MyDD :: Yes She Can!

Yes She Can!

by Hollede, Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 09:22:37 PM EST

Cross posted at REDACTED

Can Sarah Palin unite the Democratic Party? Yes she can! I have been trying to watch the Republican National Convention this week and really the only thing I could force myself to take in, whilst heavily medicated, was McCain's speech. I did choose coffee and chocolate as the main part of my regimen, but I am still on pain killers, and taking one was a serious error.

John McCain's speech was the most boring, annoying, and inadequate speech I have ever heard a nominee of either party give. The only thing that helped me remain awake, was the chatter on mydd and the green screen. I had visions of all of the things Colbert will do with that green screen, and it made me smile.

That was good, because I must say McCain's biography and Fred Thompson's introduction scared me to death. McCain was thankfully boring and not frightening. However I did get these horrible images of Fred Thompson, Joe Leiberman, and John McCain in the White House for the next four years, and had a very nasty zombie nightmare early this morning. I loves me some zombie movies, but perhaps I need to cut back.

I did not watch Palin, as I was out Thursday night. I am not yet prepared to subject myself to Mrs Palin. What I find odd, is that many of the people who tried to say that Obama or Clinton are not experienced or qualified to be POTUS, are giving Palin a total pass. I feel that John McCain's choice of Sarah Palin for VP to be a terribly shameful objectification of women for the purpose of winning the White House. Sarah Palin is the only person running on the national tickets that has not earned her spot. For the republicans to use the worst kind of tokenism is disgusting. Does McCain think he could not die? How does he really think a President Palin would do for America?

I think Clinton and Biden should go out on the "Joe and Hill Show" and destroy her.

Clinton can easily do this. I do not think that Obama and Biden will be able to do much damage to her, as the media will be intimidated by republicans to view attacks on Palin as sexist. The MSM will try to redeem themselves for the treatment of Clinton through Palin. This cannot happen. We cannot let the republicans use the victim card on Palin's behalf.

I will give McCain a bit of due. By picking Palin, I think that he did the one thing that has the potential to save his candidacy. She has absolutely electrifed the lunatic religious right wing of the republican party. However, I believe she has and will continue to do something else.

The choice of Sarah Palin will turn off a lot of independents, moderate republicans, and fiscal conservatives; and she will help unify the Democratic Party. The thought of a President John McCain may not disturb many, but the idea of a President Sarah Palin should frighten us all.

Tags: Palin, McCain, Obama, Clinton (all tags)

Permalink :: 31 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Yes She Can! (2.00 / 5)

I guess I know quite a few women like Governor Palin and I would not want any of them in government. I do however like to make fun of them, so I am going to have to watch that speech.

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 09:32:30 PM EST

careful now (none / 0)

with those meds.

OK? :)

Washington Woman

Progressive Blue

by kevin22262 on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:00:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: careful now (2.00 / 1)

Yeah. I really don't like them, as they give me an upset stomach and headache. I balance it against the pain in my ankle and give in occasionally. Heh, my partner is a chemical dependancy counselor, so I would be in big trouble if I ever let it be a problem. I consider myself fortunate that I can't drink or overdo drugs, after seeing the impact on clients lives for so many years.

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:27:45 PM EST
[ Parent ]

The Joe and Hill show (2.00 / 2)

will be the Hill and Chuck show in Florida next week. I cannot wait for the next batch of polls in Florida where I will either pound my chest or hang my head in shame, which probably won't shame me enough into not posting, with my prediction about Palin moving the state from lean McCain into pure toss-up.

I agree with you though that Biden and HRC are probably best utilized in FL, OH, MI, and PA. They are not much help to Obama anywhere else given that he's not contesting in WV and AR.

by Blazers Edge on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 09:41:58 PM EST

Re: The Joe and Hill show (2.00 / 1)

That's great. I think you are right about Palin's impact in FL>

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 10:55:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Does anyone know why (none / 0)

Obama and Biden seem to be spending so much time in PA since they officially became a team? Obama didn't spend a day himself (though Michelle did) in the state from the PA primary all the way until he named Biden as his veep.

Do you think his internals are showing that McCain is closing in a little bit in PA? I would be disappointed if that were the case because McCain's failure to put Ridge on the ticket should probably doom him in PA, not that McCain would have won the state in the same way that Obama may still not have won Indiana even with Bayh on the ticket.

