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Buy the Book
Reloading
Sarah Palin has the talent and time to retool her image.
Going Rogue: An American Life
By Sarah Palin
(HarperCollins,
413 pages, $28.99)
What’s not to like about Sarah Palin — for a conservative or a Republican? Her autobiography makes it abundantly clear why the liberal United Nations-hugging big-government socialist fascist gangster capitalist atheist God-hating running dogs don’t like her. But conservatives?
What are the three most important traits a conservative should look for in a president? A belief in God. A belief in a strong national defense. And a belief in the importance of the Tenth Amendment.####
The Tenth Amendment?! Holy cow! (No, “holy cow” is not a multicultural sop to our friends in India. It’s an old-fashioned expression meaning “Wow!”)
Gov. Palin believes in God. So did the Founding Fathers, though not necessarily in precisely the way Gov. Palin does. Thomas Jefferson wrote: “God who gave us life gave us liberty.” And also: “And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God?” The U.S. has strayed far from that belief, or at least from the ability to express that belief in public, in no small part because of Supreme Court rulings so beloved by the liberal United Nations-hugging big-government socialist fascist gangster capitalist atheist God-hating running dogs. Gov. Palin’s belief in God is palpable—palpable being the operative word because periodically she holds her children’s hands and prays.
There are other ways for believers to behave, of course. Crusty old-line Episcopalians, as well as old-fashioned Roman Catholics, tend not to like even to “do” the peace in church. But they shouldn’t hold other Christians’ practices against them. And if they have to choose between the aforementioned running dogs and Gov. Palin, it shouldn’t be difficult.
Why is a belief in God important? Because, as Chesterton is said to have expressed it, ”When men stop believing in God they don’t believe in nothing; they believe in anything.” Including progress (by which they mean the perfectibility of man), the wisdom of the state, and the need for big government (as the means by which the wise state, guided by a multiplicity of advisers who went to Harvard and Yale, can bring about the perfection of man). Palin: “The role of government is not to perfect us, but to protect us.”
Protecting us is important for obvious reasons. And providing for the common defense is in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, along with establishing justice and ensuring domestic tranquility. Having a strong defense does not necessarily mean supporting the war in either Iraq or Afghanistan. But it does mean having a defense budget large enough to make our enemies quake. Palin: “America must remain the strongest nation in the world in order to remain free.” At the peak of the Reagan rearming in 1986 our expenditures on defense were 6.2 percent of GDP. They are now 4.8 percent, and are projected to go down to 3 percent by 2019. Where is Gov. Palin (the proud mother of a son who went off to serve his country in Iraq) when we need her?
The Tenth Amendment is out of favor these days, but not with Gov. Palin. Writing about her campaign for governor of Alaska, she says, “…I had great respect for the need for state government to preserve locally enacted policies. Likewise, I believed that national leaders have a responsibility to respect the Tenth Amendment and keep their hands off the states.” And later: “Local government is best able to prioritize services and projects. That’s the basis of the Tenth Amendment….”
Gov. Palin is not the only Tenth Amendment enthusiast around. There are a couple of Tenth Amendment stirrings in the “lower 48,” as Alaskans describe the rest of the states. In Arizona, there is a proposed amendment to the state’s constitution to limit the power of the federal government to restrict “a person’s freedom of choice of private health care systems or private plans of any type.” In Montana, there is proposed legislation that declares that any weapon or round of ammunition made in Montana and remaining within state borders “is not subject to federal law or federal regulation, including registration, under the authority of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.” (Roll over, Wickard v. Filburn!).
Gov. Palin believes in the Tenth Amendment and (or is it because?) she also believes in personal responsibility. In her first speech to the people of Alaska as governor, she said, “Take responsibility for your family and for your futures. Don’t think you need government to take care of all needs and to make your decision for you. More government isn’t the answer because you have ability, because you are Alaskans, and you live in a land that God, with incredible benevolence, decided to overwhelmingly bless.” She was reminding them that their liberties are a gift from God. Amen.
THIS BOOK IS ABOUT PUBLIC POLICY and campaigning, but it is also an intensely personal book— by, it has to be said, an amazing woman. Gov. Palin describes her childhood: striving at school, the physical pain of excelling at sports, learning to give her all and never to give up. “I realized that my gift was determination and resolve, and I have relied on it ever since.” She writes about working, working hard, taking time off between semesters at college so she could afford the tuition. She had jobs by the dozens. Scut jobs, not soft-lighted musak-muffled office jobs. She worked on the “slime line,” slicing open fish bellies. You don’t have to work the slime line to get to Heaven, but it helps you relate to the millions of hard-working Americans.
She was part tomboy when she was young, but there were limits. Early one morning she went hunting with her father and he bagged a moose and began field-dressing it. “Here, hold these,” her father said. “‘I want to show them to my science class today.’” “I looked down to see the moose’s eyeballs lying in his palm.…when he saw me wrinkle my nose and shake my head slightly, he set them aside.” No wonder she wasn’t scared of Katie Couric.
If the story of Gov. Palin’s discovering that her fifth child had Down syndrome doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, you’re reading the wrong magazine. Sheasked her husband if he had the same question she had: Why us? “He looked genuinely surprised by my question and responded calmly, ‘Why not us?’ ” Sarah Palin is a mother extraordinaire, and she writes, “There is no greater service than mothering.”
Are there other traits a president should have? Of course. Some executive ability helps. Let’s see: who had more executive experience going into the last election, Gov. Palin or Sen. Obama? Palin describes rolling Exxon Mobil in negotiating the billion- dollar oil deal for Alaska. Exxon Mobil happens to be the largest company in the world. And while we’re on the topic, who was our most recent compulsively executive presidential whiz kid? Right. Jimmy Carter. Case closed.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (236) | Leave a comment
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Kitty| 1.29.10 @ 6:44AM
How many politicians, do you suppose, would even know what the Tenth Amendment is -- without looking, that is?
This is a great article. Thanks!
...
Alan Brooks| 1.29.10 @ 8:37PM
She is a good (and great) person in every respect. But so was Jack Kemp. So was WFB.
And WFB couldn't even get elected to the Mayorship of NYC.
Just say Sarah is elected president or vice president someday. How far would she modify her positions to get to there, and if she got there would she modify her positions out of recognition?
Faith is fine by me-- but not blind faith; absolutely nothing you say will change my mind on that.
Besides, this is still a man's world, and will be for a very long time-- will warrant you that.
Charles Elliott| 1.30.10 @ 4:38AM
Alan,
There is no such thing as blind faith in Christianity. If you are blind to the power and will of god then what you call faith is little more than lip service.
True faith is wisdom, charity and the knowledge God gives us the strength to endure, He does not bind us to dogmatic tunnel vision.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 12:49AM
But in the context of this particular blog, such IS blind faith; thinking Palin could be president in this decade is very far fetched-- which IMO is blind faith.
Men can always dominate women because they can always use violence-- or the threat of violence-- against them. In a some nations, yes, a woman can be head of state, but only as a figurehead. In a large violent nation like America, no.
First of all, Palin is a diamond in the rough, she doesn't
have the experience a Kirkpatrick or a Thatcher had. And Thatcher was not American.
Second, even if Palin ran again as president she would surely modify her opinions after assuming office if she were elected.
Alan Brooks| 2.3.10 @ 6:00PM
having written all that, I would like her to be president in the next decade, if she can avoid the silliness of Retardgate.
She's better and younger (and wont be his age for well over two decades) than McCain.
And what was McCain's chief qualification for the presidency? Being Senator from AZ?
No, being tortured in 'Nam-- that was about it.
mike ames| 1.31.10 @ 12:57AM
What is incredible is that so many are overlooking the fact that she choose to run with the RINO jerk McCain. Now she has returned to that vomit. How can she be taken seriously for a conservative when she is ready for WHATEVER reason to align herself with McCain. I dont trust her, at all. Her actions speak louder than her words.
