Fascinating
That’s my Spockian reaction to the comments section of Quin Hilyer’s blog post regarding Sarah Palin’s decision not to attend CPAC this year. Though Quin’s title might have been provocative, it was a reasonable (I felt) post expressing why Palin made the wrong decision. Unfortunately, any criticism of Sarah Palin is deemed heresy to a certain portion of her supporters who now seem eager to evict Hilyer out of the conservative movement. This Pavlovian response is but the mere mirror response of Palin critics whenever someone has the temerity to praise her (See especially the comments of Dennis, who is “disturbed” that anyone has the gall to actually defend Palin.)
Is there anyone left who is capable of rationally discussing the merits or demerits of anything this woman does? Supporters do themselves no favors by reflexively shouting down anyone who dares utter a single negative comment about her. Detractors often reveal that they are just as incapable of entertaining other points of view, and do so in ways that reveal their own inability to move beyond the media narrative.
I’m not saying we all have to hang out in some perpetual limbo where we keep an “open mind” (YACK!) about Sarah Palin. Again, I’m just fascinated that there just seems to be not only no middle ground regarding her, but that she elicits only the most extreme reaction either way.
And for the record, I largely agree with Dr. Beckwith. I understand that there is a large berth given to the type of sponsor CPAC allows, but it makes sense for Palin and others to distance themselves as much as they can from the fringe element.
I think my response was as reasonable as reasonable can be. But of course, isn’t that true for Southern Appeal bloggers and readers (with a few exceptions)? Of course it is. SA is generally not overtly swept away by emotions on the on going ebbs and floods of Sarah Palin.
Then again, Sixty Minutes, Politico, and LGF are all going after Palin for not being prepared for the Biden Debate. She committed the (horror) mistake of calling him O’Biden.
Palin however addressed this issue in her book.
I obviously have not problem with “Joe” but why not Plugs? It is punchy and would have worked too. And correct me if I am wrong, but Sarah Palin did fine in the debate with Joe Biden. It did not change the outcome, but she definitely held her own against him.
It was the edited interview with Couric that hurt her.
Oh, and the faux pas of “O’Biden” was in practice, not in the actual debate.
Two perfectly rational thoughts:
1. Regardless of whether Palin, should be President, she is authentic. Keene is sleaze. Someone who can’t instantly sense that has a real problem.
2. Better President Palin than President Keene.
(From an independent who has long voted Republican but doesn’t want to be one. See 1 & 2 above.)