-
Adieu, Adieu, Remember Me
March 25, 2011 | 38 comments
-
DeMint’s Defense of RomneyCare is Ignorant…And Dangerous
March 17, 2011 | 85 comments
-
McConnell Pushing Vote to Block the EPA from Regulating Carbon Emissions
March 17, 2011 | 9 comments
-
More Barbour on Afghanistan
March 16, 2011 | 8 comments
-
House Passes Three Week Spending Bill
March 15, 2011 | 8 comments
The Spectacle Blog
Karol at Alarming News believes Palin’s political career is over, and writes, “What (Palin) had, more than anything else, was a toughness and a dedication to her position. She blew all that with her announcement today.”
This is exactly right. It may not be fair, but to succeed, a female politician has to come off 10 times tougher than any man — “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher being the most obvious example. One of the things that Palin had going for her was that she was, as Cindy McCain described her during the Republican National Convention, a “hockey-mommin’ … basketball shootin’ … moose huntin’ … fly-fishin’ … pistol-packing … mother of five.” She had been nicknamed “Sarah Barracuda,” and took on the “good ole’ boys” who controlled Alaska politics.
However, to all but her most loyal supporters, today’s bizarre press conference made her look brittle — like a person who couldn’t take the heat and was buckling in the face of attacks. Today’s move is perfectly understandable if she wants to give up politics and protect her family from the blistering assaults of the media and her political oppenents. Maybe this news — odd within the political realm — actually makes her a pretty normal person by real world standards. But normal people do not get elected president.
View all comments (100) | Leave a comment
More Blog Posts by Philip Klein
http://spectator.org/blog/2009/07/03/what-happened-to-sarah-barracu
Follow us:
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Issue
- The (Real) Great Divide
- Ailes: A Voice for the Silent Majority
- Downton’s Class System — and Ours
SPONSORED LINKS
FLASHBACK TO: 1995
-
Pope Culture
A man of faith in a godless age is hitting Americans where it hurts.
-
Why the GOP Does Not, Like, Totally Suck
Mr. and Mrs. American Spectator Reader, let P.J. O’Rourke talk sense to your kids.
-
Dames at Sea
-
In the Absence of Guns
In Britain, defending your property can get you life.
-
The Metaphysical Martini
-
Counting the Costs of Clintonism
The debacle of this president’s administration is both a cause and a symptom of the decline of American values. Unless Congress impeaches him, that decline will go on unchecked. An eminent jurist surveys the damage and assesses the chances for the recovery of our culture.
-
Chuck McHagel
It won’t take long for conservatives to scratch this presidential wannabe off their 2008 scorecard.
-
The Legacy of Old John and Mother Fresh-Roasted
-
It’s the Best Time of the Year
The American Christmas, like the songs that celebrate it, makes room for everybody under the rainbow. Is that why so many people seem to be hostile to it?
-
The Bush Crack-Up
Was the President done in by the economy, or by the politics of the economy?
Clip of the Day
ADVERTISEMENT
Jimmie | 7.3.09 @ 6:38PM
I wonder if you'd re-evaluate your assessment of Palin's toughness once you compared the attacks she and her family has sustained to those sustained by other politicians over a similar period of time.
A year or so from now, when we look back at what Palin and her family withstood (generally with grace and a bounty of good humor), I think we'll wonder how she hung in as long as she did.
At least she never whined about being interrupted in her waffle-eating.
somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 6:38PM
With the exception of Sarah Palin? My dear sir, name someone who can gather more crowds, will have enough PAC money, who can pit her advocacy of drill, drill, drill against the hapless wind-bag, windmills of Obama and Pickens, and AllGore. Romney faces huge anti-Mormon bias, Newt is a pipedream with too much baggage, and his departure from the House is the case of being really unwarranted. Sounds like you have a short term memory in dealing with that one.
Liberal Reader| 7.3.09 @ 6:39PM
What happened to Sarah Barracuda?
Mr Klein, Sarah Palin is a human being, not a fish.
Some of that business about barracudas and pit bulls was started by Palin herself, of course, and it's unfortunate that she felt the need to explain her ambitions and talents with animal allegories.
Palin was the governor of a very sparsely populated state and before that a mayor of a very small town. She's very charismatic and has a natural political instinct. But she's not particularly well-educated or learned.
One thing that ought to concern conservatives is that she didn't seem to have a clear understanding of conservative philosophy. She could wangle her way through an interview, but when she was asked about the Supreme Court by Couric, she didn't seem to see what a softball that question was: the very heart of the conservative movement is a belief that for decades the Supreme Court has been overstepping.
Palin's resigning probably because she's not the cut-throat type that survives in Washington. She probably wants to spend some time with her kids and avoid the mounting ethics investigations. I doubt any of this means she's running for president.
Siegfried X| 7.3.09 @ 6:40PM
Palin is gambling that this is her best chance of being elected president.
There is pain either way, but this is like pulling a band aid. She has hurt herself but it is mostly over. Out of office, she will be a much smaller target for the next 18 months. She won't have to sign any bills, negotiate any budgets, or deal with any staff people. Palin will also be able to generate millions of dollars in speaking fees, as well as complete her book.
Siegfried X| 7.3.09 @ 6:45PM
Palin is not dropping out. Like her speech said, she is just going in a different direction. According to a friend, she will remain "extremely visible" and "give serious consideration" to running for president in 2012, while completing her book, giving speeches, vising the lower 48 states extensively, and raising money for other p0liticians.