McCain seems to be not showing any signs of giving up in the state either or for that matter; Obama seems to be spending much more time in Kerry states since he named Biden his veep and much less time in Bush states that he wanted to put in play, which is a reversal from his approach earlier this summer while McCain seems to be spending a lot more time in Kerry states.

by Blazers Edge on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 09:46:59 PM EST

Re: Does anyone know why (none / 0)

I think Pennsylvania is the field-run for the Obama-Biden ticket. Think of it as a quick shake-down in friendly territory before going into more vital areas.
McCain is in a bad way, state-by-state. In fact, he's in the position Kerry was in four years ago, where he basically has to run the table of EVERY major battleground state to have a shot at winning. Therefore, it's in his best interest to give himself at least an outside shot at some currently safe Obama states.

by EvilAsh on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 10:16:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah (none / 0)

I agree with EvilAsh. The campaigning in PA has felt like a bit of a practice run.

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 10:38:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (none / 0)

Barack can, it won't be united by a common enemy, John McCain is plenty for that, it will be united when Barack starts consulting with Hillary (and with Bill) and makes it clear that he's using all the talent in our party, all the experts, all the professionals, and he shows it's her mind he needs, not her sex. And, yes he will.

what a relief

by anna shane on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:12:24 PM EST

Re: Yes She Can! (none / 0)

anna, I agree. I bet that Obama has already consulted with Hillary, and that's why Hillary is speaking in Florida on Monday. I sure hope he consults with Bill, because Bill will be able to talk to the small town, rural crowds and have legitimacy in criticizing Palin.

I think Bill Clinton could become and should become a bigger factor in the campaign with Palin's entry into the race.

by ProfessorReo on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:32:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (none / 0)

Maybe, but if so he needs to talk about it and show it. It ought not stay secret.

what a relief

by anna shane on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:33:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (none / 0)

I don't know how that would work, because it may be about not giving away strategy to the publicans. But, hopefully it will become clear that Obama and the Clintons are indeed working together closely to win the battle for America's soul. I think we all know that all issues we care about - healthcare, jobs, protecting a woman's right to choose - is at stake in this election.

by ProfessorReo on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:35:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (none / 0)

not at all, no one needs to know the advice, only that he's seeking it and she's one of his top advisors. And Bill. If he starts talking about Bill's record, that's also a sign. Remind folks of what it was like when we had a Democratic president, Bill.

what a relief

by anna shane on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:38:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah you are right (2.00 / 1)

I think it would be in Obama's best interests if it were leaked that he was seeking advice from the Clintons on how he can better make the economic case for dems. The only stories you read about are how HRC is going to do this or that for him, I haven't ever read a leak about him seeking advice or counsel from her or her husband about how he can better frame the economic contrasts for working class folks. There seems to be a "you do what you do and I'll do what I do" mindset.

by Blazers Edge on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:42:02 PM EST
[ Parent ]

There is some circumstantial evidence (2.00 / 1)

supporting your theory; see for example how closely their statements tracked each other in terms of language after the Palin pick. They both used the term "adds a fresh voice to the debate" when describing Palin. Keep in mind too that HRC released her statement hours after Obama and Biden released their joint statement.

I get the sense that there isn't a whole lot of coordination but the NY Times suggests that she's on a one-day-a-week schedule in terms of campaigning for the remainder of the election.

by Blazers Edge on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:38:41 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (2.00 / 1)

Obama was just in Ohio, so PA makes sense as a next stop.

I think Biden actually will be effective as an antidote to Palin. Notice how he's employing Obama's rope a dope strategy? He's praising her when asked about her, and talking her up as a tough debating partner. He's raising expectations about her, while lowering his. Brilliant.

by ProfessorReo on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:31:04 PM EST

Re: Yes She Can! (2.00 / 1)

She did raise some of these expectations herself if her speech was as good as they say. It's a good strategy to play this up.

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:41:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Yeah, incredibly brilliant (none / 0)

In the meantime, back to reality: according to Scott Rasmussen, more Americans (by 12 points) consider Sarah Palin qualified to be President than Barack Obama.

So much for your "rope-a-dope" strategy. Just have Biden go away.

by BJJ Fighter on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 01:56:31 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yeah, incredibly brilliant (none / 0)

Should we campaign at all, or should we just all go home and cry?

