Okay... whew. Twenty-four hours later, it still doesn’t make any sense. But I am grateful John McCain went this route, because I think his selection of Sarah Palin will be an epic fail.I’ve heard all the chattering heads. The Buchananite wing of the GOP just loves this “gal.” Mainstream Republicans are sticking to their talking points like good infantry.
And partisan Democrats are running wild with a license to keep repeating: “John McCain is 72 years old! John McCain has had cancer four times!”
There it is. Tactically, this takes John McCain right out of his aggressive offensive game. (You know... the one that had him running neck-and-neck with Obama at the start of the Democratic National Convention.)
McCain is now on defense... quite literally. Because he has to defend a decision that seems so wrong on its face.
Does Sarah Palin look like a president? Sound like a president? The Republicans have two months to convince the American people that she could credibly fill that role.
Meanwhile, a reporter said last week that the upcoming Republican National Convention would be a four-day prosecution of Barack Obama, sledgehammering arguments that Obama isn’t ready to be commander-in-chief... that voting for him is too risky.Think they’ll talk that crap now? With Sarah Palin wandering through the convention hall like Cinderella?
(Hey... I like that. Some bloggers call Sen. Obama “Prince Barack.” Let’s start our own Internet meme: Sarah Palin is Cinderella! At least Obama has been out there working for it the last 19 months. Palin’s foot just happened to fit the glass slipper.
(By the way... if I were writing this movie? Obama and Palin would fuck. Hotly.)
Now recall: One month ago, the McCain campaign put out the notorious “Celeb” ad, comparing Obama’s popularity to that of Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, ridiculing him as a man of no substance.
Well, voters... say hello to America’s Hottest Governor! A runner-up in the Miss Alaska pageant of 1984!Advantage, Obama. Because this campaign is no longer about “readiness.” It’s back to being about “judgement.”
And I hope Democrats focus hard on the nature of McCain’s decision- making process.
All the talk yesterday was about how John McCain “goes with his gut.” He chose as his running mate a woman he’d met only once... because he “goes with his gut.”
Really? Okay. But do we want this man “going with his gut” on Iran? (And they call Obama risky?)
Give me Barack Obama, whose campaign for president has demonstrated managerial competence, strategic wisdom and tactical discipline.
UPDATE (08/30/08): In 1988 – the year Barack Obama entered Harvard Law School – Sarah Palin (then Sarah Heath) was a TV sportscaster in Anchorage. Below, you can see her in action. (Hat-tip: Huffington Post.)
When Obama and Palin fuck in the movie, where are Michelle and John?
ReplyDeleteAnd, sadly enough, I do think Republicans will stick to their talking points about Obama's readiness. They, without an ounce of incredulity, are trying to argue that Palin has more - and better - experience than Obama.
Just another sign that, man, affirmative action might be more vital than ever.
They can talk all they want about Obama's competence, but McCain's veep decision bolsters his argument that McCain uses poor judgment.
ReplyDeleteI do think Republicans will stick to their talking points about Obama's readiness.
ReplyDeleteWell, then it gets down to people believing their own eyes and ears. Not ready to lead? 38 million people just watched him give a speech on TV!
Meanwhile, when Palin speaks... ummm, it's not the same.
When Obama and Palin fuck in the movie, where are Michelle and John?
ReplyDeletePlanning to have them murdered, of course.
But I am grateful John McCain went this route, because I think his selection of Sarah Palin will be an epic fail.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm inclined to agree tactically and electorally - I'm very concerned about what this selection signifies.
Tactically, this takes John McCain right out of his aggressive offensive game.
au contraire mon frere. This is the most hardcore instantiation of the game that the GOP has attempted thus far. David, I'm frankly a little shocked that you're not a more scrupulous afficianado of the underlying meaning of fairy tales.
The aschenputtel story of unjust oppression and *miraculous* elevation is very onto with Palin's embodiment of the aspirations of the poor, white, and pissed (PWP).
She is a straight up identity politics play, and for McStain's GOP advisors to have gone this route (it's not his choice) is indicative of an underlying elite establishment uncertainty concerning what remains feasible in the realm of popular American governance.
