The American Spectator

OCPatriot| 10.25.08 @ 2:56PM

I have to agree. Like most of the McCain campaign, Sarah Palin has been mishandled. Hiding her away at first only intensified the misgivings of the press and public. But, unfortunately, there's a deeper problem and that is in the choice of Governor Palin as Senator McCain's running mate. I'm inclined to agree that Governor Ridge would have been a much better choice. Palin is a "loose cannon", guys and gals, and someone whose sense of entitlement begins to rival famous dictators. The name "barracuda" does indeed seem to fit. She has the same "get back at them", "fight" spirit that McCain has and that simply isn't the way to conduct anything except a war. She also has an unhealthy disregard for the Truth. Add to that a mind that seems to have no sense of history or precedents or even current events, and you have an explosive combination. Sarah's in it for Sarah, and McCain must already be regretting the fact that he often acts irrationally and in great haste when calm logical thought might be a better course. For those who think Palin is a great candidate, I suspect you've fallen into "hero" (or "heroine") worship. Palin has done very little, actually, for Alaska. The much-touted natural gas pipeline may never be build and the idiotic advance expenditures for right-of-way can easily be hidden in the slush funds of Alaskan money from the government and the oil companies. Much of her so-called achievements have turned out to be phony and the small-mindedness of TrooperGate and placing her friends and classmates on committees is well-recognized. That goes double for her husband sitting in the Governor's office. She flip-flopped on the Bridge to NoWhere and kept the money for it for Alaska, so what savings was there? As evidence of how wrong she is for high elected office as President or Vice President, I remind you that on TV Governor Palin, in her fourth public attempt to answer the question "What does the Vice President do?" - responded, The V.P. supports the President and "is in charge of the Senate" where the V.P. can change policy. Huh? Either this lady doesn't know, in her fourth attempt to answer the question, or she has dreams of power far beyond that which is written in the Constitution. No, Sarah, the V.P. is NOT in charge of the Senate nor does the V.P. set policy there. I cite this as an example of either how unlearned this woman is or how her fantasies involve being fully in charge of our government far beyond what the Constitution specifies. She does have star power; elsewhere I have compared her to Lina Lamont, the silent star in Singin' In The Rain; she rides over people and seems to possess no feedback or curiosity or interest in history of our United States or our government. But, who knows, she may indeed be chosen by the G.O.P., whatever is left of it, for the next election. As McCain has been learning, they may regret that choice if they make it.

The Kingfish| 10.25.08 @ 4:31PM

Its about damn time she blew them off. Keep in mind Charlie Black was so bad he damn near got Reagan beat when he and his boss John Sears had Reagan SKIP Iowa, leading to a Bush win, that is how competent he is. Black ran the Dole campaign in the same manner he is running McCain's, no consistent message, stale tactics, shallow attacks, no philosophy, and a fear of the media.

Palin is a sharp lady. She just needs to trust her instincts. She will make mistakes but she is the type like Obama that will learn very quickly from them. She needs to get rid of the damn experts. She's run for office and won. They've never been a damn candidate but damned if they are not the experts on how to be one.

OCPatriot| 10.25.08 @ 6:15PM

I've said it before, and continually see the same mistake being made. Instead of proving the facts wrong, or offering a fresh outlook, the old response is to attack the person who poses any anaylsis that doesn't agree with the pre-conceived one. This is why McCain and Palin are losing, guys, because they attack instead of offering alternatives, and if this gets your blood pressure and anger up, it only makes for more and more ineffective responses. Where are the real Conservatives that I admire? The joke is now that a Socialist is a Conservative who has lost personal assets in a failing financial institution. Look at the Secretary of the Treasury, the Head of the SEC, and all those managers at Goldman Sachs, Bear Stearns, and Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac, along with the Wall Street moguls, who are thirsting for a bailout. Look at McCain, too, who believes in government sponsored healthcare for the Senate which he has lived under for more than twenty years; he must think it's pretty good as opposed to cutting it loose in the free market. So cut out the negative shots and name calling - they don't work today - and start coming up with some good things that really work to make this country great.

M. Tobias| 10.25.08 @ 7:11PM

I have to politely disagree with the tone of the politico's article and with some of your responders. Sarah Palin's shortcomings are largely not of her own making. The McCain campaign is a wholly manufactured campaign and it has been badly managed.

