Palin’s ascension shows GOP’s lack of interest in governing
Jay Bookman - Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Republican Party has held the White House for the last eight years and has controlled both chambers of Congress for 12 of the last 14 years. But if trends continue as they have, that run is about to come to an end.
With less than four weeks to Election Day, polls today suggest that Democrat Barack Obama will sit in the White House come January, enjoying enhanced majorities in both the House and Senate. And if that’s how things play out, John McCain is doomed to be cast as the scapegoat by his fellow Republicans, in part because they never really liked him much in the first place.
Sarah Palin, by contrast, will reign as the party’s crown princess.
You can already see the mythology beginning to take shape. Palin is being positioned by conservative media outlets as the stalwart defender of the faith, the true believer who is fighting the infidel with all her power but lacks a committed partner in McCain.
Palin’s the one making the arguments that conservatives most want to hear, such as accusing Obama of “palling around with terrorists.” When the McCain campaign decided to pull out of Michigan, it was Palin who repeatedly and publicly disagreed, insisting that the cause was not yet lost and that she could turn things around.
Palin’s star will shine even brighter in defeat than in victory, and that would not bode well for her party.
The GOP’s political problems have many causes, but distilled to its essence, it can be stated in one sentence: The Republican Party hasn’t taken seriously the responsibilities of governing.
In fact, if the Republicans could govern as expertly and as diligently as they campaign — if they simply cared as much about governing as campaigning — the country might today be reaping the benefits of great prosperity and global respect, and the Democrats would have gone the way of the Whigs.
But look around: That’s not exactly how things are.
The foundations of Republican success on the campaign trail have been appeals to tribal politics — “they” aren’t like “us” — and the easy answers of ideology. But once in power, tribal politics, fixed ideology and a disdain for the hard work of governance have proved disastrous.
Unfortunately, Palin epitomizes that mindset. Tribal politics, easy ideology and disdain for governance define her as a candidate...
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Palin’s ascension shows GOP’s lack of interest in governing
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Cindy McCain Warms Up the Crowd at McCain-Palin Anti-Obama Rally
Cindy McCain Warms Up the Crowd at McCain-Palin Anti-Obama Rally
By Perry Bacon Jr. - Washington Post
BETHLEHEM, Penn. -- The gloves were off, and that was well before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin even walked on stage.
"The day that Senator Obama decided to cast a vote to not fund my son when he was serving sent a cold chill through my body," Cindy McCain told a crowd of several thousand here, speaking in advance of Palin and her husband."I would suggest Senator Obama change shoes with me for just one day and see what it means to have a loved one serving in the armed services."
At the first joint rally held by Palin and Sen. John McCain in several days, it was Cindy McCain and others who introduced them who delivered the sharpest attacks. The remarks of the Arizona senator's wife lasted less than five minutes, and she used them to focus on her two sons -- as well as Palin's one -- serving in the military, saying Obama should take time to "watch our young men and women deploy."
It was the most pointed attack of the campaign cycle by Mrs. McCain.
Obama voted against a war-funding bill in 2007 that didn't include a timeline for troops. McCain has advocated members of Congress voting against similar bills that do include timelines, which he opposes.
But while Cindy McCain's remarks were pointed, even before Palin and McCain arrived, a series of other speakers at the packed event at the basketball arena at Lehigh University had rallied the crowd by harshly attacking the senator from Illinois.
The chairman of the Lehigh County Republican Party, William Platt, implored the crowd to work hard to elect McCain or wake up November 5 to see "Barack Obama, Barack Hussein Obama," as the president.
He invoked the Democratic candidate's middle name again a few minutes later. (A McCain spokesman, Paul Lindsay, later e-mailed reporters to say the campaign does not "condone the inappropriate rhetoric" that took place in the rally pre-program.)
Read the rest of the story:
Cindy McCain Warms Up the Crowd at McCain-Palin Anti-Obama Rally
By Perry Bacon Jr. - Washington Post
BETHLEHEM, Penn. -- The gloves were off, and that was well before Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin even walked on stage.
"The day that Senator Obama decided to cast a vote to not fund my son when he was serving sent a cold chill through my body," Cindy McCain told a crowd of several thousand here, speaking in advance of Palin and her husband."I would suggest Senator Obama change shoes with me for just one day and see what it means to have a loved one serving in the armed services."
At the first joint rally held by Palin and Sen. John McCain in several days, it was Cindy McCain and others who introduced them who delivered the sharpest attacks. The remarks of the Arizona senator's wife lasted less than five minutes, and she used them to focus on her two sons -- as well as Palin's one -- serving in the military, saying Obama should take time to "watch our young men and women deploy."
It was the most pointed attack of the campaign cycle by Mrs. McCain.
Obama voted against a war-funding bill in 2007 that didn't include a timeline for troops. McCain has advocated members of Congress voting against similar bills that do include timelines, which he opposes.