In other words, Palin will be running for president just as strongly as Romney, and in the same ways.
Jeff P| 7.3.09 @ 6:49PM
As a Palin fan, I hate to sound like some leftist troll, but politicians NEVER resign "to spend more time with the family." This is ALWAYS code for "there is a scandal brewing I won't survive and it is time to go." We will discover in the next few weeks why this is happening and probably feel even more betrayed.
Richard| 7.3.09 @ 6:51PM
Leaving Sarah Palin as Governor of Alaska is the equivalent of a general having his most powerful army guard an unimportant post while the critical battle rages elsewhere. Every time Palin would leave the state to help other conservative candidates, she would be hit with frivolous ethics complaints that drain her resources and ultimately keep her out of action. She is now unleashed to help in the critical fights ahead. Unfortunately, the liberals can always count on our "brilliant" republican and conservative pundit's to help them undermine our best fighters.
Tom Homsted| 7.3.09 @ 7:06PM
As a strong conservative, I hate to admit that Sarah may not have been ready for the big time during the last election. That said, she, and unfortunately, her family, has taken more digs than can be imagined by the media. One of two things: She has had enough personal attacks on herself and her family, or she may in fact, be doing a bit of homework for a second run at the White House. Either way, I wish this lady well. "Go Sarah!!!"
S.C.| 7.3.09 @ 7:09PM
Correctly me if I'm wrong, but didn't she resign from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission? She did so in protest of the ethics of her fellow commissioners, and her actions today could be seen as comparable in some way, i.e., someone who isn't inclined to play these sorts of regular games that politicians play. That could have some resonance with the general public, especially after the "Hope/Change/Sucker!" administration.
WendyG| 7.3.09 @ 7:10PM
Siegfried X nails it.
Sean| 7.3.09 @ 7:20PM
I am no big Palin fan, but I find it funny that she is said to be unprepared and such for President. Even though the biggest idiot was the one the Republicans nominated to head the ticket, one John McCain. No need to mention Obama as we have seen that he is sooooo smart. He is possibly going to go down as one of the worst presidents of all time. Of course he has a lot of help in Congress
Anyways we are now being threatened with the Romney care at a national level and these idiots are touting him as the next best thing since sliced bread. I would take Palin over Romney in a second.
Siegfried X| 7.3.09 @ 7:30PM
Palin can limit most of the damage from this sometime in the future just by saying it was a mistake. She has said over and over again she thinks this is best for Alaska blah blah blah.
So a year or two year when the presidential election gets closer, Palin can deliver a great apology speech. "I thought I was doing the right thing, but now realize that I was wrong". Everytime one of her opponents brings it up, she says "I've admitted I made a mistake".
Bill Pearce| 7.3.09 @ 7:35PM
What happened to Sarah Barracuda?
It was obvious from the start.
Consider, Sarah Palin was a popular Governor of Alaska of whom nobody would know about in the lower 48 states. She was dragged into McCain's presidential campaign when it was imploding for good reasons. She nearly dragged John McCain to victory. Where the Republican's justly gained their hard won reputation for being brain dead was not only nominating McCain but not hitting back at the Democratic attacks. From the very start Sarah Palin was under attack by nonsensical criminal and civil lawsuits. Not only did John McCain or the Republican party did not support her, but when Sarah Palin outshined McCain, she was thrown to the media wolves. The McCain staffers even went so far as to sabotage Patin's part of the campaign through media leaks.
When the campaign season came to a end, the attacks from the left did not stop. Even when all the current lawsuits were proved to be pure bulls—t, more lawsuits were filled. Not one Republican “leader” stood up for her. The Republican party members treated her as a competitor and rival.
The leadership must be brain dead to allow one of its members to be savaged by the political opposition without response. By leaving one of its members deep in debt by political opposition lawsuits, the party elders have proved themselves unworthy. If a party does not support its members, why should the members support the party or its leadership.
What was over the top despicable was no one considered Sarah Palin was telling the truth when she said she was calling it quits. Why should she go on without party support. She did not have the family wealth to absorb the lawsuits. The sad fact was Sarah Palin was too good for Republican party politics.
She was too honest for both the Democratic and Republican party's politics. Now she is gone, to the Republican party's loss.
Liberal Reader| 7.3.09 @ 7:44PM
Of course, of course.
Palin is resigning from elective office because she's too honest and good for it.
Indeed.
Some of you people need to learn critical thinking skills.
craigsolve| 7.3.09 @ 10:42PM
Hey PK its time to leave AmSpec. There should be an opening for you at CNN. You and Rick Sanchez can do some light weight blocks called The Two Boobs.
Palin has more balls and the entire family greater aplomb than you.
I guess the AmSpec editors left early this holiday weekend and couldn't lead you to the light of critical intellectual honesty. Wouldn't even suggest you try and appreciate her human decency.
John - The Real One... TMF| 7.3.09 @ 10:47PM
Bill Pearce just about nails it perfectly.
Sarah Palin was facing an all out Media "Quayling", her family was being repeatedly attacked, and trumped up phony ethics charges were costing her a fortune and bleeding off any political strength that she might have.
Mrs Palin most definitely will not ever be nominated to be President. If she runs she will never make it past the first few caucuses or primaries because of what she has done here. The Establishment still runs the GOP nominating process, and the party elite abandoned Sarah Palin 20 minutes after that amazing speech at the 2008 Convention.
She was a threat to Romney's nomination for 2012. They could not have that so they first destroyed her, and then abandoned her to the sharks.
