Marcell| 7.16.09 @ 1:08PM
I dedicate this to Palin & her supporters.
Here's to you Twisted Sister (Palin)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy0uSGGKCCw
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 1:10PM
Bob,
Again, it was YOU who erroneously thought blacks had 3/5 of a vote under the U.S. Constitution. This is junior-high level education, Bob.
It is you who "claims" you are for limited government and at the same time is for Medicare. Oxymoron.
It is you who projects your racism on others, like myself, by claiming the GOP has to pander to a vocal minority of Hispanic Marxists, because of your racist belief that all Hispanics think alike.
Quit accusing Gov. Palin of being uneducated, as the data show you are the ignorant one, don't cha' know.
Show some evidence of YOUR intelligence, Mr. "blacks had 3/5 of a vote". (wink)
stephanie| 7.16.09 @ 1:10PM
I am convinced that those in the Beltway are so far removed from their constituants and what they were voted into office to do. TERM LIMITS!
Sarah may not be an Starbucks arugula eating snob, but she "gets it" and I will support her with donations whether she runs in 2012 or just tours the lower 48 helping to get other "conservatives" elected.
And Lynnrockets, you are pathetic. Sarah just scares the hell out of you, doesn't she?
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 1:34PM
JL -- It was Reagan who started the modern process of "spending more than you take in". To wit:
http://zfacts.com/p/318.html
Are you calling him dumb?
And Nick, I guess you continue to have a comprehension problem. I have repeatedly called for reform of Medicare and Social Security as that comprises 53% of our federal budget. I believe health care needs to be addressed to REDUCE the cost from 16% of GDP to 10% of GDP. Each will require significant CUTS. You don't seem to have any understanding of fiscal issues. You keep on referring to the 3/5th's issue and I invite anyone here to go back and review the discourse to determine that I was speaking to the morality of the 3/5th clause. Of course, you have only a selected memory on morality.
Furthermore, I was against ALL of the bailouts and for a very limited stimulus plan that emphasized immediate needs. No wonder, with your comprehension problem you don't read books.
Truth to Power | 7.16.09 @ 1:34PM
Did Bob really use the "3/5 of a vote " misinformation as a serious argument? He may be a dimmer bulb that I thought. He claims to have gone to Harvard? What else does Bob tell us that is not true? I believe he cares a lot about gay marriage but everything else is to be questioned.
I used to post as Bob| 7.16.09 @ 1:37PM
It seems that any article on Palin brings out a vigorous discussion.
The left seemed to have transferred their entire store of rage (ala Bush derangement) to her. The ‘Conservative Elites can’t seem to find enough flaws to highlight.
I do not know if she would make a good president or not, but I do know that I do not want either the liberal left or the Conservative elites making that choice for me.
I think Reagan was one of the best presidents we ever had, I recall when he ran those self describe conservative intellectuals felt he didn’t measure up either. Please note I am not comparing Palin to Reagan but pointing out the elites had no use of him either.
I look at those whom the elites embrace and wonder how they will fair The daily slobbering love affair gives some hint to that as each day we watch the post racial, transcendent, constitutional scholar destroy our economy and our founding principles daily
I have actually read the constitution and nowhere in it can I find the Article of Redistribution, or the Amendment of Industry Takeover.
We have a congress that is completely out of control, we have an executive team that is either out of its depth or so blinded by ideology as to be a clear and present danger to nation.
We need a president that understands and can articulate our founding principles. One who understands and honors the limits on government established in the constitution.
Our party’s leadership is dominated by people totally corrupted or blinded by the culture that is Washington. We have allowed to develop a political aristocracy that feels both entitled to rule and not be challenged. We get to elect a candidate from among the field they choose worthy to run. That is only different by point of emphasis from their just making the choice for us altogether.
Whether it is Romney or Palin or John Q Public, we need to choose not the self appointed elites or the political aristocracy.
How well we choose will determine the survival of our Republic and our Liberty. Allowing other to choose for us has not worked out too well. Hopefully we can find a core of principles upon which we agree and unite behind them. Time is of the essence.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 2:02PM
lynnrockets,
That is pathetic and juvenile. You must be compensating for an inferiority complex. Witches? Rats? It reveals more about you ....
Please tell us the real reason why you do this other people. What made you so mean and nasty toward other people?
3/5 th's was temporary to PROTECT blacks -- by preventing southern states using the sudden increase in population to take over congress and legalize slavery.
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 2:21PM
For those interested in seeing Bob's ignorance on display, go to this thread:
http://spectator.org/archives/2009/06/12/its-time-to-get-serious
Then go down to "Bob| 6.13.09 @ 11:30AM" to see Bob write, "I especially want to bring back the provision that gives blacks only 3/5ths of a vote.", for proof (with data) that Bob is a pseudointellectual birdbrain who doesn't even know a simple clause in the constitution taught in junior highschool.
And Bob, "reforming" something unconstitutional is being FOR something unconstitutional.
You can't have a "little" Big Government. That's like being a little pregnant.
Oh yeah, that's right, you think a woman CAN be a little pregnant, since you won't define when human life begins. You think the scientific definition of when life begins depends on the metaphysical act of "ensoulment".
This is the intellect of Bob, folks. (wink) (wink)
I see you didn't object to having racist views, by the way.
Bob| 7.16.09 @ 2:41PM
For those who have the intellect to read the ENTIRE discourse of that thread, I encourage them to do so. You'll see that the 3/5th reference had to do with the MORALITY of the clause. For the record, even though the purpose of the clause was used to PROTECT blacks, just the act of counting one race as less than another is immoral. It's like justifying killing someone because you think that sometime in the future they will end up killing someone else. You can come to your own conclusions.
What Nick has clearly shown is that he doesn't understand the bigger issues and can't put any argument in context. And yes, I don't believe the clump of cells that begin at conception is, as yet, a human being. The argument I presented on "ensoulment" had to do with differentiating other religious beliefs to show that the Christian point of view is not the RELIGIOUS point of view. It is not surprising that Nick took that out of context as well.
And yes, I would consider a political party that cannot attract even a relatively small percentage of people of color to its ranks is prima facia evidence of racial imperfections.
Having fun, Nick? I am......
Robt| 7.16.09 @ 2:45PM
The Palin movement is basically a cult of personality. People are very taken with her looks, her charisma, her religiosity, and her anti-establishment stance. This is a period in time, after all, when business and government have let down the public. People are angry and disappointed.
While her following is enthusiastic, it is not broad. Her "small town America is the real America" rhetoric leaves city people cold.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 2:45PM
Paul --
About the 3/5 business. Actually, it was a compromise between the North and the South -- it was not entirely "intended" to protect blacks.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 2:51PM
I used to post --
What rage?
Why is any criticism or questioning of Palin considered "rage" or hatred?
I think it's because Palin's entire status is based upon the perception of her supporters that she's been treated unfairly by the media and by the "establishment" or elite.
Thus, everything about Palin devolves into a discussion of her supposed victimization by elites and the "vicious attacks" in the media against her and her family.
But again I ask, from whence these attacks?
David Lettermen told his cruel and stupid joke. I'm sure you could cull indecent things said about Palin on blogs, too.
But where is the concerted, deliberate "vicious attack" from actual credentialed journalists or from prominent figures in the Democratic (or Republican) party?
I just don't buy the myth of the martyred Palin.
I know that makes me a blasphemer, and that the Priestess of Wasilla might be wroth.
But you people can speak in thirteen languages with tongues of fire leaping above your heads: and still I'll refuse to believe it.
Big J| 7.16.09 @ 3:20PM
Lib,
"...and that the Priestess of Wasilla might be wroth."
It's funny, in a way. Every time you and Bob hit the keyboard, you prove our point.
Liberal elitists with nothing more to do than to besmirch someone with moral standing.
Absolutely amazing that you continue down that path.
(grinning from ear to ear)
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 3:24PM
Palin - 70+ % approval rating
Conservatives + Independents - 80%
Liberals - 20%
ref: Gallup
No wonder you Libs are lying, distorting, hating, going insane and peeing your pants...
Fred| 7.16.09 @ 3:31PM
BOB, it is a feeling based on intelligent analysis. And pieces of paper don't mean a thing. I am primarily looking at her accomplishments, and her sense of timing. That she is a stupid woman is impossible.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 3:33PM
Big J --
Obviously, my sardonic little "Priestess" remark was meant to make a point. It differs not a jot from "the One" or "the Messiah" talk that goes on about Obama.
Neither tags are all that hilarious, but they're the way people go about satirizing political figures.
If Palin is indeed a political figure (we can't actually tell), then she can -- sorry to disappoint you -- expect satire.
None of this is particularly outraged or hateful. It's just how we do things in this country.
I'd prefer a less cantankerous political discourse, but that would not mean political debate scrubbed of all mud flinging.
Again:
If you or anyone else can point to genuine "rage" on the part of liberals, or "vicious attacks" on the part of the media -- other than Lettermen's or some obscure blogger's -- then I'll concede the point.
But I demand evidence, and I'm sick to death of being instructed to take Palin's martyr status on faith. Call me Doubting Thomas: I want evidence.
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 3:38PM
Sarah's timing and strategic approach leaves the MSM in the cold... they have no idea of her next move... that leaves them infuriated!!!
Its a beautiful thing to watch!!
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 3:59PM
Bob,
You are confusing me. I’m having trouble determining if you are a blazing hypocrite, a fool or some of both. You call yourself a fiscal conservative but voted for a Marxist whom you said was “spending way too much” at the time of the $787 billion (plus debt service) dollar payout to everything Marxist’s hold dear. Add in his 2010 budget, 410 billion Omnibus spending bill, Cap and Tax, Nationalized Health Care and we are looking at a trillion dollar a year deficit spending out as far as the eye can see, certainly well past the point I might be able to retire in 2018. We are at close to 2 trillion this year with just 6 months of his handy work. If we took 100% of the top 50% of tax payers pay which is 97% of the income taxes paid we couldn’t balance the budget if our life depended on it and that may come to pass on the trajectory we on. You said Socialism would more likely be brought on by fiscal debt and your Champion is certainly following your model to a T. Fiscal Conservative Bob, not hardly.
You said you are in the same camp as Powell, Will, etc. You certainly are in the same camp as Powell. Powell is out there sending grandfatherly hints to his “creation” that we can’t afford what he is doing and the “creation” seems to have mind of its own. Will praised one of your Marxist’s economic advisors in an article when he was running for the Democrat nomination. He has continually trashed his polices since his election. Which Will is in your camp? You and Powell voted for the Marxist, not George Will. You own that or perhaps he owns you.