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 2:43PM
McCain chose her as his running mate, not the other way around. She'd have been a fool to turn down that opportunity; it propelled her onto the scene of national politics, something many of us see as the silver lining to the dark cloud of the McCain candidacy of 2008. Further, had McCain and his people actually run to win and allowed her to do the same, there are many who say they would have won the 2008 election.
Campaigning for McCain (a closeted progressive according to some, a RINO according to others) in Arizona may have been done out of sense of loyalty and gratitude and, if so, exhibits yet more fine qualities that are rare for a politician. Whatever her reason(s), that she's done something that I disagree with or that some see as a mistake is not enough to ditch or dismiss Palin over. As the old saying goes, you don't throw out the baby with the bathwater...and no concern troll is going to convince me or tens of thousands of Palin supporters otherwise.
Alan Brooks| 2.15.10 @ 11:30PM
"You don't have to work the slime line to get to Heaven."
You are not a hack, but this is a hack line.
chris pedersen| 1.31.10 @ 2:45PM
One of the best reads in a long time! Great lady! Tod is a lucky man as are her children and grandchildren now and in the future! I'd vote for her anytime she's on a ballot!
Alan Brooks| 2.13.10 @ 5:40PM
But you people are underestimating Obama as the left is underestimating Palin.
And well that it should be. "Always let your friends underestimate you virtues and your enemies underestimate you vices [i.e. it is better to be feared than loved]."
KEVIN| 1.31.10 @ 11:40PM
'in order to form a more perfect union' is also in the preamble... actually it's before the common defense part. Perfect AND Protect the Union, read some Aristotle homies.
Alan Brooks| 2.15.10 @ 11:26PM
The author: "Sarah Palin has the talent and time to retool her image."
Since she has much talent, then proportionate to her talent is the time she has to wait to be, say, um, elected president.
Appleby| 1.29.10 @ 6:54AM
I read her book -- bought it at the hospital bookstore here in the indifference capital of Kanuistan, where they told me it was flying off their shelves -- and although I found the writing rather unsophisticated (if it was ghostwritten, she needed someone who was not brought up in downtown Metropolis; if not, she needed an editor) I was impressed by the way she managed to fight her way through life with good will and determination, without whirling round and round with her finger pointing everywhere as the crybaby in the White House seems to do.
I think that if she is going to run for President again, she needs to spend a lot more time under the tutelage of Bill O Reilly and his ilk, and getting over the idea that the people who are interviewing her are genuinely interested in HER. She needs to learn to be more forceful and to understand that the people in the NorthEast ARE out to get her, and stop giving them so many chances.
And above all she needs to get a voice coach and learn to drop the pitch of her voice about three tones. There is nothing on earth more irritating than a voice that emanates from the middle of the throat instead of the chest. We used to have a woman priest in the Episcopal Church I attended whose voice when she chanted gave her all the attraction of a hornet. She needs to slow her delivery to a walking pace and lower the pitch of her voice -- a lower pitched voice carries better, too -- and practice dealing with the NorthEast, and then consider her options.
Alan Brooks| 1.29.10 @ 11:52PM
... and those skoolmarm glasses. She's wealthy by now-- can't she get contacts or have lasik surgery?
Bruce | 1.30.10 @ 7:04PM
Oh please - all you two have to offer is you don't like the sound of her voice or her glasses? No wonder some accuse the right of being neanderthals.
Sarahs voice is just fine, and I think she looks great in those glasses. "School marm" they most definitely are not.
How about staying with the SUBSTANCE of the lady! If you read "Going Rogue", you find all you need about her as a loving mother, wife (would that all women spoke of their husbands like she does!),
and citizen politician who thinks first of her state and constituents before special interests!
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 12:51AM
"Going Rogue", you find all you need about her as a loving mother, wife (would that all women spoke of their husbands like she does!),
and citizen politician who thinks first of her state and constituents before special interests!"
But she is a woman, and women will always be controlled by men. Sarah is a token, an attractive token, but a token all the same.
harrycat| 1.31.10 @ 12:26PM
I see no evidence that she had ever had an original thought or an informed opinion on any subject.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 11:25PM
Well, then, she is more LADYLIKE.
She wins either way. But it takes time; conservatives have to patient. Harrycat, methinks you are libertarian.
Or liberal.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 11:30PM
cons have to be patient.. But wait harrycat, how could you have posted an hour AFTER me?
You must be in an unusual timezone.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 11:33PM
oh, okay, now it is clear, 12:26 PM is afternoon; 12:26 AM would be an hour later-- how silly of me. Coquettish, even.
chris pedersen| 1.31.10 @ 2:57PM
HEY BRUCE,
Great post HERE,HERE
"SUBSTANCE" WAS THE KEY WORD! GREAT READ OF THE TRUTH AS TO WHY McCAIN /PALIN LOST! CAMPAIGN MANAGERS & HANDLERS! They hobbled her every way they could. They may as well have used duct tape and wire ties. They poisoned their own well by doing so! They are the one's who got Obama elected.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 10:34PM
Appleby, I also believe that a speaking coach would improve Sarah's chances of getting heard. She tends to emphasize the wrong words when she speaks, while rushing through the others. I noticed that her father spoke the same way, during his interview on Fox.
Kitty| 1.29.10 @ 7:12AM
Gee, Appleby, one of the things that I really like about Sarah Palin is that she's NOT a cookie-cutter politician. I saw her in person last summer -- here in NYS, no less -- and she wow'd all 20,000 of us with her substance AND her style.
...
denise| 1.30.10 @ 10:42PM
It is not her substance, but the style that is being criticized. While on the stump she speaks in a more relaxed manner then she does on an television interview. Her language on television is broken and choppy. She tend to hurry through sentences placing emphasize on less important words. She needs to become a stronger speaker to go up against Obama in debate. I love Sarah Palin and voted for her, not John McCain. But for her to run for President, she needs a speaking coach badly.
joan| 1.30.10 @ 11:21PM
When one criticizes someone else for their "speaking style", it would probably be best to preview one's own grammar before hitting the submit button.
Sarah is Sarah and when we voted for Sarah as City Councilwoman, Mayor and Governor of Alaska, we loved her just the way she was and still do.
TinCan| 1.31.10 @ 9:03PM
One of us. No frills.. Wouldn't have it otherwise. 2012 Palin POTUS, 2010/2012 Bachmann Speaker
Ret. Marine| 1.29.10 @ 7:51AM
It is real simple, it's about the message stupid, the message of responsibility for you and yours, not the gubmints responsibility to take care of you, not mine or my neighbors either. Semper Fi.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:37PM
"You don’t have to work the slime line to get to Heaven."
This isn't a conservative statement, it is right-wing smarm; pseudo-religious smarmy babytalk. Obama is certain to br re-elected, most of you are wingnuts.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:39PM
... "You don't have to work the slime line to get to Heaven."
Who on Earth said you have to cut fish bellies to get to Heaven?
Charles Panarella| 1.29.10 @ 7:52AM
The perfect job for her once Micheal Steele is done with his stint is Republican Party Chairman.
She is good at getting the troops fired up.
Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 2:35PM
She'd be wasted as the GOP Chairman. Sarah's a natural leader and should be treated as such.
Palin should run for POTUS--she'd win.
Alan Brooks| 1.29.10 @ 11:54PM
"Palin should run for POTUS--she'd win."
If she were a man.
Tammy| 1.30.10 @ 6:53AM
Something you'd know NOTHING about, Alan.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 10:47PM
Mr. Brooks,
I assume you are either an ass or the comment about a woman President is meant to draw response for your sexism, but I've decided that you are both a sexist ass and should not be allowed to roam free without your wife, if you were able to "catch" one.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 12:55AM
I'll keep writing it:
Women will always be dominated by men, since men use violence, or coercion (coercion is often the prelude to violence), to have at women.
Only marxists cannot understand such; but you people can-- if you want to.
TinCan| 1.31.10 @ 9:10PM
Alan, She Air Assaults wolves from a chopper!! Best you zip it. (70 yr. granpa & E-8 Ret.)
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:29PM
That only means she has power over wolves, not men! You are a wingnut not a conservative; I feel for your grandkids that they should have a senile old man as Grandpa.
