Last night a good friend had the most pertinent observation I’ve heard about Governor Sarah Palin — she’s Dan Quayle in drag! And the more I thought about it, the more I realized that his observation was dead on.
Misspellings of the word potato(e) aside, it is a bit of an urban legend that Dan Quayle was stupid. Rather, his bigger problem was being an ideological one trick pony. His role was to provide the red meat sound bites that were directed straight to the Republican base, without one bit of vision for any swing voters. Judging from last night’s speech by Governor Palin, I’d have to say she is carrying on Senator Quayle’s legacy quite nicely.
Don’t get me wrong. Though I vehemently disagree with Governor Palin, she gave a great political speech and presented herself very well. She came across as the neighbor that you might like to hang out with, but you just know not to talk politics. But beyond presentation - what did her speech contain? I just re-read it over again. She intros herself, makes some pretty good and memorable quips about Obama, makes the case for drilling and then says how great McCain is. Here’s the transcript.
And that’s it. Where is any mention of healthcare? the mortgage crisis? the economy? Afghanistan? Heck - I certainly don’t expect any agreement from the Republicans on those issues, but their party does have positions about each of those, so why not tell the American people what you’re going to do to solve those problems?
I vividly remember then Vice-President Dan Quayle getting absolutely slaughtered by then Senator Al Gore in their 1992 debate. Gore came in with his usual encyclopedic knowledge of policy and used it deftly. All that Quayle could do was laugh nervously, quip a few one-liners and then blame everything on the “liberal Democrats in control of Congress.”
Look for Governor Palin to do much of the same over the next two months. Which is why Senator McCain’s choice of Palin is such a head-scratcher. She’s a great pit bull who the right-wing base is going to absolutely love. But if you’re rallying the base after Labor Day, you’ve got much bigger problems.
For a campaign that is trying to charge Obama with being all personality and little substance, the choice is strange indeed. But hey, I’m happy with it! I mean, it’s not like she attended a church with a whacko pastor or anything. Oh wait…..
26 responses so far ↓
christianliberal // September 4, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Cute take on the situation! Love the Quayle angle.
Excellent analysis. Thanks!
Actually I like all four presidential contenders.
McCain is a maverick.
Palin is inexperienced, but a quick study, and nobody’s fool.
Obama is dedicated to helping Americans on the home front.
Biden has a long history of experience with foreign affairs.
What it comes down to for me is:
WHICH CANDIDATES PROMISE TO END THE HUNDREDS
OF BILLIONS OF OF DOLLARS BEING POURED DOWN
THE DRAIN in Iraq, and which want to continue the war effort,
no end, no horizon in sight.
For that crucial issue, the Obama team wins hands down.
My humble opinion.
Sorry, Sarah!
That Girl // September 4, 2008 at 7:41 pm
I think the major difference, and something that will be a challenge for the Dems, is that this time, the Dan Quayle character is a woman and the GOP will do everything they can to paint attacks against sweet little Sarah as sexism. Now, in my opinion, once Sarah dubbed herself a pitbull last night and spewed venom and hatred, she took that card off the table. I hope the Dems will take her on and that Biden gets to fight her to the end. And, if the media takes up the sexism card, the Dems need to fight that too.
After watching that speech last night where they even resorted to mocking a man’s career focused on helping others, I realized even more (as if I had a doubt) how important this election is. McCain and Palin CANNOT win. It can’t happen. We all need to mobilize against their disgusting attacks on Obama and Biden.
PhoneMan // September 4, 2008 at 8:38 pm
I will confess to having left the light on for Sen. McCain, withholding my decision until I learned who he would pick as his running mate. He’s a pretty high mileage guy, and those have not been easy miles, so the VP choice matters a little more than usual this time around.
Once Palin was announced, I went online and sent $200 to Obama.
Remember when they pulled the wings off of Howard Dean’s candidacy because running Vermont didn’t count as executive experience? Look it up folks: Vermont population at July 2007 is estimated by the Census Bureau at 621,254, placing the state 49th. And there’s Alaska, boasting 683,478 citizens, holding down 47th place.
Fairfax County, VA, is just over 1 million pops, so presumably our own Gerry Connolly qualifies to be a heartbeat away from becoming the leader of the free world. (Except that he’s a Dem, of course).
I want my country back.
Cousin Jesse // September 5, 2008 at 2:58 pm
THAT GIRL!! Mobilize? I bet you were one of the “mobilized” crew being carried away during McCain’s speech last night. Talk about hate and venom…get real. Palin simply dug her feet into the sand to get herself ready for the leftist attack. Both sides are guilty of taking the card off the table. She just made sure everyone knew she wanted in the fight.