You say that “education is a starting point of learning” but consistently start and end your arguments with the importance of it above any semblance of accomplishments. Obama’s only accomplishment in life is becoming President. You say Palin is not intelligent which begs the question did she get her degree via mail order? I guess only Harvard degrees really count? Where is the evidence of that “D” she got in Econ? Where are Obama’s grades in University? His position papers, etc? Nothing at all seems to exist about the man prior to running for the Illinois Senate. I have a pretty good background in Econ and can prove it but have a very common sense view of its value at predicting something as dynamic as a modern economy. The saying about finding a one armed economists comes to mind. Theory is Theory and Econ has never risen to the level of a true science and all that entails. Predicting the future economic trends in a global economy is like predicting the climate. Never quite works out as expected.
So Bob, which is it a hypocrite, a fool or some of both? You voted for a man that does exactly the opposite of what you say you stand for.
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 4:05PM
Lib,
There are a number of independent web sites that document Govenor Sarah Palin's accomplishments in Alaska. The list is long and in my opinion, impressive and substantial including multi-mm $$$ trade agreements with foreign countries. The lady is smart and gets things done.
Bo| 7.16.09 @ 4:13PM
This is what Peggy Noonan said on Sept 5th , 2008 about Palin in her WP editorials:
"A Servant's Heart"
"Sarah Palin killed. And more than killed.
"Much has been said about her speech, but a few points. "The difference between a hockey mom and a pitbull? Lipstick" is pure American and goes straight into Bartlett's. This is the authentic sound of the American mama, of every mother you know at school who joins the board, reads the books, heads the committee, and gets the show on the road. These women make large portions of America work.
She has the power of the normal. Hillary Clinton is grim, stentorian, was born to politics and its connivances. Nancy Pelosi, another mother of five, often seems dazed and ad hoc. But this state governor and mother of a big family is a woman in a good mood. There is something so normal about her, so "You've met this person before and you like her," that she broke through in a new way, as a character vividly herself, and vividly genuine.
Her flaws accentuated her virtues. Now and then this happens in politics, but it's rare. An example: The very averageness of her voice, the not-wonderfulness of it, highlighted her normality: most people don't have great voices. That normality in turn highlighted the courage she showed in being there, on that stage for the first time in her life and under trying circumstances. Her averageness accentuated her specialness. Her commonality highlighted her uniqueness.
She seemed wholly different from, and in fact seemed a refutation to, all the men of Washington at their great desks who make rules others have to live by but they don't have to live by themselves, who mandate work rules from which they exempt Congress, for instance. They don't live by the rules they espouse. She has lived her expressed values. She said yes to a Down Syndrome child. This too is powerful.
***
What she did in terms of the campaign itself was important. No one has ever really laid a glove on Obama before, not in this campaign and maybe not in his life. But Palin really damaged him. She took him square on, fearlessly, by which I mean in part that she showed no awkwardness connected to race, or racial history. A small town mayor is kind of like a community organizer only you have actual responsibilities. He wrote two memoirs but never authored a major bill. They've hauled the Styrofoam pillars back to the Hollywood lot.
This was powerful coming from Baberaham Lincoln, as she's been called.
It was the old-time conservatism. Government is too big, Obama will "grow it", Congress spends too much and he'll spend "more." It was for low taxes, for small business, for the private sector, for less regulation, for governing with "a servant's heart"; it was pro-small town values, and implicitly but strongly pro-life.
This was so old it seemed new, and startling. The speech was, in its way, a call so tender it made grown-ups weep on the floor. The things she spoke of were the beating heart of the old America. But as I watched I thought, I know where the people in that room are, I know their heart, for it is my heart. But this election is a wild card, because America is a wild card. It is not as it was in '80. I know where the Republican base is, but we do not know where this country that never stops changing is."
On October 3,2008 Ms. Noonan said:
"The whole debate was about Sarah Palin. She is not a person of thought but of action. Interviews are about thinking, about reflecting, marshaling data and integrating it into an answer. Debates are more active, more propelledthey are thrust and parry. They are for campaigners. She is a campaigner. Her syntax did not hold, but her magnetism did. At one point she literally winked at the nation."
"As far as Mrs. Palin was concerned, Gwen Ifill was not there, and Joe Biden was not there. Sarah and the camera were there. This was classic "talk over the heads of the media straight to the people," and it is a long time since I've seen it done so well, though so transparently. There were moments when she seemed to be doing an
infomercial pitch for charm in politics. But it was an effective infomercial."
"Sarah Palin saved John McCain again Thursday night. She is the political equivalent of cardiac paddles: Clear! Zap! We've got a beat! She will re-electrify the base. More than that, an hour and a half of talking to America will take her to a new level of stardom. Watch her crowds this weekend. She's about to get jumpers, the old political name for people who are so excited to see you they start to jump."
So what happened to Ms Noonan that she has changed her mind so drastically about Sarah?
Here is what Ms. Noonan said on Joe Biden & Chris Dodd:
"Here are two reasonables: Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. They have been United States senators for a combined 62 years. They've read a raw threat file or two. They have experience, sophistication, the long view. They know how it works. No one will have to explain it to them. "
Here is what she said on Obama:
"The case for Barack Obama, in broad strokes:
He has within him the possibility to change the direction and tone of American foreign policy, which need changing; his rise will serve as a practical rebuke to the past five years, which need rebuking; his victory would provide a fresh start in a nation in which a fresh start would come as a national relief. He climbed steep stairs, born off the continent with no father to guide, a dreamy, abandoning mother, mixed race, no connections. He rose with guts and gifts. He is steady, calm, and, in terms of the execution of his political ascent, still the primary and almost only area in which his executive abilities can be discerned, he shows good judgment in terms of whom to hire and consult, what steps to take and moves to make. We witnessed from him this year something unique in American politics: He took down a political machine without raising his voice." "Obama and the Runaway train"
"Those who have historically been sympathetic to the Republican Party or conservatism, and who support Barack Obama -- Colin Powell, William Weld and Charles Fried, among others -- and whose arguments have not passed muster with some muster-passers, go undamned here. Their objections include: The McCain campaign has been inadequate, and some of his major decisions embarrassing. All too true. But conservatives must honor prudence, and ask if the circumstances accompanying an Obama victory will encourage the helpful moderation and nonpartisan spirit these supporters attempt, in their endorsements, to demonstrate." "Obama nd the Runaway Train"
"But let's be frank. Something new is happening in America. It is the imminent arrival of a new liberal moment. History happens, it makes its turns, you hold on for dear life. Life moves."
So, do we really need to listen to Peggy Noonan and other "useful idiots" like her?
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 4:14PM
Liberal Reader,
But southern blacks, the former slaves, did not have [automatic] voting rights. What were the other intentions for the compromise?
Criticism is not hatred but, wishing Sarah to be violently gang-raped by large black men from New York city is not criticism or humorous. Granted that came from a feminist Democrat comedienne and was probably the worst, but if you replaced Sarah Palin's name with Hillary Clinton or Michelle Obama or Geraldine Ferraro or (insert any Dem name) and there would be world-wide outrage among the liberals AND conservatives. The double standard is so thick, you liberals lost all credibility with women's rights and tolerance. Whether directed at a prominent politician or not, it was and continues to be vicious and vile.
o| 7.16.09 @ 4:16PM
Fuck you
Obama is destroying our country and the gop is wasting time trashing Sarah.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 4:19PM
Paul --
Fascinating. I twice alluded to Lettermen's tasteless and cruel joke; I twice said OTHER THAN that joke, where are all of these so-called attacks, so horrible and painful that they prevented this allegedly brilliant woman from completing her term as governor.
And what do you do?
You cite the Lettermen joke.
So let's get this straight. Was it David Lettermen's joke that martyred Sarah Palin and drove her from office?
Where is the liberal "rage"? Where are these "vicious attacks"? Is Lettermen that powerful?
I do note with interest your intensifying reference of the joke being about "rape" by a "black" man, as though a joke about a "rape" by a white man would be less awful -- presumably. Might want to think about that.
I used to post as Bob| 7.16.09 @ 4:22PM
Lib I suspect you must have missed most of the venomous screed from the entire MSNBC cast, Dowd, and a host of others too numerous to mention, that went on for a full week after her resignation.
I do not call her victim. I just marvel at the need by those that dismiss her as stupid, ignorant, unprepared, unqualified, overly zealous, trash, slutty, to tell me so often how meaningless and insignificant she is.
I think you missed the more important point of my post and frankly it applies to your party as much as it does our. Elites and the self anointed political aristocracy are selecting our candidates for us. It is a danger to the republic and our freedom and independence. If you want to get wrapped up in personal attack and personalities go ahead but I think you are falling victim to their whole divide and conquer misdirection methodology.
The truth of the matter is that our government has been taken hostage by self serving lying thieving miscreants who call themselves liberal or conservative or democrat or republican. They get their different constituencies all stirred up and present themselves as our only hope of salvation.
Honest look at any area of our government. It is a wasteful putrid humoring disaster it is rotten to the foundations. Republican or democrat look how long they have been there why is nothing fixed in several generations?
Go ahead carry their water your team is ascendant now, but Conservative elites and liberal elites and the political class are choosing the slates for both parties and our Republic is in grave peril as a result…
We must take control of our process and our representatives if we are to have any hope of saving it.
Tripp| 7.16.09 @ 4:23PM
I don't think anyone was more charismatic or truthful or well informed in the primary than Ron Paul. He returns his paychecks to the taxpayers- he reads and understands the Constitution, not to mention its philisophical foundations in the British empiricists. Can't forget he understands (Austrian School) economics. Forget Sarah, forget Mitt, forget Huckster, and forget McCain. We need true, true conservatives on the GOP ballot- Gary Johnson and Bobby Jindal come to mind.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 4:24PM
Liberal Reader,
You're wrong about this one. I'm not referring to Letterman. It was Sandra Bernhard. It was the feminists who said the most vicious things.
Gloria Steinham said she is not a real woman. Linda Carter said she doesn't care about women who are raped. The Gov't Canadian lady said she looks like a porn star.
Once again, if replace a liberal female name and ponder the response.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 4:27PM
Bo --
First of all, the "useful idiots" line is so over used, so tired, so lame, that I beg you and other right wingers to quit using it -- for your own sakes.
This cliche has been so beaten to death over recent years that not only is it witless, it is the cause that is witlessness in other men.
Please, for the love of God, come up with something original and fresh to replace it.
Originating -- I believe -- with Lenin's description of western "liberals," the time has come for this phrase to be given a rest. Even just a few weeks' rest would be good.
SECOND, the idea that Peggy Noonan is a sort of shill for communists -- by being soft, liberal type -- is so stupid and obviously false as to be laughable. Do you even know who Peggy Noonan is?