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 02:13:08 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Got a link? (none / 0)

I see this:

However, following the Wednesday night speech, voters are fairly evenly divided as to whether Palin or Obama has the better experience to be President. Forty-four percent (44%) of voters say Palin has the better experience while 48% say Obama has the edge. Among unaffiliated voters, 45% say Obama has better experience while 42% say Palin.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_c ontent/politics/election_20082/2008_pres idential_election/palin_power_fresh_face _now_more_popular_than_obama_mccain

by jere7my on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 03:26:33 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Got a link? (none / 0)

Tanks, that beats crying in my chocolate milk ;~)

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 03:33:02 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Yes She Can! (2.00 / 2)

My wife talked to her septuagenarian aunt in MI today... and the first thing auntie said was, "I DO NOT LIKE THAT PALIN WOMAN!"

And as my wife says, when auntie's not happy, the rest of the family is not happy...

So, that's at least a good dozen votes for us in MI! :-)

It profits a PUMA nothing to give their soul for the whole world... but for McCain? --Sir Thomas More (if he were here now)

by LordMike on Fri Sep 05, 2008 at 11:59:24 PM EST

Question! (2.00 / 2)

What's with all this "crossposted at redacted" I'm seeing? I feel like I'm missing out on an inside joke.

Hillary is voting for Obama, so why aren't you?

by BrighidG on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 12:17:46 AM EST

Re: Question! (2.00 / 1)

Me too.

I'm as strong as a bull moose, and you can use me to the limit. - Teddy Roosevelt

by fogiv on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 02:14:25 AM EST
[ Parent ]

More the Dems attack her, the stronger she gets (none / 0)

By stirring up a shit-storm this week against Sarah Palin, liberals assured that she would get 40 million Americans watching her speech, 2 million more than watched Obama's acceptance.

So, let's try a different strategy: just leave her alone. You're turning her into Joan of Arc, and ensuring that she'll continue to be a phenom. As we speak, the McCain campaign is now scheduling Todd Palin for his own campaign tour, separate from the ticket-mates. And Scott Rasmussen is predicting that her fame will eclipse Reagan, and quite possibley JFK.

When will we ever learn....

by BJJ Fighter on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 01:51:55 AM EST

Was it us? (none / 0)

or was it the media who turned her into the greatest thing in the world?

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 02:09:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Probably a combination of both (none / 0)

Good observation. John Roberts of CNN asking the other morning whether or not her five children would prevent her from being an effective VP is the very kind of thing that working mothers get enraged about, and rightly so. It's doubtful whether anyone asked RFK years ago whether or not his nine children would keep him from being a good President.

There are dozens of similar examples of the media ganging up on her. It's not helping our cause.

by BJJ Fighter on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 11:55:52 AM EST
[ Parent ]

I've talked to working mothers (none / 0)

back home about this...they are the harshest critics of Palin. My mother, a Democrat not sold on Obama, and my ex-boss, an Independent, both sent me e-mails trashing Palin as a mother. They're both working mothers.

Democrats don't control the media, Jesus that couldn't be clearer. It presents a predicament. Do Democrats champion Palin as a working mother and continue to help her popularity just so we don't get the criticism the media is getting? Or do we ignore it and focus on attacking her on issues, like Obama is doing.

Like it or not, the woman is a right-wing nut who will be a parasite for progressive causes, she needs to be taken down. The irony is the most blunt and most scathing criticism I've heard of her from home have been from women.

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 06:58:01 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Also (none / 0)

I saw what John King said, I also saw how unfairly he treated Obama and Hillary in the past and ignored issues with Republicans. I wouldn't put it past him on iota that he's falling on the sword to help Palin with Independents.

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 07:01:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Your numbers aren't adding up tonight (none / 0)

http://www.observer.com/2008/media/palin -speech-gets-37-2-million-viewers-nearly -tops-obama

Note that word "nearly" in the URL. Obama got 1.2 million more viewers than she did.

by jere7my on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 03:28:19 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Not if we do it right (none / 0)

I want as many people watching her as possible. Let the sunshine in. Remember sunshine is the best disinfectant.

The Moose is on the loose. "And I scream at the top of my lungs, what's going on?"

by Hollede on Sat Sep 06, 2008 at 03:37:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

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