At least since the 2008 Republican National Convention, where I had the good fortune to be present, when the then-Governor of Alaska, our party’s nominee for Vice President gave a stem-winder of a speech, I have compared that good woman to the Gipper.
Like that great man, she has a natural stage presence, a certain dynamism, an appreciation and affection for the ideas which define our nation, and a heart-felt optimism about its future.
Unlike Reagan, however, she lacks an education in the depth and breadth of conservative political philosophy. Before his famous speech on behalf of then-GOP presidential nominee Barry Goldwater in 1964, he had spent years reading widely and reflecting on what he was learning. Only after he had educated himself did he launch himself onto the political scene.
And now Palin, with great energy and incredible effect, is so launching herself. She is doing a lot of good for the GOP, but she is also delaying her own return to a position of leadership. She inspires us, she motivates us, but she needs better educate herself before she can lead us.
But, maybe that’s not her goal. Maybe she relishes her role as the Reaganite rallying the rank and file around his ideas and vision. Commenting on her appeal in his list of influential Republicans, Chris Cillizza writes, “There simply is no bigger figure in the Republican party than Palin. Where she goes, crowds and enthusiasm follow. But, there is a difference between enthusiasm and influence.”
I’m glad she’s out there, stumping for our team. She is helping promote the ideas of Ronald Reagan. But, if she wants to follow in his footsteps, she’s got some larnin’ to do.
I don’t see Ms. Palin running for POTUS soon. And I am glad. In the current state of things, she is a lightening rod. I see her current role as a fund raiser and rallying point for the conservative movement. This is where we need her most.
Good post sir. But I have a couple of issues, and please don’t take them as an insult or a shot at you.
What, exactly, should she be learning? What does she NOT know that say, Mitt, or Huck, or Pawlenty, or any other hopeful DOES know?
I can never get a straight answer from supporters of the afforementioned three men (or any others, for that matter). But, somehow, Gov. Palin seems to be the one who always needs ‘larnin’ as you say. Are Mitt, Huck, Pawlenty, or even DeMint (or insert conservative choice here) considered ‘good-to-go’ in the learning department? Again, whenever I ask this question of others, I never a straight answer.
The reason I ask, is, of all possible candidates, only Ms. Palin has the sort of knowledge of, and experience with energy and natural resources–a key issue as prices begin their move upward again. Only Ms. Palin has experience of any kind making military decisions from a Command perspective (as CINC of AK national Guard–this is no ceremonial posistion, btw) She has a proven record of cutting budgets. She became famous for rooting out corruption, in her own party. The other hopefuls, not so much.
And no other prospective candidate, on either side, seems to have a fraction of her political instinct (and I mean that in the best way…).
And I would mention her record of steering national debates (Healthcare, and now nuclear readiness), but it seems unfair, since no other conservative even appears on the radar in this area. Mitt: AWOL on Healthcare debate. Nukes…where’s Huck, Mitt or any other? She’s the only one with balls.
Again, Mr. Blatt, good article overall, but the “she has more learning to do” just comes off as condescending. She seems to be held at a higher standard than any other prospective 2012 GOP candidates.
Why does SHE need more learning, but the others are assumed to be ready now? Is it her sex, her youth? What?
Thanks for letting me post.
“military decisions from a Command perspective ”
I think I may have to retract, or modify this portion, since I’m not sure how active Gov. Romney was as head of his state’s National Guard–it’s just that he didn’t seem to be as visible as Gov. Palin was–her photos from Iraq, visiting her deployed troops there still are bold in my memory.
It’s possible Romney, or Huckabee were as proactive with their respective NG Units, but I’m not sure how far they went to support them (visits to Iraq or Afgh. when they deployed, etc.)
Mr Obama and his minions would have us believe on national security Sarah Palin is ill prepared to step in to the shoes of Commander in Chief. That being said, its clear no one has informed the man that Alaska is the first line of defense in our missile interceptor defense system. The 49th Missile Defense Battalion of the Alaska National Guard is the unit that protects the entire nation from ballistic missile attacks. It’s on permanent active duty, unlike other Guard units.
As governor of Alaska, Palin was briefed on highly classified military issues, homeland security, and counterterrorism. Her exposure to classified material may have rivaled even Biden’s at the time……and certainly was miles ahead of what then senator Obama knew.
As Governor, she was also the commander in chief of the Alaska State Defense Force (ASDF), a federally recognized militia incorporated into Homeland Security’s counterterrorism plans.