Best YOU zip it, get back in your tin can and take your Alzheimer's meds.
Tonia| 2.2.10 @ 10:32PM
Let's all be nice to one another. We may disagree but that is no reason to slash out at each other. Sarah will be a force to be proud of in whatever she decides. God has a purpose for her life and it will be in a great way. Whether it be President or in some other way. She is a strong woman and is not controled by any man. God is what controls her, she does what she feels lead by God to do. Her voice is fine and she looks great in those glasses. Besides those things are not what matters, it's the character of a person that truly matters. If people in this country had voted for the character of the person & not the party, the economy or the war, then we would have gotten the right president. But sorry to say too many didn't vote for character. At least Sarah has real character, and cares more for this country & the citizens then Obama and the progressive liberals. If she runs again, I most certainly will vote for her.
Alan Brooks| 2.14.10 @ 5:08PM
That doesn't SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
Doesn't matter what you write about God's plan for her.
She's on Earth, not in Heaven; when you get to Heaven you can ask Palin what God's plan for her was, and then and only then will it matter. On Earth you have no more idea than I do what God's plan for Palin is.
Coal Carrier| 1.29.10 @ 8:01AM
Appleby, with all due respect, if you read her book you would have seen how the McCain campaign, behind the scenes, tried to manipulate the way she presented herself to the electorate. If Sara runs again, she needs to be Sara. Secondly, in my humble opinion, the last person she needs coaching from is Bill O’Reilly. He is another narcissistic blowhard who is only interested in improving his TV ratings. I wouldn’t take advise from someone who really believes that SUV manufacturers can get 50 MPG from their product simply through a government dictate and not take into consideration the laws of physics.
John Navratil| 1.30.10 @ 3:13PM
Coal Carrier -
Absolutely! Palin's position at Fox will be great if she can make her own platform from it. It will be a disaster if she emulates the bombastic Mr. O'Reilly who only seems to know "the way it is" and never why (Hannity was much better in the beginning before he started to emulate O'Reilly.)
Appleby, does make valid style points. The voice issue is a real one and shouldn't be rejected just because it isn't the "real" Palin. One shouldn't judge the book by it's cover, but a better cover helps the book to be seen. Presentation counts for something.
aszas| 1.30.10 @ 7:11PM
I would not take advice from someone who can't spell advice.
martin j smith| 1.29.10 @ 8:11AM
For Palin to be presidential material she needs a "team" of advisors, not to tell her what to say but rather how to undersand the political landscape,how to read and respond to the MSM and obnoxious politicans. We do not need an inarticulate GWB, or another phony BHO, or a scatty nut job JMcC. The American people want a sober,friendly,smart and authoritative--but not totalitarian type. Bottom line. An effective leader willing to hear criticism and respond intelligently to critics. And, willing to respond to the MSM or other critics by firing back civily when some one is over the top and out of line.
Palin has a lot of potential, but she does need some help in channeling her abilities. While I do not agree with her social agenda entirely,I feel she deserves, as any American the right to put her name in the "ring" and given a fair hearing in the eyes of public opinion. I wish her well.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 10:54PM
Exactly, Martin. You are correct, but Sarah does need help with her style of speaking. It tends to make her sound choppy and unsure of herself. She should remind the "real Sarah" we have gotten to know.
For the record these are her accomplishments while Governor of Alaska http://canadafreepress.com/ind.....cle/16067#
Richard Baker| 1.29.10 @ 8:27AM
Read the Christmas gift her book was. A simple writing style but effective because she lives the words. Churchillian, no. Palinesque, yes. That she is not a blow-dried, processed figure who needs to determine her beliefs at strategy sessions with advisers is truly her strongest attribute. That and she's a fair damsel, to boot.
Margie| 1.29.10 @ 3:05PM
To me, she is like Reagan in that respect. Down to earth, plain and truthful speaking, and lived what he believed. Exactly why we loved him, too.
Alan Brooks| 1.29.10 @ 11:57PM
But Reagan had one thing Palin does not. Do you need three guesses?
(Hint: it was between his legs)
LiveFreeOrDie| 1.30.10 @ 12:28AM
You are a sexist moron. This is your third post saying one must be a man to be President. Stop already.
Brenda | 1.30.10 @ 1:41AM
Brains are between the ears, not the legs!
BB/Soldotna Alaska
John Navratil| 1.30.10 @ 3:18PM
And Reagan's principle allied leader was ...
(take your time)
... Margaret Thatcher.
Denise| 1.30.10 @ 10:57PM
Since you seem to be looking for a fight!
Why if a woman can die fighting in a war, for her country, can she not be President?
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 12:58AM
"... Margaret Thatcher. "
Thatcher, as you know, was British, the demographics & history in the UK are different than here.
America hasn't even had a woman as vice president.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:22AM
Think of it: the British have had
a) Elizabeth 1st (the greatest of monarchs);
b) more Queen Elizabeths, more recently.
c) Queen Anne
d) Thatcher.
e) a few others
America it is true, is a younger nation; but that is the entire point: it will be so long 'til a woman is president that it's not even worth thinking about unless you are an extreme feminist.
Or a futurist. A very long term futurist.
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 3:01PM
You obviously don't travel much, Alan Brooks, or you'd know that sexism is much more prevalent in the UK than it is in the US.
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 3:03PM
PS: British queens are born into or married into their royal positions. So, British queens are not evidence of Britain's advanced attitudes toward women.
dennisintn| 1.31.10 @ 6:30PM
denise, i totally agree with you. i can't decide whether brooks has never known a complete woman or whether he's scared to death of them.
dennisintn
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:25PM
"So, British queens are not evidence of Britain's advanced attitudes toward"
More's the pity, evidence of how very slow evolution is-- barely perceptible. My point was that Thatcher was PM, an important role in a Constitutional Monarchy.
In America, again, we haven't even had a woman as vice president.
I never said women cannot rise to prominent positions, only that they are then still controlled by men in the great majority of circumstances.
dd| 1.31.10 @ 10:13PM
You're just jealous. :)
Louis Jenkins| 1.29.10 @ 8:29AM
I too read the book and was impressed with Palin's life, working her way through college, her belief in God, and the sense of personal responsibility and independence that she brings to the forefront. Alaskans are a different breed from the pabulum fed statists. Well? That's why the Liberals hate her by the bucketfuls. Palin is the very antithesis of what those people believe. The photos of her with weapons, and dead game, drives them insane. The McCain campaign treated Palin very poorly and did not make use of her talents, which, in my opinion, is a very bad use of resources. If you're a team then allow each individual to contribute to the effort. Employ their skills, don't bind them in chains! If it had not been for Palin the McCain voter percentage results would have been worse. It is, however, a tedious read because it was written in a conversational mode. You do have to look at the message. I hope we see more of the woman in the future, and Palin, don't change, just be wary like the game you hunt.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:01PM
If given more time(before the Wall St crash) I think the McCain could have won. I think the crash was timed just right. The market didn't slide until Paulson came forward for cash, to Barack Hussein Obama advantage.
Ryan| 1.29.10 @ 8:40AM
I'm not saying she's Ronald Reagan, but if she patterns what she does in the next few years leading up to 2012 along the lines of Reagan's 1976-1980 campaigning, she may have a genuine shot.
She has to come across as artful, intelligent, and down-to-earth, as Reagan was, and prove she has a good grasp of the issues (which I don't think she quite proved in the 2008 campaign). She can't run as the presumptive candidate (*coughMittRomneycough*) nor as though all she is gunning for is the talk-show listening crowd.
Alan Brooks| 1.29.10 @ 11:59PM
"presumptive candidate (*coughMittRomneycough*)"
You mean 'consumptive' candidate?
John| 1.29.10 @ 8:46AM
I wish I could be as enthusiastic about Sarah Palin as the other writers on this page. There’s no doubt she’s an honest and decent woman who looks you in the eye and unashamedly tells you her beliefs. But I think the adulation of her by conservatives is overblown, based more on the hope of what she’ll become than what she is today. I’m left wondering if the potential is there. Or not.
