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What Kind of Fall is This Going to Be?
Wednesday night after Sarah Palin's speech, I went to bed with a pit in my stomach that reminded me not of November, 2004, but rather October, 2003.
I agree that the Cubs' game six loss in '03 wasn't Steve Bartman's fault, but it remains a fact of my soul that in the instant I realized Moises Alou didn't have the foul ball in his glove, my slowly built belief that the Cubs were going to the World Series yielded to an agonizingly certain knowledge that they were not.
And it wasn't that Sarah Palin's great speech was going to win the election by itself, it was that the Republicans seemed to have found the perfect monster to appeal to the monstrousness in Americans in the most perfectly monstrous ways, deftly equating intellect with arrogance, questions with insult, eloquence with bullshit.
Her insults of Obama were so perfectly timed and perfectly pitched that they seemed like the finely honed lines of a comedian.
For instance, I had the feeling I'd been waiting for months to hear someone make fun of "community organizing," an activity that most Americans wouldn't be able to define beyond a loose impression as an activity of the radical, hapless, childish left.
I heard her say, "I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a 'community organizer,' except that you have actual responsibilities." And I whispered to my wife, "Shit."
I also remember trying to comfort myself after that game-six collapse by reminding myself that Kerry Wood was pitching, we still had a chance.
Thursday morning after the Palin speech I surfed the blogosphere looking to be disabused of my gloom.
Instead, I got an e-mail from a speechwriter friend who had just returned from a wild week spent scribbling speeches at the Democratic National Convention, but who wrote, "To me Denver now pales compared to Palin last night."
A Republican businessman friend from Tennessee told me with astonishment that his normally apolitical soccer mom wife had called him at work. She said Sarah Palin was all she and her friends were talking about.
Two Canadian friends e-mailed gingerly, one saying, "Sure is crazy to watch this campaign from up here."
A local Democratic pol friend wrote simply, "Sarah Palin is frightening."
Thursday night I watched McCain's dull speech, and was a little encouraged; I'm sure there'll be other bright spots between now and November, like the debates, which I expect Obama and Biden to win.
But then, the Cubs had a brief lead in game seven in '03, remember?
I've smelled losing, and I can't unsmell it.
I'll follow the election's developments day to day--I'll probably even do some Obama canvassing in Indiana, for whatever that'll be worth--just like I still watch the Cubs.
But from now on it'll be with a self-protective quality, designed to make sure I don't have my hope turned to doom, all at once.
I'm getting too old for that shit.
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David - The political chat shows on Sunday morning (McLaughlin Report & Inside Washington) talked about how well Palin's speech was both delivered and received, but did not seem to think there was quite as much need for concern.
They all referenced the lack of vetting which means there could be more stuff coming to light about Palin as the campaign continues which could be damaging to McCain/Palin.
They also noted that the campaign NOT making Palin available to political programs, or even for one-on-one interviews with media is concerning. That is getting A LOT of attention, and the majority of commenters were saying things like:
"By refusing to speak to the press, Palin's basically refusing to tell voters why they ought to elect her and McCain"
"Obviously, Palin is either incapable of handling herself well enough to speak to reporters, or the campaign is afraid of what she might say in an unscripted environment."
I think this decision by McCain is going to be proven to be bad. This woman is beyond "wild card" and clearly has some nasty skeletons in her closet that could pop out at very inopportune (or - highly opportune) moments.
Also, actively alienating the media today is simply a foolish move. If they decide to do that, she may find herself in one quagmire after another, and if the resources of the campaign are spending all their time doing damage control, it makes it hard to run a successful presidential campaign too.
I think Palin is serving the same purpose nationally as she did in Alaska. According to Mudflats, she was a fresh face running against Mulkowski, the incumbent who was a corrupt, bad politician. So Republicans breathed a sign of relief that they did not have to cross party lines and voted for ANYBODY BUT HIM. I'm just praying that the DNC has done its work well across 50 states and we have a larger, more energized voter base than in 2000 and 2004. Otherwise it's deja vu all over again.
"That is exactly the kind of man I want as commander in chief". (barfing)
Hey, David, great new venue--congratulations. You know my feelings about Sarah. I watched her during her run for governor up here. She has a fresh appeal that captures the imagination. She seems sincere, committed. Even if you disagree with her politics, you get a sense that she'll do her best to be fair and accountable. She makes a strong and positive first impression.
And like you, I feel fearful. I don' t think two months is long enough for her true colors to emerge--the intolerant vengeful stuff. The things that don't come out in the papers. You've heard about her trying to get her ex-brother-in-law fired. Did you hear how she fired one of her key staffers? Discovered that the staffer was having an affair with the wife of one of Todd's close friends. Out the door, end of discussion.
She's hard to criticize without looking like you're just being mean. It gets people's backs up, that you'd take aim at that cute little Sarah with all her kids and that nice husband of hers. She's very good at this. Don't underestimate her.
"Forget Palin. Stop writing about her. If we make the election about Palin, we will lose. She’ll probably win her debate and will almost certainly handle the interviews well enough (to the satisfaction of the voters, at least, if not the experts). The election’s not about Palin. It’s about McCain. We can beat McCain. …"_____Slate's Mickey Kaus
Good point, Mur, but I'm not quite so fearful. Yet. And I can't say I totally agree that it was a great speech; somewhat well-delivered talking head Rovian bile (spiteful, sarcastic, and full of lies), but great, perhaps, from the GOP's low bar. And her reading of the memorized menu of geographic items was high school sophomore Social Studies class (she probably wrote that part). She probably played well with the toothless, ATV-drivin', Busch-swillin', wife beater-wearin', deer-poachin', child-molestin', WalMart-shoppin' bubba who might vote for McCain-Bush if he could peel his ass crack off the vinyl Barcalounger long enough to waddle out to the Lumina and squeal two blocks down to the polls.