Palin was privy to military and intelligence secrets that are vital to the entire country’s defense. Given Alaska’s proximity to Russia, she may have had security clearances we don’t even know about.
Where I think Palin is lacking , is not in her expertise at governance…..but rather in her ability to express what she does know. Let’s get real here, you don’t govern a state and walk away knowing nothing. Now I’m sure we can all think of another politician who came on the scene and had a similar meteoric rise as Palin…..right?
Behind the scenes, Palin seems to be on the right track. With the coaching she’s getting now and some further honing of her oratory skills, she will emerge in the future as a viable presidential candidate. But let’s face it, as long as the media unfairly works against her, it’s gonna always be an up hill battle for the governor. Who knows, she may just decide to always be a thorn in side of the opposition, by being a spokes person and promoting other candidates. What ever Sarah Palin choses to do, I’m sure she will be at the forefront of the political scene for years to come.
I think Palin is a lot smarter than Obama. I think she knows more about politics, history, etc.–did you see Obama stammer through a 17-minute answer the other day? Did you see SNL basing a skit on that answer word-for-word?
I’m not sure how smart you have to be to be President if you are smart enough to surround yourself with smart people. The fact that she can’t build a car doesn’t mean she couldn’t drive it around the track, to use a NASCAR analogy. She could easily be the front person for a Republican administration.
And I don’t even agree with her! 🙂
It seems like it’s Obama and his antibusiness flunkies who need ‘larnin’ more than Sarah Palin. While she isn’t a policy wonk like Clinton or Obama, she has a visceral understanding of America and its values that is currently lacking in the present Pres. and which is sorely lacking in most democraps and some republicans. The only thing that she may need, is some polish in her speaking, but that is minor. As the thorn in Obama’s paw, she is performing a service worthy of the Nobel Prize.
The left knows she has what it takes and then some, look how hard they are trying to discredit her. She is always months ahead of these people look at the health care debate “death panels” and all the other jabs, she knows exactly what she’s doing. Maybe it’s protective on your part, she will get hammered and so will her family, but they’re tough and she has a spine of steel. The women of America know she has it, it’s in our gut. As time goes by more and more women and men will see her in the light that has been chosen for her, I hope it’s the one on the hill 🙂
Mr. Gay Patriot what are your “governing credentials” that allow you to make such informed opinions? Maybe you are wrong. We all have opinions, and many times we get them wrong.
On one hand you praise Palin in a greedy “maybe she can help us” mentality, then slam her for her ignorance on the important issues. Which is it going to be? Do you want Palin standing with you, or would you rather have her leave the room? You seem to want the best of both worlds. Maybe you should contact Palin and tell her what she should do. I am sick of the two faced cowards we have in “our” party. The glad you draw the crowds, but you are just to dumb to be President crap is old. By the way, they said the same thing about Reagan.
How about let’s worry about 2010 before the panic of so many like you that we might have the “snowbilly” at the top of the GOP ticket in 2012. If she runs for GOP nominee use your one vote to help defeat her. Until then can we all please focus on 2010. Long way to go in this fight. This is not a time to be weak, and we need more fighters like Sarah Palin.
I have wondered, if Palin wants to run for president, why she uses her high profile public speaking engagements to be one of Obama’s sharpest critics rather than promote her own policy ideas. One reason could be that she believes keeping the public focused on the negative aspects of Obama’s agenda will lead to better outcomes for Republicans in November. After all, she isn’t running in November. If she’s planning to run in 2012, she will have plenty of time to distinguish her polcies from Obama’s after the mid-terms.
If she doesn’t shift gears after the elections and start talking more about her specific policies, then I’ll agree with Dan that she may not be ready. But I’m not willing to make that assessment until I see how she behaves after November.
Palin continues to impress me. There are some who are hung up on “smart” but what I have always said is that “smart” or having a Harvard degree does not mean that a person has wisdom.
Palin continues to throw the punches, and she continues to real them in. Look at the response that was given when the “smart one… cough choke…” was criticized for his poor decisions regarding a critical decision over nuclear weapons.
A good future POTUS knows that this is why the cabinet is necessarily made up of people who are competent in their fields, rather than of 32 year old men and women who have never even spent a day in the business environment.
I agree with AF_Vet.
Just what learning, Dan, do you think Palin lacks, especially when compared to other prominent conservatives.