This campaign thought that McCain didn't need Conservative support because independents and liberal-moderate Democrats were going to flock to his banner with the uberleftest, marxist Barack Obama as his opponent. After all, McCain was the media's darling for twenty five years. Didn't happen. First the media turned on him and then his campaign realized that they had absolutely no chance of winning without the support of the Conservative base of the Republican Party. And it is the Conservative base that John McCain has been publicly working against for those same twenty five years. Conservatives hate him and would not vote for him if he were the last candidate on Earth. Enter Sarah Palin. Her job was to get the Conservative to the polls. Once there, they would likely vote against Obama and for the Palin/McCain ticket. She has more than accomplished this. The point is, she accomplished this in spite of the campaign handlers. And most of the campaign directors fear and hate her as much as the left and the media.

Why? Because they are not Conservatives. They are the go along, get along country club Republican set that has been trying to regain control of the Republican Party since the '80's. People are not turning out to see John McCain, they are turning out to see Sarah Palin. There is little cheering at a McCain rally, unless Palin is there. Palin, in the space of four days completely eclipsed John McCain and showed that he was largely irrelevant to the campaign.

What makes me suspect that the campaign directors don't like their VP candidate? Let's see. Whenever she is criticized, they mount a half-hearted defense loosely based on "the incompetent boob" model. There was no outrage, or even mild disgust at the SNL portrayal of a potential Vice President of the United States as an total airhead by the McCain campaign. In fact, they send her on the show, which only lends some credence to their portrayal. Why haven't we seen any Michelle Obama impersonators on SNL? The clothing issue is even worse. A staffer should have taken the hit for that. But, the campaign is apparently more interested in salvaging the reputation of a faceless campaign worker than their public VP candidate. Now the Republican pundits, most of whom are journalists and inside the beltway types, have written off the McCain candidacy and are actively looking for some reason to blame it on someone other than those responsible: just like the sub-prime mortgage mess. So, what about a little known Governor from a state that 75% of Americans can't even find on the map? One that is despised by both the Republican and Democrat power brokers of her home state. The fact that 80% of the citizen's of the state approve of her is immaterial. No one, in political circles, cares about "the great unwashed" anyway.

One last word on "attacks" as opposed to offering alternatives. Tactically, it is impossible to offer alternatives to Barack Obama's proposed policies, because no one knows what they are. The only thing that he ever promised was change. So how do you present an alternative to policies that are little more than air? You attack the candidate. You point out that his lips are moving, but he isn't saying anything. When his proposed policies still do not materialize, you then continue to attack by pointing out that your opponent's present face is little more than a cardboard facade. You flesh him out by showing his past; his stands, his associates, his true nature. You illuminate your opponent so that the voters can see exactly who they are being asked to vote for. That is how you win. Go along get along only gets you a seat in the hallway, not at the main table.

John| 10.25.08 @ 7:35PM

After her speech at the Republican Convention several of the Fox commentators praised her speech but also warned of the upcoming danger for Gov. Palin vis a vis the McCain campaign staff. They predicted that the staffs real loyalty was to McCain (and their own careers) and that she had better be prepared for them to sacrifice her at the first opportunity when their own glaring ineptitude came to light. Exactly what we are seeing. Fortunately for us and not so for them they underestimated her real popularity and her ability to recognize them for what they are. Good for her if she is ignoring them and following her own instincts. As M. Tobias said these are not true conservatives but the same country club types that the Republican Party is identified with by those on the Left who might otherwise agree with conservative principles.

John| 10.25.08 @ 7:48PM

I'm inclined to agree that Governor Ridge would have been a much better choice.

Sorry OC but if Tom Ridge were the pick this race would have been long over. The only reason that McCain/Palin have a chance is the energy of the pro-life movement behind Sarah Palin. She may be inexperienced, she may be unprepared but if McCain picked a pro-abortion VP like Ridge they would have stayed home and this would have been the blowout the media is predicting anyway.

BTW, exactly what has all that "experience" in Washington done for us?