THIRD, Noonan was clearly not a supporter of Palin. But again, I don't think anything Noonan wrote could fairly be characterized as "rage" or as a "viscous attack." Noonan wrote harshly of Palin, but her criticisms seemed fair to me.
Remember, we're not talking about a woman who is running for MAYOR. We're talking about someone who was running for Vice President, and someone whose running mate was over seventy years old. We had the right to question, criticize, test -- and yes, even mock -- Sarah Palin.
Welcome to the United States of America, Bo. We think you'll like it here, if you pull your head out of your ass and look around some.
ProudTexan| 7.16.09 @ 4:29PM
Appleby--you nailed it. Well said. It really is about the shallow snobs and the old men who just can't handle it--old men, I might add, from my generation. Hats off you for stating it so well.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 4:30PM
Paul --
So you list a group of people, none of whom are employed as credentialed journalists, none of whom hold elected office -- and what?
I'm supposed to weep for Sarah Palin?
Please. The martyr victim thing is just not flying. Porn star! Give me a break.
The governor quits because someone in Canada doesn't like her?
What's wrong with you people?
ProudTexan| 7.16.09 @ 4:40PM
It amazes me how some you argue for the elite educations, etc. Look what those ivy league idiots have done to our country. Yes, Jefferson would love Sarah Palin.
Chemman| 7.16.09 @ 4:41PM
Bob, learning and education are not necessarily synonyms. You can be learned and lack a formal education as well as being ignorant with a formal education. You need to quit the educational elitism you practice. The lack of an acceptable college degree in no way indicates that a person is unlearned. They may be but I have seen as many unlearned educated people as I have unlearned uneducated people.
Bill30097| 7.16.09 @ 4:43PM
I prefer to deal with facts.
Fact 1. The morning before McPain named Palin he was down 10 points and 80 electoral votes in the RealClearPolitics averages.
Fact 2. 10 days later he was up by 8 points and 60 electoral votes. Palin did that.
Fact 3. McPain then threw away the election by suspending his campaign (stupid) and then supporting the Lib shrub's dumbass Tarp bill. (even stupider). If McPain had come out in opposition after Obama came out in support he would have won.
My credentials - MBA Finance with distinction Carnegie Mellon
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 4:47PM
You people are so out in left field it's impossible to discuss any issue. You converse, discuss, debate like a child, going from one false point to another, never acknowledging anything.
That people who trashed her don't meet some of your standards/credentials doesn't detract from the viciousness and sillyness of their statements.
I never said you're supposed to weep. You said that.
The porn star comment came from a Canadian gov't official. I believe she later retracted and resigned in shame.
Nobody said Sarah quit because someone in Canada doesn't like her. Only you did.
It gets frustrating and tiring as this process gets repeated everyday in forums like this, trying to be fair and honest with liberals who are immature, unfair and dishonest.
Do you still believe it was Letterman who made those 'rape' comments? Can you liberals ever admit you're wrong about anything? Or everything?
I dare you to replace Sarah's name with any prominent liberal female and make the same statements in the national media and see what the response is.
Rodolfo | 7.16.09 @ 4:48PM
It's not that we're afraid of Palin - it's just that she's not the most intelligent or well-spoken candidate in the GOP. We need both to win an election in 2012 and Palin just wont cut it against Obama.
Animator Girl| 7.16.09 @ 4:48PM
I do not hate learning. I LOVE learning. And it is precisely because I love learning that I have carefully investigated the quality and value of higher education beyond what I already have (a BFA). After researching a number of options, I determined that further education for what I wish to study (History and Literature, with a smattering of Econ and Poly-Sci thrown in) is too expensive considering that I can as easily learn most of this information from personal reading, mentors, and experience. When I have time, I engage in a course of study where I read, discuss, and write about classics of history and philosophy. Already, in only a few months, I've learned more from this simple program than I recall learning in entire classes in college and high school. Already, I find myself able to make arguments and points in conversation that give serious pause to my opponents. Imagine the knowledge I can gain at this rate!
My point is that while certain degrees can be very valuable and give one exceptional knowledge, learning is, in the end, a personal endeavor. The Intercollegiate Studies Institute found in their study of Americans' knowledge of civics that the higher a university scored in the US News and World Report college report, the poorer their seniors scored on a simple civics test. Yale, Princeton, and Cornell were frequently cited as expensive, prestigious schools that were failing to teach the simplest lessons about American history, as compared to many less-well-known schools and, notably, those without a college education who reported frequent involvement in civic life and personal study of history and current events.
The idea that anyone who got an A on certain tests is more intelligent than someone who did not, or the idea that one who attended a famous Ivy League school is more intelligent than someone who did not is completely false. Functional knowledge can be obtained many ways, and I resent the intimation that anyone without a very particular formal education is an idiot. History is filled with self-taught scholars, and many an idiot has come from an extraordinary school. I can't speak for Sarah Palin, but I think it's fair to say that, however intellectual she may or may not be, her career experience demonstrates a functional knowledge of certain areas, and she is not so stupid that she can't learn more still. Rather than revealing one's own arrogance at insisting she's unintelligent JUST because she lacks a particular degree, perhaps we should just wait and see.
rcocean| 7.16.09 @ 4:49PM
People like Noonan aren't part of the solution, they're part of the problem. Interesting that the conservative "intellectuals" never seem to get nasty, except when attacking their own side. Their fire always seems directed at the "populists" and "extremists" on the right, never to their supposed opponents the left.
Its almost as if they were friends with the DC-NYC liberals and regard the conservatives out in fly-over land as the "Real" enemy.
Inspectorudy| 7.16.09 @ 4:50PM
Why the anger and disdain towards Sarah Palin? If she is so uneducated and unintellectual why bother at all? Me thinks you protest too much!
Go Sarah-2012
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 4:50PM
I've seen Colin Powell's name mentioned several times on this thread.
I was in the military stationed in Viet Nam with Powell. He constantly made politically expedient decisions to gain his promotions and general stars.
Many of his actions handicapped our field forces in mortal combat conditions. His decisions were reversed time and time again by his field commanders. Powell’s efficiency evaluations from his in-country superior officers stated that Powell was a poor leader who should not be promoted. We held his ass-kissing, back slapping and glad handing in disdain and disgust!!
Powell is a JUDAS weasel, a closet socialist subversive. He disgraced the uniform he wore by playing the race card with his political buddies in the Pentagon to reverse his poor evaluations and gain his general stars. At best, he is an unadulterated fraud and charlatan.
What did this token Affirmative Action product ever accomplish of significance in any position he held in the military or the government?
Jack Okie| 7.16.09 @ 4:50PM
Bob, your comments only reinforce the idea that some things are so stupid only an intellectual would believe them. But for you I'm afraid we must insert the modifier "psuedo". Your billows and piles of stuffy "intellectual-speak" only convince that you're way out of your depth.
And I for one don't have to prove a damn thing to you about Sarah Palin or anything else, because you do not demonstrate that your opinion or beliefs merit any consideration.
Realist| 7.16.09 @ 4:53PM
We need a leader who is not only charismatic, but also capable of grand strategy in the mode of Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, or Ronald Reagan. Palin fits the charisma part, but not the grand strategy part. I don't know if any GOP 2012 hopefuls fit that. George W. Bush was good on overall strategy, but poor on the details. His failure to understand the importance of "nation-building" lead to the Iraq war dragging on, which was costly in lives and treasure. Palin vs. Putin? Palin vs. Khamanei? Palin vs. Beijing? Laughable. Just laughable.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 4:54PM
Woops, My last post at 4:47 is strictly for Liberal Reader
Inspectorudy| 7.16.09 @ 4:56PM
If it had not been for Gen. Schwarzkoph we would have ended up like we did in Viet Nam! Powell did not want to stick his neck out on inch. He was disgusting as a commander.
Sapwolf| 7.16.09 @ 5:04PM
Yes, let's let George Will run the f'in country.
Hot damn what a great idea. The man who has a child with ds can't figure out yet that Palin is a fiscal conservative.
Jeez.
Can we take a fund for a new bus to throw these self-righteous elitist goons under?
Sapwolf| 7.16.09 @ 5:05PM
If Sarah runs with Petreus as her Veep, she's got my vote.
Kricketts| 7.16.09 @ 5:11PM
I have racked my brains trying to figure out why people hate Sarah Palin. The only thing I can come up with is that she doesn't have anything bad to say about our country. Everyone expects the smart people to rip something about out country, the war, immigration, health care, let's face it it sucks and Sarah Palin hasn't showed us her expertise on her favorite sucky thing. There fore she's not qualified.
M. Miles| 7.16.09 @ 5:14PM
Good work, Bo.
Rdman: thanks for posting the stats.
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 5:25PM
rcocean,
Its the inside-the-beltway, good- old- boys, the government class... they protect each other and hate outside interlopers that threaten or scare them. Like Sarah or not like Sarah, she connects with people. The congress which is 94% lawyers fear that people like Sarah will expose their corruption and collusion.
PotownHero| 7.16.09 @ 5:27PM
Conservative Intellectuals? More like People who take themselves too seriously. They don't live in the trenches like most Palin supporters do.
Aaron| 7.16.09 @ 5:28PM
Mr. Orlet says; "They seem to believe that the more Palin is hated and attacked the better leader she will be."
I believe that the Republican base see the more that Gov. Palin is attacked means the more relevant she is. The attacks on her are nothing more than affirmation that we have picked the right candidate. I'm willing to bet that most of the voting population don't give a rat's a** about one's economic schooling. This next election will be all about who can whip the mob into a fervor. So go on and add that 4th C... Charisma.
Renascent| 7.16.09 @ 5:29PM
Tripp,
Please add Liz Cheney to your list.
Realist,
Newt Gingrich meets your standards. So, evidently, does Liz Cheney.
Huan | 7.16.09 @ 5:33PM
since when was the US government of the smart people for the dumb people?
I work in academia. It consistently amuse me when my colleagues, thinking of how smarter they are over everyone else, propose ideas without any sense of their practical implementation or real life consequence.
I support a US government of the people, for the people. I support Sarah Palin.
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 5:33PM
HEY Liberal lip-reader
Duh...how about 18...............18.........frivolous lawsuits...all dismissed.
You are SUCH a Soros buttlicker.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 5:34PM
Kricketts, I wonder too.
I wonder if it is just envy. She represents all they cannot and will not ever attain. And they project onto her all their own shortcomings, especially for liberal women. Sarah has love, a great husband, an incredible career with legitimate influence and power, a normal traditional family, and most of all she is desired, sexually, in a way they are not.
