Reading The Pictures: The Likes We Haven't Seen Since Terri Schiavo

After a week of images of the Palin/McCain soap opera, the ante rose even higher Wednesday at the airport. Attempting to turn a negative into a (family values) positive, check out McCain greeting husband- and father-to-be, Levi Johnson.

And then, notice the way the NYT photographer lined up the angle in the second shot above (from a diptych at The Caucus) making it look like McCain -- otherwise moving to hug Bristol Palin -- is reaching out to embrace her tummy!

As uncomfortable and inappropriate as it feels, the drama surrounding the Palin family -- especially on the visual plane -- has become very much a political issue.  That's also Josh Marshall's reaction as the GOP proper, as well as the Christian Conservative wing of the Republican Party (which the Republican Convention has turned into a pander-fest to) moves to play Sarah Palin and her family -- with all the symbolism and loading of motherhood, and the nuclear family, and the right-to-life, and the sanctity of marriage, and (the appropriation of) feminism -- for all its worth.

Personally, I couldn't be more frustrated and sorry that the McCain campaign -- sinking that much further below the level of moral and intellectual poverty it has been operating on for months, and now nominating the unqualified and politically and culturally extreme Sarah Palin -- has set the stage for a Presidential campaign drama and culture war the likes we haven't seen since Terri Schiavo.  As the McCain campaign exploits the Palin pick through visual symbolism, however, the last thing we can do is close our eyes.

For more of the visual, including our ongoing coverage of the Palin nomination and the RNC, visit BAGnewsNotes.com.

(image: Reuters.  caption:  Levi Johnston (L) is greeted by U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain (R) as Johnston's girlfriend Bristol Palin (C) looks on after McCain arrived to attend the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 3, 2008. Bristol Palin is the daughter of U.S. Republican vice-presidential candidate and Gov. of Alaska Sarah Palin. The campaign has announced that Bristol is five months pregnant and plans to marry Johnston. image 2: Stephen Crowley, NYT)

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Comments

[bembem08]

Poor guy. Did you see how uncomfortable he looked at the convention and when the whole family was introduced to the crowd and Palin came up to him to give him a kiss on the cheek, did you all see the body language? Levi couldn't even look at Palin, it was like he was so uncomfortable and scared. And Palin, too, suddenly 'changed' somewhat, like suddenly turning into an ice queen. Clearly, that chummy 'welcome to the family' greeting was just all for show.

[jeanrenoir]

If Obama and the Dems let McCain get away with shifting from the unpopular war and disastrous Republican economy to "culture wars" again with the Reagan Democrats, they deserve to lose. They'd better listen to Carville and go for the jugular every single day on the economy and heath care and how Obama's going to fight for the American middle class to right the disaster created by Bush, which would be made worse by four more years under McCain. If Obama can't dominate the campaign with that message, when unemployment has reached 5.8%, he DESERVES to lose through sheer incompetence. Sure, the Republicans, as always, have all the crazy irrational prejudices of the white working class on their side (hatred of all "elites," especially the media, sheer racism, Creationism, you name it). But Obama has the worst economy since the Depression on HIS side, and Phil Gramm's calling the middle class a bunch of "whiners." If Obama can't win this debate, he's hopeless.

[Camie]

Did anyone else notice also that the father Todd is NEVER holding the baby until last night for the photo op. The younger daughter is always holding the baby. Even during her first speech, Bristol was holding the baby the entire time. Her husband never held him. And then last night, they are passing him around like a little pawn.
And I totally agree. If it is such a private matter, then keep the kids private. Why is her baby's father on the stage. They are not married!!!! What message does that send?

[yukonark]

I'm so mad I could spit. Sarah Palin has no shame. And, Ms. Palin, may I paraphrase that Bible of which you are so fond: "what does it profit a woman to gain the world and to lose her own soul?"

[schatsie]

What if, this is just a Red Herring? Maybe the plan is to keep Sarah and fire up the fundies, get McCain elected and then Voila who comes to the rescue except Jeb on his white horse....b­ypasses all the other stuff about reelecting Bush and fighting it out with the other candidates (who all seemed to be speaking like they were running for Vice President last night..)

[moiaussi]

Leave it to the Republican party to pass a special-needs baby around the convention hall as a political prop. He's not a football! What disgusting, base behavior. They have no shame.

[dadw5boys]

It is called "Playing the Sympathy Card" !

Republicans are decietful using anything to get the Older White Christian Womens Vote .

Pity me.

[JimboSlice]

What is he supposed to do? Not have this family land in the middle of a media storm. If you want the family to be private, keep them private. Don't parade them around for your political gain. Shame on you John McCain, shame on you.

[lvmblvmb]

I am not a McCain supporter, but, really, what is he supposed to do? Refuse to shake the kid's hand? And everyone knows McCain can't raise his arms.

That said, I can see Bristol being at the convention, she is Palin's daughter, but there is no need for the boyfriend to be there. It's one thing to say life happens, but teen age pregnancy should not be celebrated on a national stage.

[rachelwebster]

he's supposed to take it like a man when the press reports on it and not whine and complain that the press is making an issue of the family....­if he doesn't want the press to cover this stuff they should not have lined them all up on the tarmac to greet his plane!

[florence89]

I agree with lvmblvmb..­.the fact that the Palin "baby daddy" is on the Republican National Convention stage is disturbing. If it is not an outright endorsement of teen pregnancy, then it is most certainly blatent disregard for the fact that these kids are just that...CHI­LDREN! Children who do not understand the ramifications of parenthood and marriage at such a young age or the fact that this is essentially the postponement of their lives. Let's be clear...th­is is not being "supportive" of teens who made a terrible mistake...­this is using them as pawns in a political game. Nice "family values."

[abliss2379]

It's also a clear message to this young man that he is expected to marry the girl--the nation is watching. Equally vile.

[rachelwebster]

They are making a conscious choice to parade this girl and her boyfriend in front of the press, and then have the nerve to turn around and complain that its being covered by the press. Hypocrisy at its worst.