My evaluation is that she saw two years of endless legal assaults and hardball politics from the Left and she saw absolutely no support coming from either the Alaska or national GOP.
She will go do something else now. Perhaps a talk show on Fox? Maybe she'll publish more than a few books. I bet her speakers fees are going to be more than enough to keep her family moving.
Will she ever make a political comback?
What's Dan Quayle doing now? How are Marilyn and the Boys? I saw George Allen speak at the Republican State Convention in Richmond. He was there with his wife, they waved at folks, and then left, that was it.
Sarah Palin has plenty of charisma. She has a college degree from a decent state university. She has experience running both family businesses, and a few elected executive jobs. She was even a sportscaster for a while. Hummm.
Corporate board of an Energy Company? Perhaps Secretary of Energy in a new GOP administration in 2013? Though I doubt that because I really think that Sarah Palin is going to leave the politics and government to the skunks, ferrets and weasels who populate it.
The GOP lost much today. It threw much away. If it doesn't learn to fight back and prevent its new young and viable candidates from being destroyed... well there won't be any.
:-/
John - The Mighty Favhaag
somnolence| 7.3.09 @ 11:06PM
No Palin, no use getting up to vote in 2012 as far as I'm concerned. Every time the RNC sends me something I automatically tear it to shreds and throw it in the trash. The GOP is in trouble without Sarah Palin, rest assured.
John - TMF| 7.3.09 @ 11:10PM
Wow... can't even type my nomme de poste.. Tough day.
r/John - The Mighty Fahvaag...
thirteen28 | 7.4.09 @ 12:21AM
Between you and Quin Hillyer, you two are either clueless or soulless.
It's not an issue of HER toughness - if it was just her, I'm sure her skin is thick enough to take it. But when you have an infant son who's being photoshopped in ugly ways, when her kids are being attacked daily by the left, it's a different story. Those kids aren't old enough to defend themselves, and the longer Palin stays in the limelight, the more attacks they become subject to. Can you think of any other political figure whose kids have been subject to such vicious attacks?
If Sarah Palin showed any weakness today, it was that she cared for her family. You're so wrapped up in political calculations and have a soul that is so far out of whack you can't even see that.
Kingsmill| 7.4.09 @ 8:54AM
Kingsmill| 7.4.09 @ 8:50AM
She's no worse a quitter than Stepford Mitt Romney. As a conservative in Massachusetts I watched as that opportunist cut bait but not before getting in bed with a corrupt moonbat legislature to concoct a socialized health care system that is on the way to bankrupting the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Once Mitt realized he couldn't lead he headed for the exit like a beaten cur.
Mike M| 7.4.09 @ 9:05AM
The sad fact is nobody in the republican party defended her. They just turned their heads at every attack on this poor woman and acted like they didn't see it. The GOP allways defends Dems before they defend their own. What was more pathetic than McCain himself blaming Sarah Palin for his loss?
Pingback| 7.4.09 @ 9:23AM
race42008.com » Blog Archive » A Disappointing and Nearly Disqualifying Move links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
paulejb| 7.4.09 @ 10:05AM
A national campaign cannot be run from the governors seat in Juneau, Alaska. Palin's accomplishments as governor will serve her well in the future and as a private citizen she can spend more time in the lower 48.
ds80| 7.4.09 @ 10:23AM
She's smarter than the State Run Media think. She's the image of true, traditional America that the Libs fear most. Oh, that one married, Christian woman can strike so much fear in the hearts of those that hate America. If she was such an unimportant nothing she's made out to be by the Left ... why do they spend SOOO much time on her?
Former Marine '69 '72| 7.4.09 @ 10:52AM
Liberal Reader said:
"One thing that ought to concern conservatives is that she didn't seem to have a clear understanding of conservative philosophy."
LOL!
Oh really? That's funny because she stands for ALL of the Conservative values that I stand for and I have not seen a politician since Reagan that did that for me!
Methinks thou doest not have a clear understanding of conservative philosophy. Why do you think she draws crowds like she does!?
One thing that ought to concern progressives is Obama!
whirlaway| 7.4.09 @ 11:01AM
I don't understand why people are downplaying the frivolous ethics complaints constantly filed against this woman. This put her family into debt of a half million dollars.. How many families can withstand this and there is no evidence it would stop. She is free now to have a much bigger impact nationally. If I were a player in the RNC, she'd be hitting the 2010 campaign trail for candidates big time!
Former Marine '69 '72| 7.4.09 @ 11:11AM
Anything at this time is of course mere speculation. That being said, there will be a lot of crow served in the future. Those who were against Sarah from the beginning are still against her.
The second point is 2012 is 3 years away! Look at all the hoopla over the Republican nomination for president for months and then in the end we get McCain, the last person I ever thought would be nominated let alone vote for.
Liberal reader said: Some of you people need to learn critical thinking skills. Well Liberal, you might look up the definition of Classical Liberal and use your critical thinking skills on that. You may find out that you really aren't Liberal but in actuality a Progressive....
Liberal:
"encompasses support for: freedom of thought and speech, limitations on the power of governments, the rule of law, an individual's right to private property,[2] and a transparent system of government.
All of which the current administration is against!
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 11:19AM
Comedians Mourn Palin's Resignation
Moments after Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin announced her resignation from office, comedians from coast to coast held candlelight vigils to mourn what one comic called "a devastating loss."