George True| 7.16.09 @ 5:35PM
Who would have thought that American Spectator would jump on the "smear Palin" bandwagon? And why does Spectator Online still allow the leftist trolls to come here and constantly hijack the comments section? I have emailed the staff of Spectator Online multiple times pointing out the problem of obvious trolls who come here to intentionally derail any real substantive discussion of the issues. Witness all the back and forth name calling so far in this thread. And Bob and Nick going on endlessly about something that has nothing to do with the topic being discussed. I do believe what Old Texican said, that there are leftist trolls that are assigned to specific conservative blogs whose mission is to hijack, rant & rave, and make any meaningful discussion impossible. Also to give a false impression that we conservatives are the minority even at our own blogs. I just wish that Spectator Online would get their house in order. I am not advocating that leftists be kicked off the site. Just that the spectrum of viewpoints be expressed logically and somewhat respectfully, without the name calling. If you have to resort to name calling and character defamation, guess what? It can only mean that you cannot logically support your position based on actual evidence.
Now on to my comments vis a vis Ms Palin. I have seen a number of hit pieces on her lately. for almost a year now I have witnessed the democrat/leftist character assassination team go ballistic on her in a way that I have never seen in 40 years of observing the political scene. I have watched the defacto propaganda arm of the Democrat party (aka the mainstream media) do the full court press on her while politicians of far less abilities and accomplishments are left alone.
I can only conclude one thing. They are scared shitless of her. The reasons why are probably many and varied, and could be debated and discussed for weeks. But it is not McCain, or Romney, or Huckabee, or Pawlenty, or Gingrich or even Jindal that causes the leftists to wake up worrying in the middle of the night. It is Palin. She is their secret nightmare. They will deny it to the high heavens, but in the end it is true. They recognize something in her that even many Republicans haven't realized yet. She scares them. Bigtime. That is the long and short of it. That is why even though she is no longer a public official, she is now just private citizen Palin, they are still nevertheless hell-bent on destroying her if they can.
In response to several posters who said she has very little support, the recent facts would suggest otherwise. In a recent poll of registered Republicans, 76% said they strongly approved of Sarah Palin. In another poll last week of registered Republicans, 26% said they support Romney as the nominee in 2012, 22% support Palin, and 19% support Huckabee. If it came to a two-way contest between Romney and Palin, the majority of Huckabee's supporters would probably default to Palin, not Romney. Her chances of emerging as a viable Republican nominee in 2012 or 2016 are probably as good as anybody else's at this point in time. This is not my opinion, this is what the polling data are suggesting lately.
Could she win in the general election? That of course depends on a lot of things, including how widespread the Acorn supported voter fraud is in 2012, and whether or not the leftists have enough secretaries of state who will certify fraudulent votes as some did in 2008.
But two things in particular put Obama over the top in 2008. First, the independent voters broke his way in substantial numbers late in the campaign. They were on the fence for a long time and in the last 10 days of the campaign decided to roll the dice for hopenchange. Second, a significant percentage of the disaffected Republican base just stayed home. But regardless of whatever faults or shortcomings Palin may have, she does energize the Republican base, even though the leftists try to spin that as her somehow just fooling all the ignorant rubes in flyover country.
And right now, because of the disastrous and incredibly destructive economic policies and the confiscatory tax policies that the congress and the leftist Obama administration has pushed through this year, the economy will be in shambles for years to come. As a result, Obama's polling numbers among the independents who voted for him just 9 months ago are already tanking. I see no reason to think that this trend will reverse itself by 2010, and maybe not even by 2012. So yes, a nominee like Palin who can energize the base, and draw enough of disaffected Obama independents could win. And the Dems see this as a real possibility too. They see it far more clearly than even the Republican leadership (is that a contradiction in terms?) sees it.
For now, I would advise Republicans and conservatives of all stripes to bone up on the writings of Sun Tsu. In particular, stop taking advice from your enemy. Stop letting the leftists tell you how bad Sarah Palin is. Why would you take advice from those who seek to destroy her, and by extension, you? They do not seek her well-being or yours. Stop listening to them.
Dianna| 7.16.09 @ 5:36PM
I know why the "Establishment" doesn't like her.
She is outside their control or influence.
She increased her popularity with her base because she actually DID do the right thing for Alaska, rather than for herself, and we recognize that as walking the talk. Something which Party insiders and other assorted Muckey mucks don't do anymore.
Both party's right now say one thing and do another, and people can clearly see it.
ALL of us, regardless of party, are SICK of that! The reason Sarah Palin increased her popularity is because she recognized that she could no longer positively get things done for Alaska. An honorable person once recognizing that, steps down so that the next person, who CAN affect things in a positive manner effectively can! Its called putting country (or state ) First. After accomplishing so much for Alaska in such a short time, instead of coasting along while state had to pay for never ending ethics allegations, she did the right thing. She took that convenient target the liberals were using, right out, bulls eye.
In chess that's called Checkmate.
Those foolish people who are deriding her as a quitter, or as an intellectual lightweight, yea, well it's you folks who are woefully lacking. Those of us who Walk what we talk in life know the real deal when we see it. THAT is why we like and support Sarah Palin.
The only ones coming off as stupid quitters, and not too bright upstairs are the same people who hate Sarah Palin, they see that they don't measure up to her, and it eats them alive. We can see that clearly out here in the real world as well.
Liberals hate her because they are liberals and they hate EVERYTHING that they don't think up themselves. Hate rules their universe, its all they have to give. Ultimately they FEAR her, which gives her that much more power.
Sarah doesn't play by the rules of the Government class, and we love her for that as well.
Paul from SA| 7.16.09 @ 5:37PM
Renascent,
I agree. Liz Cheney is impressive. I am hoping she enters the political stage soon.
Kricketts,
I wonder too if they hate her simply because she seems happy.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 5:38PM
Love Palin or hate her it is kind of illustrative that both sides of the same elitist coin attack her personally and not her policies or accomplishments. Of course this is not really anything new in the scheme of things since the upper narcissistic crust of our society has always looked upon their “lessers” as someone that should just “eat Cake”, be thankful for their indulgence and shut up. I’m no fan of Harry Truman but I suspect he would not be kind to Palin detractors and character assassins just out of respect for what this Nation stands for and some of the “eat Cake” people that have served this Nation very well in times of great stress.
Oldflyer| 7.16.09 @ 5:38PM
What a thread.
I had a few questions upon reading the article, and the comments have not resolved those.
The primary one is: what qualifies a person as an intellectual, and who makes the determination?
Is intellectualism more important than proven leadership ability and demonstrated accomplishment in political leadership positions?
I won't address any questions to Bob. Not worth the effort.
But, for Realist. Where did you ever get the idea that Churchill, Thatcher or Reagan were "grand strategists". I am an admirer of all three, but I would never make such a ludicrous statement.
To single out one of the three, Churchill. He was a disaster as a strategist. Did you ever hear of Gallipoli? Churchill was a dogged warrior and inspirational leader in time of crisis. Even his greatest admirers would not call him a strategist.
Thatcher? Again show your evidence. She was a consumate politician with strongly held convictions.
Reagan? No, I don't think so. His dispatching of the Marines to Beiruit without a defined strategy or mission, then pulling them out when tragedy struck was the antithesis of grand strategy. He also had a few firmly held principles and the stubborness required to see them to fruition.
Gen. Malaise| 7.16.09 @ 5:42PM
Sarah just got caught up in a full-court press and knew that she had to "pass the ball to victory." As a good basketball player, she knows exactly when to pass the ball so her team can win, and that is what she's doing. That's also why the Libs are so darned scared of her. She can keep an eye on the basket and quit at the same time and still have time to kill something for dinner .
wayne palmer| 7.16.09 @ 5:42PM
Most intellectuals, including "supposedly" Conservative ones, share two common over-riding trait: first - an astounding arrogance at the value of their education and intelligence, and second - they are educated far beyond their actual intelligence.
Aaron| 7.16.09 @ 5:47PM
Great Strategists & egos :)
Patton
Rommel
Khan
Me
I don't care if you disagree.
Renascent| 7.16.09 @ 5:49PM
I am not convinced Sarah is our strongest candidate, but I respect her and will take her candidacy, if there is one, seriously.
We can disagree about which candidates will be most principled, consistent, effective, etc., but we should never give comfort to the sleaze merchants who slander all conservatives, and especially those, like Sarah, who generate an enthusiastic response.
rcocean| 7.16.09 @ 5:56PM
rdman: I agree completely. The "conservative" intellectuals fear and loath anyone who might REALLY change things. As long as a politician is a safe little lap-dog - all bark and no bite (Romney/McCain) they're for him. But someone like Palin - a real conservative - who actually believes the conservative rhetoric - scares the H*ll out of them.
The intellectuals love men like McCain who'll talk conservative on the stump - and then laugh and sneer at the "yokels" behind closed doors.
Kinley Ardal| 7.16.09 @ 6:01PM
Essential to understanding intellectual and political elites is a snippet of the book of Romans. Chapter one, verse twenty-two.
The entire country touted the wisdom and fresh perspective of the vastly inexperienced Barack Obama, and it's not going so hot.
Sarah Palin is neither inexperienced nor inarticulate. She is a common person - and that is a good place to start for the leader of the free world.
Is she ready? Who can say? A few fancy speeches and an understanding of the philosophy books of Harvard do not a leader make.
On the topic of "Palin vs. Putin? Palin vs. Khamanei? Palin vs. Beijing?" being laughable, I would dearly hope that Realist did not vote for Obama, or I fear his laughter may die in his throat.
To Bob - Out of everything you said, this struck me as fascinating -
Peggy Noonan saying Re: Barack Obama
"...he shows good judgment in terms of whom to hire and consult..."
I am unsure from your post if you are implying we should or should NOT listen to her - but that sentence right there is amusing to quote if we should.
Incidentally, whilst mentioning how Barack Obama took down the political machine, bear in mind over the next few years how he also took down the United States of America in the same way.
Cheerio.
P.S. - if you really voted for Obama, then you are in absolutely NO position to complain about the inexperience or ineptitude of Palin, when faced with the MONUMENTAL INCOMPETENCE of the man you voted into office in the past six months. Remember that each and every day, please and thanks.
