Debate Not Relate

The scariest thing I hear about the Palin nomination was that she would appeal to voters because they would be able to relate to her and she to them. I get that. There are many places where relatability is key. I am a recovering addict alcoholic and finding another group that relates to my struggles is/was key to my sobriety. When I am at school I find myself grouping with others whose kids share the same issues, interests. People tell me all the time that the More magazine article where I showed what my real body looked like in comparison to the air brushed images most women are fed, was important and made me relatable. That too is great. The problem is I may be relatable and share some of your experiences and concerns but you don't want me as president of United States. Relatability gets you nothing in a complex financial crisis. Relatability doesn't help you understand the Gordian knot of trouble in the Middle East. Relatability doesn't help you untangle the obscenity which is our health care and insurance system and relatability doesn't train the hundreds of thousands of new teachers and repair and rebuild the smashed infrastructure and schools where they work.

I couldn't hold my own for one minute in a debate on any issue with someone like a Barack Obama or Joseph Biden and neither can Sarah Palin. When the call comes at 3AM I want a mind who was at the top of their class, who has gravitas and a real intellect. I want a leader who is a scholar who can hold the history of civilization in his head and will read and learn from the past as he charts the future. Real debates, where issues are explored, are the only way, prior to an election, to get the two candidates and their running mates to share their ideas and plans for the myriad contingencies they will/might face. This isn't a test. We don't get a re-do. This is the hardest time this generation has ever faced and people are all scared about the economy, our health care and mostly our children's futures. That is what millions of Americans and I can relate to.

Comments

[dve2z]

maybe I have superficial opinion, but my impression is that Bush was nothing but a facade, a moniker of electoral base, and the real bosses are hidden (Cheney may be one of them).

that is why Republicans are not concerned that Palin may one day assume presidency. She just never will be making her own decisions anyway. Or else how anyone can explain logically McCain's pick, if this was his decision.

someday sociologists will analyze everything. things are happening too fast now. it is totally amazing that Obama and Clinton had such a successful campaigns. I actually believe they needed each other to succeed, but of course the winner takes it all.

Palin is an emotional response by McCain campaign to coolness and freshness of Obama's campaign. Had Clinton won, would we ever hear of Palin? (could McCain have chosen a young black conservative then?)
However, while Obama appeals to intellectuals and progressives, lipsyncing Sarah appeals to anti-intellectuals, faith-based social layers.

It is pointless to try to prove her wrong. They already believe in her. They say this country is sharply divided. So the other half must be already running away from Palin-McCain ticket.

I think it is very wise that Obama's campaign is not heavily concentrated on dislodging Palin. But they of course should very aggressively respond to the lies she is spreading.

[rzan]

To tell you the truth, I don't relate to Barack or Joe, but I sure as heck want them leading the country. I want the smart guys this times around. I knew Palin was wrong for the country based on the lies she told about Barack Obama in her speech and the disrespect she had for community organizers, who are real heros in my opinion. This woman has no understanding of what goes on in the rest of the country or the world, and until now, has had no curiosity about anywhere outside of Alaska. It's too late for the crash course.

[nikto]

People who always seek familiarity and safety, grow and learn and achieve
far less than those who take chances, confront criticism boldly and directly,
and are not afraid to face Change.

Palin's appeal is to narrow-minded, fearful, resentful people.

These folks are around, but not in big enough numbers to win a fair election.

Without DIEBOLD et al, the GOP has no chance.

[ReadyNow]

Already laying the groundwork for defeat....­..If we lose...it wasn't fair.....L­OL.....

[Bozwellian]

Seems amazing thta after the debacle of vote mishaps in 2000 and 2004 , we are now about to use machines that STILL can NOT verify votes or even offer a receipt...­American tech and ingenutity on display and is truly astounding but seems more like a blindeyed applications for a variety of reasonings with the voters left adrift as usual and with reason to have little confidence that to bother to vote matters at all.

[Wilsonv]

Nice one Ms. Curtis!