Randall
David, I was freaking out too. Until I heard that Obama had raised 10 million to McCain's 1 million in response to Palin's speech. I actually think Palin's candidacy is waking democrats up and will get us out to the polls. It is important that we not become complacent. We can still win this one. We're not watching somebody else play this out on tv. WE are the players!!!!! That means we can still win.
I didn't think it was a great speech. I found it juvenile and mean, but I know that Republicans like juvenile and mean candidates, which is how Bush got elected twice. That's why we're freaked out a bit. We know that Palin appealed to the lowest common denominator and that they vote.
But now we democrats are voting too. We can turn this game around and send this woman back to Alaska. After I was done worrying, I got angry. Now I"m done being angry and getting active. That's what democrats must do.
We need some "frame" that helps people realize it's OK to be a Democrat -- that they are one of us. We need to run some ads where we have common everyday people stepping up and saying "I'm a Democrat" -- 9/11 rescuers; NASCAR drivers; soldiers in Iraq; mothers of dead soliders; parents of special needs kids; farmers; small business owners; teachers; steel workers; Katrina victims; police officers; guys hanging out at the Jersey Shore; surfers surfing in Hawaii; stay at home moms making lunches for their kids; CEOs; and janitors; the list goes on and on -- there's hundreds of examples that will help capture the hearts and minds of America -- and we need to see them -- meet them -- realize that they're just like them -- who they are -- and who they hope to be -- the image of America they hold dear and want to project to the world. And they need to hear it from these people's own lips -- not only be told about them in a speech from a podium. We need to show that the Republicans don't have a lock on the heartland of this country. WE are America!
When I first heard The Palin Announcement, I leaned my head to the right and furrowed my brow--not unlike a dog that's confused by an unusual sound or movement.
But after about a minute of canine confusion, a sense of relief flooded over me: "McCain--in all his foolhardiness--just bought the election for Obama."
My old college roommate lives in small town PA and has been going berserk over Palin. She's drowning in a sea of conservatives who think Palin is "HOT" and has been reacting wildly to ever last bit of Palin news.
I've been trying to calm her down. Telling her that the dishes are DONE. McCain was a threat--until now.
And then ... Palin gave her speech.
I sent my old pal an e-mail the next morning telling her that I was surprised and scared to find my confidence shaken.
I'm not throwing in the towel yet. Palin has got a lot to prove before it's all over. A LOT.
But I, too, was hit by a wave of fear.
Seeing all of those swinging cowboy hats. Hearing all of the hooping and hollering and the oil chants that night.
It all left this old dog feeling a bit gun-shy.
Don't throw in the towel! Obama has consistently dazzled me with his ability to take a punch and untangle seemingly unsolvable puzzles with grace and ease! Our challenge now is to win the culture wars -- since it's the only thing the republicans can rely on. We need to figure out how to help people FEEL like they’re “one of us” Not understand it in an intellectual logical way -- but FEEL it -- in the way that makes you not care if your candidate is under indictment for trying to fire her brother in law. We need to project the image and values of the tough steel workers – labor union struggles – the average Joe in Democratic Chicago – Pittsburgh – Cleveland – Kansas City -- the heart of America’s working people. THAT needs to be our image – where middle American can feel proud and at home --- where giving a helping hand and looking out for the little guy is still noble and worthwhile. Instead of letting Republicans label us urban elitists who hang out sipping lattes at Starbucks.
I agree,,,,if O thought he could not win this he would not be running at this point in time etc.... O is amazing in tactics, when to strike back big time..... this war has only begun again.... the fools of TENN AND WV,IDAHO, and all the other over make up less educated and coffee party types are too few to win it!!! the INFO ON BOTH MAC-P WILL BE CRUSHING BLOWS ,,,DEVELOPING....... THE FRAUDS OF FEAR,LIES AND ILLEGAL DOG,CHICKEN FIGHTS ALL FOR THE OIL,NUKE,COAL ,DRUG CORPS WILL NOT WIN THIS TIME OR WELL INTO THE CENTURY....!!!!!!
David, I can totally tell that you're a Cubs fan because you worry too much over the silliest things. Cheer up! Both the Cubs and Obama have proven they can win, even though things may not seem great at the moment.
Save your angst for the playoffs and the debates -- that's when things will really matter for both the Cubs and Obama/Biden. Everything up until then is just filler for the 24-hour news cycle.
And since I've helped pick up your spirits, please answer this question that I've been asking everyone I know: If you could choose only one -- Cubs world series win or Obama win in 2008 -- what would you pick? Be honest now... =)
Cubs World Series win or Obama win? That is perhaps the most difficult choice ever. So not fair. As a lifelong Cubs fan, I would have to say Obama. I've waited til next year for so long, that I'm sure I could wait one more.
I equate her to the pitbull line. Here in Kansas, most cities have outlawed them because they are dangerous. She will suffer the same fate, her own words will cause her own downfall. Rhetoric will not help them this time, we have had enough.
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