FeralCat| 7.16.09 @ 6:04PM
Sarah tried to warn them
But they held their blue noses up high
All the time she warned them
But they only passed her by
She tried to tell them
But I guess they didn't care
They turned their backs and
Left her standing there
All the destroyed parts of America that have fallen after him
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everything Obama trashed each time he closed a freedom door
Destroyed parts of America lost forevermore
Obama tried to get me to take a job a while ago
When I finally saw it was just printing more fiat money for his cronies I didn't want to go
The party Ronald Reagan gave to me
The Rinos just tore it all away
Now there's nothing left for me to say
All the destroyed parts of America that have fallen after him
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everything Obama trashed each time he closed a freedom door
Destroyed parts of America lost forevermore
When years have passed they'll start thinking
What fools they've been
They'll look back into the past and
Think of way back then
They'll know that America lost everything they thought that it could win
I guess they should have listened to their friends
All the destroyed parts of America that have fallen after him
All the lonely feelings and the burning memories
Everything Obama trashed each time he closed a freedom door
Destroyed parts of America lost forevermore
Destroyed parts of America lost forevermore
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 6:04PM
George True............welcome! What a thoughtful comment. Hang around please.
Dianna
Thank you. I sorta like her too.
Oldflyer
I fly a Bellanca Viking. Welcome!
I still wonder about the "soft underbellyof Europe" strategy of Churchill's.
Guys
In the final analysis.........Character and courage are what matter in a national leader. Right now we have neither.
Someone above chuckled about Palin vs. our various enemy leaders...
Heh!
Well...little Trig knows what courage is! He has a life.
I do not know if Sarah can be ELECTED President, but I damned well would lay down my very life for her convictions and her broad hopes for our country.
There are several dozen million brilliant men just like me who would lend her their very best as well.
No, guys...Sarah can attract the best of the best...whereas Obama has attracted the worst of the worst.
Whatever she does...it will be positive for America.
Kinley Ardal| 7.16.09 @ 6:07PM
To the following posters -
Appleby
Motown Mike
TennesseeVolunteer
James Bailey
D
- that was an awesome set of spot-on-the-money posts and I revelled in reading them! Thanks for the excellent posts, keep hitting hard!
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 6:09PM
Bob: "...the most recent Gallup poll says ... "
Well golly gee. It must be gospel truth then. We can all turn off our brains, since "Bob Says Gallup Has Spoken!"
Bob, the State Run Media turns their nose up at the Average Jane and Joe, discounting them from the get-go.
lynnrockets: too long. Give us a limerick or a haiku and I might read your posts.
Rodolfo: "Palin just wont cut it against Obama"
Not to worry. No matter his opponent, the Boy President is defeating himself, as we speak. All that Hope & Change he promised ... this is essentially Bush's 3rd term.
I just love seeing how a conservative, white, married Christian woman gets the Bobs and Liberal Readers and Marcells so uncomfortable.
Big J| 7.16.09 @ 6:11PM
Ditto what Texican said.
Excellent post, George True.
memomachine | 7.16.09 @ 6:13PM
Hmmmm.
If these are the best reasons to -not- support Palin then I'm definitely supporting Palin.
Old proverb says you can judge a person by the enemies he/she makes. Considering the imbeciles, twits, nutjobs, fruitcakes and elitist snobs out there that can't help but hate her, I think she kicks ass.
And as a guy who has high hopes for the future of his neices and who wants them to aspire to the Presidency ... those sexist bastards out there that get their jollies by ripping Palin's feminity and children need my foot in their ass.
Casper| 7.16.09 @ 6:15PM
Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura called Sarah Palin a "quitter" on CNN's Larry King Live last night.
"She is a quitter. Let me put it to you this way, Larry, by not being sexist -- she could never make it as a frogman or a Navy SEAL."
Ventura, a former Navy SEAL himself, was governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. Before that, he was a professional wrestler.
During the CNN interview, Ventura dismissed the suggestion that as yet unknown facts might provide a valid explanation for Palin's resignation.
"I don't think she was put under any more media scrutiny than I was ... My children were attacked in Minnesota," he said. "Everything I did was put under the microscope. The point is, Larry, you don't quit. When you make an obligation and you take an oath, doesn't it mean anything anymore?"
If Palin ever runs for higher office, Ventura said, she certainly won't get his vote.
"I would never vote for her, because if it gets too hot in the kitchen, she's liable to quit."
John P. Girvan| 7.16.09 @ 6:16PM
I am quite frankly sick of these snotty so called intellectual conservative trashing Palin.
Uncle Pinky| 7.16.09 @ 6:20PM
Young Orlet,
I will start valuing your opinion once you show me video of you changing a tire or, frankly, doing anything of real substance and worth. The conceit that intellectuals have to be as vapid and helpless as ... well ... you, is not to be borne. A bit soi-dissant, especially in a culture where being a man of inquiring mind and independent means was an aspirational (and inspirational, for some of us) goal, rather than a given.
rdman| 7.16.09 @ 6:24PM
The Rise of the Government Class
The United States Government has become a culture of despotic bullies, tyrants and thugs. Cynically disguised as distinguished, articulate God’s gift elitists, these vacuous, narcissistic, image-oriented hypocrites emphasize symbols over substance and reality. The pursuit of excellence is being replaced by the celebration of the artificial. Politicians are less concerned with principles or the use of power for the common good than with the display of personalities and pursuit of personal power.
Politicians have become experts at deceitful duplicity, selling their calculated positions to a public to the point where We, The People can no longer tell a fabricated image from a real person. Citizen voters are so seduced by the slick package that they often do not realize that there is nothing in it… the package is the message.
The shallow values and the beguiling oratorical skills have become the norms by which everything is measured. The only guideline is the ability to gain attention… what is noticed has value. Calculated images successfully masquerade as reality. Exhibitionism and self-promotion is now acceptable as Government Class factions compete to be the winner… to be famous and celebrated.
Once elected into government, the politician embarks on an unbridled and unprincipled pursuit for power and control, incrementally eroding the private free market sector, our Constitution, and our freedoms and liberty. They launch vicious, personal attacks to destroy any person or any organization demonstrating genuine leadership and patriotism that strives to protect our magnificent Constitution and our magnificent Country.
The root cause falls at the feet of the “Good Old Esquire’s Club” who make up 94% of the Government Class. With very few exceptions, these leftist lawyers turned career-politicians and career-bureaucrats have never managed a P&L, never had to meet a payroll, never managed a company or corporation, never started and grew a company providing more and more jobs.
They become despotic, partisan hacks and tyrants who now believe they are a law unto themselves, cynically living in the world of realpolitik where what matters is to prevail, regardless of their constituent’s best interests or their sworn duties to the Constitution and the Country.
Conscience, Dignity, Integrity, Leadership, Statesmanship, Public Service and the Lessons of History are totally absent within the emerging Government Class. The Founding Fathers must certainly be turning in their graves. Our magnificent Constitution, our magnificent Country and We, the People are in mortal danger.
We, The People are being sold a narcissistic fantasy and a cruel charade. Behind these shallow facades, there is an ulterior agenda…
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 6:24PM
A bit off the subject but I think relevant to what we see today regarding Palin haters…..bear with me a minute.
Ike, Bradley and Montgomery get a lot of credit for the outcome of WWII in the Western Front. Patton is a “maverick” or loose cannon by many accounts. Ike didn’t fight a single battle or command men in battle the entire time. Fundamentally he was an Administrator of the men that did fight the battles. Patton could have never have succeeded at the job Ike did or the other way around either. Bradley and Montgomery share some traits (methodical, cautious, predictability, etc) that while meaningful in the scheme of things didn’t scare the Germans at all as Patton did. Being out numbered 2-3 to one (the Germans that is) left them with no way to exploit the weaknesses Bradley and Montgomery had and the outcome of the war was never in doubt regardless. Patton on the other hand did not see war and his part in it as just a necessary evil and being competent at it being all that was required. In other words Patton didn’t see being a General as just a job or manager of men as Bradley, Montgomery and Ike saw it. When the “sh.t” hit the fan it was Patton in Sicily, decoying German eyes away from Normandy, the break out from Normandy and to the rescue of Bradley at the Bulge that history remembers. Patton’s men both hated him and respected him at the same time. They delivered what he asked of them time and time again. I’m not suggesting Patton was a Saint for he clearly wasn’t but he did instinctively understand War while his “betters” saw it as a job that needed doing on a part time basis. Patton would never have run for political office in my opinion, not even Dog Catcher.
How does this relate to Palin? Who do the current crop of Marxists and their supporters focus on relentlessly? Who do they fear? Who do they attack without logical purpose? Who is the Ike, Bradley and Montgomery in waiting today in the Republican ranks? Prey instinctively know who their Predator is and the other way around. This is “war by other means” folks so don’t let the Prey distract you from the ultimate goal…..
Emo| 7.16.09 @ 6:27PM
Palin is totally unqualified. But if going into 2012, Obama has a 60% approval rating and the economy is going well, the GOP should go ahead and nominate her. The far right kooks will not be happy until she gets her chance. The odds of a 1964 rout down the ballot are slim. Only 9 GOP senate seats are up in 2012 and 2014 will be a disaster for the Dems, so any House seats lost in 2012 can be captured back in 2014.
Renascent| 7.16.09 @ 6:37PM
Excellent point, Thom. If I become convinced that Palin is actually a political fighter comparable to Patton, I'll become more enthusiastic.
I used to post as Bob| 7.16.09 @ 6:45PM
Well that does it for me... I was on the fence about Palin but having heard from that paragon of insightful prudent governance Jesse (the Body) Venture. My course is set… laughing too hard to type.
We have a lot of time between now and 2012; she will have plenty of opportunity to help raise funds and crowds for house and senate candidates. She will have more than enough time to test her voice and ideas against the others that emerge.
If she is the light weight her detractors claim there is no way she will be able to swim upstream against the torrents of their tirades for 2 ½ years. She will either be hardened in the process or bend to gain their acceptance or withdraw.
I suspect our decision will not be all that difficult.
If you think her detractors on both sides are raging now, wait until the 2010 races begin. If she starts drawing big motivated crowds, we will be treated to a 24/7 scream of what a danger she is and what rubes we are to going anywhere near her…
Steve| 7.16.09 @ 6:45PM
The republican leadership can have their Romneys and McCains. Enjoy. I hear the sounds of a third party that will take these idiots to task and take back this country from the egg-heads.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 6:49PM
Renascent, unfortunate political reality it takes a huge fortunate to run for National political office. A sitting Governor, unlike a perpetual President in waiting Senator can not raise the kind of money it takes as easily given the restrictions, duties and alike…. She has no family fortune or years in political pursuit to backdrop her campaign needs. She has to earn a lot of money by some means and I mean a lot as we have seen in the last multi-year campaign do. Obama spent his entire time in State Senate and US Senate raising money and voting present or taking very safe votes. Got to have the funds to run… The Republican Party Elite won’t support her; they got their 30 pieces of silver…..
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 6:54PM
Damn, Thom!
Splendid thought.
Emo...go on back to daily KOS. You are simply out thought here.