I wasn’t impressed by her book, although the banal style forced me to quit a third of the way through. I may have missed the “best part.” The half dozen speaking appearances I’ve seen were laden with bromides and left me wondering about the audiences' enthusiasm. What did they see that I missed?
And now the offer to campaign for McCain. I find this incomprehensible. Even ignoring the shabby treatment of Palin by McCain, how can any true conservative support the man? The only reason he got my vote was because he was the lesser of two evils. Last November presented us with a forced choice, so I held my nose and pulled the lever. Palin, however, is not in that situation today. She can support someone else or say nothing at all. But to manfully cheer McCain’s candidacy requires her to cherry pick his few virtues from a surplus of vice.
I simply can’t understand this needless bit of temporizing. My doubts about her are becoming certainties about her unsuitability for high office. You have no idea how disappointed this makes me feel about finding a true conservative by 2012.
JP| 1.29.10 @ 1:00PM
I think the GOP finds itself in the exactly the same position it was in during the late 1990s. The majority of conservatives are hungry for a leader. When W. showed up, he was met with general enthusiasm. Many people over-looked his politcal weak points. The same is occuring now. Outside of Palin, there are no conservative. She at least talks the talk. And one has to to admire her perseverence. The question remains, can she govern? We are now seeing most painfully what problems can inexpierenced executive can do. I know, I know, she was govenor of Alaska for 4 years. And Carter was govenor of Georgia for 8 years.
But beggars can't be choosers. There is Mitt, the Huckster, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, and Newt. The cuppboard is bare. My biggest fear is that the GOP will nominate someone like Mitt (who governed as a liberal), and Palin will go Independent. They will split the GOP and Independent vote, thus giving Obama a 2nd term (and a chance to stack the courts).
Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 2:33PM
Palin's made it clear she won't lead a third party: Strengthen the republican party and we won't need a third.
If we run a RINO like Myth Romney, we deserve the defeat that will certainly result.
Alan Brooks| 1.30.10 @ 12:00AM
"What did they see that I missed?"
They saw her prettiness. If she'd take off those glasses.
Bruce | 1.30.10 @ 7:10PM
Old saying, brooks - one you should take to heart. Goes something like this...
"Better to keep ones mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and remove all doubt."
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:04AM
Doesn't matter what you say, Palin's future IS good, but only as a token.
Perhaps in the next decade, 2020- 2030, Sarah will play a more substantial role-- but that is a long row to hoe, Joe. Thatcher was far more mature than Palin is today when she first started at Downing st. You people aren't marxists, you can't expect things to change like THAT because you want then to.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:11AM
... them to, not then to.
Only marxists today think women will attain parity of any sort with men.
And face it, if Sarah were ugly, she wouldn't be so popular.
Sarah is smart and attractive, yet you can't just think because a certain number of Americans like her that she will play a major role (other than as token).
It is conceit, your thinking because you people-- a minority-- want her elevated to a huge role that such will be the case.
That is not conservative; that is as naive as marxism.
Animator Girl| 1.31.10 @ 4:59PM
I am more than happy to make concessions about the respective strengths and weaknesses of men and women, but your statements are not incisive; they are ridiculous. When valid points are made that refute your claim that women in America are not prepared to be leaders at the highest level of government, you accuse the author of marxism and conceit. Furthermore, since you continue to make ONLY the point that Sarah Palin is a woman and therefore a "token," it leads me to believe you have nothing else to contribute to this discussion, so your only possible motive is - yes - sexism.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:14PM
I was a futurist for 30 years, and learned that there is a difference between justifiable optimism, and wishful thinking. Women can be empowered, but not for a very long time.
Now Palin is different, she CAN be empowered, and already is.
But to say "I want Palin to president therefore she will be" is conceited. Sarah has to take crash courses in many topics before she can run on a presidential ticket again.
Thatcher (who as you know, was British, not American) was a very mature, experienced person before she became PM.
Kirkpatrick was a seasoned academic.
You are letting your right-wing feminism influence your emotions too much. Calm down.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:16PM
... don't be too much of an ANIMATED GIRL.
SoCon| 1.31.10 @ 10:16PM
Alan, you've stated more than once that your parents were crazy ultra-liberals who subjected you to their amoral hedonism when you were young.
Your head is screwed up because of your crazy, avant-garde parents and because of that, your posts can't be taken seriously.
You just sound crazy.
joan| 1.30.10 @ 11:40PM
I'm not sure if you are familiar with the Scriptures but have you ever heard this one: Psalm 15:1-5
1.Lord who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill?
2. He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart
3. and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,
4. who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, WHO KEEPS HIS OATH EVEN WHEN IT HURTS,
5.who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
Richard Baker| 1.29.10 @ 9:20AM
John:
It's not adulation. Her next-door-neighbor manner is her greatest attribute, Ok, her 2nd greatest attribute. She is not processed and packaged. Her everydayness is why folks are drawn to her. Remember, the political "experts" still deride Reagan as a dimwit. Harry Truman was thought by many to be a country bumpkin and he connected with the average voter because he was sincerely ordinary after the flamboyant FDR. He also said not to underestimate the American people. She doesn't while the political class does. This connects. Besides, Moose stew on the menu at the White House would be ok.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:13PM
It has probably been a long time since the last moose stew dinner at the White House.
One has to Remember that our 16thPresident only had a 2nd grade education, yet is considered to be among the best. Even our sitting President spoke of Mr Lincoln on the Illinois Capital steps, while announcing his run for President and his choice Vice President. Ivy League Presidents have gotten to this point, now what, just give it to the communists?
Al Adab| 1.29.10 @ 10:31AM
Clearly she has a role to play in rebuilding our Republic. Like the Tea Party, that role is as yet undefined. Time will demonstrate not only those roles but each of ours as well.
If nothing else, the disaster which is this Administration and Congress has caused large numbers of citizens to become jealous of their rights and to take their place as the true sovereigns in our Constitutional system.
Northern Rebel| 1.29.10 @ 10:33AM
Sarah has more balls, than most male republican politicians, and that's why they, and the communist democrat party are terrified of her!
Margie| 1.29.10 @ 3:11PM
Hear, hear! Reb.
Alan Brooks| 1.30.10 @ 12:02AM
"Sarah has more balls,"
You don't want to overstate your case, do you?
Ron| 1.29.10 @ 10:58AM
it would be nice to hear a republican talk about the ninth amendment in such glowing terms too.
Mattled| 1.29.10 @ 11:15AM
Hick.
Redneck.
Inexperienced.
Bumbling.
Hair obsessed.
Glamour image nobody.
State school educated.
Out of wedlock pregnancy.
Failed VP candidate.
Sarah Palin?
No.
I am talking about John Edwards.
Al Adab| 1.29.10 @ 11:35AM
Touche'
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.29.10 @ 2:22PM
I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for the delightful conversations we have here at AM spec.
I'm going to be corny (corny alert heh)
I just signed up to make a monthly donation to AM Spec. Mainly to thank them for letting me converse with some really delightful and darned smart people. My visits here are one of the highpoints of my day.
Their articles and blogs speak for themselves. Great to pretty good. heh.
I hope each of you who have the resources will set up a long term re-curring donation deal with them.
Those long term deals give them planning ahead money.
OK...corny over.
Liberal REader| 1.29.10 @ 2:30PM
Love that photograph.
Just what we need. The image of a true president. Perfect. Great.
Kind of reminds me of those classic portraits of Washington and Jefferson, or those pictures of Bobby and Jack.
Thank you, America.
Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 2:50PM
Yeah, unlike the statesmanlike portraits of hee haw 'toothy' Jimmuh 'Malaise' Carter and blue dress horndog 'Slick Willie' Clinton.
Give me a break!
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.29.10 @ 3:10PM
Heh! Good one, Lib.
I loved the picture too.
In first grade...I saw a picture that stuck in my mind life long....George Washington cutting down a cherry tree.
I also love the painting of ole' George wielding a sword.
