The Problem With Palin

American Spectator ^ | April 19th 2010 | Quin Hillyer

[Steelfish]

The Problem With Palin By Quin Hillyer

"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience." - Patrick Henry, 1775

"I told reporters what I still believe today: government experience doesn't necessarily count for much." -Sarah Palin, Going Rogue, p. 84

Sarah Palin, 55 percent unfavorable poll ratings notwithstanding, is a political phenomenon the likes of which American public life rarely has seen. There's something distinctive, something deeply personal, about the way her legions of strong supporters rush not just to defend her but to counter-attack any and all of her critics.

Palin has a way of establishing a sense of connectedness with her backers -- such a strong, attitudinal sense that she is not just like them but one of them -- that she has created what amounts to a one-woman, conservative "identity politics" writ very, very large.

Yet if conservatives are to continue a political love affair with this admirable and galvanizing woman, we need to insist on more than mere identity. And more than mere attitude.

We know that Sarah Palin shares our conservative values. But is she the leader conservatives need?

[Darkwolf377]

Regarding her saying nice things abount Romney - what should she have done? say bad things?

So you like her for having character, and yet she has to say she's open to the idea of running with Romney (whose healthcare plan is the forerunner to Obamacare) or else it wouldn't be prudent?

How does that make her anything but just another go-along-to-get-along politician?

See, this is where the Palin folks lose me--if ANY other politician said what she did, they'd be all over them. When Palin does it, they think up excuses.

As an atheist I respect your beliefs but basing your ideas on politicians because of faith is rely on feelings, to me. No need to argue, it's how you see it and how I see it; nothing to discuss, just explaining why I think that's part of the problem.

[Bratch]

A rebuttal.

The Problem with American Spectator

[PhiloBedo]

Conservatives and Republicans need a candidate that is not only a functional conservative, but has charisma as well. We all know that narrows the field down to one or two.

While emphasizing charisma sounds shallow, it’s a reality in today’s political environment.

[roamer_1]

While emphasizing charisma sounds shallow, it’s a reality in today’s political environment.

No, it's just shallow.

[PhiloBedo]

You can see what the lack of charisma did for Bob Dole, Ron Paul, Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, etc, etc.

You have to connect with the masses before you can sell them anything.

[MikefromOhio]

That’s great, except for the fact that for all her “wonderfulness” (that’s a great term for it too), Sarah Palin isn’t Ronald Reagan.

[jla]

To 62 - TAS is an political/cultural journal, not a pro-Palin blog akin to Teen Beat Magazine.
TAS chooses to explore all facets of any person in the political arena, especially those being touted as potential candidates for the Presidency.
For the record, R. Emmett Tyrrell has stated some very complimentary things about Mrs. Palin, along with defending her against the abuses of malignant liberals.
So, I don't believe TAS really has a "problem", unless that is defined as not being willing to print only the most positive and endearing articles about a person.
By the way, the comments following Hillyer's piece are quite worth reading. Striking one as a, for the most part, grown-up version of this thread.

[roamer_1]

You can see what the lack of charisma did for Bob Dole, Ron Paul, Fred Thompson, Duncan Hunter, etc, etc.

bullcrap. What it takes is limelight - Exposure. Have the primaries start in the red states and see what Hunter can do.

Conservatives vote their principles, always have, and always will. If FR picked according to principle, and lifted that candidate up into the limelight (which it is capable of), that Conservative would get the exposure so desperately needed, and thereby votes.

According to principle, FR voted (actual forum vote) far and away for Hunter, including and across all factional lines.

But it wound up supporting Thompson and McCain amidst factional fighting and great division.

If FR lifts up someone who stands as compromise, who is against the basic principles which we adhere to, that limelight will have no effect, because the candidate does not have the wherewithal - the actual ca-ching in principles - which is necessary to get the Conservative vote as a single block.

Unity is found in supporting all three pillars equally, and supporting their basic principles completely. Compromise is doom - hence the pragmatic and populist are our bane.

[Mr_Moonlight]

That’s great, except for the fact that for all her “wonderfulness” (that’s a great term for it too), Sarah Palin isn’t Ronald Reagan.

No, she isn't Ronald Reagan. She is Sarah Palin (in all her 'wonderfulness' as you put it) .. and neither was Reagan (in all his sunny smiles) "Ronald Reagan" until his landslide elections in the 80's ... put into perspective, neither stood an electoral chance by so-called 'conventional wisdom', but somehow Reagan managed not just one but two of 'em, and by landslides ... go figure?

