Palin’s Speech
I’m glad that I don’t have to write anything about this speech, and that my friend Buffalo Geek did all the heavy lifting for me. I stayed up way past my bedtime to watch it and woke up a bit early to register my thoughts.
I think the speech was expertly delivered. I think it fed the Republican Party the red meat that they’ve been craving. I think that it was literally the first time that the arena felt energized. And oh, what an opening act she had in the hateful, petty Giuliani. He got the hatred a-bubbling, which certainly served Palin when she didn’t just attack Obama’s short resume, but attacked who he is and what he’s done - in and out of politics.
Geek wrote:
Palin spent the first 10 minutes of her speech introducing her family and discussing her love and dedication to her children. Alright, I’ll ask. Are families off limits or are they to be paraded and used as campaign fodder? If you’re going to make your family part of your platform and qualifications, expect the press to ask about it and bloggers to talk about it. We’ve now had footage of Cindy McCain, Willow Palin, Track Palin, Piper Palin, and Todd Palin holding Trig Palin and putting him up for the camera. Is this a political convention? Also, WIllow Palin just spent 30 seconds or so licking her hand and stroking Trig’s hair. That was a little gross.
She begins the culture war aspect of the speech and drops the favorite right wing buzzwords like elite, liberal media, and so on and so forth. She’s just like “every other Mom in America” and she’s not gonna let any Harvard educated smartypants tell her she doesn’t know from good government.
She is clearly the candidate for the anti-intellectual faith based voter. John McCain has worn religion like a fucking hairshirt for the past three years, you think he’s watching this thing backstage just cringing inside at how he has had to compromise himself to get this far? I do.
It’s incredible to me that they are just openly mocking Obama and his qualificiations. There’s a line in politics in how you address your opponent and these people tonight seem to be enjoying crossing it. Just incredible. What an incredibly negative tone.
She also touches on her stance against big government and federal earmarks. Yes, the Mayor who took office in Wasilla with no debt on the books and left it $22MM in the hole. The woman who requested millions of dollars in earmarks, retained lobbyists with ties to Jack Abramoff to pull federal monies into her small town as Mayor and again as Governor. She of the party who has lorded over the largest government expansion since FDR! They’re opposed to big government! Up is down! Black is white! Cats and dogs living together, it’s political anarchy! Are people really this disconnected from the reality that exists outside the walls of the arena?
Let the debates begin, and let’s hope Ms. Palin keeps the anger up, and keep the condescending contempt up, up up! I’m not so sure Republicans talking about cleaning up 7 years’ worth of a Republican mess is going to play well. I agree with Geek’s four points for dealing with Palin. She is red meat for the red states. The Republicans are going to polarize and divide. Again. She is the embodiment of the culture war. Palin is against the media doing its job, is against gay people, is against a woman’s right to choose, is against people who go to good colleges, is against “elites” (like the sons of Admirals?), etc. It’s stuff we’ve heard over and over again through the 2000 and 2004 campaigns, and as we know, it works.
But did she offer up a reason to vote for McCain? Aside from some glossed-over pablum, no. And Palin (as we’ve seen) has strong appeal for the Bush base, but not so much for the swing voter.
But what Palin and Giuliani did do last night was basically take Aaron Bartley and call him a useless piece of shit.
Whether all the frothing at the mouth last night is going to help win over centrists in swing states, where the big issue is the economy more so than culture war stuff, we’ll see.
Here’s the Obama campaign’s response:
The speech that Governor Palin gave was well delivered, but it was written by George Bush’s speechwriter and sounds exactly like the same divisive, partisan attacks we’ve heard from George Bush for the last eight years. If Governor Palin and John McCain want to define ‘change’ as voting with George Bush 90% of the time, that’s their choice, but we don’t think the American people are ready to take a 10% chance on change.
Terry Says:September 4th, 2008 at 6:18 am
I was initially going to cast my vote on an “anti-” basis, but from what I saw of/heard from her, my vote will now be on a “for” basis.
buffalomom Says:September 4th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Tried to get a few perspectives by flipping from channel to channel. Fox showed little of the earlier speakers. Instead, the let Hannity go on and on about Obama’s DRUG USE.