Lisa | 10.25.08 @ 11:59PM

I agree with the article. Many moderates abhore Palin's politics. These are not the times for social conservatism, which is what she offers. I wasn't impressed one bit by her VP acceptance speech nor do I feel confident in the ticket overall. How can anyone in this forum possibly believe that her decision to go 'rogue' is a good thing in the short term or long term? If McCain can't handle his VP's actions during a campaign, what type of leadership can we as Americans expect during a McCain/Palin administration?! No way....I'll take my chances on the more stable, and intelligent ticket, Obama/Biden. At least Obama has the capacity and VISION to lead this country for ALL Americans. It is irresponsible to have a Secessionist, who palls around with Alaskan Terrorist being a heart-beat away from the Presidency; a president she's shown a complete lack of respect to. At least we have proof of her wacko associations i.e. Witch doctor minister, Alaska Liberation Party, Corruption, Lies and polarizing viewpoints. I didn't serve this country in the military for 8 years to have a FAR right wingnut & incompetent preside over me or my family.

ruth| 10.26.08 @ 2:09AM

Instead you served this country for 8 years to have a MARXIST FAR LEFT WINGNUT and BRAIN-DAMAGED INCOMPETENT to preside over you and your family. Good one.

patrick| 10.26.08 @ 3:30AM

there has been mixed signals from the McCain camp since it's inception... looks like not even Sarah Palin can keep up with McCain's endless wavering between "straight talker" and crooked politician

OCPatriot| 10.26.08 @ 3:30AM

There is one more point about Palin (and McCain's win-at-any-cost campaign) that needs to be taken very seriously, and those people who yell "MARXIST" and "BRAIN-DAMAGED" and "uberleftist" do so at their peril. This nation is entering a difficult time, both economically and militarily, and it will be a scary time for some people out there, especially for those who lose homes and savings and jobs. To keep attacking and pumping vicious words at people you disagree with is only fanning the flame of hatred and intolerance. Watch it, because if this nation starts to become more deeply divided, everyone - I repeat, everyone - will suffer. So be civil to your neighbor even if you disagree with him or her, and don't let that nasty divisive remark go astray. Respect and cooperation, inclusiveness not division, all need to be exercised. Hatred is easy to whip up and hard to calm down in difficult times. We are the United States of America, not the divided states. Let's keep it that way. I visited Gettysburg and had tears in my eyes because it was Americans killing Americans there, not some foreign war, and I never want to see such a thing happen again.

Bill Stone| 10.26.08 @ 5:30AM

The Bimbo is a loser and stupid as a stick

Bobbi| 10.26.08 @ 8:50AM

Bill, Gov. Palin is the reason McCain is as close as he is. I went to one of her rallies last month. The excitement among the thousands (too many to fit inside the arena) was palpable. Everyone there was talking about HER. How she made them excited to vote for McCain, instead of holding their nose. I truly believe she and others like Gov. Jindal are the future of the Republican party. No nonsense, non-apologetic CONSERVATIVES. Cheerful and optomistic about our country and her citizens. That is what people are hungry for. That is why Pres. Reagan won so huge each time.

Jon_Roland| 10.26.08 @ 10:52AM

As a candidate for Congress in 1974 I can appreciate how professional handlers can try to steer the campaign. It can become a game of who can control the candidate. Palin is discovering that her trust in them was misplaced and that she should take charge. While she is at it she should take charge of McCain's handlers as well.

Palin gets support not so much because she is "conservative" but because she shows signs of being independent of the money interests that dominate both major parties. She is even "liberal" on some issues, such as spending for special needs children. I support her because she takes the Alaska Constitution seriously and I have hopes she would do the same with the U.S. Constitution (after she learns more about it).

But there is something else going on here, what I call the "Kuma syndrome" (from the Tchaikovsky opera): discrimination against extremely attractive females. Men and women alike become fixated on them as the stereotypical "enchantress" or "temptress" and become unable to evaluate them on their merits. I have observed this behavior toward a number of beautiful women in my life, beginning with my mother. I have hired women who couldn't get a job because they were too attractive (or who might be hired by the wrong guys for the wrong reasons), who I correctly perceived would be excellent workers.

My mother, who somewhat resembles Palin, would light up a room, and she had a brilliant mind and a talent for business. Having known so many beautiful women I have learned to see past the beauty to their souls. Evidently, most people have trouble doing that.

ruth| 10.26.08 @ 3:16PM

Governor Palin is not just extraordinarily beautiful, she has the heart and character to match. 90% of down syndrome babies are aborted and for this very public, high-powered and successful woman to not only choose life for her son, Trig, but to openly celebrate him brings me to tears. She is a very special human being and I will do everything i can to help elect her. God bless you, Sarah.

