I think she wanted to get caught, to appeal to all the Bush-loving anti-intellectuals, or she is just that stupid. The whacked-out version of the Tea Party is the only place for her. Even most Republicans think she's a moron, she's just Sarah Barracuda, good for an attack, and looking like Stifler's Mom. The Hard Right men want her and the Hard Right women want to be her. She'll be useful for her attacking, and populist appeal and continue to be a lightning source of hatred and frustration from those with half a brain.
I worry that she will actually be popular with rural (and perhaps exurban) populations. Who else do the Republicans have? Her support among the Tea Party set is clearly very strong, and I suspect that other Republicans would vote for her if they thought she was going to win primaries (they voted for Dubbya, after all). So less sophisticated but highly principled members of the party will likely vote for Palin in primaries because she speaks to them (as Frank pointed out) and more sophisticated members may vote for her out of calculation.
I'll admit it. I would love to see Barack Obama and Sarah Palin in a debate. Although I have a fear in the back of my mind that although she couldn't "win" that debate based on ideas, she might charm a lot of people by being so anti-intellectual she makes Obama seem out of touch. But I think back to the Obama McCain debates, and remember how Obama won by showing how calm and in control of his facts he was (since there is no real time fact checker, of course, you don't have to be right, you just need to seem reasonable). There are lots of people in cities and also out on the farms who understand that if there are too many tax cuts government can't help them with an earned income tax credit or a farm subsidy or a child tax credit or an education credit or FEMA assistance or whatever. I believe the people who understand that are a majority, although will need to have it explained to them calmly and clearly, like Obama did in his debates with McCain.
I think the Republicans win when it comes to scare tactics, but the Democrats still have the edge on argument. Obama is the King Debater, they should just put Obama on the white house website systematically refuting Republican attacks and spread that around. People feel scared about what they don't understand, and thats the only weapon Republicans have going for them right now
I think she wanted to get caught, to appeal to all the Bush-loving anti-intellectuals, or she is just that stupid. The whacked-out version of the Tea Party is the only place for her. Even most Republicans think she's a moron, she's just Sarah Barracuda, good for an attack, and looking like Stifler's Mom. The Hard Right men want her and the Hard Right women want to be her. She'll be useful for her attacking, and populist appeal and continue to be a lightning source of hatred and frustration from those with half a brain.
ReplyDeleteI worry that she will actually be popular with rural (and perhaps exurban) populations. Who else do the Republicans have? Her support among the Tea Party set is clearly very strong, and I suspect that other Republicans would vote for her if they thought she was going to win primaries (they voted for Dubbya, after all). So less sophisticated but highly principled members of the party will likely vote for Palin in primaries because she speaks to them (as Frank pointed out) and more sophisticated members may vote for her out of calculation.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit it. I would love to see Barack Obama and Sarah Palin in a debate. Although I have a fear in the back of my mind that although she couldn't "win" that debate based on ideas, she might charm a lot of people by being so anti-intellectual she makes Obama seem out of touch. But I think back to the Obama McCain debates, and remember how Obama won by showing how calm and in control of his facts he was (since there is no real time fact checker, of course, you don't have to be right, you just need to seem reasonable). There are lots of people in cities and also out on the farms who understand that if there are too many tax cuts government can't help them with an earned income tax credit or a farm subsidy or a child tax credit or an education credit or FEMA assistance or whatever. I believe the people who understand that are a majority, although will need to have it explained to them calmly and clearly, like Obama did in his debates with McCain.
Interesting theory about Palin wanting to get caught, Frank.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, she doesn't seem to have much of a platform, except: "The elitist Media is mean to me!"
Thinking about it, you're probably correct.
I think the Republicans win when it comes to scare tactics, but the Democrats still have the edge on argument. Obama is the King Debater, they should just put Obama on the white house website systematically refuting Republican attacks and spread that around. People feel scared about what they don't understand, and thats the only weapon Republicans have going for them right now
ReplyDelete