But while Cindy McCain's remarks were pointed, even before Palin and McCain arrived, a series of other speakers at the packed event at the basketball arena at Lehigh University had rallied the crowd by harshly attacking the senator from Illinois.
The chairman of the Lehigh County Republican Party, William Platt, implored the crowd to work hard to elect McCain or wake up November 5 to see "Barack Obama, Barack Hussein Obama," as the president.
He invoked the Democratic candidate's middle name again a few minutes later. (A McCain spokesman, Paul Lindsay, later e-mailed reporters to say the campaign does not "condone the inappropriate rhetoric" that took place in the rally pre-program.)
Read the rest of the story:
Cindy McCain Warms Up the Crowd at McCain-Palin Anti-Obama Rally
Palin galvanizes Democratic Party base
Palin galvanizes Democratic Party base
Wed Oct 8, 2008
By Ed Stoddard - Analysis
DALLAS (Reuters) - Republican evangelicals are not the only political base vice presidential pick Sarah Palin is energizing.
Democratic foot soldiers have sprung into action in response to John McCain's running-mate's personal attacks on their candidate, Barack Obama, her opposition to abortion rights and her endorsement from religious conservatives.
"When Palin's radical and extremist views are combined with her inexperience and questionable record, it makes for an energizing brew more potent than Red Bull," said Colorado Democratic leader Pat Waak, referring to the caffeinated energy drink.
Palin's impact on the left was seen almost immediately after her rousing speech last month at the Republican National Convention, when Obama's campaign reported the next day that over $8 million had poured into it from over 130,000 donors.
More recently, Palin drew the ire of Democrats when she accused Obama of "palling around" with terrorists because he served on a community board in Chicago with former 1960s radical William Ayers.
"Her attacks will make liberals see red," added political scientist Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University.
Read the rest of the story:
Palin galvanizes Democratic Party base
Wed Oct 8, 2008
By Ed Stoddard - Analysis
DALLAS (Reuters) - Republican evangelicals are not the only political base vice presidential pick Sarah Palin is energizing.
Democratic foot soldiers have sprung into action in response to John McCain's running-mate's personal attacks on their candidate, Barack Obama, her opposition to abortion rights and her endorsement from religious conservatives.
"When Palin's radical and extremist views are combined with her inexperience and questionable record, it makes for an energizing brew more potent than Red Bull," said Colorado Democratic leader Pat Waak, referring to the caffeinated energy drink.
Palin's impact on the left was seen almost immediately after her rousing speech last month at the Republican National Convention, when Obama's campaign reported the next day that over $8 million had poured into it from over 130,000 donors.
More recently, Palin drew the ire of Democrats when she accused Obama of "palling around" with terrorists because he served on a community board in Chicago with former 1960s radical William Ayers.
"Her attacks will make liberals see red," added political scientist Cal Jillson of Southern Methodist University.
Read the rest of the story:
Palin galvanizes Democratic Party base
McCain, Palin Intensify Swipes Against Obama
McCain, Palin Intensify Swipes Against Obama
By ELIZABETH HOLMES - WSJ Blog
ESTERO, Fla. -- John McCain and Sarah Palin, facing declining poll results four weeks before the election, intensified their attacks against Democratic rival Barack Obama by raising questions about his character and his ties to controversial figures.
"Who is the real Barack Obama?" Sen. McCain asked at a rally in Albuquerque, N.M., on Monday. "But, my friends, you ask such questions and all you get in response is another barrage of angry insults."
All eyes turn to Nashville for the second of three presidential debates. There are high hopes that John McCain and Barack Obama can put aside mudslinging long enough to outline their plans to fix the rocky economy. Courtesy Fox News. (Oct. 7)
The Arizona Republican attacked Sen. Obama's economic plans, while Gov. Palin criticized Sen. Obama's connections to William Ayers, co-founder of the Weather Underground, a radical group that bombed government buildings in the 1970s. The campaign released a television advertisement proclaiming Sen. Obama "dishonorable" on Afghanistan and describing him as one of the "dangerous" liberals in Congress.
Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor called Sen. McCain "the one truly angry candidate" and called his remarks "another frustrated tirade."
Read the rest of the story:
McCain, Palin Intensify Swipes Against Obama
By ELIZABETH HOLMES - WSJ Blog
ESTERO, Fla. -- John McCain and Sarah Palin, facing declining poll results four weeks before the election, intensified their attacks against Democratic rival Barack Obama by raising questions about his character and his ties to controversial figures.
"Who is the real Barack Obama?" Sen. McCain asked at a rally in Albuquerque, N.M., on Monday. "But, my friends, you ask such questions and all you get in response is another barrage of angry insults."
All eyes turn to Nashville for the second of three presidential debates. There are high hopes that John McCain and Barack Obama can put aside mudslinging long enough to outline their plans to fix the rocky economy. Courtesy Fox News. (Oct. 7)
The Arizona Republican attacked Sen. Obama's economic plans, while Gov. Palin criticized Sen. Obama's connections to William Ayers, co-founder of the Weather Underground, a radical group that bombed government buildings in the 1970s. The campaign released a television advertisement proclaiming Sen. Obama "dishonorable" on Afghanistan and describing him as one of the "dangerous" liberals in Congress.