I'm not saying that Palin is the wherewithal 'savior' currently, just that for right now she has the right message and is popular (screwy MSM polls notwithstanding) ... certainly a polit to encourage and promote ...

[pterional]

I agree her voice is annoying but this is a minor flaw.
She campaigned for John McCain, quit her job as Governor, interviews poorly, has a poor response for the utilization for nuclear weapons and is a easy lighting rod for liberal mockery. Time to stop wasting time and effort in supporting her for president.

[tallyhoe]

I think that is what she is doing however there is a different standard for her Look at the One!

[tallyhoe]

Who would you rather have as Prez Zero or Sarah?

[time4good]

I understand what you're saying. I've been working long hours lately so I missed the North-End quote about Romney. That's a bummer to me, as I do see Romney as a bit of a chameleon.

Faith is not feelings, in actuality, although often confused by. I know why you say such, and just to leave it at this - if, although sincere and honest, as I do believe she is, there comes a point where I see the lack of necessary good judgement and reasoning at the level I'd like her/expect her or anyone to have, then I'd be hoping/praying/looking for the right person for President. Even though I like who she is. I believe that will play out definitively when the time comes.

[Darkwolf377]

Faith is not feelings, in actuality, although often confused by. I know why you say such, and just to leave it at this - if, although sincere and honest, as I do believe she is, there comes a point where I see the lack of necessary good judgement and reasoning at the level I'd like her/expect her or anyone to have, then I'd be hoping/praying/looking for the right person for President. Even though I like who she is. I believe that will play out definitively when the time comes.

That's all any of us can do--whether through faith or simple observation and research. I've been troubled by the support for McCain but give her a pass--she didn't "owe" him the level of support she gives, and it disturbs me that because of her support McCain will be deprived of his well-deserved retirement. ;)

I just wish people wouldn't react to someone who has a principled disagreement on a politician like they're automatically a liberal, especially when in this case, the politician in question supports OTHER politicians who get little or no support from conservatives.

[factmart]

hunter had his chance last time, 2%

[MikefromOhio]

No, she isn't Ronald Reagan. She is Sarah Palin (in all her 'wonderfulness' as you put it) .. and neither was Reagan (in all his sunny smiles) "Ronald Reagan" until his landslide elections in the 80's ... put into perspective, neither stood an electoral chance by so-called 'conventional wisdom', but somehow Reagan managed not just one but two of 'em, and by landslides ... go figure?

Except that Reagan was a successful governor of our largest state electorally. Carter was, until this nation elected Obamutard, the modern benchmark for how bad a Presidency could be - in short, anyone who didn't think Reagan had a good shot at Carter is smoking some good stuff. Carter barely got out of the DNC convention. Anyone with half a working brain knew he was in trouble.

Conversely, Palin is the ex-governor (and it will be used against her, unfairly or not let's be real here) of the smallest. The Democrats know she's a threat and she won't be taken lightly. Like them or not, they have savvy politicians calling the shots. I mean they got the current guy elected without saying anything of substance and what he DID say was Socialist at best.

I'm not saying that Palin is the wherewithal 'savior' currently, just that for right now she has the right message and is popular (screwy MSM polls notwithstanding) ... certainly a polit to encourage and promote ...

I'm naturally wary of all politicians, including Palin. Look at this forum, this woman's Sh*t doesn't stink to half of the posters here. IT's great she has the "right" message, but I'm not convinced she's running for President. And I don't think she's quite as popular as some here would suggest. In that way, she is kind of like Bill Clinton - a '42-percenter'. It is enough to get elected however as he showed us.

[rob777]

"I am concerned about her screeching voice."


Her voice does not bother me, but her position on certain issues does. In addition to a less than stellar record on government spending, there is support for the Law of the Sea Treaty, the enthusiastic response on the part of the Alaska National Educational Association to McCain's selection of her as his running mate and her support for the Bush bailout. In a reflection on the latter issue, she has been quoted in her book as claiming that the House Republicans who opposed the bailout "hurt the cause". Putting her inexperience aside, I simply do not see her as part of the GOP revolt against big government.

[ottbmare]

Don’t be silly, asking if I’d rather have Zero or Palin as president is erecting a straw man. I’m just saying she needs development. Read the article.

[mupcat]

Ann Coulter has that too, but I still like her

I agree on both counts, but she's not running nor can I ever imagine her running for president. I like what Sarah Palin has to say, just not the way she says it.

[tallyhoe]

Well answer my question! Is Sarah Palin as smart as Zero? I say she is a lot smarter and has common sense! He has neither!