I loved the Movie about Jack..."PT 109". I really liked the scene where Jack drove in and torpedoed a Japanese cruiser. Heh, blew the crap out of them.
(Well, OK, he got run over by a Japanese destroyer in the process...but I still loved the scene...historical or not...it was based on a book titled "The Expendables". Jack's big brother, Joe, was killed in action in that same war.)
God bless both of them.
Bruce | 1.30.10 @ 7:15PM
Not to quibble, Ken, but the book was "They Were Expendable", by William L. White. Fantastic book - one of the best of the genre.
Smirking Weasel| 1.29.10 @ 2:33PM
"Why us?"
Perhaps because you're so narcissistic you just
had to have a 5th child at an age where the risk of
a birth defect rises with each additional month of maternal age.
"There's no greater service than mothering"
May well be true-but she never lived up to it by working outside the home when she had four children(perhaps her daughter wouldn't have sought attention from an obvious immature jerk-even by teenage male standards-and thereby birthed a bastard if Maw Palin had had her complete focus on her household)and by above noted act of self indulgence.
Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 2:45PM
Weasel, speaking of bastards--your dear leader is one. Maw Obama birthed herself one big bastard!!
Don't get me started about the 'bastard's' daddy: How many poverty-stricken wives and children does he have scattered all over Africa?
At least Palin takes care of her own family.
Talk about trailer trash--you folks elected the reigning KING of low-rent/low class families!
Hypocrite. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
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Ken (Old Texican)| 1.29.10 @ 3:12PM
Heh...dumbunny...not weasel.
Denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:24PM
So you think that if Sarah had stayed home, her daughter would not have had sex with her boyfriend. Do I have that right? Are you also saying that sex is just for attention? And the toper is that Sarah Palin got pregnant so that she could have a disabled child! Your name does nor do you justice, there has to be a better one. Smirking Vile bigot.
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 2:58PM
Are you saying that women over 40 shouldn't be afforded the same rights that liberals demand for younger women? Meaning, only younger women should be allowed to choose to have sex; should sex result in pregnancy, only younger women should be allowed to choose between carrying to term or abortion? So, liberals would deny women over 40, like myself, the right to choose what we can and can not do with our own bodies. That's good to know, Weasel.
I don't know why liberal hypocricy continues to amaze me. You'd think by now I'd be used to your "freedom for me but not for thee" philosophy.
Smirking Weasel| 1.29.10 @ 3:17PM
Somehow you've taken my disapproval of one side of the Demopublican/Republicrat coin and turned it into approval and support of a representative of the other side of said coin.
This is wholly incorrect and reflects ignorance and unwarrented presumption on your part.
Patriot| 1.29.10 @ 3:55PM
Weasel, my 'presumption' was based on your one-sided post. If you'd pointed out Obama's WORSE familial reality, I wouldn't have had to. Fair and balanced, you know.
BTW--that's 'unwarranted'.
Shannon| 1.29.10 @ 4:00PM
Good for the goose, good for the gander!
jacktk| 1.29.10 @ 3:27PM
Sarah Palin has a long record of achievement and experience in public office.
Sarah Palin is the most common-sense leader we've got and I believe she, of all possible leaders, is especially capable of implementing her common sense in an executive capacity.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:26PM
http://canadafreepress.com/ind.....cle/16067#
B.W.| 1.29.10 @ 3:32PM
What a load of bilge written by a lobbyist organization. This stout defense of Palin is a crock. She's a barely literate, confused and confusing thinker, a QUITTER who left Alaskans in the lurch so she could write a slanderous "memoir" and bilk the credulous. She was inflicted on the lower 48 by a cynical choice, with no vetting and you ask us to admire her. Never. Even Alaskans don't want her back. I don't have to worry about my low opinion of Palin because the GOP will never put her forward as a presidential candidate, knowing that she appeals only to that portion of the population seeking simple answers to complex issues. Tenth Amendment, my foot.
ds80| 1.29.10 @ 4:05PM
One word describes you, B.W.: troll
Why are you so afraid of a conservative woman?
Jolly | 1.29.10 @ 4:32PM
Because he's a weenie.
Brian72| 1.29.10 @ 5:24PM
B.W., your comment is what is a crock.
You don't know what Alaskans want or why they might want it, and you couldn't care less.
Barely literate? Confused? "inflicted" on the lower 48? (or is that the lower 56?) No vetting? The whole broadcast and print media moved to Alaska lock stock and barrel to "vet" this person you so irrationally despise. They found nothing that could be fed into the smear machine and come out effective. Not a darn thing. So they made stuff up. By the time one fiction is corrected, they have moved on to the next absurd charge.
"Slanderous" memoir? There is no slander in the book. What you have written is far more slanderous against her, as was most of what has been alleged by enemies from all sides.
A few "simple answers" would do us all a great amount of good right now. Too bad those, like you, who seek to endlessly complicate and obfuscate issues to which the real answers are quite simple.
You don't like the Tenth amendment?
I wonder why. Could it be you want all the State capitols to be no more than your local branch office of Washington DC?
I bet you are not too fond of the 2nd Amendment either. What about the 1st?
stmichrick| 1.30.10 @ 12:03PM
BW, please; a willfully ignorant crock about Mrs. Palin . Every statement is false, but my personal favorite is the last: 'that portion of the population seeking simple answers to complex issues.'
This is the usual leftist response when they are too lazy to formulate one of their contorted attempts at logic which dismisses anyone having principles or standards.
Denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:28PM
Who is US, BW. Do you think you talk for many ora few? You are a closed minded bigot.
Richard Baker| 1.29.10 @ 3:33PM
B.W.:
Really? Ever heard of the KISS principle? Nah, probably not.
Ken (Old Texican)| 1.29.10 @ 3:47PM
OKOK,
I shall now shamlessly blog on the Sarah Reloading column.
Mr. Oliver, thank you. Splendid.
I have picked up some "sniffs" of elite-ism above. Ignore the stupid out of wedlock children. (uh bastards). heh
Heh, I have a number one in its niche bestseller on amazon.com ...so I pulled "publisher's rank" there and got a copy three days before the release date.
Sarah's editor/helper allowed us "ignorant Fortune Company CEOs" to literally hear Sarah speaking to us in our favorite reading chairs.
I loved the darned book too.
I really love the lady too.
Mr. Oliver, in my mind, she and Jim DEMINT would be the perfect Republican ticket in 2012.
Have you read HIS book? Wow! Those two in combination would ...get elected....and serve with honor and competence.
Jim knows how to "unwind" all the communist, (pardon the shorthand), "nightsoil of the male oxx",
and Sarah will get a hundred million votes from us gun wielding ,(smile), .....uh voters?
Mr. Oliver, have you ever eaten moose? Oh my! probably the finest meat in the universe...except buffalo, (bison), hump. (drool).
Again, thank you.
Osamas Pajamas| 1.29.10 @ 3:53PM
Sarah needs to write a couple more books --- and "Reloading" would be a great second title, indeed, followed by "Taking Aim" and maybe another, "Fire Away!" Cool sequence of events....
Osamas Pajamas| 1.29.10 @ 4:04PM
Sarah Palin doesn't appear to wet her finger and hold it aloft to find out which way the wind is blowing. In fact, the only time I ever saw her do anything like that at all, it was just the single-digit salute which her critics so roundly deserve.
JP| 1.29.10 @ 4:32PM
She doesn't have to -yet. She is making an obvious attempt to anchor the grassroots GOP base. Whether she can widen her foundation with others in he party remains to be seen.
Jolly| 1.29.10 @ 4:33PM
The one-fingered salute--I like it.
Go Sarah!!
Bruce | 1.30.10 @ 7:20PM
OR ... to figure in a little "Kentucky windage" before taking that moose:)
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 6:34PM
The American Spectator : Reloading capital university links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Dave Williams| 1.29.10 @ 7:04PM
Generally a very good piece, but do be careful with your shotgun accusations, sir. I, for example, am a proud rock-ribbed atheist, and an equally proud and rock-ribbed Palin supporter. And no, I haven't eaten any raw baby's flesh today.