J.C.Eaton| 7.4.09 @ 12:37PM
I don't pretend to have the mind-divining skills to judge Gov. Palin's decision, and anyone that does is risking a real "look the fool" moment. What I do know is that when the enormously dislikable and mercurial-tempered John McCain picked her
as his running-mate and I was introduced to her, I instantly decided that she was a genuinely decent, honest, industrious, beautiful lady who made enough of a difference in the respective teams to change my hardened mind and vote for a real assbag for president. She took wallop after wallop during the campaign, sustaining attacks on her and her family that would have made McCain levitate in fury and Obama melt in apoplexy. I saw a lady take defeat with grace and elan while I witnessed McCain take it with excuses, blame, and indifference. The "winner" behaved with his anticipated arrogance,bombast, and insufferable loathing for the country that literally gave him everything he has. Post-election, she was treated in the same disgusting way by friend and foe that she had been treated to all along. I can imagine a Clinton or Biden or Obama being comprehensively shitcanned like this lady was....they'd be puddles quivering on the deck. She was and is the most emblematic of real Americans who aspire to higher office. This is how that kind of American candidate can expect to be treated now and in the future. I figure it's that ordinary American that took it in the shorts on this one.
emo| 7.4.09 @ 1:11PM
How anybody could support her at this point is beyond me. Ask yourself this:
1. If GW Bush had resigned as Gov of TX in 1997, do you think he would have been the GOP nominee in 2000? Or would he have been laughed off the stage?
2. If Sarah Palin was a Dem, would all of you Palin supporters here today be proclaiming her to be the 2012 Dem nominee or would you say she is finished?
For conservatives to think that quitting 2/3 the way thru her first term is somehow a resume enhancer, shows the desperate state of conservatism today.
Fact is the left won. They successfully forced her from office. Thanks to Palin's lack of intestinal fortitude, we can expect this tactic by the left from now on.
Emo| 7.4.09 @ 1:12PM
Hey
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 1:12PM
I wouldn't ever vote for a "real" American (i.e. unqualified, untrained) to be president, just like I wouldn't let one be my surgeon or my lawyer.
It doesn't matter where someone learns. It could be a log cabin like Abe Lincoln. Sarah Palin isn't willing to learn, which is why she will never be president.
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 1:17PM
"... shows the desperate state of conservatism today. "
Actually in a way that is true. Liberal / corporate Republicans control the Republican party, including the nomination process. That process is rigged so that most candidates are "moderate" like John McLiberal. Conservatives are so starved for real conservative candidates that they are protective of even flawed conservative candidates like Palin.
Jacobite| 7.4.09 @ 1:51PM
No one has the right to subject her family to continuing libelous humiliating smears, with no end in sight (see the attempt to remove Reagan's name from Natl Airport). She might decide to stand up for herself, but no responsible parent would subject her children to this. I think this is the ultimate successful attack strategy for the Left.
Mary| 7.4.09 @ 2:21PM
Thanks to Palin's lack of intestinal fortitude, we can expect this tactic by the left from now on.
I didn't support her after McCain's concession speech. It isn't that I don't like her. It's what Krauthammer said: she's not a serious candidate for president. He was speaking of the present and so am I.
There is no other candidate who has been savaged like she has, and anyone who pretends otherwise hasn't been paying close enough attention. What other candidate has had a respected "reporter" crawl up her birth canal? I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but that's what was done. And nary a peep from the liberal press who would have come undone if a republican had done the same to a democratic candidate. That reporter would have lost his job. The Atlantic is disgraceful publication; may it come to financially ruin fantastically.
The right and Rush have had some left-of-the bellcurve moments to be sure. His comment on Chelsea's looks -she was 13 or 14 at the time- was extremely low-rent. He never apologized. But he's a radio personality, not a reporter. And the day after he made that comment one of his own listeners called up and said 'hey fatso!' He was taken aback and she continued, 'how does it feel; do you like it?' I want to know where the liberal counterpart to that caller is?
Some of her followers are as dangerous as Obama's are in that no criticism of Palin can be offered up without them coming unglued. And you're right that does speak to the desparate state of conservatism.
I've never read any defense of her that contained detail on policy. Just platitudes, like Obama's people: she's a reformer, etc., etc. Obama is about hope, he's about change. He's about hope and change, yes we can, yes we can. It's such brain-dead shit.
From her debut to the present she shades the truth too -bridge to nowhere, health insurance, Alaskan Independence Party- like every other politician. Though I think the Obama/Ayers/Wright axis considerably more problematic in terms of corrupt -as in stupid and unwholesome- philosophy.
I also would like to know what other governor has had the number of frivolous ethic violations filed against her that she has? It may very well be true that she can no longer perform her duties.
Obama's goddamn nothingness opens the door for Palin in the future. All she has to say is Obama had much less legislative experience than I had when he ran for office. He'd only been a "present voting, tax-dollar collecting" senator for two years. And that's the reason he fobbed off the first stimulus package to the half-witted triumvirate of Pelosi-Frank-Reid. Look what that hath wrought. He kept no-accounts and failures in place like Geitner and Bernanke. These men presided over the doom of the economy. They were right there.
If she can learn, and I'm not sure she can, she can come back, and I do wish her Godspeed. She could easily lose the Brookses of the world and still succeed.
The reason I say I'm not sure if she can learn is that she's not that young. Patterns become set. And she's a physical being and person which is a great asset, yet she needs to be quite conversant on issues and I'm not sure that takes a wonk. A well learned macro view will probably work just fine.
