Frum: The Palin piano dangles over Republican future (Country Clubber Flop Sweat Alert)

The National Post ^ | November 23, 2010 | David Frum

[2ndDivisionVet]

A journalist yesterday asked me a thought-provoking question:

Why does Sarah Palin command so much media attention? By most measures, she currently stands about equal in the Republican field alongside Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and only a little ahead of Newt Gingrich. Yet the cable shows do not erupt when Mitt Romney makes a speech. Newt Gingrich is on Twitter almost every day, but his messages don’t make news. So why Palin? Five guesses.

1) She polarizes.

Modern media culture favors contrast and conflict. Sarah Palin serves both up by the bucketful. Most presidential candidates present themselves as gracious and good-natured. Even fierce Hillary Clinton worked hard always to be seen smiling and nodding. Palin is a ferocious hater, and she doesn’t care who knows it. It’s like the meanest girl on the cheerleading squad running for student council president. Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by that?

2) She surprises.

Media people have certain beliefs and expectations about how politics works. Palin regularly confounds those expectations. From the Katie Couric interview through her resignation as governor of Alaska to the reality show: actions that the pundit class expected would ruin her career in fact seem to have somehow enhanced it. They call it “news” for a reason, and Palin is new.

3) She reveals herself.

We live in a confessional culture these days. Most politicians shy away from confession. They want to talk about economics or foreign policy or abortion or some other impersonal concern. Not Palin! Her topic is herself: her grievances, her complaints, her family. People find compulsive self-revelation riveting in Hollywood stars – why wouldn’t they find it equally fascinating in a politician?

4) She talks unlike a politician...

[dixiechick2000]

LOL! Frum swings “her” purse?

Lordy...I think that is my new favorite! ;o)

I love the “Rove grouses” part, too.

You know you’ve been effective when Rove accuses you of whining. lol

[Sherman Logan]

That said I take serious issue with the “ferocious hater” comment.

I quite agree with you on Palin, and on this issue in particular. I'd really like to see some documentation of how she has been more of a "hater" than other pols.

The only way I can see this applying is the standard definition of conservative positions as "hate."