The Morning After

It was a giddy five days, wasn't it? I remember it well. There were blogs, and jokes on the Internet, and bets were made about how long it would last, how soon there would be a resignation. I made one of those bets myself. I said, within the month. Gone within the month. But five days passed and the vice-president was still there.

I'm referring, of course, not to our short happy fling with Sarah Palin, which ended last night with her completely terrifying speech in Minnesota, but to the week that Dick Cheney shot a friend in the face, didn't even go to the hospital to see him, and somehow, after a week, was still standing, as powerful as ever. These Republicans don't go away, and they never admit a mistake, and sometimes, when I remember this, I wonder how I ever forgot it, much less how I ever bet against it.

I forget what I know about conventions too, until I'm reminded every four years. The Democrats are always messy, multi-colored, a civics lesson in democracy, at times a nightmare of what can happen when people find their voices and won't stop talking. This year they had an abbreviated roll call, and the states all went through their introductory paragraphs ... the great state of Whatever ... the home of the God-Knows-Where Water Gap ...the place where daffodils bloom all year long ... and it made me misty thinking of the first night I ever heard a roll call. It was 1956 and I was camping on the rim of the Grand Canyon, listening to the radio and writing down the numbers on a piece of cardboard as the states decided whether Estes Kefauver or John Kennedy would be the vice-president on a ticket headed by Adlai Stevenson, whom I loved with all my heart. It was a thrilling night, and alone in the dark with my portable radio, I felt as if I were part of absolutely everything that was great in the universe.

Then of course, there are the Republicans, and I always forget them too. I forget how white they are, and mean-spirited, and thin-lipped. I watch them and I think, is anyone buying this? Does anyone think we're better off today? That we're "winning" the war? That teaching creationism is simply a matter of exposing students to both sides of the question? That it's sexist to wonder whether a mother who just months ago committed to a Down syndrome child ought to be running for vice-president? Does anyone think that executive experience trumps wisdom and intellect? And who are these people who rise to their feet and cheer loudest when they hear the words "Off-shore drilling"?

But the Republicans do it better. They present a united front. They wait for the applause, they don't roll over it in the interests of keeping the speeches short and on time. They ride the news cycle, they twist the truth, they stick to their talking points, they blah into the wind, blah blah blah blah blah, and in the end, they're still standing.

Now what?

Comments

[GenaG]

One thing I'm really confused about is this whole de facto argument, "Well, Palin's a great mom/work juggler," but does that qualify her for VP?

My point: Who exactly has made the determination that she is indeed a great mother, anyhow? The whole work/school part of the equation certainly doesn't seem to have brought all that much credibility to her over the years, has it? But yet we're not supposed to even hint at the notion that, shhhh..... Sarah Palin may not be mom of the year, either.

Really, for all those insufferable female reporters saying, "I don't know how she balances job and family!" -is Lady Sarah actually home making din-din for all the kids and the hubby every night?

And who on earth is taking care of that precious special-needs baby that she was so ready to leave behind 3 days after he was born. Get a grip, people. Stop walking on eggshells about this.

A daughter who got pregnant and dropped out of high school at 16, a boyfriend-daddy who has apparently done the same.

And the whole, her daughter had a choice, but other people's daughters, shouldn't!

In all honesty, I feel like this whole country has entered into some kind of friggin' alternate universe to be taking this extremist- religion supporting and supported lunatic seriously.

[LittleLuella]

I feel the same way. Everytime I see the news, I'm constantly wondering why aren't people asking more critical questions? Why are they just going along with all this, like its normal and okay? I totally feel like I'm in the Twilight Zone. Its really scary.

[mellowrant]

I don't understand why there was no uproar over Palin parading the unwed couple on national television. Like they are some kind of good example for the rest of the teenagers to see and follow!
Can you just imagine the hysteria if one of B.O's kids were on the stage like that.

[Piatt]

I respect Senator Obama's belief that "families are off limits" but I disagree in this case. When a politician strongly advocates a public policy position that is demonstrated to be ineffective in her own life, I think "family" is within bounds.

