Palin gave a very good speech last night, and it's time we stopped underestimating her.
Sure, it was mocking, condescending and misleading. I didn't hear what she plans to do about health care, the economy or the environment. It was totally fucking shameless. But it's right back to the culture wars with this, and this kind of bullshit can have broad appeal in swing states and with rural and blue collar voters.
Let's take a step back and think. It's unlikely the christian right will vote for the Democrats, so they need to focus on some 15 keys states. They need to keep those from McCain-Palin.
I think they won't be fooled, but the next two months are going to be tough. Palin will go after Obama's strengths and potray them as morally undesirable. They will play this as a narrative, and everyone loves a story. Here's an example:
“I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town,” Palin said.
“Before I became governor of the great state of Alaska, I was mayor of my hometown. And since our opponents in this presidential election seem to look down on that experience, let me explain to them what the job involves. I guess, I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities.”
Jesus Christ, burn!!! Did Obama mock McCain that way, or her? Did Biden? No, but this is obviously Karl Rove's game now. 'Cause that speech sounds a lot like George W. Bush.
"I’m not a member of the permanent political establishment. And I’ve learned quickly, these last few days, that if you’re not a member in good standing of the Washington elite, then some in the media consider a candidate unqualified for that reason alone,” she said. “But … here’s a little news flash for those reporters and commentators: I’m not going to Washington to seek their good opinion — I’m going to Washington to serve the people of this country.”
That was Goober's platform.
I think it would be a mistake to cross off Palin as another untraveled, science doubting moron who thinks "Jesus Christ our Lord" has a personal interest in Republican political issues. She is that of course, but that doesn't mean she can't convince enough people to vote her.
Months ago there were some conspiracy theories afloat on the blogosphere that McCain was going to drop out during the GOP convention. Amid all the chaos and confusion a fresh face would emerge, someone public could identify with, someone they didn't know about and therefore would give the benefit of the doubt on their faults and pecadilloes. Eight weeks later, bam! the Democrats don't know what hit them.
Guess what? This is it.
Faux News rejoiced in Palins vitriol. Their headline today is ==> Newcomer Palin fights critics, mocks Obama.
Sarah Palin thrashed Barack Obama Wednesday as an empty suit whose campaign themes of “hope” and “change” are better fit to describe her Republican running mate, John McCain, a man she said has spent a career in service to his country.
Does this seem like absolute bullshit? Maybe to you or me, but some people eat this shit up with a spoon. And they love it.
I don't remember if it was tha National Review or the NRC website, but there was this comment about how brilliant he lipstick joke was.
“What’s the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull? Lipstick,” said Palin, pointing to her mouth. Um, right.
Fighting the campaign on the Republican's turf, on their terms, is a losing battle. Let's not make this about culture wars and keep it about the issues. Let National Enquirer write report on The Baby Daddy and Jamie Lynn's gift to Bristol Palin.
I would love, love, love it if soeone cornered Palin about abortion rights and she would say she's not totally against it, since that would let down her christian right base. But that needs to be handled with the utmost care, lest it explodes in Biden's (or whoever would run that) face.
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