Make no mistake…McCain and Palin CAN win and I expect them to win.
And speaking of disgusting attacks….Palin had not uttered a word after being named McCains running mate and the left pounced on her like white on rice. Wednesday night was the first time she spoke….so she did what she had to do. Draw a line in the sand. Gamesmanship…simple. Nothing personal even though it sounds that way.
That Girl // September 5, 2008 at 3:54 pm
COUSIN JESSE!!!! (just following your lead with the all caps, my friend). The reference I made to the card that Palin took off the table is that she took away any ability she has to say “don’t attack me, I’m a woman” when she so proudly declared herself a pitbull.
I was in Denver last week, and I do confess that I may have been drinking the kool-aid some, but I really don’t think you can say the Dems attacked the elephants nearly as hard as the GOP is attacking them this week. One thing I KNOW we didn’t do is mock a very solid career that is not only held on the resume of our candidate but also that of many people throughout the country. In fact, any person who has worked on a political campaign is actual a “community organizer” - yes even the Republicans. They may want to think about that before they make fun of an entire field of work next time.
As for your claim that the left “pounced” on Palin, can you give any specific examples of members of the Democratic Party who did said pouncing? I think you could say fairly that the media raised many quesitons about this woman that no one knew anything about who we now find on a major political ticket. But, I also know that both Barack Obama and Joe Biden issued statements saying the personal attacks on Palin and her family needed to stop and that family were off limits.
So, the GOP takes direct hits from the podium, and you think that’s just fine. Then you mention attacks against Palin by the left, so please give me some examples.
I agree with you that McCain/Palin can win, I can hardly imagine they would have made it this far if they couldn’t. And, God knows, American have proven themselves to be a stupid electorate not once but twice in electing Bush. So, sure it could happen.
But, I don’t think it will. That is especially true after McCain’s flat performance last night. I love politics and I could barely stay awake. Sure is a good thing that they built him that extended stage so he could stand squarely behind the podium, read verbatim from the teleprompter and “interact” with the voters. What a joke. His message was much of the same old, same old and then a very feeble attempt to categorize himself as an agent of change. He’s had his 30+ year chance to change things. Time for some new blood old man.
And, you’re also correct that Palin drew a line in the sand. That was my point from the beginning. She drew that line and now the games begin. I just don’t want to hear you asking us all to cry for her when the big bad boys come after your sweet little Sarah. She may be a lot of things (mother, moosehunter, maverick) but sweet she ain’t. She proved that Wednesday night.
Obama/Biden in 2008!
Cousin Jesse // September 5, 2008 at 4:13 pm
So was that you they were escorting out last night or what?
That Girl // September 5, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Right. All Dems are crazy activist types, huh? Is that all you’ve got?
Although, isn’t it interesting how many more protestors showed up in St. Paul? Too bad the GOP doesn’t feel nearly as strongly about the 1st Ammendment as they do the 2nd. They couldn’t cart those people out fast enough once they dared speak out against the “maverick”.
So, any legitimate response from you? Got those examples yet of the Democratic attacks on your gal?
DJ // September 5, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Isn’t a little early to compare her to old Dan? She gave her first real speech, and said what she had to say to introduce herself to the country and suggest she’s a strong woman who’s ready for a challenge IMHO. She has plenty of time in the debates to state her position on the issues facing our country. If she comes across as you allude to above in those debates, then fairly compare her to Dan. But to do so this early in the race (she was only very recently named) shows your bias and closed-mindedness (I guess that’s a word? You get my drift). You have only ONE SINGLE speech on which to base such an opinion. If she impresses in the debates, you’ll have to eat some crow…or will you be too proud and too partisan?
This is why a hate politics. It’s simply a game of tug-o-war instead of people working together to make our country better.
As far as examples go…The dems didn’t really attack the Palin family, but the media did. If you didn’t see that then nobody can help you. She had to feel like she had to respond in some way to all that. Obama went so far as to say fams are off limits because he knows where he came from.
southernmaledemocrat // September 5, 2008 at 10:31 pm
^In the words of the esteemed Lee Corso, not so fast my friend!
Actually,you have a teensy-tiny point. The comparison to Quayle based on the speech alone is a little weak. Let me expand the point;
You have to realize how these campaigns work - their job is to create and foster perceptions and one way you do that is by putting a best foot forward. In other words, you play to your strengths. Duh, right?
So let’s just say for the sake of argument that Governor Palin had a wealth of foreign policy experience, like Gov. Bill Richardson of NM. Her speech would have no doubt focused (or at least included a great deal of..) on that, right? Again, it’s campaign 101 - play to your strengths, especially when you are brand spanking new on the national stage and have one shot to define yourself.
