She’s a rapidly rising star, even – dare it be uttered – an instant celebrity who is firing up the Republican base. Yet little was known about John McCain’s surprise choice for Vice President, Sarah Palin, until a few days ago. And what has been learned since then raises as many questions as it answers.
McCain spokesmen were quick to deny any connection between Palin and a party that hopes to have
There have been other unexpected disclosures. Despite her declaration of independence from
It’s a perplexing record for a candidate promoted as an anti-corruption maverick. Yet, the angle getting the most media attention is the less revealing – but more titillating – pregnancy of her 17-year-old unmarried daughter, a story declared “off limits” by both candidates but simultaneously exploited by journalists and talking heads. The message is sympathy for an “average” family.
In essence, the media has helped the Republicans by changing the subject – the Party’s main campaign strategy this time around. It’s not about a nation mired in war and heading in the wrong direction. It’s about a war hero and a “hockey mom” who can clean up
On the Convention floor Tuesday night, GOP leaders – and Joe Lieberman – talked about family, abortion, and threats from enemies abroad and, as Bush put it, the “angry Left” at home. (He seemed to be talking about the Democrats.) Lieberman framed his support for McCain as a choice of “country” over “party,” a struggle against “partisan paralysis.”
Obama hasn’t reached across the aisle, the ex-Democrat claimed, or challenged his party. In contrast, he20cast Palin as a reformer who has reached across party lines, and called McCain-Palin the real ticket for change, a maverick duo that can deliver “national unity,” honor, and an administration “our enemies will fear.”
Considering recent events, secession doesn’t sound that unreasonable. But all in all, be afraid. Be very afraid.
Greg Guma is a journalist, editor, and the former executive director of
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