Lastly, she needs to stay away from the kooks on the right. They're harder to dismiss than the kooks on the left. The kooks on the left can be dealt with by mainly telling them to quit confusing protesting with loafing and get a job. They're seedy and abnormal looking.
The kooks on the right are middle-aged folk who probably lead perfectly normal lives yet carry stuffed monkeys to her rallies and pass them off to kids who are nearby once the press spots them.
Good advisors; she needs them. Not ones who prop up her insecurities. Most of our insecurities are there for a reason. They shouldn't control you, but you should be honest with yourself about them and take steps to minimize their impact.
I think she's probably a normal, energetic public servant. Let her remember what it really means to be a servant. If that means taking care of family now and working on learning and growing in politics, good for her. Again, back to Krauthammer; she'll be back. What hasn't killed her, will make her stronger.
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 2:44PM
Sarah Palin hasn't been treated worse than other politicians. She is just more sensitive to it. For her own happiness she should just get out of the business.
Mary| 7.4.09 @ 2:58PM
She has been treated worse, and I don't think you can credibly argue otherwise.
I don't trust you so much on her Siegried, because you accused her on another thread of inciting violence and when I asked you to explain what you were referring to you never did. And now that colors my opinon of your thoughts about her, and makes me think you may be dishonest as well. Prove me wrong, I'd like that.
That said, the excess abuse she took cannot be a reason to vote for her. Victims don't become president. But it's nearly impossible not to be in her corner based on the most recent and vile treatment her kids received. That is new. Only libs, who pretend to stand for the weak against the strong could pick on a kid like Trig. He's the Cross; they're the Vampires.
I don't know if she'll ever be president, and I really couldn't care less, but I really hope she gets a national stage on which to speak about that which she knows a lot about. And I hope she gets to make a lot of money and help other people, on a State level, get help if they need it for their own special needs child.
The coverage of her yesterday shows her star power, and I don't think that's going to disappear. May she put it to good use.
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 3:18PM
The knocked-up joke was a small, minor joke that a real world kid deals with every day. Anyone who grows up outside a rich, sheltered home would know that. And it wasn't even about a child, it was about her adult daughter.
The exchange with John Kerrey didn't even involve any of Sarah's family. It just showed her thin skin, that Sarah can't stand any criticism of her own self.
J.CEaton| 7.4.09 @ 4:34PM
First, any wussy that hides behind a nom de plume like Siegfried X has no business excoriating anyone who has the guts to make an effort in the arena of political life. Secondly, I for one don't give a rat's bottom over who you'd vote for, much less select as your doctor. You're the sort that gets his political fix from utter tools like Biden, self absorbed, delusionals like Obama, and mental onanists like Clinton. Either they or a total hack like McCain strums your magic twanger. Yes dummy, Palin was savaged more and nastier than your twerps ever were. You won- get over it.At least she has the testosterone to use her real name. The fact of the matter is that we get our national political "leaders" from careerists, dynastics, and self-adulating goofs. Repellant.
Liberal Reader| 7.4.09 @ 7:11PM
Former Marine --
Palin did not seem to have a very good understanding of conservative political philosophy.
She said conservative sounding things, and roused her cheering fans, but she didn't have a good working knowledge of the intellectual foundations of conservatism.
Conservatives -- perhaps understandably -- forget their own intellectual history often.
Many of you seem to think conservatism means outraged, fist pounding nonsense that you hear on talk radio. Calling your opponent a "communist" or a "progressive" (whatever that means) does not make you conservative.
Palin's inability to discuss coherently the conservative response to the Supreme Court's history since the 1930s didn't make her a bad person, it just suggested she was not all that well educated about the intellectual underpinnings of the modern conservative movement. Her speeches and interviews were completely without any such insight. Again, this doesn't mean she's bad or even all that inadequate as a political leader. But still.
Liberal Reader| 7.4.09 @ 7:36PM
Anyway, Marine, my point was simply that Palin doesn't seem to possess the wide knowledge of conservatism you'd expect from the leader of a movement.
Imagine Couric asking the questions she asked Palin of Reagan.
Other than Roe V Wade, are there any Supreme Court decisions you disagree with?
Reagan would have clobbered that question, and all the others too.
Again: you can't dislike someone just because she's not Ronald Reagan. But people were talking about Palin like she was in his league, and I think that was a little unrealistic.
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 7:38PM
Anyone who thinks name calling is terrible, terrible must have led a VERY lucky life.
Liberal Reader| 7.4.09 @ 8:14PM
Siegfried --
It's not that name calling is "terrible."
It's just that it's boring. Political debate is about ideas and using reason. Anyone can call names.
Reason| 7.4.09 @ 8:22PM
During the presidential campaign, Sarah Palin made poorly-veiled accusations that Barack Obama was associated with the actions of the Weather Underground - actions which occurred when he was 8 years old - because he was on some commitee with a college professor who was, at one time, associated with that group. She made irresponsible statements that caused both men to receive threats against them. She later impled that Barack Obama is a Muslim, as if that would be a bad thing for our country, and fueled prejudice among our citizenry. I couldn't care less about her family's personal business, and I feel really bad for the children. However, I think she knows first hand about the temptation to resort to "dirty politics". The thing that really bothers me is that I know we all want to get along and work together for the greater good. Someday, that will happen - but not with Sarah Palin as our president.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 12:29AM
You Republican's wonder why we make fun of Palin. Well it's not because we're afraid of her, in fact most of us have trouble keeping a straight straight face when discussing her. Here's a woman who can preach moral values while her teenager's pregnant (maybe it's not TV camera's she should be moralizing to). A woman that thinks she has the knowledge to run America because she can see Alaska from her house. Do people really want a woman in the White House who might quit if the press is to mean to her? If the Republican party is bitterly divided over her how do you think she's going to slime her way into national office? These words aren't meant to discourage you from your Palin adulation. No no I encourage you Palinites to soldiers on because as sadistic as it sounds a slow train wreck can be fun to watch as long as your on the other ideological bank.
Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 1:54AM
Siegfried X| 7.4.09 @ 3:18PM
The knocked-up joke was a small, minor joke that a real world kid deals with every day. Anyone who grows up outside a rich, sheltered home would know that. And it wasn't even about a child, it was about her adult daughter.
The exchange with John Kerrey didn't even involve any of Sarah's family. It just showed her thin skin, that Sarah can't stand any criticism of her own self.
Are you dense!! You mean I have to take a misogynistic and sadistic joke into context? Do you think that behavior is acceptable?
Let's see, Letterman's jokes consisted of comparing Palin to a "slutty flight attendent", calling her daughter a prostitute (reference to Eliot Spitzer), and child rape.
One problem "genius", the child at the game was 14. That makes it statutory rape. You still think it's funny?
No wonder you don't understand Palin's desire to protect her children from that sort of abuse. It certainly is not a small, minor joke.
I think you really need to really think about your values. If you think it is alright to subject teenage girls to this sort of violence and dehumanization then you have greater problems than your posts.
You should be ashamed of yourself. Get some help.
Angel| 7.5.09 @ 2:33AM
Siegfried--you're a loser. Klein--you're a wiener.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 2:58AM
@Basil Plumley
Given the Palin families history maybe what Letterman said wasn't so much a joke as it is a prediction of things to come.
Beside if Letterman didn't keep on dishing up joke what would Palin talk about? Foreign policy? That doesn't seem like a good move for her.
Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 3:38AM
Rob, you're just a flat-out a$$hole. But, you're a liberal--what's new?
Jeannie| 7.5.09 @ 3:42AM
Phil, I agree that Sarah is a normal person--Obama's the freak.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 3:46AM
Oh Smitty my darling blue eyed boy. I can tell this conservative rage is your way of dealing with some dark torrid shame. Whats wrong Smitty? Won't you talk to me? You seem fixated on a$$holes, you know there nothing wrong with your interest. Talk to my Smitty. Lets not call each other names.
Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:15AM
Yes, Robby--I know you're all about the sweet wonders of the male backside. Bet your's gets more traffic than Grand Central Station. Go for it, fanny man--just keep up your HIV meds.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:22AM
Well Smitty it's true I am enthralled by the wonders of the male backside, why else would I be talking to you after all?
Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 4:31AM
How do you know I'm male, stupid? Horse's ass. Probably enthralled with that, too. Perv.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 4:53AM
Ahh Smitty are you are girl? Well Smitette you seem to be focused in pretty firmly on the subject of perversion, its interesting how much homosexuality has come up in your responses. Tell me Smitette is perversion an interest of yours?
Miss Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:07AM
Yes, I'm a research fellow in psychology who studies deviants such as yourself. Is there something you want to share with me, Robby? I will keep our conversations confidential, of course.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 5:19AM
My dear Miss Smitty I should have known I can feel the feminine warmth practically rolling off of you. But before we arrange the psychological treatment that I am in such urgent need of I have to ask where you study psychology do they call them deviants? Because I know thats a word used allot is psychological research today.
Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 5:39AM
Used to until you liberal perverts defined deviancy down, right, baby? You can call crap a tootsie roll, but it's still crap. Euphemisms and all, doncha ya know?
A liberal flamer you may be, but you're also witty and have made me laugh. Thank you, sir, for your sly, sweet humor.
Rob| 7.5.09 @ 5:49AM
Thank you Smitty you're no slouch yourself. And I have enjoyed our exchange a great deal, but as my eyes are starting to go bloodshot I think I will call it a night. I hope you have a good night Smitty.
Visitor| 7.5.09 @ 7:31AM
At first, I was going to dismiss the last few comments as crude and irrelevant. But, then I realized that they could be on topic. The Palins are soap opera people. One trashy drama behind another. So, the REAL reason Palin is resigning as governor with little over half a term is something melodramatic. We already have heard about Sarah Palin having had affairs with men, including Todd's former best friend. But, what about women?
G. A. Kevis| 7.5.09 @ 9:45AM
Henceforth it will be Citizen Sarah.
Let's see what unholy conjured mud the swamp things in the LMSM can make cling to her - as an bona fide American citizen.
Mary| 7.5.09 @ 10:19AM
Some people might want to listen to this:
You've got to stick up for Trig. He's a little Tyke who needs to be defended.
In case link doesn't work: http://tinyurl.com/n9uys3
Mary| 7.5.09 @ 10:41AM
I know I bitched about him too, and Eaton is right about his mercurial nature, but I'm glad to see the Old War Horse get in her corner. And I'm not sorry I voted for him, not one bit.