You can say “she lacks an education in the depth and breadth of conservative political philosophy” until you’re blue in the face, but without details it doesn’t mean a thing.
You really need to put up or shut up with this ‘Palin’s ignorance of conservative philosophy’ business.
Daniel, I couldn’t agree more. If Palin were to be nominated and go into the Presidential race and debate and interview with the same amount of knowledge on the issues she possessed the last campaign the Republican Party would be in trouble! Palin is an excellent speaker, and a conservative to the bone; however, she does lack depth of knowledge. Being able to motivate your party and do well as a Presidential candidate are two very different thing. I’m watching Jindal.
You see it has been decades since America has had a real true leader who embodied the constitution. Lots of kids don’t get taught civics anymore in the classroom. Lot of the voting age last time around didn’t understand in the vaguest about how gvt works.
See Palin gets it, a little more speaking practice is all she needs. It is the people who are not ready for HER she is well above many peoples intellect.
Folks are the ones who need the “learning” just look at who is sitting in the Oval office now. That is what scares them, Sarah knows her subjects and it is way above what the Obama voters understand, and many of the GOP leaders as well.
Palin can do what she wants, she can run, she can rake it in doing speeches, and rallies for other candidates. she is way smarter than all of her critics. It irks them, how dare she have it all, smarts, an exciting career, a fab husband, and a family and look damned great at it all.
Lady, thanks for that wonderful concurrence. You said everything I wanted to say in the post, but with fewer words!
Chief, I agree we need more fighters like Governor Palin and second your point about focusing on 2010.
Where has the Palin “fluff” been flying recently? If she has made herself ignorant in public, the MSM would be 24/7 with it and the trolls would be burning this site with sneers, invective and claims that she is dumber than Bush.
The “conventional wisdom” about her depth of knowledge or even ability to learn (due to not having a Harvard degree) breaks into two main strands: 1) Those who paint any conservative as stupid and a strong conservative as an idiot, and 2.) those independents and some Republicans who want a reason not to be confident.
I do not mind tepid support for a potential candidate. I never saw one yet that didn’t get a lot of acting, speaking, fashion, policy, scheduling and temperament advice. I am sure that Palin has heard it all. Especially how she should go off on retreat with various experts and bone up on world problems and ……… what? …… become the “expert” Joe Biden was said to be?
If she does not have the qualities to be a quick learner and the spine to be a leader, then fie on her. Is that the case?
The main reason I think Palin won’t be ready to run for President in 2012, is simply she would split the party between the conservatives and independents, and the inside the beltway Washington insider crowd. I just don’t think she can win the nomination in 2012 without making a lot of concessions to them, which would cause a depression of support amongst her natural base. In other words, Palin and the conservative (and I like to add independent wing) of the party will have to take control of the party before she will be able to function as the head of a presidential ticket without compromising some principles.
She will have to do that anyway to keep from splitting the party, but its better to do that from a position of strength. I don’t think that can happen in 2012. As strong as the tea-party movement is, the insiders have been there for years and they won’t go away overnight.
“she does lack depth of knowledge”
Example please?
And this is where I never get a straight answer….
I second the motion.
I will go further: I believe that a certain group of people think she “talks dumb” and they have accepted the Tina Fey characterization. “You betcha” she wrote notes on her hand. She even cooks moose chili. She talks about “progressing” things and “manifested” other things and so forth. She does not mangle syntax so much as she occasionally uses a different set of verbs and shuffles in colloquialisms to her speaking patterns. These are the markers that critics and mimic rely upon to characterize a person. That is fair, every major person is subject to aping. But I do not see sending her to the “everyman school of inside the beltway speech reconstruction.”
“Depth and Breadth of conservative political philosophy?” GIVE ME A BREAK!!
I have never seen a potential Presidential candidate vetted in such navel grazing, hand wringing fashion. What the h** does Romney or anyone other potential candidate know about the “depth and breadth of conservatism?” Mr. Mandated Healthcare. I haven’t seen anyone else deliver an opus magnus of conservative political thought. What nonsense!
Everytime, Gov. Palin is criticized using this line of attack, its all generalities and no specifics. What has she not said already? How has she NOT specifically articulated governing conservative principles? Do you not read anything she has been saying an/or writing since last year?
If you are looking for someone to sound like Charles Krauthammer but with the ablility to attract crowds and raise money like Palin … good luck. This constant search for the “holy grail” of conservative candidates is getting rather tiresome. Can we please not let the MSM narrative dictate how we choose our candidates?