Johnny Knuckles| 1.29.10 @ 10:51PM
Well, that's two "Atheists For Palin" bumperstickers we can get printed up.
Margie| 1.30.10 @ 12:59PM
Ha!
Osamas Pajamas| 1.31.10 @ 12:25AM
Make that at least THREE atheists for Palin! Me, too!
Larry| 1.29.10 @ 7:13PM
You know, Appleby, Palin doesn't really have to appease the Northeast in order to win an election - as at least ALL of the last four Republican presidents proved. You overestimate your region some. Now, if you consider New York part of the "Northeast," she probably should adjust her voice pitch some. Otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing about her. She rocks, and I hope she's learning more about the world bit by bit before 2012.
herkimer pushbroom| 1.29.10 @ 10:53PM
michelle obama approved
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 8:33PM
The American Spectator : Reloading Acid by about links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
herkimer pushbroom| 1.29.10 @ 10:54PM
angry michelle approved
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:01PM
first time proud michelle approved
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:02PM
fresh garden michelle approved
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:05PM
michelle hospital kickback edition
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 9:17PM
The American Spectator : Reloading American Me links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 9:26PM
The American Spectator : Reloading Abbey by about links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 9:58PM
The American Spectator : Reloading Audio by about links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 11:06PM
Four Surprising Ways to Give Delightful Gifts to Your Loved Ones links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:07PM
bill ayers signature edition
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:08PM
jeremiah wright approved
harry callahan| 1.29.10 @ 11:11PM
saul alinsky model, obama autographed and forged by bill ayers
Margie| 1.30.10 @ 1:01PM
Thanks for the laughs, there, callahan.
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 11:24PM
The American Spectator : Reloading links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 11:24PM
The American Spectator : Reloading links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.29.10 @ 11:31PM
Simon Cowell on american idol 9 auditions | Simon Cowell Celebrity Monitor links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.30.10 @ 1:40AM
The American Spectator : Reloading links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Pingback| 1.30.10 @ 1:40AM
The American Spectator : Reloading links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Yosemeti Sam| 1.30.10 @ 2:40AM
I'm busting a gut here. But, I digress.
Sarah Palin: former mayor, former governor,
mother, wife, all-around American. Knows how
to shoot - straight! Not afraid to call a spade a spade!
BHO: community organizer, enemy of
Americas' bedrock CONSTITUTION, peacock,
stalwart defender of infanticide, peacock, 'practicing' US senator for 150 odd days, peacock, Salinsky/Commie proselyte, peacock, tool of Dingy and broomrider, etc ....
Did I mention - peacock?
Sarah Palin - a woman of demonstrated political accomplishments, typically thought of as indicative of leadership qualities in America.
BHO: a guy: simply implementing in-your-face techniques carried forth from Capones' historical base of operations - Chicago.
Former governor Sarah Palin has all the time in the world to polish herself further.
Her detracting prunes in the LMSM fight against
time - to be critically relevant in assaying Sarah Palins' casting a giant shadow on the American
body politic.
Margie| 1.30.10 @ 1:03PM
Very nice, Yosemiti. Bravo!
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:37PM
Sarah Palin's Political accomplishments.
http://canadafreepress.com/ind.....cle/16067#
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 3:17PM
Yosemeti Sam, I love Palin, too. I assume you keep mentioning the peacock as a reference to Sarah's good looks. I just want to point out to you that it's the male peacocks who have the brilliant, colorful plume. The female peacocks, well, not so much.
Btw, I do hope that you'd support any fine, patriotic American woman of Palin's caliber even if they aren't as nice to look at as she is. That Sarah is pretty is a plus for her but America needs good people (for a change) in WA DC. For eye candy, there will always be models and movie stars (and judging by the liberal crap most of them spew, we don't want them in DC).
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 3:42PM
AuntieMadder,
I do believe he was referring to the proud male peacocks that are Obama & co! :^)
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 3:45PM
Oops! I reread Yosemeti Sam's message and you're right. I don't know how I mixed up his comments on Palin with his comments on Obamao. Reading too fast, perhaps?
My apologies, Yosemeti Sam. Reread your message and you're right on. (But I'm sure you'd agree that Sarah is very pretty.)
Pingback| 1.30.10 @ 2:56AM
The American Spectator : Reloading Attorney by about links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Rosie| 1.30.10 @ 4:11AM
"Liberal United Nations-hugging big-government socialist fascist gangster capitalist atheist God-hating running dogs." Are you SERIOUS? You've lumped socialists, fascists, and capitalists into one category? Sir, might I direct you to www.dictionary.com, and suggest you look these things up? They are not remotely the same.
Your tirade about how much this country needs God is exactly the reason so many so-called conservatives look ridiculous as often as they do, and why those conservatives among us who do actually place some value in a separation of church and state must constantly fight an image of being cross-wielding, Bible-quoting radicals. Thank you, oh so much, for once again making the side of the political spectrum I support look absurd.
I'm an atheist, and I don't believe in "anything" as you put it. I don't believe in Obama, for one thing. I do, however, believe in progress, and find your argument that somehow this is a bad thing utterly terrifying. Status quo, for you, is it? Keep things as they are, whatever happens is God's doing, and all that? Have some responsibility. Think for yourself, believe in yourself and in the power of the human mind to improve our condition (and no, I don't mean that in a socialist sort of way). Or don't -- actually, being a true conservative, I don't care what you believe in or what you do. Just keep it out of my government and my life, or don't dare call yourself a conservative.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:47PM
Rosie, if you didn't care you wouldn't be so thin skinned. I noticed the commas between each of your written words, but left out of the ones before. It goes like this: Liberal, United-Nations hugging, big Government socialist, fascist, gangster capitalist, atheist, god-hating, running dogs. Take your pick or be them all, its a free country(yet) with free speech, its not YOUR government. By the way the separation of Church and State is to keep the State out of the Church, not the Church out of the State. Government should make no laws............First Amendment ROSIE. Anyone can call themselves conservatives and if you don;t like what being said here, go somewhere else if its offensive to you. Thats your right Cool how that works,right?
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 2:29PM
Cool indeed, denise. Bravo!
Patriot| 1.30.10 @ 6:59AM
Libertarian: All of the rights and none of the responsibilities.
The only real freedom is principled freedom.
Now, grow up and stop whining.
Kirstin| 1.30.10 @ 8:34AM
President Bill Clinton: (Georgetown, Yale), not (Yale, Yale).
Richard Baker| 1.30.10 @ 9:24AM
Brenda:
Brooks' comments are an indication of his boorishness. Forget the feminist retorts and describe his crudeness for what it is. Lady Thatcher and the late Jeanne Kirkpatrick make our point more eloquently than anything else.
stmichrick| 1.30.10 @ 12:07PM
When is someone going to write the article describing the concerted attempt (conspiracy?) to hound her out of office in Alaska?
Paul Revere| 1.30.10 @ 12:09PM
She's just a wasted weak puppet vote, that will help Obama and the Pelosi's and Bernanke's stay in office, when you could use your vote to vote for real Constitutionalists!
The best I've seen so far in their categories are: Ron Paul, Debra Medina, Rand Paul, Judge Napolitano - If we can talk him into running!
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:50PM
You college kids have been pushing Ron Paul and his kid for years. The man is boring and has no other issues but his complaint about the Fed.
Richard Baker| 1.30.10 @ 12:12PM
Paul Revere:
If she's so stupid and will bring destruction upon herself then why are you so exercised? If she's a loser than stand aside and let her go to town, hmmm?
Debbie| 1.30.10 @ 12:13PM
Sarah Palin is one of the few in the national spotlight that I totally respect........one of the reasons is that she is "real"...........how wonderful that young girls growing up can actually look to her as a role model.........the fact that she doesn't write unkindly about the McCain staff is testament to the fact that she is the real deal.......she has had numerous opportunities to tell what really happened........she chooses to move on!!!..... My father lives by the rule that if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything........