The Reps have turned this and previous elecitons into a joke. They convinced the people they want a leader they can have a beer with. What a load of ****.

When will these midwest, small town, and "family values" people get it through their head we need smart people as leaders, not a POW or beauty queen.

McSame is no hero. Hero's don't brag about why they think they are heros.

[elizab1949]

One word on labeling these small towners as 'midwest' - you really don't need to add a geographical area to your put-down. While I totally agree with your viewpoint of Palin's wingnut views and would never even think to support her or McCain, those who disagree with us are not necessarily from the midwest. Having lived in 6 different areas of this country, I will say that the one I am in now, California, has the biggest collection of 'family values' types of any other place I have lived.
The states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois are ALL Obama states and he is expected to win in each one. In fact, two of these states, MI and WI have a long history of progressive politcs (well, other than the mccarthy period!) - call them small minded and even small town, but you can leave off the geographical area as it only emphasizes the divide so many americans feel. throughout this country.

[lindal73]

i, also, cannot relate to Ms. Palin. I happen to believe that ALL living beings should be treated with dignity and respect, unlike Palin. Here is another example of how little regard she has for animals:

Aerial Wolf Gunning 101What is it, and why does vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin support the practice?

Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska and John McCain's vice presidential pick, is an enthusiastic hunter who has proposed legislation and cash incentives to encourage aerial wolf gunning, the controversial practice of shooting wolves from an aircraft. Do people in Alaska really shoot wolves from planes?

http://www.slate.com/id/2199140

[mezz1962]

First off you would probably sell out your mom if you went through one day of what he did.

Secondly I wonder if you wrote Hillary wants this election to be with a person who you could have a beer with when she did her Bar tour a few months back.

Even Obama tried the bar scene but with less luck because he could not handle having a beer he should have went to a wine and cheese club where he would be more suited

[aware4O]

Jamie, reading you is simply put pure delight.
Jamie, it is refreshing to read an articulated and truthful article that gives insight.
Jamie, keep them coming!

[RayL]

Wow! That was great! My regard for Jamie Lee Curtis has soared.

[Rosorr]

I do agree- I remember that many said that George Bush was the guy "you could have a beer with"- as compared to Gore or Kerry. Why do so many vote for a candidate because they think that they could chat to them? We want a President who can lead and debate as Jamie Lee says!

[dontpanic23]

Why is this not on a few major front pages? Or in a nationally run tv ad? (hint hint)

[tottie2001]

I wholeheartedly agree!! Thanks Jamie Lee for this insightful article. Keep it up!!

[eden4barack08]

Jamie, do you forget that people voted TWICE for GWB because he was a guy they "could have a beer with"? I wouldn't count on those people having learned their lesson.
Our only hope is on those who'd voted for Gore and Kerry, added to the new, first-time young voters, and voters for the first time involved in the process. We must do what we can to get the new voters to the booths in November, keep them inspired and active. It's the only HOPE we have.

Those who'll vote for Palin because they "relate", are the same ones who'll be having a beer with Bush, forget them.

[chili1]

Jamie, I've always been a fan of yours. Your are correct about Sarah Palin. I am one woman who will not vote for the McCain/Palin ticket. It is frightening to me that this woman would be a heartbeat away from the presidency. Her views are the direct opposite of mine. I just hope women will see through her and realize the Obama/Biden ticket is the best for this country.

[1conservative]

This is really a matter of opinion. I happen to believe that McCain/Palin will be the best ticket for this country.

[patianneb]

DON'T SHOOT DOWN !!!!!

What's REALLY important is MCCAIN who wants to draw attention away from his WEAK SPOTS and who will risk anything, including naming a completely unseasoned novice, to get into the Oval Office.

In his own words: "I make quick decisions. I make mistakes, but I live with them without complaint".
Do YOU want to gamble on "living with his mistakes without complaint"?

IGNORE HER.
She is a diversionary tactic.