I will quote what Erick Erickson said in a post recently, and he wasn’t referring to Gov. Palin, “You go with the army you have.” Gov. Palin, right now, is the ONLY army we have.
I think you really nailed this! Great article! The problem isn’t that she doesn’t have knowledge or experience. The problem during the 2008 campaign was that she didn’t have a depth of conservative thought. When she was asked questions about what government would do, she never pointed out that government should have a limited role. When Biden said, that people really wanted the government to help, I kept waiting for her to jump across the stage saying “People really want the government to STOP helping and leave them alone.” I really like Palin and I certainly voted for McCain, but my disappointment in ’08 was that there were no true conservative thinkers on the ticket.
There can be no argument that Palin has twice the experience and hands on knowledge that Obama had in many areas, but clearly liberals don’t care about those things, they only matter to those of us with greater depth: conservatives. And the comparison to Obama is bogus because even though idiot liberals will support someone with no clear knowledge, conservatives will not. Conservatives will make or break the next several elections.
As an American human who is often called “liberal” I have never read such a more convincing comment thread.
You guys are right.
Palin is clearly the Best and Brightest of ANYONE in the Repub party. All her ideas are great and she would be best Republican President since Lincoln.
With Michelle Bachman as VP, its a sure winner.
Try it!
Gilie:
WOW! Thanks for the advice, and the insight!! That’s alot of false bravado coming from someone whose leader took 17 mins. to answer a question, and whose poll numbers continue to plummet by the day. I just hope Obama will continue to campaign for all the D’s who were stupid enough to vote for Obamacare. GO FOR IT!
Considering your judgement in leaders, we’ll take your suggestion under consideration. You can go back to the Daily Kos now, you did your good deed for the day.
That was an uncharasteristically condescending post. What, pray tell, are you “learned credentials” other than knowledge of how to use blogger software? Sarah Palin is out there because her opportunity knocked and she barged through the door. The moment presented itself and she’s taking advantage. If she had waited until she could have the seal of approval of the David Frums of the world, how would that help the good fight that needs to be fought now?
But attacking Sarah Palin for lacking education probably does increase your chances of getting laid, so go for it.
Really funny post and comments considering the statement about idol worship in the 4/11 post. No one does idol worship as well as you who bow at the feet of Ronald Reagan. Palin is every bit of a contrived image as Obama and every bit the bitch as Hillary Clinton but I don’t expect that many of you will ever see that.
Wonderful posts folks!
I would suggest to PatrickKelly that the change in direction and support he says Palin needs from the ‘inside’ will come in 2010…just it’s going to be a whole NEW breed and stable of ‘insiders’…namely new, fresh, enthusiastic conservatives voted into office come November. Additionally, if someone wants to step up and actually LEAD, I believe they will find a larger group of the ‘ole dogs’ looking to show the folks back home they’ve re-learned some listening skills.
As for a ticket…I’m a more than a little politically aroused by the notion of a Watts-Palin or Palin-Watts adventure!
@heliotrope – Here’s a straight answer/example: Just look @ 2008 – Palin canceled a Univision interview because she felt “unprepared” to discuss Latin American Policy. If you want other examples all you have to do is search 2008 paired with debates, interviews, etc. I’ll not get into that debate, when all it takes is a bit of objectivity and research. I’m not anti-Palin by any means. In fact, I love the fact that the Republicans have a strong, female leader in their midst – I just think she needs more prep. and educaton on issues other than energy/oil before running for President.
It was hard to imagine someone stupider than george bsuh leading the country, but there you conservatives go again, shattering that glass ceiling of idiocy. . .
I’m all for it, of course. I’m also all for you attributing that statement to my absolute intimidation of Palin, which I know is sure to follow. I only say these things because I know how powerful she is, right? I’m just talking trash because I’m scared she will win an election, right?
Palin has cut any potentially confrontational interview from her public persona – is. That really so inspiring? She signs on with fox news, guaranteeing nothing but softballs and an enthusiastic audience, and she is supposed to be some visionary leader? Why can’t she hang in there with people like chris matthews and rachel maddow, as so many other prominent conservatives have done over the years?