Ulitmately, I had to turn it off during Romney’s speech when he talked about “promiscuity” and “parents being at home” to raise their kids.
Errr, did they not tell him who the VP nominee was? Hypocrites.
One thing that was obvious - That place was dead. Oh, right. And they are here to respresent America? Saw one black guy and one hispanic guy in the crowd. I don’t know what America they live in but it’s not mine.
Now, I just want to get the chant “Drill Now! Drill Now!” out of my head. I could make a crude reference to what the teenage boys are already doing in Alaska, but I won’t.
ra Says:September 4th, 2008 at 7:18 am
My only fear is that people from small towns will actually believe this Bull$hit. Not only will they believe it but they will serve it for dinner.
The problem with the GOP has always been that they love their administration like a kid loves their mommy! Mommy can do no wrong! They took this so far they went out and found a Mommy.
They know their target audience: Soccermoms whose biggest issue is getting the kids on the Bus. She make a great Vice Principal!
ra Says:September 4th, 2008 at 7:19 am
My only fear is that people from small towns will actually believe this Bull$hit. Not only will they believe it but they will serve it for dinner.
The problem with the GOP has always been that they love their administration like a kid loves their mommy! Mommy can do no wrong! They took this so far they went out and found a Mommy.
They know their target audience: Soccermoms whose biggest issue is getting the kids on the Bus. She would make a great Vice Principal!
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 7:40 am
BP wrote that Palin “is against ‘elites’ (like the sons of Admirals?)”.
And people who literally do not know how many houses they own?
The Humanist Says:September 4th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Who’s the elitist again? The guy raised by a single mom, sometimes on food stamps, who earned merit scholarships to Columbia and Harvard Law, turned down high-paying jobs in order to work to better his community and ultimately made history as the first minority candidate for President from a major party?
Or is it the son and grandson of Admirals who was a middling student, graduated 894th out of 899 at the U.S. Naval Academy, abandoned his first wife and three kids to marry an heiress to a beer distributorship fortune that bankrolled his first run for public office and has continued to underwrite his campaigns, including this one for President?
Snarkiest Says:September 4th, 2008 at 9:58 am
@Humanist - small town voters know that elitism is an attitude, not an experience. The “cling to God and guns” gaff has far more traction than “I don’t know how many houses I own.”
Elitism is: I know what’s good for you, and the government will provide it.
Elitism is: The hubris to think you should be President after unremarkable and short careers as a legislator
Elitism is: A hallow around your head on every Newsweek cover, and a Greek Temple as a backdrop for your coronation speech
Elitism is: We’re all unified, as long as everyone agrees with me, because I know what’s best (see #1)
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:05 am
LOL at “Greek temple”. Yeah, neo-classical architecture clearly doesn’t belong in American politics.
More people who wouldn’t vote for Obama anyway telling us why he’s blowing it. Whatever . . .
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:07 am
Humanist, seriously, keep it up - that “elitism” post should be the script for an Obama ‘08 ad. If Snarkiest, The Rover and their ilk think you’re full of crap, ipso facto you must be right. And you are.
Trevor Mack Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:16 am
I love how the republicans and that stupid new vice president think that they have it so right and dandy, they are going to lose because they stand for all that is wrong with our country. Palin needs to shut up about Obama and whatever the heck shes blabbing about and just go back to alaska because she is not going to win, she will go away and die hopefully just like john McCain should. Obama is the best leader out there right now, and he is going to lead our country
Snarkiest Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Byron - its a temple, and non neo-classical architecure, when you treat your candidate like the second coming (to use a mixed metaphor), and not any other politician.
I don’t want to like my own candidate as much as Obama worshippers seem to love him. I am suspicious of the hero-worship from anyone, about anyone, in public life.
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:25 am
The Mile High stage had neo-classical columns, just like the Lincoln Memorial. Call it a temple if it makes you feel better; no one cares.
