Quiet Down Alaska

Let's hope that Mark Begich adds to his lead over Ted Stevens so I can all together stop hearing about Republican politicians from Alaska. While I understand that by voting for Stevens, Alaskans are certifying GOP representation in Washington, I cannot stand any more coverage of Senator Stevens OR Sarah Palin. No one knows whether Stevens will remain in office or step aside (if he pulls the comeback). Still, part of me prefers a convicted felon to Sarah Barracuda.

Other than President-elect Obama, Palin has earned more attention following the election than the actual loser, John McCain. Her post-election comments about how she regrets not being more available to the media, or how she still sees some validity behind the connection between Bill Ayers and Barack Obama or that her 7-year-old daughter actually wants her Mom to run in 2012 are a waste of the media airwaves. Let's see how much money the Palin family earns from Sarah's book deals or her Todd's plan for snowballs at inaguration. Pardon me, you will be purchasing "genuine Alaskan Toddballs." Next thing we know Fox News will be airing their own version of Jon and Kate Plus Eight, but coin it something along the lines of "Todd and Sarah Plus Wasilla."

What's most frustrating is that Palin is allowed to say anything imaginable right now. Now under less "intellectual" scrutiny, she seems to enjoy her emerging status as a potential GOP savior. She is filling the role of an entertainer rather than a politician. And to be honest, a drop of me feels bad for Senator McCain, who has to hear about Palin's frustration with his staff in what is seeming to be a race to "succeed John McCain."

Although the whole "where is Africa" scandal was revealed to be a hoax, let's hope that in one of her imminent soundbites, she shines like the Sarah Palin we grew to appreciate on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.

Stevens or Palin. Yikes.

One Hearbeat Away

I think my Palin quota would be full if my only exposure to Sarah Barracuda was on Saturday Night Live. Despite Tina Fay's reluctance to deliver us this poignant impersonation after November 4, she captures the essence of a woman who seems to lack much political/intellectual substance (at least in public). Her three television interviews failed to earn her credibility, rather they resulted in her standing as the laughing stock of bloggers, columnists,and television personalities.

Yes, a "pleasant and nice" politician is comforting, but qualification (or the appearance of preparation) is even more important.

The stress of Palin's mishaps must at least be slashing a few months off the lifespan of her running mate. She strings together incoherent phrases in response to predictable questions from national anchors. How does McCain really feel about Palin's inability to stay on message? Now, Zardari wants no part in a Palin hug.

When a veteran commentator offers this type of harsh response something is wrong.

"That is one of the most pathetic pieces of politics that I have ever seen for someone aspiring to one of the highest offices in this country" Cafferty says. If anything Palin, should at least learn how to bullshit Couric and Gibson.

Despite our ideological differences, I at least want to give Palin some credit as a politician. But seriously, how does a mayor (male or female) actually charge victims of sexual assaults for rape kits?

Earlier this week, CNN Anchor Campbell Brown called for the McCain campaign "to free [Palin] from the chauvinistic chains you are binding her with." Campbell, the McCain campaign is limiting exposure to Palin not because of her gender, but because she has failed to impress anyone, Democrat or Republican, Male or Female with her public intellect and leadership skills.

So what does it say when Kathleen Parker, of the National Review admits that the "Palin Problem" is not her gender, but that she is simply not ready for the job.

"No one hates saying that more than I do. Like so many women, I’ve been pulling for Palin, wishing her the best, hoping she will perform brilliantly. I’ve also noticed that I watch her interviews with the held breath of an anxious parent, my finger poised over the mute button in case it gets too painful. Unfortunately, it often does. My cringe reflex is exhausted."

Bob Herbert of the New York Times argues:

"If, on the other hand, it becomes clear that her performance, so far, is an accurate reflection of her qualifications, it would behoove John McCain and the Republican Party to put the country first — as Mr. McCain loves to say — and find a replacement for Ms. Palin on the ticket."

Calling for a replacement on the ticket initially seems outrageous, but then again maybe it's worthwhile considering the circumstances.

To my knowledge, only one candidate for Vice President (Thomas Eagleton) has withdrawn after accepting the nomination. Nine vice presidents, however, have succeeded the sitting President after unexpected death. Yikes.

She is not the right person for this office and it frustrates me. America seems to be catching on as her favorability ratings tumbled 21% in a single week.

Palin-itis.

Sarah Palin's rant this evening frustrated me on various levels - most notably the tone of this Governor who seems to be promoting herself as the one actual voice who functions outside "traditional" Washington bickers and low blows. Yet, she echoed Mayor Guiliani's outrageous downplay of Senator Obama's past as a community organizer. It's troubling that a canidate who prides her connection to the "little" people of this country would demean the very allies who stand to unite and improve communities. My aggravation boils down to my belief that experiences providing a canidate with first hand knowledge of the grassroots are fair for establishing qualification for higher office. Bottom up experiences (e.g. community activist and professor) should be interpreted (especially in this particular election) with as much relevance as top to bottom experiences (quarter century in public office). Palin's lame attempt at comic relief stands as a prime example of what Senator Obama argued was that the McCain (ticket) "doesn't know [what's going on in the lives of the American people]."

CNN political commentator Roland Martin is equally p'od on national televison.

"This chick flick, naturally, features a wild stroke of fate, when the two-year governor of an oversized igloo becomes commander in chief after the president-elect chokes on a pretzel on day one."
A wonderful laugh to start my week, courtesy of Maureen Dowd.