Palin had an out-of-wedlock pregnancy and now her daughter has one. How can this woman continue mouthing off about "abstinence" and denying the efficacy of sex education and protection?

[4moremonths]

I have taken my country for granted. I admit that. Voting has always been my right since I turned 18. I did not have to fight for this right because others made it possible for me as a woman of color to vote. Not once in my life have I felt that my rights as a citizen of this country were ever in jeorpardy. Until now.
I see other countries strive for Democracy in the face of adversity. I have seen people in these countries willing to die just to cast their vote, hoping they can change not only their fate but those of their loved ones. I never truly understood how one can put their lives in danger just to cast a vote?! Until now.
This is what this election means to me. Not fire, hoses, barracades,bullets, lies,propaganda, distortion of the truth, the threat of hell or the promise of heaven would ever stop me from voting for Obama/ Biden. We are at war in this country people, with ourselves. Make no mistake that this is a country divided. and the stakes are the future of our children.

[leiatcolo]

YES...everything you wrote is true.....but what good is democracy if we keep electing stupid leaders. I am amazed that people are so taken by Palin, knowing nothing about her. This lady might be second in line to run our country for four years and we know nothing about her views on any of the issues.....probably because at this point in time she does not have any...but the Bush aids will get her up to par and tell her how to stand. Another four years people, another four years. Think!

[TonyOnly]

As I was watching the GOP's at play I couldn't help but think to myself, "I'm watching a sea of white money worshippers." I had the urge to take a shower. It made me ashamed to be caucasian.

[bevander1]

The only way Palin will have any say-so in our government is if McCain is elected and dies before the end of his first term. Bbecause if elected, McCain is not going to give Palin a chance to open her mouth. She will be given the job of sorting the paper clips from the rubber bands. McCain is probably glad Palin doesn't really know what a vice president does all day! She is strictly an ornament, and she is too stupid to realize it. She is bait for the votes of the right wing religious nuts and the ignorant Hillary supporters who don't realize it is in their own best interests to support Obama. Besides, McCain is only pretending to be a conservative. Once he was elected, he would quickly move to the center or left of the center. Republicans know this. It's why they weren't enthusiastice about supporting him until he chose a right-wing extremist for a running mate. Too bad for them that she won't be running anything any time soon!

[Alaskan2]

Maybe...My concern is her ability to manipulate and control a situation. McCain may create the illusion that it's him making decisions, creating policy, etc...,but although it might look like she's in backseat she would definitely have her hands on the steering wheel and her lead foot on the gas pedal. She would not have it any other way. It would be a mistake to underestimate what this woman will do to achieve her agenda. I don't think McCain could stand up to her.

[BRT]

"McCain is not going to give Palin a chance to open her mouth" Maybe...but from the last 48 hours she seems to be doing all of the talking and has plenty of fortitude. She appears to be hijacking McCain's spotlight. Her aggressiveness is not leadership- Unfortunately, women have had to face various stereotypes and in my opinion Palin fits the stereotype of a group of women I have seen around the world--those who can be crass. It has nothing to do with her education because Palin has an education--but there are women who can take on anyone in spite of rationality. Unfortunately this behavior is more commonly associated with street behavior--She's no lady and does not pretend to be. That is the difference between Palin and other women in politics on either side of politics- Democrat or Republican - As a mature woman, I am not impressed by Palin's pit bull attitude. The Republican base is responding to a form mob justice where together the jeering and crude behavior makes them feel good. But the truth is that there are important issues that must be addressed and these must be addressed without emotion.

[ASF]

McCain has made a pact with the Devil
Palin has now become the darling of the Neocons ,Evangelicals,and the big oil companys.
He had better watch his back she could be Brutus to his Caesar

[pizzmoe]

He made a pact with Cheney?

[AitchD]

Wow, Nora, this is Joan-Didion good work!