And I hear all the time about “Obama worship”, but no one ever points to any evidence that it, you know, actually exists to any significant degree. Obama supporters think he’s the better candidate, period. You’re just repeating right-wing talking points, without any facts to support it.
The Humanist Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:37 am
“Obama-worship”….yet another tired, hackneyed right-wing talking point. Following in the hallowed footsteps of “elitist”, “card-carrying member of the ACLU” and “McGovernite liberal”
Meaningless, pointless drivel designed to speak to the laziest and lowest demominator in our discourse.
The GOP has the gall to call our support of Obama “worship” while engaging in that torture-porn orgy the last two nights of the convention. I thought I was hearing the audio translation of “Passion of the Christ” for a second.
Snarkiest Says:September 4th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Facts:
http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1710721,00.html
Klein from Time Magazine, hardly a right wing guy, talks about how “creepy” it is to see the “mass messianism” at Obama rallies.
More Facts:
The Daily Telegraph writes:
“At no fewer than six of Mr Obama’s recent rallies, young enthusiasts have been so overcome with excitement that they have fainted in front of the stage.
Indeed, fainting has become so common that a team of medical volunteers is ordered to be on hand to treat the victims, and Mr Obama has interrupted his own speeches to give his followers a blow by blow commentary of their recovery.
A senior Obama official, who would talk only on condition of anonymity, told The Sunday Telegraph that the campaign was worried that the cult charges would stick and harm their candidate.
Dr Sean Wilentz, a Princeton historian and stern critic of the current administration of George W.Bush, said: “What’s troubling about the campaign is that it’s gone beyond hope and change to redemption.”
When Oprah Winfrey endorsed Mr Obama in Iowa last month she proclaimed: “I believe he is The One.””
Oprah, perhaps the msot influential woman in America, calling you “The One,” is Obama Worship.
You’re a hack, Byron. Throw another meatball up so I can knock it down. Without talking points - I don’t need the help like you.
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Obama’s probably spoken in front of about a million people (wild guess) this campaign season, at events held in the hot sun, in stuffy gyms, etc. I’m supposed to be shocked that 6 of them fainted? Plus Oprah said he’s the one (or did she somehow capitalize the phrase when she spoke it?) O NOES!!! He’s got a God complex!!!
And tell me again about that unseemly “temple” at his convention speech.
As for the whole “Obama-mania” canard, I guess Republicans decided that popularity = messianism (or fascism, depending on what strain of wingnut is talking) right around the time they figured out that no one likes them.
The Humanist Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:06 am
@Snarkiest - Joe Klein? “hardly a right wing guy”? Well, I can assure you he’s no left-wing guy. And his longtime mancrush on John McCain is at an end because not even the biggest “Maverick” fan can stomach what craven and pandering hack McCain has become:
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1836890,00.html
All this “Obama Worship” nonsense is driven by the inability of the GOP to cope with the fact that the Democratic candidate is more popular, more dynamic and more engaging than their grumpy, erratic candidate and they can’t stand it. So, in true Rovian fashion, they try to spin Obama’s popularity into a negative. Na Ga Happen.
pherr Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:11 am
<> Yep. None of that in the current administration. Ha. That made me laugh out loud. I know what’s good for you and the government will provide it should have been the official tee-shirt of the Bush Administration.
pherr Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:12 am
“Elitism is: I know what’s good for you, and the government will provide it”. Yep. None of that in the current administration. Ha. That made me laugh out loud. I know what’s good for you and the government will provide it should have been the official tee-shirt of the Bush Administration.
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:15 am
So basically:
Bush saying that God told him to invade Iraq = religious fortitude (or something).
Oprah (??!!) going ga-ga over the first African-American nominee of a major U.S. party - Messianism.
Got it. Thanks.
Howard Goldman Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:18 am
We may have all witnessed Gettysburg last night.
Haterade aka John Burke Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I never really bought into the whole “angry left” thing … but a whole lot of you people made me a believer. Hypocritical pseudo intellectual elitist douchebags.