While I believe Baraka is nearly a fait accompli - as evidenced by the Dorian backdrop to his thursday night speechifying (signifying elite endorsement) - I don't for one minute suppose that our ruling elites haven't hedged their bets.
Hedging with such a crass and explicit nod to the PWP is absolutely UNPRECEDENTED. (unless you can think of another 20th century example of such flagrant pandering since Strom Thurmond and the formation of the Dixiecrat party in 1948?)
This does not bode well for baseline governance expectations in the U.S. - in fact - it more or less certifies that TPTB expect an extremely bumpy ride ahead and some major challenges to the established order.
They know that Black and bourgeouis folk will pretty much accept any type of top-down scheme with nary more than some loud-talking complaints. OTOH, they know that the PWP are heavily armed, violent, and have little compunction about blowing up some shit.
Advantage, Obama. Because this campaign is no longer about “readiness.” It’s back to being about “judgement.”
Wrong.
This campaign is now all and exclusively about ethnonationalism and identity. The American electorate will get the political leadership that it richly deserves. Let's hope that smart people will prevail in the deserving category rather than rootin, tootin, bibles and shootin folks....,
a few more coals shoveled into the unconventional signification fire...,
ReplyDeleteJohn McCain was aiming to make history with his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and historians say he succeeded.
Presidential scholars say she appears to be the least experienced, least credentialed person to join a major-party ticket in the modern era.
So unconventional was McCain’s choice that it left students of the presidency literally “stunned,” in the words of Joel Goldstein, a St. Louis University law professor and scholar of the vice presidency. “Being governor of a small state for less than two years is not consistent with the normal criteria for determining who’s of presidential caliber,” said Goldstein.
“I think she is the most inexperienced person on a major party ticket in modern history,” said presidential historian Matthew Dallek.
I think republicans will cojntinue to talk that experience mess. They have no trouble saying outrageous things over and over until America believes them. But I hope the dems have the sense to drill home McCain's senility, temper, and judgment.
ReplyDeleteMcCandy seems like a drama magnet if you ask me. Tropergate, her invisible pregnancy--I'm sure there's more.
I am awed by the Republicans' ability to polish the turd. I watched a couple of Republican operatives tout Palin and was amazed that they could do it with straight faces - even the Romney guy who should have been pissed. Those guys really know how to stay on point.
ReplyDeleteUBM--you might be interested in this:
ReplyDeletehttp://openthread.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/8/30/121350/137/486/580223
"Well, then it gets down to people believing their own eyes and ears. Not ready to lead? 38 million people just watched him give a speech on TV!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, when Palin speaks... ummm, it's not the same."
I feel ya, UBM. But the same thing could be said about McCain. Or either of Bush's previous runs for the White House. And still they rise.
For whatever reason, Republicans - to borrow a phrase from Geneva Girl - are masters of "polishing a turd" and convincing their followers to overlook the obvious qualification gaps.
And LOL about having them murdered.
She is a straight up identity politics play, and for McStain's GOP advisors to have gone this route (it's not his choice) is indicative of an underlying elite establishment uncertainty...
ReplyDeleteInteresting. But I think your premise is flawed in this key regard, Craig. What evidence have you that it was McCain's GOP advisors who pushed for the Cinderella Option?
The choice is so jaw-dropping, so left-field, that it's off the grid of Establishment/elite thinking. (Except in the world of conspiracy thrillers.)
It is an unimaginable decision... except in the mind of an idiosyncratic, instinct-driven politician who likes to call his own plays in the huddle.
This was McCain's choice... as reported by Politico:
"The fact that McCain only spoke with Palin about the vice presidency for the first time on Sunday, and that he was seriously considering Lieberman until days ago, suggests just how hectic and improvisational his process was."
Hey there! {waves}
ReplyDeleteI understand what the Republicans wanted to achieve with this farse.
Time will tell what Sarah is made of because the fight is ON and it will be a gruesome battle to the finish!
(smiles)
Lisa
@ KB
ReplyDeleteHer invisible pregnancy!!
*LOL*
I actually like everything about Palin, except for her political affiliation, policies and somewhat odd enthusiasm for creationism.