Instead, we got a speech with very little policy, but lots of sound bites. Combine that with what has been reported on how Gov. Palin is basically schooled by the McCain staff in policy matters for a few hours each day and you can more easily make the stronger case that she is an ideological empty suit, like Quayle.
But wait, there’s more - look at what else we know about Palin. She’s an evangelical, bible-beater type, that’s beyond argument.
If McCain wanted to pick a woman (which I think is a smart move) there are MANY more qualifed Republican women. I would have started with Sen. Hutchinson of TX or former NJ Governor Whitman just to name two.
The fact that he didn’t go with other female picks, means the choice is more political - he’s trying to shore up the base of the GOP - the religious right. Otherwise, why take the hit on experience, an area where he had the clear upper-hand?
Last - look what tight reins the campaign is putting on Palin - there are little to no moments that are uncontrolled - where a voter or reporter could ask her a question she is unprepped for ahead of time. Trust me - if she could handle this, they’d have her all over every interview show and press conference imaginable - right now.
All of these factors I typed above, to me, add up to the fact that Palin can be compared to Quayle, and I probably could have made the case a little stronger in the original column.
But certainly, if she does an impressive job in the debate with Biden, I’ll say so. I gave her props in this column for a great presentation, that’s no small feat and shouldn’t be ignored.
Last, on your point about why you hate politics, you’re both right and wrong. MANY people feel like you do (heck, I feel that way some times and I make my living in this industry.) and the observation about it being a tug of war is right.
BUT - as much as people say/feel that - no one does a thing about it. Campaigns practice the tug of war, the one-upsmanship, the perception building because that’s how campaigns are won - creating the “impression” that your guy or gal is a better choice and that the other choice is a risk that is unacceptable.
Until we each take the responsibility seriously to make our political choices based solely on issues that we have educated ourselves on from many sources (a point I’ve made a bazallion times on this blog…) then the tug of war will just continue.
But hey - it keeps a roof over my head, so I shouldn’t complain I suppose.
Cousin Jesse // September 6, 2008 at 1:22 pm
THAT GIRL!!
So what are you trying to say?
DJ // September 6, 2008 at 1:26 pm
But aren’t people like you who make their living in the industry part of the problem and not the solution? My opinion is that your blogs are very partisan or very biased toward dems (again, duh…right?) But you have taken it as your job to create the perception or “impression that your guy or gal is a better choice and thet the other choice is a risk that is unacceptable.” And, again, as we agreed the other night, so much of this crap is opinion and not fact, and therefore nobody is really WRONG per se. There’s just a lack of agreement in ideas, ideology, or whatever floats your particular boat. There will be devisiveness as long as there are 2 major parties that disagree so vehemently on issues and policies (just as you said you disagreed with Palin in such a way above). It’s not about the public educating themselves and taking the responsibility seriously to end the tug-o-war. It’s up to the parties. We learn from you guys, and frankly it’s you guys who are directly responsible for the tug-o-war by campaigning the way you do.
Again, I ask…why is it about dems vs pubs? Why is it so devisive? So polar opposite? Don’t both parties have something to offer…even if it’s only to appease their half of the population (which is HUGE)? Why can’t we just have the best of both worlds? Because this is America, that’s why. But…there have to be pro-lifers who want lower taxes, no off shore drilling, properly inflated tires, less government, card checks, and out of Iraq (and vice versa or whatever).
You say, “no one does a thing about it.” I feel it’s up to politicos like you to lead the way…but that’s just not “how campaigns are won.” Right?
southernmaledemocrat // September 6, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I couldn’t disagree more. When the “tug of war” stops working, campaigns will stop engaging in it.
Ultimately, the voters own the “system” - the change has to come from them. The responsibility lies with the individual. It can be likened to it’s not up to Ford to make a Mustang that goes slower, it’s up to the individual to drive it responsibly.
Saying that “we learn from you guys” illustrates the problem perfectly. The last place a voter should learn from is the politico class/system. Unfortunately, those 30 second ads are many times the only place a voter learns from.
If everyone knew the issues better - from many sources - the BS wouldn’t work near as well, and we could have serious discussions to solve serious problems.
Yeah, a part of me enjoys the partisan back and forth, because on one level, my party can be likened to a favorite sports team, and I like to see my team win and be a part of that. But give me a choice between what we have now, and a society where people are seriously educated and engaged on the issues, I’ll take the latter every time.
Then I would just be the “Southern Male.”
