There are some folks (even among our bloggers here on MyManMitt.com) that would dismiss Palin as a fop and a mistake. I am not among that crowd. The perceived foibles and challenges that Palin is blamed for are largely contrivances of the media and her enemies.

Anyone who watched the amazing speech she gave at the RNC convention last year dismisses her at their own peril. Steve Hayward at the Corner points out the dismissive attitude that many in the media took toward Ronald Reagan in the 1970's, widely anticipated to exit into the sunset by most politicos. Hayward concludes: "Everyone should apply the appropriate discount to the Palin commentary and analysis they read today."

There was one event which I think summarizes the challenges that Palin has faced in a nutshell. Last year, after the election, Palin was interviewed after the traditional Thanksgiving Turkey pardoning that many governors revel in. The cameraman and reporter seem to have colluded together to place a turkey being slaughtered as the backdrop of their interview with the Alaskan Governor. The optics of the scene are humurous to be sure but the intention of the media and those that blasted her insensitivity are equally humurous. In short, the criticism of this moment captured the purposeful collusion of the media, the homey naivite of the governor, and the general lapse in understanding that Palin's star sometimes shine's the brightest in her most unshiny moments.

Truth be told, criticizing Palin can give you quite the headache in some conservative circles. Certain bloggers on the list here have laid heavy into Palin at times and I've been on the receiving end of some strongly worded rebukes in return via email. The lesson here is that Palin has a STRONG following of powerful and excitable constituents and fans that form a large and coherent mass for any candidate.

Bottom line: ask yourself this, if Palin does not run in 2012, how far will the GOP candidates go to court her endorsement? Answer: to the moon and back.

Labels: sarah palin

From the Wall Street Journal:

Most Republicans have just finished what might be called the spring of their discontent. Not much went right in the first half of the year; not much to cheer
about.

But not Mitt Romney. For this unsuccessful 2008 Republican presidential contender, it is hard to imagine how events could be moving more decisively in his favor in 2009. One can almost hear him wondering: Why didn't things break this way last year?

This, in some ways, is one of the more disappointing thoughts I have heard in awhile. Think about it: had Romney been elected, the current crises would have played directly into Romney's strengths. Instead of having a novice deal with the economy, healthcare, and the budget, we could have had someone with experience and savvy helping the nation to navigate these difficult times.

Don't get me wrong; I'm glad that Romney is gaining increased visibility and respect for his talents and insight. But it is a little disappointing that we must deal with someone who has no background or particular talent for dealing with the issues placed before him.

All the more reason to continue to work hard to get Romney elected next time.

Labels: Wall Street Journal

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