**"I have the greatest respect and affection for Sarah, Todd, and their family. I was deeply honored to have her as my running mate and believe she will continue to play an important leadership role in the Republican Party and our nation," McCain said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.**
It could be that we the people will really no longer govern ourselves. That the two-party system is really one-party and we exist, more or less, trying to avoid the implications of their manifest incompetence. It could also be that a Great Awakening is on the horizon. I don't freight that with religious implications at all. We're well past that. We're before Moses now. If and when we hit that pagan platform, it'll be an improvement. :)
Whatever you want to say about Palin, I don't think she's an ideologue. BHO is, and he is to stupefying degree, that's why he finds himself where he is right now. He could have made his mark as the first Black president, thought he was smart enough to understand. I don't think he is though. He doesn't understand Country and he never will.
Via Hot Air, Matlin's thoughts on Palin's resignation:
**"MATALIN: Well, I think it’s really brilliant, with two caveats, one being that there’s nothing else, ala the Sanford fiasco. There’s nothing else that we don’t know. If all that’s there is what we see right now, it’s brilliant.
And, secondly, that she has a plan and people have a plan to put up with the conventional wisdom, chatterati and the political class saying how stupid it is, because it’s brilliant.
On the substance, there’s the key economic issue — I know everyone says — thinks it’s health care, but it’s really energy. And she’s the queen of energy.
And the second big issue for 2012 will be the role of government. And she has a record of reform and ethics reform and making government smaller and reigning in spending — all those issues that are getting increasingly important as Barack Obama expands on his agenda.
So — and her delivery was incredible — a charis — a less charismatic person probably couldn’t pull it off. But as — as already referenced, she will be freed up and liberated in the way Mitt Romney is here to run around and raise money and get political chips by spending it and get political capital. And she is still raising the kinds of crowds and money that she always did."**
Lastly, AP at hot air summarizes a piece by The Gay Patriot as "Lots of conservative followers, few leaders," and that's absolutely true. Yet I'd go one step further I'd substitute statesmen for leaders. That's an important distinction.
somnolence| 7.5.09 @ 12:18PM
I cannot believe the audacity of some people. The question posed by one blogger above was, "do you believe that George W. Bush would have been elected President if he had resigned as Governor of Texas in 1997, or would he have been laughed off the stage?" He of course, would have won by a much larger margin than he did in 2000 because he actually had his eyes on the White House at least since 1992. Bush would have had ample money and speaking engagements over that three year period to completely have annhilated Gore; he certainly would have had more confidence in the debates.
Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 12:32PM
Very good post Mary; it was damn good.
Smitty| 7.5.09 @ 1:45PM
Is Al Franken a democrat statesman? I'd rather have none than that piece of human garbage.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 1:48PM
Visitor, the words crude and irrelevant describe Liberal trolls like you not Conservatives like Palin.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 2:35PM
If Palin couldn't take the heat in Alaska's governors mansion I Guarantee she won't be able to take it in the White House. If only the woman spent as much time governing as she did playing drama queen she might have a political future (at least in Alaska).
@Patriot
And you don't think this dislike those outside the shrunken Republican party have for her will impinge on her chances for electoral success?
Basil Plumley| 7.5.09 @ 2:44PM
@ Liberal Interloper
"...... outside the shrunken Republican party ..."
Perhaps, you should read more and post less. The latest Rasmussen poll shows the GOP is ahead of the Dems in voter favorability.
By all means, you should continue to 'Rage, rage against the dying of the light'.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 2:56PM
@Basil Plumley
Sure but look at the number of members in each party. And look at favorability of individual democratic leaders vs Republicans. You may not like Obama but in general America seems to (yes I know he dropped 3 approval points in the last month but he is still creaming any Republican contenders). Or open a newspaper the Dems haven't had this kind of power in decades, the Republicans are a shriveled remnant of what they were at the turn of the century.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 4:29PM
With Obama's 10%-- and skyrocketing-- unemployment numbers, Conservatives will soon be back in power. Stupid Liberal arrogance assures it.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 4:44PM
It amazes me how eager Republicans seem to be to see harm come to America if it advances their political agenda. But I suppose a nation lead by Obama isn't really America, is it Patriot?
Oldefarte| 7.5.09 @ 4:45PM
This Palin bashing is [extremely] above-normal [especially concerning her children] and is based in whole on her popularity with NORMAL Americans. Hopefully Palin will take time off to re-energize and to educate herself on political matters [mostly insignificant] necessary for office seekers. It's a shame that she is not a welfare baby who has been financially supported by taxpayers/government and worked as a Acorn-type 'community organizer'. This would lend immediate crediability by the moronic lemmings and to their adulation and coronation. If her taxpayer-funded education would have been received from, say, Harvard or Princeton [instead of some state universities], she'd be instantly cascaded with chants of YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN!! Maybe she'll use her courage and barricuda-ness to describe the political excrement that we Americans have been faced with post-11/4/08; since obviously the current group of so-called conservatives are too busy being COWARDS to stand up to the ruination of America that is currently happening. It's truly shameful that NO ONE has the courage of Palin, and their LEWINSKIFICATION of this country will shortly bring America to its knees [and destruction]. Hopefully, someone Palinisk will come forward to rescue America!!!!!!!!!!!
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 5:00PM
@Oldefarte
To bad you" normal folks" are a shrinking minority. What's happening to America must seem very frightening to someone with your perspective. That's why despite your over blown rhetoric I'm left feeling more sorry for you than annoyed. Don't worry gramps we've got this. Yes we can!
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 5:13PM
Kind of like how you liberals hoped we'd lose the Iraq War so it would hurt Bush? Yeah, I agree, Lib-Interloper--you guys on the left absolutely suck.
Just keep your eye on the skyrocketing unemployment numbers--they spell out Obama's political doom.