Ron| 10.26.08 @ 3:41PM

Hopefully, the McCain campaign is the end of the establishment republicans. We need no more of the Dole, G.H.W.Bush, or W. Bush republicans. We do need the conservatism that Ms. Palin exhibits. It should be noted that the democrats won in 06 because the republicans left room on the right for their candidates to run. Take away the so called "blue dogs" and the republicans would still be in charge of the house today.

Ran Hay| 10.26.08 @ 5:47PM

RSMcC: Sir, while I enjoy the unintended humor of OC's comments, I do rather find his condescension and pedantry redundant.

Lisa: Thank you for your service. You've not convinced me in the least to your viewpoint, but thanks for that too. What is it in Palin's libertarian celebration of individual freedom that many, perhaps such as yourself, find "FAR right" or wing-nutty? Is it her faith?

Thoughts?

OCPatrriot| 10.26.08 @ 5:50PM

For those who would vote for McCain - remember, McCain is the Presidential candidate - are you hoping he'll die so that Palin can step up? I read about Palin glows, and exemplifies womanhood, and how wonderful she is because she had a child with Downs Syndrome, and I can empathize with those good feelings, but what in God's name does that have to do with running this country, digging us out of the mess George Bush has left us in? This isn't some movie, this is real life for people who lose homes and savings and jobs, and it's getting worse, not better. Neither McCain, no matter what their personal attributes may be, seem to have the wherewithal to handle complex situations and work out solutions. Neither has the track record. I suppose those whose emotions rule them (as McCain's do), as opposed to those who think, will vote for Palin because she exemplifies their image of womanhood; but I submit, that's not enough. If you'll look closely at both of the Republican candidates, you'll see two people who have begun to practice negative campaigning, who call their opponents by bad names, and who don't offer a real alternative to the legacy of George Bush. A woman who promises to help the special education child is sympathetic but how in the world can we afford all that with the mess we're in when regular education can't get the money it needs?

Adagioforstrings| 10.26.08 @ 6:04PM

Why would Palin, who had over 80% approval rating in Alaska, take advice from Bush aides, who helped GWBush earn ratings that are lucky to break 20%?

ruth| 10.26.08 @ 6:20PM

Where have you been living, OC (patriot?)? In a cave? Education gets money, the problem is it's administered by LIBERALS! The California Teacher's Union has donated more than $1,000,000 to defeat the one man/woman marriage bill (proposition 8) this year. What the hell is that about? It certainly isn't 'for the children'.

RGazinya| 10.26.08 @ 7:03PM

"Why oh why, didn't I take the BLUE pill?" A great line from the movie 'The Matrix'. I'm guessing, if I were Sarah, I'd be saying that right now.
I am greatly sadden when I think of this woman and all the things she has accomplished. To be thrown into the lions den with her family to be sacrificed by such dullards that infest the McCain camp. To be subjected to such obcenities that only can come from the dead souls that inhabit the Obama camp.
Obama is a marxist, no problem. Biden is one drink from joining Ted in the sanitarium and McCain is a political waste. Gov. Palin is to be applauded for her desire to bring some certitude to a very factious nation. Instead, she and her family are treated and greeted like a terminal case of syphlis. She is an American Citizen who answered the call. She is not a plotting or plodding washinton pol.
I do hope she will be able to go back to Alaska and resume her formitable career and enjoy the good life with her family. One thing is as sure as a sun rise. When Jesus comes for His church the lower 48 will not notice.

ruth| 10.26.08 @ 8:44PM

Oh, I think Sarah is going to be fine regardless of what happens to her career because she knows who she is and what she stands for. It's our loss as a nation though if she doesn't hold an elected office in the lower forty-eight.

M. Tobias| 10.26.08 @ 9:55PM

I hate to single out any contributor to this blog, but I am confused about the sympathies of OCPatriot. Sir, or madam as the case may be, which Presidential ticket do you support? It doesn't sound as though you are a McCain/Palin supporter. So I would guess that you think that Barack Obama and the Democrat leadership in Congress [you remember them; Nancy 'You Can't Drill Here" Pelosi, Harry Ried, Chris "Dosen't Everyone Get The Same Low Interest Rate" Dodd, Barnie "There Is Nothing Wrong With Fannie and Freddie" Franks] is going to save the economy and make the world safe for democracy, then you are living in a fool's paradise. If you do not feel that either man is qualified to be President, then you have a lot of company, myself included. But, you have three choices here. Vote for Obama, vote for McCain or sit on the sidelines and don't participate. There is no other candidate that has the proverbial snowball's chance in hell of winning. Just remember one thing. All of us will share in the outcome of this contest, be it good, bad or indifferent. Make a choice.