DJ // September 7, 2008 at 9:01 am
I will agree that it’s just like favorite sports teams…the dems are like the heels (young liberals), and the pubs are like the Pack (good ol’ boy conservatives).
However, to suggest that the last place the voter should learn about the candidates is from the ads, debates, speeches, or campaigns designed for the sole purpose of providing the candidates outlets in which to state their positions on the issues is ludicrous. Almost laughable. Isn’t that what you do everyday for a living as a politico? Try to influence people through various vehicles to create an “impression that your guy…is the better choice…”? You try to educate people, just as his campaign is trying to do. And now you say that’s the LAST place we should try to learn? The last place we should be influenced? Since you called it “BS” above, are you then saying by deduction that you and your political friends/ campaigners are basically bullshit artists that try to influence uninformed, dumbass voters while really smart voters know to look elsewhere for their real education and know better than to listen to you guys? Are you really telling me that the LAST place I can learn about Obama is from YOU (a politico who considers himself well versed on the issues) or even Obama’s TV ads (much less debates, speeches, etc where he must be spewing BS that works really well to create an impression as you described above)?
I know that comes across a little “smartassish.”
I really don’t mean it that way…but it’s how I interpret the combination of your last 2 posts.
packpigskinfan25 // September 7, 2008 at 7:57 pm
“Ultimately, the voters own the “system” - the change has to come from them. The responsibility lies with the individual.”
No, the MEDIA owns the system. That is why Ron Paul never got a chance to speak, why no Dem on Fox news gets a chance to speak, and why CNN and NBC are ripping Sarah Palin a new one.
Sarah did what she had to do in her speech. She did play to her strong points like you said she was supposed to. Her job in this campaign is to energize it. She did that by a well spoken, entertaining, and witty introduction to herself. She needed to sound strong and smart, and she needed to let people know who she was because no one did.
That is also why Sen. Hutchinson or Governor Whitman where the pick. McCain needed someone new and fresh. Its brilliant.
DJ // September 10, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Fact is, it worked. USA Today reported that her speech drew McCain/ Palin even with Obama by lessening the excitement gap. Wall Street Journal reported that they were now even in the polls. And all this despite the cover of Us magazine with reads, “Babies, lies, and scandal.” Seems about as biased as the N&O.
southernmaledemocrat // September 10, 2008 at 7:11 pm
^Of course, I wouldn’t cite “US” magazine in a political debate, but to each his own.
I will give McCain the credit here, the choice has certainly narrowed the gap, thus showing my point that perception matters more than reality.
Palin still hasn’t done any major interviews or been anywhere that she could go off script. The one interview they are granting ABC starting tomorrow is actually being done over about 3 days. Why? So the campaign can keep ABC on a short leash. If they ask her about the obvious embellishments and downright misrespresentations from her convention speech, they can pull the plug on the other two installments.
But really, what is funniest is that in a campaign whose supposed motto is “Country First”, the Palin choice clearly put politics first.
packpigskinfan25 // September 10, 2008 at 7:57 pm
oh come on now SMD… that wouldn’t be your bias showing there would it?! =)
Don’t you think that it as at least plausible that the McCain campaign is keeping Palin from the media to let them cool down a bit after completely ripping the woman apart? They slowly tore Obama a new one… but that was just because Fox News started, and they had to go along with it.
There may be some embellishments and misrepresentations in Palin’s speech (just as any other politicians), but you can not deny that the woman is good for the country. She may not share your views on politics… but someone who will shake up Washington into actually doing their JOB, is GOOD for the country.
Everything is about politics. You should know that. Its your job.
I think you might just be scared of the woman!
southernmaledemocrat // September 10, 2008 at 8:16 pm
^Oh, that’s rich. The McCain campaign is keeping Palin from the media to “let them cool down”???
RIIIIIIIGHT! OK, sure. Whatever.
I am not sure how an evangelical politician who uses lobbyists to get earmarks and bridges to nowhere is going to “shake up” Washington, but I guess time will tell if she gets the chance.
That Girl // September 10, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I don’t see how she’ll do much good for Washington either. I mean her husband belonged to the independent party of Alaska which wants to secede from the union, so I question their loyalty to the America I love.
As far as the swing in the polls, apparently Geraldine Ferraro’s placement on the 84 ticket also resulted in a 20 point swing with women. As we all know, that didn’t stick once the novelty wore off. What I really don’t get is why is there such novelty around Palin? The Dems did this in 84 with Ferraro - it’s been done. Now Obama, being the first African-American, that is something new!
That Girl // September 10, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I meant, I don’t see how she’ll do much good for the country. I could care less if any of them do good for Washington!
packpigskinfan25 // September 11, 2008 at 1:42 am
lobbyist?! Arent you one of them?! Shouldn’t you be proud?