[Netizen]

The neocons' man in 2000 was John McCain, and they were inconsolable when Bush beat him. But when they got Cheney as VP they wore Cheshire -at grins. Now they're getting both McCain and a malleable vp. And STILL, after two terms, most of the American public is oblivious to the difference between a neocon and a traditional conservative.

Obama's campaign is hunkering down as campaigns do when they're in trouble. But they better listen to what their own side is saying. And they better contact George Lakoff quick!

[BatedBreath]

Amen

[laesquire]

I’ve gotta say. I am angered by the mean and judgmental representation of Christian women my party has put forward. We are in the middle of a war and a situation where we are no longer respected around the world and McCain cares so little about this country that he picked a candidate who thinks it is somehow admirable to be a bulldog with lipstick. I'd be more impressed if I knew why her small town was $20m in debt after she left given our current debt to China (and how that makes her any different than Bush). Further, I’m an attorney and I have gained respect by being respectful. I’d be offended and rightfully so if anyone called me a bulldog, a barracuda or a bitch. It is neither cute nor acceptable on the adult stage.

[Alaskan2]

It was a "pitbull" with lipstick (and big hair). A particularly tasteless and crass comment from the govenor of a state where a 6 year old was killed by a pitbull just last month. She must have forgotten about that...

[bcolei]

It was a really tacky statement and I groaned when I heard it, but I can't believe how well it played. I get sickened at the way her 'feistiness' or 'toughness' is being played in the media. Like this 'pitbull' she likens herseelf to is a remarkable trait because of her gender? I would think a man saying he was like a pitbull would come off as a loose cannon and couldn't be trusted.

There are people who are truly fearless and then there are people who are too dumb to realize they should afraid. Palin is the latter and that is not a kind of person I want in charge of my security.

[pizzmoe]

A tasteless comment by a Republican? I'm shocked, shocked!!

[Piatt]

Guess you'd object to Rush calling you a "babe," as well.

[laesquire]

Also, I have heard a lot of nonsense about conservative folks valuing education, but no one seems to value the educated. Education provides a forum for broader views and exposure, which is what the leader of this country needs.
Why is it fodder for ridicule for a man to add to the brain trust of small communities by bringing what he has learned back to folks that don’t know what is possible?
Why is it instead celebrated that a man graduated at the bottom of his class? Why is it funny that because he didn’t study how to eject himself from a plane, he crashed and almost died? Why isn’t it sad that that didn’t change his resolve? Why is that maverick and not undisciplined? Why isn’t it suspect that he wouldn’t even vote for his own bills today? Why is it ok that Palin hasn’t even studied foreign affairs, the constitution (America’s) or higher economics? Do we know? Shouldn’t we?

[Culturemaven]

Well said! I agree that it's appalling how under-educated people like Bush, McCain, and Palin are held up as examples to respect, while someone like Obama, who pushed himself to succeed academically is ridiculed. Where is the intellectual curiosity? Where is the desire to travel, to learn, to experience that amazing world out there? How can Sarah Palin not have a passport until a year or two ago? Goodness, she's right there next to Russia, eh?

[indydisc]

Isn't this the Republican agenda to keep those who are generally "issue democrats?" Tout the populist message of "everyone should get a quality education," while always ridiculing the educated as elitist. To keep the dumb on your side (as your base)? I would have a beer with this everyman? I don't want a leader that I can have a beer with...I want someone smarter...EDUCATED, who thinks and debates and contemplates. Why would we want our highest leaders making decisions first with their GUT given the complicated nature of all foreign and domestic issues? This is the way they keep the dumb in the fold...paint all issues as black or white, right or wrong (i.e., victory in Iraq = surge; energy problem = drill baby drill; global warming = natural process; etc.)

[buster05]

amen, amen and amen. this is what ive been saying for like forever. a harvard professor and a 72 year old jet jockey, maverick with a bad temper. so easy even a caveman could do it.