Its because she is in over her head. How you can not see that is beyond me. she thinks that good public speaking involves talking a lot and not much else. She doesn’t give herself any time to process and be thoughtful about a question, she just starts talking, and it rarely makes any sense either/logically or grammatically. Her public speeches are hardly better; it is a mix of sloganeering, applause lines, and awkwardly shoehorning her frontier gal persona in when she can. That kind of stuff only passes with uncritical audiences, and that’s why she only appears on fox. She gets nothing but enthusiastic feedback at these hand-picked venues and that has obviously built up her confidence, but winning over crowds that have already been programmed to love you does not increase your oratory and argumentative skills. On my high school debate team, sarah would have been well below average, and probably advised to enter the humorous or dramatic events and stay far away from the debates. She just can’t cut it, even in a media environment that is enormously tilied in favor of republicans, and I shutter to think what this crazy lady would do with the presidency.
But that won’t ever happen so I don’t worry about it too much. She’s coasting through the gop circuit at the moment, but if she has aspirations for higher office, shell have to go talk to someone not on fox’s payroll, where she will promptly self-destruct all over again. You don’t serve her well be being complacent little sheeple.
” she felt “unprepared” to discuss Latin American Policy”
Perhaps you can give us specifics on Romney’s, Paul’s, Pawlenty’s or any other conservative hopeful’s stance on, and knowledge of Latin American Policy.
Again, why is Gov. Palin held to a constantly rising standard? A standard, by the way, to which no other prospective candidate seems to be held or measured. How about applying the same standard to everyone if you’re going to play this game on Palin?
Fair is fair?
By the way, have you or anyone else noticed, that the ‘unlearned’, plain-speaking, no-issue-knowing Sarah Palin just caused the administration to backtrack on their nuclear stance?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/10/ftn/main6383530.shtml
Now, who else on the right has such power? Who else is forcing the administration to dance to her tune?
Palin’s biggest problem is the perception that isn’t smart enough to handle the issues, and its due to that interview with Couric and Tina Fey’s impersonation. Until she does something to eclipse those two more well known views of herself, it will always haunt her. I think she would be able to dispel if she decides to run in ’12, just because she will be in debates and giving more speeches on policy. Obama made himself into a president by running for it, the long primary gave him several times to debate and look like he knew what he was talking about. Palin would benefit from the same.
It was hard to imagine someone stupider than george bsuh leading the country, but
Oh, the sweet, sweet irony.
I’m also all for you attributing that statement to my absolute intimidation of Palin, which I know is sure to follow. I only say these things because I know how powerful she is, right? I’m just talking trash because I’m scared she will win an election, right?
Yup.
That much is made clear by your completely incoherent and rambling comment, in which you repeatedly violate spelling and grammatical rules, make contradictory statements, and in general demonstrate yourself every single one of the actions that you claim demonstrates that Palin is “stupid”.
When you can spell and use proper grammar, then you may criticize others on it. But your failure to do either demonstrates that you are stupid, according to your own rules being applied; if you now spin and state that your spelling and grammar errors have nothing to do with your intelligence, than you are being demonstrably hypocritical.
Now run, coward, as you invariably do. Your failure to respond to this post demonstrates that you are a bigot, a liar, and a disgusting misogynist.
Is it just me, or is Dan leveling the same accusation of being an empty suit that conservatives hurl at Obama? A summary of this post could be ‘Palin gives good speeches, but doesn’t have any experience.’ Dan, is that about right?
Of course, I would also add that the only reason Palin gives good speeches is because she isn’t being judged with any objectivity. She goes out and preaches to the choir everyday and avoids any conflicting worldviews or opinions like the plague.
Is it just me, or is Dan leveling the same accusation of being an empty suit that conservatives hurl at Obama?
Actually, it is just you.
Which is not surprising. Bigots like yourself are incapable of setting aside your prejudices to view Sarah Palin with any degree of objectivity. The fact that you yourself attack her grammar and spelling while making numerous such errors yourself demonstrate that you are incapable of intelligently commenting on her, and instead view her through an irrational lens made up of your own personal prejudices.
The entertaining part is watching your racist views come out in your refusal to hold Obama to the same standards that you do Palin. It makes it obvious that you consider Obama inferior due to his black skin.
ND30–Thanks for the spirited defense.
Anyone who reads this blog would know I have the utmost respect for Governor Palin. She has proven herself a capable executive, able to stand up to special interests and capable of (prior to McCain’s tapping her for GOP ticket) working against the partisan divide.
I just think that while she has the Gipper’s gifts, she hasn’t devoted the time he has to understanding the ideas which undergird American conservatism. But, then again, she’s seven years younger than he was when he delivered his celebrated speech in 1964.