Thank God--we just might survive you leftist b@stards after all.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 5:20PM
I'm sure you'll be watching America's decline with masturbatory glee Patriot.
As to unemployment I'm not so naive as to think one bad number spells doom for America. America's not so pitifully weak as you seem to believe it is Patriot.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 5:39PM
I'm sure you know all about that glee, perv.
Do some research on bad unemployment numbers--they're always especially destructive for presidental approval ratings and their trajectory is pointing straight up now.
That's why your Obummer's approvals have been dropping so much lately--sucks to be you, libtard. How's it feel, A-hole?
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 5:46PM
Well Patriot it's true Obama's approval has dropped a few points, but it's not as if their in Bush territory.
And you know what the funny thing about trajectories is? They're never constant. Nor do all the other economic point in the same direction. But maybe if you pray hard enough Patriot US unemployment numbers will go up.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 7:35PM
Even though you beseeched the Devil everyday for five years so we would lose the Iraq War--and would clap with glee when we took numerous American casualties--President Bush and American courage still prevailed and we were victorious in Iraq.
Who's the real scumbucket here, Lib-Interloper?
Unemployment is going up--Obama's already admitted it, stooge. Hang on tight, creep--it's gonna get rockier for you libs.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 7:52PM
@ Patriot
"Even though you beseeched the Devil everyday for five years so we would lose the Iraq War--and would clap with glee when we took numerous American casualties" LOL! Maybe that's what the world looks like from a Mississippi trailer park. But if you ever decide to leave your little inbreed oasis you'll find realities quite different from what you imagine.
I guess the only difference between you and me Patriot is that I want America to succeed.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 7:59PM
Yeah, but you never denied my accusations, did you, Scummo? I knew it. Traitor.
You don't give a damn about your country you just want marxism to succeed. I'm the one who loves my country--not a fascist liberal like you.
Who you work for-- ACORN? You're probably a bat wielding thug. Loser.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 8:29PM
That's inbred--not inbreed. Not so smart afterall, cityboy. lol
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 8:31PM
You seem like a really happy guy Patriot. Deny your accusations... to be honest I didn't take them seriously enough to deny them. But yes if it comes down to it I do. I'm going to tell you something now that will take you years to come to terms with if you ever do. The America of the past (and your imagination) is dead. We live in a more tolerate more liberal era. I have to wonder where you and your ilk fit in todays America.
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 8:44PM
That's--tolerant--, dumbo. You're neither 'tolerant' or well educated.
Listen up, clueless one--the latest Gallup Poll results were 40% of Americans considered themselves Conservatives and only 20% Liberals. Everything you said is BS artist baloney. Typical liberal--full of lies.
The only imagination you and others like you have is between your legs. There's nothing beautiful or loving about you.
Liberal Interloper| 7.5.09 @ 8:54PM
Turn on the TV is what you see there conservative? Has the way homosexuality is dealt with in America gotten better or worse in your opinion over the past decades? Are people more or less religious today than they were in the 80's the 60's or the 40's? Am I wrong Patriot? You may wish I was but am I?
Patriot| 7.5.09 @ 10:26PM
I figured it was about sex with you, LibInterloper. God bless you, you've got no enemy in me--just leave freedom of religion alone.
I hope you find peace.
Liberal Interlope| 7.5.09 @ 10:41PM
@ Patriot
Amen to that. As long as your religion doesn't impose itself on my civil liberties it is in my opinion, and that of every other sane American, sacrosanct and inviolable.
Whatever America looks like in the future I hope we can both find peace there.
Patriot| 7.6.09 @ 3:04AM
Freedom of speech for all including Christians--anything else is a deal breaker, regardless of your opinion--sane or otherwise.
Liberal Interloper| 7.6.09 @ 4:14AM
On this point we are in complete agreement Patriot.
Patriot| 7.6.09 @ 1:19PM
Then you've got yourself a friend whether you like it or not. :)
Archcon| 7.6.09 @ 7:37PM
Palin showed why she was wrong for national politics. She's incoherent. Conservatives--and America--need intelligent, accomplished leader who can figure out what role government should and shouldn't play and try and tackle real problems. America doesn't need a babbling, resume-padding, credit-hogging, ignorant, superficial, evasive, unethical whiner no matter how good she looks in a red leather jacket.
sjchermak| 7.6.09 @ 8:56PM
Mr. Klein says, up above:
"....But normal people do not get elected president...."
Fortunately, that will change on January 20, 2013, when Sarah Palin is inaugurated as President of the United States.
Sounds good to me, the first "normal person" as President of the United States. The only reason I question that categorization is not because of anything to do with next-President Palin.
It is because we have already had two normal people as President of the U.S., and they were George W. Bush and Harry Truman.
They were the most grounded, down-to-earth Presidents we have ever had, not full of themselves or concerned about their legacy, but concerned with doing what they felt was right for the country.
Harry Truman did what he felt was right for the world, he recognized Israel immediately when it became a state in 1948. George W. Bush was the most friendly President to Israel since Mr. Truman.
They behaved as most anybody would even though they were Presidents. They did not put on airs or feel they were better than others.
I have read many comments over the recent years about people who met President Bush in person and came away with a favorable opinion, when they were talking to him, he was interested in them, and his focus was not elsewhere. He made others feel important.
So it will be good to have a third normal President, Sarah Palin, in the White House.
Missy| 7.6.09 @ 9:57PM
Right on, sjchermack!!