Casper...who the HELL gives a darn what Mr. Ventura says? He is an ex seal...(thank you sir for your service), but I have recruited and hired a LOT of seals.
They are courageous...but not known for their political acumen. I hired most of them as "security boss" on our third world projects.
They saved our arses on many occasions. (Thank you guys), but they needed a leader to lay down the "mission". Well, gulp, that was me.
..."Get the job done...and get everybody home safe."
They did!
Minnesota has never quite been on the forefront of American progress. Heck, (smile), 9 months per year they just hunker down in the snow and/or party.
Daniel Olson| 7.16.09 @ 7:09PM
Why do intellectuals get it wrong so often? Because it takes unusual cleverness to convince yourself that what is obvious is not true.
It is obvious, for example, that blowing off the Christian conservative base is political suicide for the GOP. Like it or not, the numbers are the numbers.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:10PM
Old Texican, the one thing that stands out about the Palin Haters is that we have a average American citizen (an actual American Citizen with a real birth Certificate) that wants to make a difference (by some means, perhaps at the Presidential level) and her “haters” for lack of a better label want to deny her even the right to run for political office with a religious fever the likes I haven’t seen in my 57 years. She might fall completely fall on her face when all is said and done but that is her right as an American. Her record says she won’t fall on her face even if she loses. The last Presidential campaign was the worst in US History with the two worst possible Presidential candidates. The lesser of two evils does not even begin to tell the story there. The darling in waiting are all “losers” of a sort or retreads of the same middle of the road pragmatism that got into this mess and the mess we are in may be beyond a true Messiah’s power to undo. I’m of that opinion pretty much now anyway regardless of what happens in 2012….
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:12PM
"blowing off the Christian conservative base is political suicide for the GOP." Precisely and Christian conservatives don't train well as worker drones.....
Nick| 7.16.09 @ 7:13PM
Thom,
Excellent posts, sir.
But it won't matter how much money Gov. Palin raises if the GOP doesn't close the primary process in states with open primaries, like my own state of Michigan.
JR Rushling| 7.16.09 @ 7:16PM
There is a pretty good chance that Obama has prevented the economy from collapsing entirely, so we 'll have to give him that one, but did you see how girl like he pitches? I just hope the elections occur before those rat bastard investment banking companies give back all the TARP money.
Don't tell anyone else about this, but Canadians live 3 years longer than we do. Its true, and its going to make our fight against health care reform that much harder. Hannity said that you can't even get health care as an elderly person in Canada.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:16PM
Nick, true. open primary is political suicide even in my state....
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:19PM
JR Rushling, if Canada had our demographics their average would drop accordingly.
baluc/ka| 7.16.09 @ 7:20PM
I want Palin to run in 2016. Let Romney crash and burn in 2012. Obama will be reelected. So...Clinton v. Palin. Feminism 1.0 v. Feminism 2.0.
JR Rushling| 7.16.09 @ 7:20PM
OK that makes sense, I thought maybe it was the moose meat.
Oh and Brits live longer too. I'm confused.
Neobuzz| 7.16.09 @ 7:20PM
I believe it is imprecise to describe Palin’s critics within the Republican Party as intellectuals. This Republican divide has no more to do with intellect than the Democrat-Republican divide, which Democrats like to describe as an intellectual schism. A far better description of Palin’s Republican critics would be patricians. The sneering disdain for Palin is all about social class: Palin’s Repubican critics and their target audiences are of high birth; Palin and her most devoted supporters are of low birth.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:27PM
JR Rushling, well Canada is more “rural” so the wild meats may play a role but the salient point is my father sold life insurance 50 years ago and black males and females both had lower life expectancy and today it is far worse for the obvious reasons. 50 years ago it was more of a genetic thing (no more or less) today it mostly a cultural thing like you see in greater Africa. Canada is like Maine, rural and overwhelmingly white (and culturally speaking). No Health care can overcome culture and genetics else all the money being poured into Africa trying would show positive results…..
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:28PM
Neobuzz, class warfare by other names, true...
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 7:34PM
What are all you Obama-haters going to do if at the end of his term he has NOT managed to
destroy capitalism
outlaw Christianity
legalize cannabilism
impose Islamic law
end Western medicine as we know it
and all the other hysterical and apocalyptic crimes against God and man of which you swear he is guilty?
You all are going to have a might big plate of crow to eat.
But -- if you were just to tone it down a little, and engage in political debate, and stop talking like a bunch of hicks, maybe someone outside of your goofy little echo-chamber would listen to you.
Bo| 7.16.09 @ 7:38PM
Liberal Reader-
clearly not "classical LiberaL" and "useful idiot" to boot.
It is time for your head to be pulled out of your ass and maybe then you will see how your Wonder Boy Obama is destroying the country. Clearly you did not read what Peggy Noonan had to say about Gov. Palin right after she was nominated for VP. Read it first!
Just because Ms Noonan was a speachwriter for Reagan 25 years ago, it does not make her the "conservative guru". As my previous post shows her judgment is questionably at best, like her opinion of Biden as :"Here are two reasonables: Joe Biden and Chris Dodd. They have been United States senators for a combined 62 years. They've read a raw threat file or two. They have experience, sophistication, the long view. They know how it works. No one will have to explain it to them. "
Obviously you cannot comprehend the larger meaning of "useful idiot" as somebody who will repeat the "other" side propaganda to the detriment of their own country, movement etc. Start reading, you need it! You could start with: http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/03/formerly_useful_idiots.html
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:40PM
Neobuzz, another valid point. The quickest way to riches in this nation is to run for President. Even if you lose after having raised hundreds of millions and have hundreds of millions left all you have to do is cash in the money, pay taxes on it and you are set for life….by any standard you choose. Most people running for high office today are too narcissistic to just take the money and run but that is essentially what the Clintons did. They could have never earned that kind of money in the private sector…. Never. One of the unfortunate realities of our political system so character matters, not promises.
Neo| 7.16.09 @ 7:42PM
Frankly, I enjoy hearing the "last words" of the "Republican strategists" and conservative intellectuals as they move into obscurity.
Three and a half years from now, the grey faces of those most favored by these folks will be watching the last primaries and the November election from home, while American elects the most "Non-Obama" candidate.
Locker| 7.16.09 @ 7:47PM
Sarah Palin brings to mind a line Winston Churchill wrote about Joan of Arc in a 1906 essay.
"Joan was a being so uplifted from the ordinary run of mankind that she finds no equal in a thousand years."
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 7:59PM
Liberal Reader, in all due respect I don’t think you understand things like actuary tables, unfunded mandates, a net 3 million new mouths to feed and employ in this country every year, spending over a trillion a year average you don’t have which sucks the life out the world economy not just ours…… the trajectory we are on just in those terms are unsustainable. Christ won’t be able walk over the bodies if this trend line continues for long. Be it collapsing the world economy or ramping up inflation and making savings and investing worthless by 2012 or sooner that “hope” so many dream of will be gone and nothing but change of the negative type will follow. This is not a kidder garden exercise we are undertaking here, real unemployment is going to rocket if we don’t rain in spending more than we produce, period.
Jimbob| 7.16.09 @ 8:00PM
Man, I detest intellectual prats - those who delight in the esoteric flights of fancy of some obscure author to see if they can "one-up" the other intellectual prats, quote classics but not understand the application of the theories espoused in the realities at street level.
Give me the talk of the farmer, as he works the farm, explaining what has to be done now at its season, rather than the faux-scientists spouting forth from their computer-modeling on "climate-change".
Give me the talk of the hunter who limits their catch, rather than the environmentalist who seeks to protect other people's patch.
Give me the talk of business-people, who seek efficiency improvements and product development, rather than politicians whose parsing bears no relation to their actions.
That is the difference between Palin and the curses who seek to belittle her. I understand her language, trust she means it, and by her previous actions aligning with her comments have belief in her. Those who seek to destroy her deal in diatribes, innuendo and smear. They (and you Bob) seem to fear her because she does not play by your rules - why should she? They're the rules that intellectuals and elites want to play by.
thirteen28 | 7.16.09 @ 8:03PM
The Will's, Frum's, Powell's, etc., along with various authors here at the Spectator (including the author of this piece, Quin Hilyer), and most of our DC GOP honestly don't give a rat's ass about advancing conservatism. Oh sure, they talk a good game, and wouldn't mind replacing a few of those D's with R's, but as to actually practicing conservative governance scares the bejesus out of them, and they'd much prefer to maintain the status quo.
Palin on the other hand actually means it when she talks about conservatism. No wonder she scares them, and no wonder they hate her for it.
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 8:13PM
How is Palin a conservative thinker?
What ideas is she responsible for?
What policy speeches has she given on national issues?
How does she talk like a "farmer," "hunter," or "businessman"?
Her speeches are larded with buzz phrases and strung together like a broken kite.
I'm speaking of her as an orator here. I'm not saying she's a bad person.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 8:15PM
Jimbob, pretty soon a lot more of us are going to be on some farm hunting anything to get by....
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 8:16PM
Thom --
Your doom-ridden prognostications are stirring, but no, I'm just no convinced Obama is the agent of the apocalypse you see.
Maybe read a newspaper instead of listening to Glen Beck for a few days. I don't know. This is probably a meaningless conversation to try to get into.
PCP Smoker| 7.16.09 @ 8:16PM
Other than repeating the crap spewed by those ineffective conservatives, what else is this article about? Parker, Noonan, Frum and the rest of them hardly followed the 11th commandment during the campaign, as they were publicly and secretly running her down.
These "boutique conservatives", as RS Mccain calls them, would have run Reagan down, as long as the invitations to the cocktail parties were in the mail.
Screw them and their families.
Glenn is a prophet| 7.16.09 @ 8:21PM
The elites can no more understand Sarah Palin than she could take her eye off the basket. When she dribbles down court, what comes out of her mouth is pure genius. I truly feel that if she had been alive during the signing of the Declaration of Independence her name would have been on that most sacred document and her signature would have been much bigger and far more legible than John Hancock's with big winking smily face right next to it for some extra down home style.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 8:22PM
Liberal Reader, the masses that supported Hitler felt exactly like you.....in the first half where he worked wonders compared to FDR getting Germany back on its feet but the second half didn’t work out too well did it? Personality worship is like that. People project what they want to see despite the evidence to the contrary right in front of their face day in and day out.
Gen. Malaise| 7.16.09 @ 8:31PM
Liberal Reader apparently you didn't hear her speech when she stepped down from office in Alaska last week. These are the types of words and stringing together of words to make long groups of words that have you elitist french fry and russian dressing loving libs so frightened.