Richard Baker| 1.30.10 @ 12:31PM
Debbie:
Her next-door-neighborly-ness, as I call it, infuriates her detractors to no end. Why that is does sometimes puzzle me. Regardless, she talks the talk and walks the walk. How refreshing in an era of processed and packaged political figures who have to ask their advisers what to say and do. She just asks the First Dude.
denise| 1.30.10 @ 11:56PM
Are you implying that Sarah is just the puppet of the Todd Palin and his agenda? It appears to me that Todd Palin could run for a seat if he wanted too. I do not think that Sarah is a puppet of his or any one else. By the way, there is nothing wrong with trusted confidants. The president of the Us has many, last count over 300 along with 36 czars.
Mike| 1.30.10 @ 5:12PM
Theodor Reik, who fled Austria for the U.S. in 1938, wrote a book entitled Of Love and Lust. He argued that when two people "fall in love" they really know very little about each other. They project their ideal on the other, hence they are "falling in love" with their projections more than with the reality that is the other person (marry in haste; repent at leisure). An interesting hypothesis.
I am reading posts about Sarah Palin more to find out about the hopes and the aspirations of those who support her than to learn about her.
It will be difficult to learn about Ms. Palin because she is either being worshiped or demonized across the media.
To date, the one action I witnessed by Sarah Palin that made a profound impression on me was her resignation from the governorship of Alaska. Would she do the same as president facing the kind of withering criticism President Obama has for the past year? If she did, would the justifications offered in defense of her resignation comfort the American people?
denise| 1.31.10 @ 12:06AM
President Obama isn't facing pressing Legal fees from petty ethics charges filed against him, and if he was the United States of America(the taxpayer)would pay for the legal fees. Sarah Palin's did not have taxpayer backing and her family faced bankruptcy from hundreds of law suits. Her Governors staff faced hours of file coping each day to make available the freedom of information act releases filed by "concerned" citizens of the country. Some even had press at the doors of their homes.
joan| 1.31.10 @ 12:08AM
denise, I would like to apologize for my reply to your earlier post concerning Sarah's voice and style. I jumped the gun and assumed you were like those who claim they like Sarah but..................
Please accept my apology and forgive my impertinent response to you.
joan| 1.31.10 @ 12:06AM
As an Alaskan, let me try to explain to you why Sarah resigned. Unless you are an Alaskan, and by more than just a couple of years, her resignation and her resignation speech would no doubt go over your head. Not that you are incapable and I'm not saying this to insult you, it's just that her speech was meant for us, the Alaskans, and anyone Alaskan, who knew how much money, time and lack of progress the attacks by the Left were causing us, appreciated why she stepped down. She didn't leave Alaskans in a lurch like another poster commented. Indeed, she turned the helm over to our Lt. Governor, Sean Parnell, who we also respected.
The President doesn't have to pay out of his own pocket when frivolous violations and lawsuits are thrown at him. In fact, it never gets that far.
Sarah could not be effective anymore and she knew it. She would have been bankrupted and the State would have continued to have to pay above the already wasted millions to research each bogus charge against her. No, she did not want to be a lame duck Governor when she could do so much more as a private citizen. And I think it is wonderful that in spite of the attempts to bankrupt her, she became wealthy. No weapon formed against her shall prosper so the more criticism and attacks from the Left come at her, the more she will come out the victor.
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 2:23PM
Great post(s), joan. I for one appreciate what you have to say about Sarah. :^) Thanks!
AuntieMadder| 1.31.10 @ 2:31PM
Me, too. Thank you, Joan.
dennisintn| 1.31.10 @ 7:14PM
i didn't have any trouble understanding sarah's speech or the reasons she was quitting. as parnell has said, sarah had accomplished more in two years than most goovernors in two terms as governor, and she had accomplished everything she had promised during the campaign. her father said it best, "sarah's not quitting, she's reloading" and i add to that "and repositioning for the next shot." sarah palin is the best thing that's happened to american politics in many years, and i'm for anything she wants to do.
dennisintn
Richard Baker| 1.30.10 @ 5:21PM
Mike:
Need to review why she resigned. She was more than willing to fight. Could you make such a decision? Alaskan government is not the Federal government.
Mike| 1.30.10 @ 5:47PM
"She was more than willing to fight."
So why didn't she? She wasn't impeach, convicted and removed from office.
Richard Baker| 1.30.10 @ 6:19PM
Mike:
You REALLY need to read WHY she resigned. I'll let you discover for yourself. It was in the papers, as people used to say.
Mike| 1.31.10 @ 9:34AM
Richard,
At your urging I re-read Sarah Palin's resignation speech. It contained a wonderful tribute to the state of Alaska. The tribute is justified, just as a similar tribute would be justified in every other state in the union. She referenced her accomplishments in office and the fact that has been cleared of the ethics charges against her. It strikes me as curious that one would quit when one is winning. But, she talked about crushing legal fees. I understand completely her predicament. No need to try to convince me that by taking care of her own financial self interest she is somehow doing something wonderful for me. Can't help but grow a little suspicious, especially when I think she may have placed me in the category of Americans who she doesn't consider to be real Americans.
Some take her basketball analogy as she presents it. I still think a better analogy is that in the middle of a drive toward the basket, she stopped tossed the ball to another player and exited the game.
Tammy| 2.1.10 @ 12:32AM
She couldn't afford the millions of dollars in legal fees!! Why is that so hard to understand?
Obama's people were trying to destroy Palin, so she removed herself as a target. Sounds brilliant to me.
Karcarius| 1.31.10 @ 12:44AM
Alan,stop with the nit-picky criticisms.You sound an awful lot like a liberal.Or,dare I say,a progressive.Or worse,a chauvinist.It's amazing with all our technology how little man himself has changed.Does she scare you because she's a woman or that she tells the truth,unlike other politicians?Maybe the glasses scare you.I like the glasses since I wear them also.But that's not why I like her.I like her because she,again unlike other politicians,is constitutional.She believes in personal freedom,liberty and most of all,RESPONSIBILITY.Too many people in this world blaming others for their poor little lot in life.Grow up man.You sound like a third grader angry because he didn't get picked to play flag football.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:39AM
You are ignoring what I wrote originally.
It is very far fetched Sarah will be POTUS this decade.
In this case YOU sound like a naive lib/progressive
To believe Sarah will be POTUS this decade is naive to the point of you being like in 3rd grade class in mid-December and wondering aloud "what will Santa bring me next week?"
Wishful thinking. The world does eventually change-- but not the way you or I want it to.
You can call me anything you want, but you are the chumps.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:41AM
"It's amazing with all our technology how little man himself has changed."
Exactly.
men haven't changed, they still dominate women through aggression or-- at the very least-- intimidation.
Don B.| 1.31.10 @ 9:43PM
Real men and real women are not intimidated by the threat of violence or intimidation and real men don't threaten women or anyone else. Real men stand up for what they believe in, and realize the true value of women, acting with honor instead of threatening by cowardice. We know that women aren't as physically powerful as we are, and would never use that advantage for our own gain. We also know that the physical advantage is the only natural advantage we have over women. That advantage is our blessing, because we are unafraid to use it to protect and assist.
Wimps, cowards and bullies on the other hand use their physical advantage over those who are not as strong as they, and think that they are more powerful as a result. That power lasts only so long as no one stands up to them. Real men and real women standing together aren't afraid of them.
You may think that men are defined by "what hangs between their legs", and that that somehow makes them powerful. You would do well to remember that what hangs between your legs also makes you extremely vulnerable. Real men know that. You, on the other hand, obviously have yet to learn that lesson.
SoCon| 1.31.10 @ 10:22PM
Excellent post, Don. You sound like a great guy.
Don't mind Alan, he's just confused.
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 1:47AM
Look, doesn't matter what you SAY.
You know Palin will not be sworn in as president Jan. 2013. or in 2017.
After that, possibly. but such would be over a decade.
