INTERVIEW: Lucia Cifarelli
14 hours ago
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Political Comment
If, as some commentators are suggesting, Sarah Palin resigned as Alaska's governor so she could spend the next two years preparing her run for the presidency, I have to ask this question: does anyone share her seeming belief that she is some kind of candidate of destiny? That perception of herself certainly came across in her comments during the 2008 campaign. I also can't help but wonder (again, assuming that is the reason for her resignation) that she is being egged on by some of the same supporters who backed George W. Bush, and did so because they recognized the ill-informed and tragically uncurious W. as someone who would easily do their bidding. Palin certainly comes across to me as someone willing to sell her political soul for a shot at the top spot, but she also seems to think she is some kind of force way beyond any evidence of her influence in national affairs. Then again, maybe it's just that all the documented scandals and abuses of power during her term in office have finally added up to some major impending backlash, and she's just ducking out before the storm fully hits. Either way, I can't see how this could possibly bode well for her political future. Maybe she'll just fade back to being a full-time hockey mom-- the role she seems best suited for, from my perspective.
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7 comments:
Dr John,
You sure are cynical here! I think you have been listening too much to those political pundits that share your belief system. No where in any news spot I have heard or read (liberal as well as conservative) was there any mention of Sarah Palin voicing her desire to run for higher office. As a matter of fact I have heard her say she needed to stay home with her youngest for now - that is where she is needed. I would not rule out a run down the line but lets wait till that happens before you pounce all over her. And to sit there and basically condemn her for something that is purely speculation on commentators shows,blogs,tv spots is so beneath you.
Lil' Sis
Anyone can "document" anything, but it doesn't make it true. All of the supposed complaints have been thrown out as the nonsense they are. While many seem distressed at a feminist that doesn't walk in lock step with their political views, I'm personally happy with her continuing to be part of the political dialogue in our country. I disagree that she just needs to shut up and go back to a more feminine role. It's about time some real women had a voice in our country.
Chris,
I don't think I said she should "shut up"-- I merely meant to note that while she's demonstrated some ability as a mother, she's fallen short in doing so as a political figure. Back during the 2008 campaign she was quoted as saying that she had thought about and wanted to be president when she got into politics, and her rhetoric was such that I interpreted it as meaning she thought she could achieve that goal sooner rather than later; but it was hard to see that she had built up a record sufficient to show that she was actually qualified to hold the position. Her resignation strikes me as evidence that she isn't ready-- it signals a breach of faith with those who put her in office in the first place. Whether the charges made against her are true or not is really beside the point in trying to assess their role in her decision (even defending against false charges can certainly deflate one's enthusiasm for their job); but again, it's still a valid point to consider in trying to figure out why this happened so suddenly (especially since the earliest reports gave no reason aside from her desire to work for change from outside the government). If Palin wants to stick around in the political arena, I have no problem with that, but at the moment, there's no way I'd vote for her for anything.
Dr. John
Lil Sis,
The main commentator I was responding to was Bill Kristol, an avowed Palin supporter and well-known conservative. He's quoted here (along with some others):
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h8C2mQGCmvsQ1SM2v7RZC7P-fS4A
I'm not sure how my comments can be construed as condemnation-- do you really think she's shown that she's particularly well-qualified for high office? I don't see it, and I don't think that has anything to do with a belief system (by the way, who are the pundits you think I'm reading that "share my belief system?" I'm just curious).
Dr. John
I think both she and Obama have had arguably very significant positions, foreign relations experience and list of accomplishments. Were I to build my own President, I would have to include more experience in the 2008 beta version than I saw in either of them to be quite honest. The "why" of what she's done will never beat the slogan appeal this will forever generate and that I am disappointed in. Still, one might shout "Go back to community organizing dweeb!" to Obama, if they were particularly rude and knew no fear of secret service, but when heckling Palin we have to drop the "Mom" card...doesn't sit well with me Dr John...does it with you or is your publicist scribbling a statement madly as we speak? :) Be Good, -Chris
Chris,
I appreciate your comments, and you make a good point about Obama's relative lack of experience at the start of the campaign. I think the difference was that he was able to allay people's concerns on that count (mine anyway) more effectively than Palin. I can also understand some sensitivity over the "mom" remark, on feminist grounds; but then it's a characterization that she herself plays up quite a lot, so it's hard to see how I'm guilty of crossing that line unilaterally. I'm also scratching my head over the reference to a publicist-- is there some reason you think I'm not responsible for what appears over my byline here?
Dr. John
p.s.-- I also enjoyed your response to my old WKRP post. I'm glad to find out that I wasn't the only one obsessed with the floor plan question. Maybe if subsequent seasons ever appear on DVD, more clues will be revealed!
Oh no, I was just teasing you and added the publicist comment because it seemed more comical to me than "attorney". You make a good point on the mom part. :)
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