Ted R.| 7.16.09 @ 8:36PM
A question for all you Cons: I have a bet with a friend. I say that the Republican party will be defunct and finished by 2020; like the Federalists, like the Whigs, the Republican party will pass into history. He doesn't agree. So I have simple question for you to answer, to help us settle this: would you vote to nominate Sarah, even if you strongly suspected she was going to lose an election?
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 8:45PM
Ted R, simple answer. Our form of political government favors a two party system and we have lots of data points on that fact. The Democrat Party of today is not the Democrat Party of 50-60 years ago and neither the Republican Party of today is certainly not the one of 1861. If you ignore labels there will still be two parties in 2020 because we essentially have structured our society around two classes of people that have 180 degree opposing views (as a result). Third Party candidates are fades that produce no useful results. If Palin thinks otherwise, she will learn otherwise. The Party apparatus has to change from within not from without as Jessie tried. Not quite the answer you probably wanted but that is how the land lays as I see it.
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 8:47PM
Liberal Reader: "maybe someone outside of your goofy little echo-chamber would listen to you"
Talking to the invincibly ignorant Left is a waste of time and effort. The Left's idea of "dialogue" is for the opposition to shut up, capitulate, and just embrace the enlightened, nuanced, sophisticated, "post-modern" views of the Left. The Left's idea of "Fairness" is to silence dissent.
Tell me how passing legislation that no one has read is "listening" to the opposition.
The reaction to Sarah Palin by Conservatives (enthusiasm), Rockefeller Republicans (dismissiveness), and the Left (disparagement) speaks volumes.
When the day is done, it remains: the Left is afraid of a religious white girl.
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 8:56PM
Ted R says the Republican party will be defunct and finished by ...
Bush, Specter, Collins, Snowe, Robert Michel, Nelson Rockefeller, Mitt Romney Republicanism - I hope becomes defunct, yes. It is not Conservatism.
"Would you vote to nominate Sarah, even if you strongly suspected she was going to lose an election?"
You betcha. She's "us".
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 8:57PM
"Left is afraid of a religious white girl", DS80 they are afraid of a "higher power". All collectives seek to replace "god" with their own material image. The current Marxists, like all the rest are the same as the old Marxists in this regard. There can only be "one" master when is all said and done. Nothing has changed since the beginning of time in this regard.....
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 9:17PM
"afraid of a higher power"
Amen. Which is why I have always been "long" on light prevailing over darkness. Which, as you know, comes from a pretty good authority. :-)
Liberal Reader| 7.16.09 @ 9:23PM
Thom --
Your John Birch Society ramblings are an anachronistic but quaint throw-back.
Any chance you'll be joining the rest of us at some point?
Liberals I know are not Marxists. I don't know any Marxists. They go to work, and to church, and they like baseball, and they aren't all that different from you, I imagine.
The problem with the Echo Chamber is that it fosters extremism and absolutism. People just start one-upping one another, and before you know it, everyone is talking crazy and actually believing they sound like sane adults. Godwin's Law is part of this larger phenomenon. But I'll stop writing now so you can call me a marxist nazi.
Glen is a Prophet| 7.16.09 @ 9:24PM
Glen Beck seems to be able to think about things and then pray about them and make very convincing predictions about the coming end of life in the United States as we know it. Is there any chance he could run for POTUS with Sarah as Veep? They would definitely get my vote.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 9:28PM
DS80, let's pray in the biblical sense but less we forget we are created in his “image” and empowered with free will and the power of “choice”. A happy ending is not guaranteed and many choices carry a fearful cost. I’m afraid our current Marxist is of a graven image to many and incapable of respecting either free will or choice and ultimately people are going to have to stand up and be counted in ways where it matters in this life, not the next. Who was it that said, “the greatest trick the Devil ever accomplished was in convincing man that he didn’t exist?” That’s why I’ve said before don’t get wrapped up in labels….it is all the same evil that lurks in places you least expect.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 9:32PM
It is the Devil figurative speaking who promises paradise on this earth not Christ….hence Christ’s teachings must be destroyed or distorted so paradise in this life can replace it…. no more complex than that.....
greg| 7.16.09 @ 9:35PM
The good part about Parker, Noonan, Will and the rest is that few people outside the beltway even know who they are. Essentially, their influence ends at the city limits of DC, and NY.
If character, common sense and constitutional sense is what is needed, Palin has all 3 in spades. Name me one other governor who has challenged rulings to the Supreme Court and won, by asserting Alaska's rights under the tenth ammendment. So, she has the 3 C's plus that 4th C Charaisma.
Last time your boy Romney was out on the stump, for Christie in NJ, he drew about 50 people. Last time Palin was out and about she drew over 20,000 in Auburn NY, deep inside 0bama territory. Name me one other republican that could get anywhere near that kind of turnout. When McCain, Romney, Jeb Bush, and Kantor had their "big event" a few months ago, they had to give away free pizza to get less than 100 people to show up.
I guess the republican elite don't want to be bothered with big, noisy, enthusiastic crowds, they'd rather have their crowds of 50-100 to contend with. That's why Noonan's readership has declined by 40 percent sent she decided to declare war on Palin.
Palin 2012
jordan 6 rings | 7.16.09 @ 9:35PM
Cool website, like what I have read. Will definitely be back to read again.
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 9:46PM
Well, some of us have to work for a living still (while we can) so good night to all......
ds80| 7.16.09 @ 9:47PM
Liberal Reader: "Thom -- Your John Birch Society ramblings are an anachronistic but quaint throw-back."
Class, pay attention: the above is an example of an enlightened, nuanced, sophisticated, "post-modern" view.
We quaintly refer to the speakers of such as "Mr. Smarty Pants"
Jimbob| 7.16.09 @ 9:56PM
To Liberal-Reader
Marxism is so 19th century
Marxists posing as liberals is so 20th century
Marxists posing as Democrats is current, but the ideology is so 19th century - and in today's situation so blatantly exposed for what it is .... old ideas that still do not work !!
Thom| 7.16.09 @ 10:02PM
Liberal Reader, you are making the “good Nazi” argument. You voted for a Marxist. Your understanding of Marx is probably about equal to your understanding of John Birch. I don’t give a rat’s rear end about Birch but like most things in life there is usually a shred of truth in what everyone says from time to time. You display the typical academic shallow understanding of human nature as it relates to the flavors of destructive behavior. You are more interested in arguing a pointless matter of “degree” than the underlying principles that govern what Marx stood for and how he envisioned reaching his ultimate goal. I suspect you don’t even know that his theory is neither original nor unique with him and his time period and that is has been tried in some “degree” or that other over thousands of years with the same predictable results under different labels. Of course the printing press helped him get a wide scale audience as opposed to having to put everything he said down on stone tables and make the rounds…. I’ll even go out on a limb for your benefit, when was the first implementation of Marx in North America by English speaking people? Get it right, win a prize. Get it wrong learn something about history you haven’t a clue about.
Redstate| 7.16.09 @ 10:06PM
I liked Palin's early reputation, voted for McCain only because of her, and detested people like K. Parker who sought liberal brownie points by bashing her. But I have to say I was shocked and disappointed that she would chuck her elected responsibilities as governor -- whether it's to make money, escape the pressure, or whatever. Her explanation was rambling and nonsensical. I still think she's a good person, but can't imagine that those couple of years as a semi-effective governor ever could be regarded as adequate preparation to be president.
Joe Heathen| 7.16.09 @ 10:45PM
Old Texican sez: "What if Sarah could accomplish nothing more than helping 6 or 7 honest, decent, conservative Senators get elected?"
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Well, Sarah has aggressively offered to campaign for Republicans and Democrats alike if they'll just ask her to "come on down". So far, she's been politely declined in Virginia and New Jersey BUT in Texas, GOV Rick "Good Hair" Perry wants her to "come on down".
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Only problem with that is that Rick's kind of a loser and so far, the political consensus in that state seems to be that Sarah will be the kiss of death in his primary campaign against SEN Kay Bailey Hutchinson.
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Oh well, you get what you pay for.
Old Texican| 7.16.09 @ 10:59PM
Liberal reader
I've tried to reason with you. You are obviously not ignorant.
My only conclusion is that you are stupid. (definition: he knew what was right but went the opposite direction)
So...I will use my scroll button from now on with you. Enjoy being stupid.
Ran| 7.16.09 @ 11:55PM
"...conservative writers and thinkers have been unafraid to take unpopular stands [against specific ideas] even if it means thumbing their nose at the home crowd."
Mr. Orlet, conservative writers are much less known for groping ad-hominem against specific conservative individuals.
"Conservative intellectuals are wary of populists like Palin, skilled at waving and winking, but seemingly lacking intellectual heft, and after eight years defending George W. Bush's intellectual prowess who can blame them?"
"Intellectual heft" hasn't emerged as a productive advantage in the conservative base. Consistent, reliable values, however, have always enjoyed advantage. The base is aware that the "heft" of Rove, Gerson, Kristol & Co. had depleted Republican fortunes. Faux "small government fiscal conservative" geniuses can be found under every rock... Someone people trust, that's another matter.
What are they afraid of? How about this: Palin can draw more people to one rally than Frum can sell copies of "Comeback." Palin can draw more people to a Fox interview than Brooks has readers. The squish can complain that "She turned me into a Newt!!" but they were squishy like Newt before the RNC convention. This extraordinary woman has influence any half-dozen of the punditocracy combined couldn't match.
Precisely what we in the Republican benthic zone see in Palin are Character, Common Sense and Constitutional Loyalty. "Charisma" ain't that useful, as present experience demonstrates.
Most importantly, we don't want someone "running the country", we rather are looking for a leader to get the fr^cking government out of our way and out of our wallets so that we can run our own lives. There is a morass of corruption and regulation and Constitutional debauchery to be corrected. We've had it with the elite and the effete.
Thom, Old Tex... Kick butt.
Nick... Google "I studied religion when I was young and translated the original five books of Moses from the original Aramaic when I was 10." (Since people's "accomplishments" seem to matter so, so much to some...)
Angel| 7.17.09 @ 12:44AM
Poor old Bob's lies have become heavy millstones around his pencil neck.
I just wish he'd jump into very deep water with them still attached.
tahDeetz| 7.17.09 @ 1:46AM
More proof www.AmericanThinker.com is a much bettah website.
El Cid '91 BA English, for my intellectual bona fides.
The great unwashed are much quicker on the uptake than the DC RINO inbred elitists are willing to admit, much to the detriment of the Republic.
Common sense is uncommon in DC. I should know, I've lobbied through an independent business association.
The level of snobbery & self-righteousness is not to be taken lightly. It is thick as a Foggy Bottom August afternoon.