B. Compson| 1.31.10 @ 4:16AM
She's just Bush III. She's a blank slate in foreign policy and will repeat all the military bluster of the neocons coupled with the bull in a china shop "Team America" stupidity. Her recent interviews are unwatchable. She said on Hannity, "we've got to defeat the terrorists once and for all so that we can finally win this war." How exactly are you planning on defeating all the terrorists once and for all? As if this is a war like WW2. She just has no depth of knowledge to understand that she sounds ridiculous. I respect her work in Alaska and feel bad for the way she was bullied and smeared by the liberal media, but feeling sorry for her is not the same as wanting her to be president. She's just not up to it.
And her explanation for quitting isn't convincing. You don't quit elected office. Period. I don't care if Rahm Emanuel is personally prank calling you every night and shipping you thousands of crates of dead fish and billing you for the delivery until you owe a million dollars for all the COD charges. You don't quit. We're never going to elect a president who quit elected office.
stmichrick| 1.31.10 @ 12:05PM
B.Compson; What's with the indictment of neocons? You sound like an America Firster from the thirties telling us Hitler was not a threat. Wake up.
Your comment about her not having a reason to quit is unconvincing. Only elected officials with unlimited personal assets (read:Kennedys) or unmitigated gall (read:Clinton) can follow your mantra.
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 1:30PM
Your B. sounds like it could be Toddard as well, always mocking us for our "paranoia" of the terrorists.
Mike| 2.1.10 @ 12:43PM
Are you implying that neo cons are the exclusive warriors against terrorism? So, if a conservative doesn't think it is a good idea to invade a country that never attacked us, and to spend trillions of dollars and thousands of lives doing so, then that conservative is the equivalent of an "American Firster" who enabled Hitler?
Palin would be a hack for the neo con nuts that have driven us into the ditch for the last 8 years.
And yes, I would gladly indict the neo cons. There is nothing conservative about them.
Richard Baker| 1.31.10 @ 4:17AM
denise:
You can read, can't you?
stmichrick| 1.31.10 @ 11:51AM
Unfortunately I agree with those who say Mrs. Palin will not become President. She has been effectively 'Quayled' in the popular culture.
These days, anyone with a Midwest (or Texan) manner of speaking, professed faith and advocating traditional values, to say nothing of having a loud constituency of same, will be forever portrayed in the non-Fox News Channel media as unsophisticated, hateful, stupid and worse.
Sign of the times.
Margie| 1.31.10 @ 1:26PM
Hi stmichrick,
I think Dan Quayle gave in, though. If he ignored the baloney instead, who knows?
And look at Reagan. He ignored them, and he went on to become one of the best Presidents we've ever had.
Popular culture's immorality will forever hate morality, but those who succeed are the ones who ignore the "dumbbunnies."
So, I think if Sarah wants to.. she could, but perhaps she prefers a man for the job, who knows, but whoever she would back we know they'd be just about as good anyway! :^)
stmichrick| 1.31.10 @ 2:13PM
Margie; You've got a point.
The difference I think is that media is more pervasive now than when Reagan was around. Hell, Bob Hope and Johnny Cash were alive. Now there's no hope and no cash.
But seriously, I hear so many comments from folks who don't play close attention or offer strong opinions (i.e. 'moderates') who accept the premise that she is intellectually inferior and some kind of a rednecked yahoo. Unfortunately these people decide elections.
LiveFreeOrDie| 1.31.10 @ 4:51PM
Yes, but I believe that "these people" are tired of intellectual elitists and are aching to cast votes for regular people who they can identify with. At this point I'd take a "rednecked yahoo" in place of the current scumbag.
stmichrick| 1.31.10 @ 8:03PM
LFOD; that would be nice.
They don' t know what an elitist is. They take the big network spin as gospel.
stmichrick| 1.31.10 @ 11:58AM
I still want the names and deeds of those who instigated the ethics suits against Governor Palin. They need to be VERY public,
Substance McGravitas | 1.31.10 @ 3:42PM
Sure, intelligence helps—maybe. Quick, name one presidential decision made in the last 16 years, i.e., during the Clinton (Yale, Yale, Oral Roberts) and Bush (Yale, Harvard) years that you think was either right because the president was intelligent or wrong because he was not intelligent enough.
Hilarious. More please.
Pingback| 1.31.10 @ 4:28PM
Twitter Trackbacks for The American Spectator : Reloading [spectator.org] on Topsy.c links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
ruth| 1.31.10 @ 5:57PM
Yup
We is all a Mandation Nation around here. Run Sarah run. Quit Sarah quit.
Don B.| 1.31.10 @ 9:54PM
Carson E. Beadle, who has written widely about healthcare reform, published a paper entitled "Healthcare for the uninsured: Is mandation the answer?" in Compensation and benefits review. 21(6):17-23. This was published in 1989. This term has been regularly used in the context of healthcare reform.
For more information about Mr. Beadle: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/ca...../b/410/7a3
Daddy-O| 1.31.10 @ 7:08PM
If this was Hillary being talked about the woman
president thing would be just fine!
Alan Brooks| 1.31.10 @ 9:02PM
"Popular culture's immorality"
Pop culture has merged with the larger culture.
Marcia C| 1.31.10 @ 10:53PM
It was Obama that allowed guns in federal parks.
Not any Repubican or Tea Partier.
Obama.
Amazing how ignorant the righties can be.
Marcia C| 1.31.10 @ 10:59PM
To me the amazing thing about Palin is that she's a real socialist: she took from the oil corporations and gave the money to all of Alaska's citizens.
Can't get much more socialist than that.
She also managed to get the biggest earmarks of anyone ever! She said she was against the Bridge to Nowhere (after she was for it) but then she KEPT THE MONEY!
So she isn't stupid. But what does that make her?
Tammy| 2.1.10 @ 12:36AM
It makes Sarah Palin brilliant!! Governor Palin made the oil companies pay a fair price for the oil they took; what's unfair about that, liberal moron?
She'll never be a communist like the piece of crap in office now.
Mike| 2.1.10 @ 12:38PM
Palin will never be the president. The Palinistas need to give up on that idea. She could be very effective for the conservative cause in other ways but she simply does not have the mental agility and the leadership presence to be president.
People that think otherwise are delusional.
PALIN FOR PRESIDENT!! 2012| 2.1.10 @ 7:18PM
What's criminally delusional was pretending that the dull-witted, no experience Obama was smart and ready to be president.
That was downright insane.
Sarah's doing great and she's quite electable. You'll see.
yves Bauer| 2.4.10 @ 10:16AM
Are you serious? Sarah Palin showed she is utterly incompetent to be President or Vice President. For that matter she should just stay away from the White House. Can you imagine Palin starring down Putin or Ahmadinejad? Negotiating with them? She would get torn apart!
Pingback| 2.6.10 @ 4:38AM
Caring For American Indian Jewelry links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
CJohnson| 2.6.10 @ 3:20PM
Liberals only learn from experience, but rarely, if ever, do liberals benefit from a good example.
CHummel| 2.6.10 @ 3:27PM
PS Only men who don't "enjoy" women abuse them. Previously known as the closet queer or misogynist. LOL at any hetero man who thinks he's in charge!
Bonnie Carniello| 2.26.10 @ 10:18PM
I hope Sarah Palin does run for President in 2012. She is so much more than just a woman, just a Mother, just a politician. She has integrity and true grit for all things evil. She will endure whatever the question, whatever the race. I believe the closer you get to God, the more the Devil comes after you. Reload my dear and we will reload with you! The only reason John McCain lost was because he listened to other people. He does better just being himself and being true to himself. Advice from others can alter all manner of things.
Sarah Palin has more experience to lead than most. Personally, I would be happy to have a female President. Its time has come. The good old boy system may still be in place, but women compartmentalize better. Having a son in service makes her even more aware of what war means and the fact that the President doesn't give the troops what they need when they need it, says to me, he should spend 48 hours in a foxhole with them and see how long he would drag his feet on giving what is necessary for our troops. We have been a world power always. He is making us look foolish in the eyes of the world.
Sincerely,
Converse | 8.12.11 @ 2:43AM
is good
gavin1 | 9.20.11 @ 7:03AM
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