[lizinatl]

^5 .... SAY THAT!!!!! part of the 'dumbing' of America - better wake up folk and wake up your mama, your daddy and your children!!!!

it's going to take ALL of us!!

[laesquire]

Don't we want highly educated, well-read, well-traveled people who have seen and experienced many things running the country? Who better to represent and lead than someone who gets that every American has the right to his/her own beliefs and values even if those values don't happen to be fundamentalist Christian? It’s hard enough to be a Christian. People used to respect that. Now they just see us as hypocrites because too many of us can’t just do our best with our own struggle, try to reach out to others in love and let God do the rest.

Don't we want highly educated, well-read, well-traveled people who have seen and experienced many things running the country? Who better to represent and lead than someone who gets that every American has the right to his/her own beliefs and values even if those values don't happen to be fundamentalist Christian? It’s hard enough to be a Christian. People used to respect that. Now they just see us as hypocrites because too many of us can’t just do our best with our own struggle, try to reach out to others in love and let God do the rest.

[appleknocker]

Haven't you heard? "wisdom" and "intellect" are elitist concepts. Real Americans go with their gut - no matter how dyspeptic.

[TamilSelvi]

The elitist are attempting to own these two “Wisdom” & “Intellect”, but it keep eluding them as “Real Americans” begins to involve in politics more and more!!

[RedBlue7]

4 Reasons Democrats have everything to gain from the rise of
Sara Palin in National Politics.

AND

4 Reasons Democrats & Obama Campaign should praise
Sara Palin for being a 'DO-GOODER' politician.

http://www.e-paperview.com/4reasons.html

[justobserve]

Reasons NOT TO VOTE FOR PALIN: she is a fake and a straight-faced liar:
1. Palin used the excess revenue to buy votes instead of investing in new enegy research for long term benefits. She wants drill, drill, even in Alaska National Wilderness Refuge,
2. Palin PROMISED to national voters help but she DID cut help for special education for special need children in Alaska and help for pregnant teen. (Not all teens are lucky as her own daughter!)
3. Who financed McCain's campaign? The rich, powerful and lobbyists. He will have to look after them if win the WH.
4. She has a small-minded meaness of one who thinks only she is the best despite her saying the opposite to pull the wool over ordinary people who are nothing like her.
5. Palin, the-anti-earmarks- reformer, hired lobbyist to gain earmaks for her state in the hundreds of millions dollars, 50 times more than national average per person. (You are lucky if you are Alaskans but not if elsewhere!). She is in it with Stevens, the earmark king.
6. Palin supported the Bridge to Nowhere then when the federal government asked her state to share the cost and the project was attacked for its wastefulness, she opposed it but kept the 200 millions for it.
Vote for issues, not beauty nor lies: AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE, WOMEN'S CHOICE, VETS BENEFITS, EQUAL PAY.

[cplKlyde]

Well Nora I'm a carpenter who works for a public school system in a union shop, we have about 110 members in our local all but two are men about 85% are white and I can guarantee you that yes the vast majority of those white men are buying it. Working class men who have had their assess kicked over the last 30 years by Rethug policies are lapping up Palin/Mccain bile like a kitten at a bowl of milk.

[lizinatl]

sad...
racism is a silent killer

[judgeinmillvalley]

I have been quoting your column on the self-serving speech of Hillary Clinton.

Now she says she will not mention Palin in any speeches.. And by the way she's busy raising money for Senatorial candidates.

Is she that unhappy that there is a real possibility that McCain will be our next president?

Perhaps she had better wake up in that overheated kitchen and smell the coffee: Sarah Palin could be president within the McCain term or win the 2012 election, with Hillary ending up a mere footnote in breaking the glass ceiling.

It's a terrible thought that should make her put the country, and the Democratic Party, above her personal ambitions.

[thinkworklivelove]

Thanks for calling it like it is, Ms. Ephron. The Republicans looked like an exclusive party. They have used their power to get out of 'tight' situations. The New VP Pick has an ABUSE OF POWER investigation right now. It has been a disgusting seven years. ENOUGH!