[LydiaKS]

There is a reason she is hiding from the press... Someone had said earlier that you can attend any High School Student Council debate, and reading from a script, see an 18 year old do as well as she did in her speech Wed. night. Not impressed.­...and I'm a woman with children who finds her abusive, egotistical, and shallow. My group of friends all feel the same....sh­e's an embarrassment to women.
Yes, they raised $1m after she spoke...Ob­ama raised $8m that next morning. Take care of your own household Sarah, before you try to clean up everyone elses. Hyprocicy at its finest.

[1conservative]

Not many people would be able to give that speech the justice she did. She did a beautiful job and kept her wits and poise about her. Considering the tele prompter was not working for half of the speech, I think she did not falter one time. I think the bigger deal is that she is threatening to most people. She gets an A+ on public speaking. Now watch the debates very carefully and see how she performs. You might be surprised.

[hereitis]

Not many people would be able to give that speech the justice she did. She did a beautiful job and kept her wits and poise about her. Considering the tele prompter was not working for half of the speech, I think she did not falter one time. I think the bigger deal is that she is threatening to most people. She gets an A+ on public speaking. Now watch the debates very carefully and see how she performs. You might be surprised.

You are one of the easy one's . . . She gets an A+ on public speaking=she can be vice president?!? Are you serious?? If you are giving grades, you obviously grade on a very gigantic curve. I went to 1 college for 4 years , made A's throughout and earned my degree (giving speeches and debating were my faves-and there was no teleprompter available to me). Would I make a good vp? In a word-No. Would Palin be a good vp-Two words-Hell No.

[nevergiveup]

Here, here, Lydia. You nailed it. Palin is a failure as mother, mayor and governor. Everything the GOP touts about her is made up. She is a fabrication intended to distract us from the real issues our country faces.

Palin is less qualified than I AM to be VP--at least I know I'm not qualified, and there is a person or party in the world that could convince me otherwise. Palin is George W. Bush in a dress. Not worthy of any office.

[kulpep]

What is unique about Palin is that people can relate to her AND she is capable public servant with relevant experience. As she continues to clear the hurdles and pass your tests you'll realize a tough minded, intellegent Mom is more than capable of taking that call at 3am.

[CTtransplant]

She's not running for President.­..just VP. It's the President who would take that 3a.m. call...and I don't think either McCain OR Palin is capable of that.

[rzan]

She became mayor of a small town that had no debt and left it 22 million dollars in debt. Is that her relevant experience? If so, with our problems with the economy, she would be a poor choice. She has no curiosity about the rest of the country or the rest of the world for that matter, and is now getting a crash course. We need someone who has intellect and experience, not someone we can relate to. By the way, are you an evangelical? She is, and she wants to impose her views on you.

[Arguman]

The VP only gets the call to go to the underground bunker. Anyone could do that.

[Mikecoatl]

That "capable public servant" left her tiny town millions of dollars in debt and is now under investigation for abusing her power because she tried to resolve an old vendetta. She is a vindictive, bitter and sarcastic woman who brings absolutely nothing to the national stage.

[cowboyjerkface]

Why are you not bothered by all her whacky right winged ideas?
Why are you not concerned about all the questions and investigations she is under in her own state that happens to be a heavily republican state?
Why has the only 2 newspapers in Alaska shot her down on every lie she told during her speech? Why are you not concerned that they will not allow anyone to question her and had the audacity to tell Americans that they had no right to know anything more than what they deem necessary?
Why are you not concerned by the fact that this woman just gave birth to a speacil needs child and now she is running off to play politician? Is that the "NEW FAMILY VALUES"...­.
Why are you not concerned by the fact that she thinks birth control is a bad thing. Do you think it is a bad thing?
She is unique in the fact that shes a liar and the republic party has the balls to dare push her as a legitimate president.
If this woman's "qualities" is what you use to decide how to vote for the nation then you are truly lost in the fog.

[december30]

Yes! Yes! Please keep up the good work.