The Humanist Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
Millions of Democrats energized by a young, dynamic candidate who’s made history as the first minority nominee from a major party for president = “cult worship”
A convention hall of GOP delegates whooping it up over a woman they wouldn’t have been able to identify by name a week ago just because she’s breathed life into a moribund and tired GOP ticket, headed by a 72 year old man who screams at clouds = “campaign excitement”
Haterade Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Yay ! Since he’s the “first minority” … I guess I HAVE to love and vote for him (despite his lack of any real experience or plans), because if I didn’t - well I guess that would make me a RACIST, right ?
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:29 am
It’s starting to sound like one of those “Priceless” ads for VISA around here.
mike Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Goldman, you can do better than that!!
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am
E.g. -
Being called a “hack” and a “douchebag” by a guy complaining about “the angry Left” . . . priceless.
Joanne L. Capone Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Amazing the lack of intelligence manifested on Alan’s blog…
I thought there would be more college educated people here blogging.
Unfortunately…not so.
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:36 am
I believe that first line by Ms. Capone is what is called “irony”.
mike hudson Says:September 4th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
the neo-classical pillars at the lincoln memorial are not made out of styrofoam and didn’t come of the set of the latest indiana jones movie like obama’s did. although styrofoam is a fine representation of the candidacy itself.
mike hudson Says:September 4th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
18 million-plus democrats voted for obama.
18 million-plus democrats voted for clinton.
not much of an overwhelming mandate if you ask me.
the introduction of palin into the race gives obama big problems in the states she mentioned in her speech, i.e. minnesota, michigan, ohio, pennsylvania and west virginia.
without those states obama is sunk.
let’s see what the polls say this weekend.
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Remember, only True Democrats denigrate the Dems’ nominee for President every chance they get!!
mike Says:September 4th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Obama should of used bush’s plastic turkey or the painted made in USA boxes back drop.
Goldman, i think it was more like pearl harbor.
hank Says:September 4th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Well, actually True Democrats and just about All Republicans.
That will be enough to defeat the Messiah in November.
AMC Says:September 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Palin the Polarizer. It will be interesting to see the polls after voters finish digesting what they last night heard. I say she repels more voters than she attracts.
New today: Poll gives Obama edge in two of three key states/Obama has leads in Iowa, Minnesota, poll shows
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/03/states.poll/index.html
Byron Says:September 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Here is one Republican who definitely thinks Obama is elitist. Or “elitist”, rather.
MJ Says:September 4th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
DemocRATS … shut up.
Pauldub Says:September 4th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Settle down guys. You’re getting spit on the screen.
farmer Says:September 4th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I just love it. If the dems are so sure why all this fuss about a woman? To me it looks like the are afraid of what will happen in nov. Look for me in lancaster pa at the Obama speach. I will be the one holding the cardboard in front of the teleprompter. You will know when I strike because he will have nothing to say….
mike hudson Says:September 4th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
hey byron, go fuck yourself. people in small towns are quite likely smarter than people in buffalo due solely to the fact that they don’t live in buffalo.
and buffalomom proves the point beautifully. a detailed anaysis by somone who prefaces her arguments by saying she didn’t watch the thing being discussed.
talk about hijacking a thread.
JohnX Says:September 4th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I have a dream…
President: Barack Obama
Vice President: Joe Biden
Cabinets:
Louis Farrakhan
Jesse Jackson
Al Sharpton
Jeremiah Wright
My welfare check will be double.
Know it all Says:September 4th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Maury Povich called.
rastamick61 Says:September 4th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
hey farmer are you going to all the speaches ? go ahead and spellcheck that sign you fucking illiterate tractor jockey Ahahahahahaha
farmer Says:September 5th, 2008 at 6:38 am
rastamick
I know I am a bad speller butI am a rich farmer thanks to the dem congress and their alcohol mandate. Just like a dem to curse at someone who does not think like them. whoops got to go and cash my check from the local alcohol plant, later