Palin 12
Cons4Palin| 7.17.09 @ 2:25AM
True enough that American Thinker is an excellent website--one of my faves; but RET is a reliable conservative warhorse whom I've adored since his Clinton Trooper-Gate expose.
Gotta have my AmSpec fix everyday.
Sarah for President 2012!
Electric bikes | 7.17.09 @ 3:51AM
True enough that American Thinker is an excellent website--one of my faves; but RET is a reliable conservative warhorse whom I've adored since his Clinton Trooper-Gate expose.
E-Bikes
GeneCar| 7.17.09 @ 4:50AM
It seems to be that one of the main differences between those who have a positive view of Governor Palin, and those who do not is this. Those who are positive have taken some trouble to examine her actual career and accomplishments; her detractors have not, or, if they have, have chosen to to distort her record until it is unrecognizable. Let me take a few examples of things that surprised me about Palin's political career, when compared to the type of perceptions put out there by the Frums, the Noonans and the Parkers. It is alleged that she appeals only to a right-wing fringe of the GOP base, and to religious conservatives, and can never win independents, or more secular minded voters. Yet I find that she was elected Governor of a State with a disproportionately high number of Independent voters (43% according to Daily Kos, Dec 2008). Contrary to perceptions, her bitterest opponents have been on the Right more than on the Left, and she has governed pragmatically from the centre, with large bipartisan support for he major initiatives. And, according to Gallup, Alaska is the fifth most 'secular' state in the US, about as far from being a 'southern, bible-belt state' as you can get. In this context, I was surprised also to find that Governor Palin had vetoed a legislative attempt to rescind certain rights from same-sex couples in Alaska, upholding a finely balanced constitutional interpretation than what might have been her personal convictions. (In this she is a true follower of Reagan). Why don't I read about this in the MSM? I was also surprised to discover that Governor Palin of 'drill-baby-drill' fame, was the first Governor to set up a cabinet sub-committe to study climate change, and recently the Palin administration published an indicative plan, which envisages Alaska's reliance on renewable sources of energy rising to 50% by 2025. If I am not mistaken, this is the highest target in the world. Why don't we read about this in Frum's "New Majority"? It is alleged that Governor Palin is ignorant on issues of foriegn policy and America's position within the global environment. I find this is not so. The most important leading edge model of 'institution/environment is the power vs dependency model. the two most vulnerable dependencies of the US at this time are energy and credit, the lifeblood of any economy. I know of no American political leader who has articulated these points as well as Governor Palin, clearly, plainly and succinctly. (She did this most recently as a preface to her speech at the Evansville Right to Life Conference).
I could go on with many more examples. But the wilful ignorance of the Frums, Parkers, Powells and the Noonans astounds me. But then again, maybe it doesn't.
Realist| 7.17.09 @ 1:46PM
Renascent - I like Newt Gingrich very much. Unfortunately, according to polls, my opinion is shared with only 5% of this great nation. Gingrich does not have enough charisma to be a successful national candidate.
Palin has much more charisma than Gingrich, but she does not have enough charisma to make herself even partially acceptable to the blue half of the population. Like Hillary, she could at most only command 45% of the vote. If she won she would govern a disunited country.
Oldflyer - Nice points on grand strategy and the failings of Churchill, Thatcher, and Reagan. I must say, however, that if Churchill had been heeded in the early 30s, Britain and the world would have been the better for it. Thatcher was a dogged opponent of socialism, and recognized the symbolic significance of the Falklands. Reagan deeply understood the nature of the Cold War, and the nature of the Soviet Union. He used that understanding to shove the ailing USSR over the ledge, which resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the end of the Cold War in triumph for the West.
To bulk up the list, we should include Lincoln and Eisenhower. What we really need in the 21st century, however, is a conservative FDR.
Contrary to the views of many conservatives, Nixon does not belong on the list. Opening the door to China has only resulted in a much richer, heavily-armed China that will eventually turn on the US as a full-fledged enemy.
Having a strategic mind is very different that being intellectual. Strategy comes from wisdom which can only come after hard experience. The toughest situation Sarah Palin has ever faced was her interview with Katie Couric. I cannot imagine her in smoky room with Vladimir Putin, with the future of the world on the line, and having a good outcome. I don't care what anyone's IQ is. Look at Donald Rumsfeld. He is a very smart man who took the State Department's plan for nation building in Iraq and literally threw it in the waste can. Several years later, thousands of US troops were dead in large part because of the lack of nation building. There comes a time when you have to listen to people who specialize in an area outside of your own area of knowledge, even if you generally hold them in contempt. That's one of the hard lessons of life. Rumsfeld failed to heed the State Department to the detriment of the country. That is not to say that Rumsfeld was not effective in other ways, or that Rumsfeld dishonored himself. He deserves our respect. Clearly, however, his time as Defense Secretary did not live up to potential.
Rumsfeld, Obama, Pelosi, Kissinger, and others are highly intellectual fools. They are not equipped to deliver a great political achievement for the nation in time of crisis. Perhaps the paramount example of this type of person was the late Robert McNamara. A brief survey over his miserable career as a public servant will take one over the disaster of Vietnam followed by the disaster of the World Bank. We don't need more egghead intellectuals running things. We need those people to be discredited. We need to show the world that they are very wrong and their ideas should not be taken seriously. It is not a collection of people that we are up against. It is a corrupt but addictive way of thinking.
If David Petraeus runs in 2012, he will deserve our full, energetic support. Honestly, I can't think of anyone else who might have both the strategic mind and the charisma necessary for what the job will entail in 2013. There probably are others who can also fill the role, however. I don't know what Petraeus's views on various social issues are. I don't care, either. We are not talking about the future of our country. We are talking about whether our country will have a future. The current situation will only get worse during Obama's term. We need a conservative FDR-type. The situation--economically, financially, strategically, morally, and beyond, is now so bad we cannot righly expect a triumphant presidency even if our top pick wins a landslide election. Most likely a successful 2013-2017 presidency will be a rearguard action that will have as its mission the slowing of events to allow America to catch her breath.
We're going to have get used to an America that is knocked off its pedestal. That's what our countrymen voted for en masse in 2008: to become a second-rate power. That is now what we and the rest of the world are going to get. God bless and protect America.
Palin 4 President| 7.17.09 @ 2:17PM
Sarah Palin will run for president in 2012--mark my words. She is our Joan of Arc.
Only a loser gives up on their country--Sarah will help us take back our freedom.
Old Texican| 7.17.09 @ 3:57PM
You know, Guys.
I never cease to be amazed at the quality of comments here on AmSpec. DAMN! some truly splendid thought here.
I am honored to be able to contribute, or at least yell..."atta-boy, atta girl!"
Hey...Realist!
Reality is what we make it! Duh!
Some very good thought here. Thank you!
But...
...a hundred million Americans marching and voting can turn this whole plunge into reverse.
Are you to be counted?
Or are you just going to grumble and parse words?
Right the hell...NOW... we gotta' march, with empty hands and loud voices...(and cool signs),
Will I see you in DC in September?
Cris| 7.17.09 @ 4:16PM
To Bob:
I am at work and do not have the time to read down the entire blog to discover if someone else has brought you to task on this issue, but honestly, what makes you think Sarah Palin is stupid, uneducated or unqualified? As an Alaskan, who has monitored her political career from its beginning - I can tell you she is none of the above. Alaska may have a small population - but it has more than enough of its own unique challenges to keep any politician on his or her toes. Yes, we speak plainly up here. Yes is yes and no is no. A handshake still means a binding deal and we rely on each other. The vast majority of my fellow Alaskans understand why Sarah has decided to resign. She has done an outstanding job as governor of a very proud, self reliant and diverse state. She will be sorely missed.
AliceL. | 7.17.09 @ 4:18PM
I am a Palin supporter. I like fresh smart newcomers who have stood up to the Establishment. I have had it with these Ivy League misfits who talk out of both sides of their mouths and actually disdain the base - the "real voters" - those of us who actually attend rallies.
somnolence| 7.17.09 @ 5:46PM
Blackelkspeaks speaks my language. Amen. Part of Romney's legacy is the health insurance woes in the state of Massachusetts. I'm having second thoughts on why I supported him in the primaries in 2008. I remember having the same turnabout on Pete Wilson way back when.
Nick| 7.17.09 @ 7:19PM
Cris,
Don't take Bob's diatribes as serious commentary.
In case you didn't get far enough down this thread, know this about Bob: Until recently, he actually thought blacks had 3/5 of a vote under the original U.S. Constitution.
And yet HE accuses Gov. Palin of being ignorant of the constitution. Shameless.
He is not worthy of thoughtful debate.
Angel| 7.17.09 @ 9:56PM
Hi, Nick--where have you been? I can see you started up right where you left Obama lovin' Bob. lol!
Tootsie| 7.17.09 @ 10:04PM
Cris, don't take Bob personally--he's a big A-Hole troll. We love Sarah--thank you so much for sharing her with us!
ALASKA & PALIN RULE!!
Monty| 7.17.09 @ 11:08PM
This quitter is done. She cant handle Juneau? How will she handle Washington? Stick a fork in her, she's done.
You guys are pathetic| 7.17.09 @ 11:10PM
S T A R B U R S T S ! ! !
wont cut it anymore, you sad fuckers.
Nick| 7.17.09 @ 11:42PM
Angel,
Hi! I've been very busy the last few weeks.
We had a few days of hot weather in Detroit towards the end of June, and I'm in the A/C business.
On top of that, thanks to 6 years of Jenni-pooh Granholm as governor, businesses have left in droves, like in California. So we've had to move out of our shop and into the house to save on rent.
So the long days have meant no posting. Now it's back in the 70's. So much for global warming!
Hope all is well with you and your family. Glad I could give you a laugh by stickin' it to Bob!
God Bless.
Pingback| 7.18.09 @ 12:07AM
race42008.com » Blog Archive » On Populism links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Angel| 7.18.09 @ 2:16AM
Take care, Nick--hope all is well with you and your family.
ds80| 7.18.09 @ 5:28PM
Monty: "This quitter is done. She cant handle Juneau? How will she handle Washington? Stick a fork in her, she's done."
Monty you should take your comedy routine on the road.
Tootsie| 7.19.09 @ 3:02AM
ds80, Monty already has--he's the big-a$$ed clown in the freak show at Barnum and Bailey/Ringling Bros. Circus.
ds80| 7.19.09 @ 1:16PM
This Part 2 of "Beat Up On Sarah Palin" that we're seeing is merely an attempt to deflect attention from the Boy President's miserable handling of the economy. Unemployment 10% and rising. Bank seizures rising. Foreclosures rising. This year's budget deficit already surpassing $1 trillion.
Hey Monty: how's that Hope & Change thing supposed to work?