Fred| 10.27.08 @ 12:56AM

I'm late to this party but I'll throw my $0.02 in- absolutely right. She came out at the convention and gave that amazing speech and transformed the race overnight. Then we got to watch the process of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory begin as she and McCain both became typical talking-point, catch-phrase spouting robots at all of the debates. Palin got caught up in interviews, obviously trying to recall her coached lines. One of the most natural, gifted speakers- heck, possibly the most natural and gifted mouth-piece for conservatism we've seen since Reagan (who was actually running for an office at any rate) had been knee-capped. She needs to speak her mind, damn the torpedoes. It will fly.

Tom Ridge| 10.27.08 @ 5:21AM

I can't imagine what I was thinking. My pro-choice views would have alienated the base and I have the charisma of a stump. I wouldn't have even made a difference in Pennsylvania. I'm pretty pathetic all round, really.

Go Palin!

Nobody's Girl| 10.27.08 @ 10:52PM

It's so difficult to read some of these comments - even if you have a firm opinion, why would you ever refer to someone who is "pro-choice" as "pro-ABORTION?" Pro-choice believers are not anti-life or pro-death.

But my main issue here is the glorification of Sarah Palin. While there is no dispute that she is extremely charismatic and attractive, and can hold a crowd in her thrall, it's plain to see that she has a very fixed world view. The mark of a true leader is the ability to relate and communicate with a wide range of people - especially those who do not share your opinion. A leader does not have to change minds - he or she simply has to unite the majority in a singular vision or cause. At this, both McCain and Palin have failed. Almost without exception, their rhetoric has been divisive and nasty, taking snippets and sound bites and turning them into major campaign issues.

It is disheartening to see and listen to videos of McCain and Palin rallies - it's as if there are TWO countries here - and reminiscent of the atmosphere that led to the U.S. Civil War.

Take a few breaths here and try and temper the Chauvinism. We are one country here - with many different people from various backgrounds. PEOPLE! These are hard times - let's have some compassion for each other!

P Staker| 10.27.08 @ 10:56PM

Hello, Whine-One-One? We need WAAAAAAHmbulance at Palin's location.

stone mason| 10.28.08 @ 1:11AM

I'm actually beginning to worry about a potential civil war as a result of this election. If Barack wins, there will be a lot of very upset people, and they'll have a spokeswoman in the spotlight to (awkardly) enunciate their disdain.

John| 10.28.08 @ 11:39AM

It is disheartening to see and listen to videos of McCain and Palin rallies - it's as if there are TWO countries here - and reminiscent of the atmosphere that led to the U.S. Civil War.

And if Obama loses, or when Al Gore lost, or John Kerry things weren't/wouldn't be different? Such hypocrisy. I love the Left's answer to the political divide, "you (the Right) are being divisive by not agreeing with us, forget your beliefs and join with us and put an end to conflict.Have you seen any videos of a Farakkan rally, no divisiveness there.

It's so difficult to read some of these comments - even if you have a firm opinion, why would you ever refer to someone who is "pro-choice" as "pro-ABORTION?" Pro-choice believers are not anti-life or pro-death.

If you stand by and allow the murder of innocent children under the guise of "choice" you are still allowing the death of millions. The German people of World War II were just as guilty for turning a blind eye against the murder of millions of innocent Jews, Catholics, Disabled, etc as those who executed them in the camps. That is why after the war civilians were marched past the stacks of dead bodies. To show them their complicity in the crimes. You wouldn't call yourself pro-choice for slavery, or child abuse, or neglect of the elderly would you? Then the same holds true for abortion.

Innokentiy Yadislav| 10.28.08 @ 6:47PM

By the above's logic, any pro-war or pro-execution stance is synonymous with pro-death.

Meg Whitmore| 10.29.08 @ 2:29AM

Yes, and that means all those who supported the bombong of Iraq are responsible for the horrendous civilian deaths. Americans would do well to consider the reality of war. It seems to have become little more than a video game to many. Leaders must be more than war mavericks!