The Vice Presidential debate tonight will probably deliver as expected. After all, the stakes have been set so low that as long as Sarah Palin proves she can walk and chew gum at the same time, she will have done well. No matter how well he performs, Joe Biden will be Joe Biden so he will not have any measurable affect.
Palin has been so demonstrably incoherent in her last few interviews that any stringing of words together will be an achievement. The sad fact about Sarah Palin’s position tonight is that she is the representational recipient of every prejudicial and sexist treatment that could possibly be bestowed upon a woman. Since she was chosen as John McCain’s running mate just over a month ago, she has been shielded from the usual interaction with the media that is the normal rite of passage for any candidate, male or female, who runs for higher office.
We the people have the right to ask questions and the media is typically our surrogate in this regard. However, McCain’s campaign decided to put on the white gloves with her and browbeat all of the media outlets into compliance screaming bias and elitism and every ignorant smear in the book. The result is that the most popular governor in the United States, who originally started out smart, charming, brash, and forthright, has devolved into a clueless, unworldly, fundamentally incurious sycophant right before our very eyes. When your own words are used verbatim in a comedy sketch, the only people that are still on your side are the diehard Republicans, albeit those with a lower IQ.
Unfortunately, the McCain campaign overplayed their hand and left enough room for us to draw the same conclusion they had that she was not adequately prepared to assume the role of Vice President at this juncture. They should have let her talk to her instant fans, all day, everyday, and they may have grown to love her more and may not have be doubtful of her abilities on the eve of what will prove to be her defining moment. Alas, McCain mishandled her well pretty much how he has handled all women. If we vote this woman into office, she will undo every benchmark to equality that women have fought for and kept; for this, she cannot win. Maybe she can come back in a future campaign when, having learned her lessons well, she will be equipped to completely fool us the next time around.
P.S. She delivered on style but not substance; Biden delivered on substance but not style. Tie.
1 comment:
yeah, there was no surprises here. I for one took what Joe Biden said more seriously, but his delivery was a bit daunting at times and may have confused people who are not so well versed with the nuances and political jargon. Palin's answered just seemed so rehearsed. I was not convinced but she might have been able to play on the "Soccer Mom" version to George Bush's "Average Joe". Growing within a demographic of people that she identifies herself with, it is for me very clear that I would not want my friends mom with the minivan to be the second commander and chief of the country of my citizenship, even though I don't even reside there.
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