ReplyDeleteShe would be one of those people who, if she lived in my town, I would love to bump into on Main Street just to pick up the glow from the outer edges of her energy field. Luckily for me, the woman who is running for mayor of my town right now {Pop. 10,000} is just this sort of person, but has policies I love.
But I would never discuss politics with a person like Palin. Why poop the party?
As I have said elsewhere, to UBM and CNulan, don't make any assumptions about whether or not she is going to help that ticket until you have more evidence, like her performance in a debate and how the polls look in two weeks.
I am not calling the contest at all until then.
Sorry if anyone is offended, but it is my humble opinion that the US citizens are crazy, and applying too much logic to the equation will not compute.
She wasn't picked so that she would take wavering independents' or Democrats' votes, she was picked to stop the fundamentalist vote from wavering. Amen, Praise the Lord, as they say in those circles.
I'd like to bring up the lack of experience thingie again too, if I may.
What experience doing anything serious {PT boat?} did JFK have?
Yes, perhaps she is no JFK in the oratory department, but what will happen if it turns out that she is?
Well, tune in around September 13.
I think you could place your bets then.
Nulan is definitely right about the working class hero thing, she beats Biden there.
"Campaign buttons."
ReplyDeleteblackink said...
ReplyDeleteWhen Obama and Palin fuck in the movie, where are Michelle and John?
And, sadly enough, I do think Republicans will stick to their talking points about Obama's readiness. They, without an ounce of incredulity, are trying to argue that Palin has more - and better - experience than Obama.
Just another sign that, man, affirmative action might be more vital than ever.
Mr. Ink,
Sorry, but incredulity ain't a word.
Also, would you please expound on your AA statement?
What are you talking about? Incredulity is so a word. It's the state of being "incredulous."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incredulous
I'm already getting annoyed at the sexist crap that is being hurled at this woman. Besides the fact that it is wrong on its face, it is also playing right into the trap that Republicans would like to prepare: that when the deal goes down, Democrats don't respect women. Look how they treated one of your own, and now look how they're treating Palin.
It's easy enough just to stick to the issues with this choice, without having to bring in how fuckable she is or whatever. I don't say handle the woman with kid gloves, but just treat her like a professional and let her hang her own self, if that's going to happen.
As for the "affirmative action" part of this decision, conservative writer Heather Mac Donald had an interesting essay decrying this latest example of identity politics. She's upset that the Republicans are falling into the same pattern she criticizes Democrats for. I appreciate her intellectual consistency.
http://www.city-journal.org/2008/eon0830hm.html
Shoot, I'm still cracking up (and loving) that she lost Miss Alaska to a sister!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm already getting annoyed at the sexist crap that is being hurled at this woman.
ReplyDeleteAnnoyed you may be, Christina. But McCain done shoved Cinderella into the middle of a knife fight.
At the back-alley level of the internets, Obama is attacked via appeals to 1) hatred of Muslims; 2) fear of blacks; 3) disdain for Africans; 4) envy of black success; 5) ridicule of black women; 6) straight-up lies about Barack and Michelle's past.
Given that the campaign's been rife with all this, Sarah Palin better not expect her political opponents to play by Queensbury rules.
Then there's the matter of all's-far-in-comedy. If I think of a good joke about her lactating breasts, I'm gonna use it.
I don't know what Sarah Palin expects. I don't much care. I know that it would be pretty hypocritical of *me* to have bemoaned all those things you mention, then to argue "alls-fair" when it's Sarah Palin. All those wrongs don't make a right. When does it ever stop?
ReplyDeleteSo that's the naive view, if you want to think of it that way. But what about the calculating view is that it doesn't do Democrats well to come across as bullying the sweet lovely hockey Mom? Not when they're still trying to define their own candidate. Not when some women are still smarting over Hillary. That 'elitist' meme is still out there; in some ways Sarah Palin's lack of intellectual heft can be a positive. Americans don't seem to like their candidates excessively smart. They do like them "relatable," though, and in Palin I see someone who can be very relatable.
The booby jokes may end up backfiring, besides just being distasteful.