Obama spokesman Tommy Vietor called Sen. McCain "the one truly angry candidate" and called his remarks "another frustrated tirade."
Read the rest of the story:
McCain, Palin Intensify Swipes Against Obama
Palin camp limits media from her own supporters
Palin camp limits media from her own supporters
Posted by: Jason Szep Reuters Blog
October 7th, 2008
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Political rallies are usually ideal for reporters to chat with party activists, but the campaign of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin took an unusual step by appearing to limit access to her supporters.
clearwater-rally.jpgAt Monday’s rally in the battleground state of Florida, reporters were barred from wandering around the area where the Alaska governor’s supporters had gathered.
About 20 seconds into an interview I attempted with Brent McDonald, 52, I was stopped by a Palin campaign worker in mid-sentence. “The press is not allowed out here,” she said.
I asked why. “I”m just telling you what they are telling me,” she replied.
Read the rest of the story:
Palin camp limits media from her own supporters
Posted by: Jason Szep Reuters Blog
October 7th, 2008
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Political rallies are usually ideal for reporters to chat with party activists, but the campaign of Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin took an unusual step by appearing to limit access to her supporters.
clearwater-rally.jpgAt Monday’s rally in the battleground state of Florida, reporters were barred from wandering around the area where the Alaska governor’s supporters had gathered.
About 20 seconds into an interview I attempted with Brent McDonald, 52, I was stopped by a Palin campaign worker in mid-sentence. “The press is not allowed out here,” she said.
I asked why. “I”m just telling you what they are telling me,” she replied.
Read the rest of the story:
Palin camp limits media from her own supporters
Sarah Palin should be censured
Sarah Palin should be censured
Mary Mitchell - Sun Times
on October 7, 2008
Sarah Palin should apologize to the Obama campaign and the American people for her role in bringing out the worst in her supporters.
During a campaign rally yesterday in Clearwater, Florida supporters turned on the media after Palin again blamed mainstream media for her shortcomings.
According to a published report in the Washington Post, Palin reporters turned on the press after she blamed the media for her inarticulate interviews. Some supporters used racial slurs, and at one point someone in the audience yelled: "Kill him."
Palin's pit-bull mentality has not only set a negative tone, but a dangerous one. She should be censured.
Read the whole story here:
Sarah Palin should be censured
Mary Mitchell - Sun Times
on October 7, 2008
Sarah Palin should apologize to the Obama campaign and the American people for her role in bringing out the worst in her supporters.
During a campaign rally yesterday in Clearwater, Florida supporters turned on the media after Palin again blamed mainstream media for her shortcomings.
According to a published report in the Washington Post, Palin reporters turned on the press after she blamed the media for her inarticulate interviews. Some supporters used racial slurs, and at one point someone in the audience yelled: "Kill him."
Palin's pit-bull mentality has not only set a negative tone, but a dangerous one. She should be censured.
Read the whole story here:
Sarah Palin should be censured
New York Times Editorial: Politics of Attack
Politics of Attack
New York Times Editorial
Published: October 7, 2008
It is a sorry fact of American political life that campaigns get ugly, often in their final weeks. But Senator John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin have been running one of the most appalling campaigns we can remember.
They have gone far beyond the usual fare of quotes taken out of context and distortions of an opponent’s record — into the dark territory of race-baiting and xenophobia. Senator Barack Obama has taken some cheap shots at Mr. McCain, but there is no comparison.
Despite the occasional slip (referring to Mr. Obama’s “cronies” and calling him “that one”), Mr. McCain tried to take a higher road in Tuesday night’s presidential debate. It was hard to keep track of the number of times he referred to his audience as “my friends.” But apart from promising to buy up troubled mortgages as president, he offered no real answers for how he plans to solve the country’s deep economic crisis. He is unable or unwilling to admit that the Republican assault on regulation was to blame.
Read the rest of the story:
Politics of Attack
New York Times Editorial
Published: October 7, 2008
It is a sorry fact of American political life that campaigns get ugly, often in their final weeks. But Senator John McCain and Gov. Sarah Palin have been running one of the most appalling campaigns we can remember.
They have gone far beyond the usual fare of quotes taken out of context and distortions of an opponent’s record — into the dark territory of race-baiting and xenophobia. Senator Barack Obama has taken some cheap shots at Mr. McCain, but there is no comparison.
Despite the occasional slip (referring to Mr. Obama’s “cronies” and calling him “that one”), Mr. McCain tried to take a higher road in Tuesday night’s presidential debate. It was hard to keep track of the number of times he referred to his audience as “my friends.” But apart from promising to buy up troubled mortgages as president, he offered no real answers for how he plans to solve the country’s deep economic crisis. He is unable or unwilling to admit that the Republican assault on regulation was to blame.
Read the rest of the story:
Politics of Attack
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