All I am saying is that I am a moderate… and I see how this is a value to the American people.
The Dems might have done it… back 23 years ago, but do you not see how it is significant 24 years later with the Republicans?! We all know that this is just as significant as Obama becoming the nominee.
The question is which “ticket” is more qualified. We all have our own opinions….
If it were up to me- it would be RON PAUL. (that might sound crazy from a moderate)
Its too bad the media wouldn’t give him a chance.
Stew on that.
packpigskinfan25 // September 11, 2008 at 1:44 am
and what is wrong with evangelical?!
Not saying I am one… but they are a large part of the US population.
It might be good for the Dems to give them some love every once in a while.
packpigskinfan25 // September 11, 2008 at 1:45 am
=)
DJ // September 12, 2008 at 7:10 pm
How can you possibly judge how much good she can do for the country based on her husband’s membership in some club? Do people judge you based on SMD’s political beliefs? Do you really think she wanted to secede from the union?
How is the 1984 election possibly relevant to 2008? Most people do not remember or care about the 1984 election and are only concerned about the issues of today. Hell, most people under the age of 35 don’t even have recollection of GF or that election.
Who cares about the newness of Obama being the first black candidate? Does it even matter? Historically…sure. But isn’t it you two who preach we should vote based on the issues and not on such shallow things as race and gender? Frankly (and sadly), more people in this country are likely to vote AGAINST him for being black then they are to vote for him. Indeed, just today it was reported that “whites” were giving a slight lead in the newest poles.
southernmaledemocrat // September 12, 2008 at 8:17 pm
^When a candidate is brand spankin’ new on the national political stage - it means that all the factors about their lives and careers are spilled out at light speed, as people want to know - who is this?
That Girl wasn’t arguing that Hubby Palin’s membership in some whacko group is the ONLY means to judge how much good she’d do for the country, but throw that on to the pile of everything else we’re finding out - and it certainly doesn’t paint a picture of a mainstream person.
But hey - if you want to advocate for a VP candidate who ran a state with a population roughly twice the size of Raleigh, believes that policy matters like Iraq and a gas pipeline can be ascribed to “God’s will” and had to be educated by the news media on what the Bush Doctrine is - if you want to advocate for the wisdom and judgement of a 72 year old putting such a person a heartbeat away from the Oval Office, then by all means, be my guest.
“Country First” indeed. How about “Politics First”?? McCain needed a hail mary to get him elected and so far it’s paid off. Brilliant politics, but hardly in line with “Country First.”
The point about the 84 election was merely that when the first woman was chosen for VP - the choice resulted in a huge bump for the campaign - and yet Mondale still got slaughtered. It’s a point worth keeping in mind, that’s what political science is all about - looking a previous history and finding parallels with today.
The only point about Obama was merely how his candidacy relates to Palin’s. For all the “buzz” around Palin - she’s not the first woman VP candidate. Obama is the first black candidate. No one was saying that’s a reason to vote for either of them - but of you’re comparing “history” - Obama is a much bigger precedent since Ferraro (and to some degree Hillary) already blazed the trail that Palin is going down now.
DJ // September 12, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I’d have to go back and read all my posts, but I’m not sure I’ve ever advocated Palin for VP. I usually don’t argue FOR the pubs, but more AGAINST Obama and the political process. Though I guess if I’m gonna engage in this stuff, I’ll have to defend the pubs.
If McCain truly believes HE’S best for this country (which I’m convinced he does), then by choosing Palin to gain a political advantage, he was using brilliant politics to put country first.
If you listen to her and drop the partisan bias you’ll realize she didn’t say the war was God’s will. She has done a decent job of explaining this since being added to the ticket. Get real.
There are plenty of educated people who don’t know what the Bush doctrine is, and I doubt it detracts from the ability to perform as VP.
Palin may have only run a state with a small population and gained an 80% approval rating, but that’s more than Obama has done. What has he ever been the head of? Cub scouts? PTA? And all of a sudden he’s magically ready to be our Prez because he’s spent about 180 days in the senate? While I admit that’s a little overstated, you really have no proof (and only opinion based on the fact that he’s an inspirational speaker) that he’s ready to lead a country.
I personally am not enamored of either candidate. It’s like trying to decide between unc and Duke…I just don’t hate Duke as much as unc.
Don’t piss off the 25 people on either side of that bridge by calling where they live “nowhere.”
I cannot blame her for trying to get things done for her state. She’s certainly not the first politician to try to pull some strings to better the lives of those close to them. I can only hope she would use the same vigor to fight for what she wanted for our country.