I just came back from seeing Lewis Black live. Both he and his opening act expressed incredulity (hee) at McCain's choice. Comedians are already having a field day with this--makes me wonder if Bill Maher got the news in time to incorporate it into his latest Real Time.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, Black had a great riff on Palin: He said someone at the casino asked him what he thought of McCain picking Palin, and he replied, "The same thing I'd think if he'd picked you!" (to be fair, Black skewered both parties thoroughly, lest anyone mistake him for a bleedin' heart) :-)
makes me wonder if Bill Maher got the news in time to incorporate it into his latest Real Time.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. To wit:
"This isn't a presidential ticket, it's a sitcom... Wilford Brimley and Megan Mulalley, 'The Maverick and the MILF.'"
Maher also joked that Palin's new baby "looks just like John Edwards." (Ooch!)
Interesting. But I think your premise is flawed in this key regard, Craig. What evidence have you that it was McCain's GOP advisors who pushed for the Cinderella Option?
ReplyDeleteNot having been there, I had to go with nearly every article I've read describing his wednesday night meeting with advisers and the decision that resulted from the same.
If left to his own devices, I'm inclined to give McCain the benefit of the doubt that he would've selected his Brett Maverick zionist bunkmate Joe Lieberman.
The GOP is desirous of uniting the base, and the GOP is demonstrably hamfisted enough to imagine that this hamfisted identity politics play might have a prayer of working.
She reminds me a little of Mindy Cohen from the "Facts of Life" in this picture.
ReplyDeleteShe might not get the PETA vote.
Not having been there, I had to go with nearly every article I've read describing his wednesday night meeting with advisers...
ReplyDeleteAnd you didn't link to a one? What's up with that, Craig?
I didn't read shit and I promise you... Sarah Palin was NOT the choice of the Republican Establishment.
Just saw a GOP strategist on "Meet the Press" who was obsessed with the "downside potential" of Miss Congeniality... how "fragile" a choice it is... how one or two gaffes will mean "disaster"... how if the Democrats can keep the focus on her creationism/anti-abortion type positions, "we're in trouble" with independents and Democratic crossover voters.
I didn't read shit and I promise you... Sarah Palin was NOT the choice of the Republican Establishment.
ReplyDeleteIn the case of the McCain campaign, who exactly do you identify as "the republican establishment"?
With Obama, following the money and advisor trail, it's crystal clear that he's the Brookings Institute candidate.
What institutional combine is backing McCain's play?
Frank Rich's op-ed in the NYTimes this morning echos my assertion about this being an advisory rather than candidate selection.
^ Okay... Rich I'll read.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the Clintons can forget and forgive Obama's campaign labeling them racist but a shitload of us can't and won't.
ReplyDeleteJust which party was it that is polishing a turd....?
So McCain's pick caused your jaw to drop? Makes it easier to put your foot in there dude.
christina, i agree with you. i find palin a horrifying choice on many levels. but even if i can't stand her as a candidate, i have to call BS on the sexist comments about her.
ReplyDelete^ Can I at least keep calling her Miss Congeniality? After all, she was Miss Congeniality.
ReplyDeleteAre there any facts being discussed here or is it all just bashing?
ReplyDeleteWhat facts do you have to offer, nutz?
ReplyDeleteNutz, welcome to my spot. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteFact: Sarah Palin is a Buchananite Republican.
Frank Rich's op-ed in the NYTimes this morning echos my assertion about this being an advisory rather than candidate selection.
ReplyDeleteActually, Craig, Rich's column says nothing of the kind.
You should've read the NYT news piece, which reported that, among McCain's "inner circle," Sarah Palin "had no strong advocates."
I'm afraid you can't hang this one on the elites. It's a political fluke to end all political flukes.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDavid, McCain’s "choice" of Palin was obviously orchestrated by Rove to negate the negative impression the religious and identity right zealots have of McCain.
ReplyDeleteNo person capable of intelligent thought could ever accept the rationality of appointing a vice presidential running mate who has only met the presidential candidate in person only once and who has absolutely no serious credentials for the office.
I'll repeat my kwestins David, since you seemed to be at somewhat of a loss for an answer.
ReplyDeleteExactly *who* is the Republican Party right now -- who is its leader? Who finances? Who strategizes?
If it's not Big Oil and the Rovian braintrust, are you prepared to assert that it's G-Dub or McStain?
Who exactly gave a wink and nod to Saakashvili to go and FUBAR Georgia a few weeks ago?
No person capable of intelligent thought could ever accept the rationality of appointing a vice presidential running mate who has only met the presidential candidate in person only once and who has absolutely no serious credentials for the office.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely correct. It wasn't rational. Rove, however, is rational. If it turns out his fingerprints are on this, I'll buy you a stake.
^ Or, if you prefer, a steak.
ReplyDeleteWho is McStain? Is it supposed to be funny or facetious? I've never heard it. What does McStain mean?
ReplyDeletehere's what the NYT said:
ReplyDeleteAt the very least, the process reflects Mr. McCain’s history of making fast, instinctive and sometimes risky decisions. “I make them as quickly as I can, quicker than the other fellow, if I can,” Mr. McCain wrote, with his top adviser Mark Salter, in his 2002 book, “Worth the Fighting For.” “Often my haste is a mistake, but I live with the consequences without complaint.”
yeah, well, i have no fucking plans to live with his consequences nor should the rest of america. what an arrogant SOB!
Don’t underestimate Palin. As a former sports caster for Anchorages’ NBC affiliate she can read a teleprompter which it one up on McCain. McCain rolled the dice and may have made his point. She along with Gustav knocked Obama’s acceptance speech off the airways.
ReplyDeleteAs a working mother of five, a NRA member, and a hunter she’s got street cred with the voters the Dems need in places like rural Pennsylvania, small town Ohio, and suburban Colorado. This is not the time to get cocky. Women are pissed at the way the media treated Clinton. These women who disagree with Palin’s views will still give her a look.
Now for me, I think McCain picked Palin as his running mate just to piss off Ted Stevens. That works for me.
I am a white male and you folks should be very afraid. We are going to take back our country one way or another. It is just a matter of time.
ReplyDelete^ Then less talkin', more fuckin'. Y'all gonna have to get your birth rate up, first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteWe are going to take back our country one way or another.
ReplyDeleteI thought you said you were white, not Native American.
So Palin's last child is really her daughter's? Is this true, or a hoax?
ReplyDelete"Sarah Palin is NOT the Mother."
^ I say 90 percent likelihood it's a rumor/smear/hoax. But Andrew Sullivan is pushing for answers.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to track down a story that Pawlenty was originally tapped for the VP spot. McCain wanted to announce during Obama's acceptance speech Thursday, but Pawlenty didn't think it was cool to break into history. McCain threw a hissy fit and said, "never mind" then called Palin and offered her the gig.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Cindy McCain says Palin has great foreign policy experience since Alaska is so close to Russia. A friend of mine says she has now become an expert in crab fshing since DC is so close to MD.
What whattaya know?
ReplyDeleteIf the double-wide's rockin, don't come a knockin!
rotflmbao.....,
It doesn't matter who's the mother of Trig any more because Palin's 17-y.o. is knocked up! If you oppose abortion, shouldn't you teach your kids about birth control. So much for just saying NO!
ReplyDelete^ Two or three weeks of this type of soap-opera distraction should cause mainstream Republicans to rebel -- openly, vocally -- against the choice of Sarah Palin.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part.
If CNulan is right, and there are enough crackers out there who "relate" to Sarah Palin and will put her in the White House no matter what... then I won't know what to think about America.
If CNulan is right, and there are enough crackers out there who "relate" to Sarah Palin and will put her in the White House no matter what... then I won't know what to think about America.
ReplyDeleteThat compassion is a one way street.
"If CNulan is right, and there are enough crackers out there who "relate" to Sarah Palin and will put her in the White House no matter what... then I won't know what to think about America."
ReplyDeleteUBM...What freakin cave have u been hiding in the last 7 years? At least the last 3. You give the impression that putting her in the white house deviates from the status quo.
bklyn6,
I think the quote is:
"What you mean 'we' white man....tell me what u mean"
Oscar Brown.
I don't doubt Mrs. Palin's intelligence though I question her (or anyone's) smarts regarding the Creationism issue, but she doesn't do a thing for me in the looks dept....I prefer legs like a $9 bag of popcorn....wit butta.