Sunday, August 31, 2008
Maverick Politics: Ending the War
And the bankrupt intellectual tradition continues.
Over at The Weekly Standard, the Neo-Cons rejoice with glee over the Palin nomination, which makes as much sense as the nomination itself. "She turned me into a Newt" Gingrich states that this pick represents the "authenticity" that Obama-Biden does not as she relates to the common people since she played basketball, hunts, and is a hockey mom; she reformed Alaska, even as Troopergate hangs over her head. Read: she is a real religious conservative.
Stephen F. Hayes writes how unconventional the pick is. And when you think about it, the selection of a white, evangelical, Pro-Life, anti same-sex marriage, hunter is a very unconventional pick for a Republican. McCain could have selected Joe Lieberman, a Pro-Choice, Jewish Democrat-- a pick that would have challenged the Religious Right and the Conservative base and still made "sense" in terms of the War on Terror, remember that? However, as you can see, McCain bucked tradition with the selection of Palin, to advance its own form of identity politics. But this time it is better because she's a woman; her family represents her faith.
Rather than select Romney, wait the base would not approve of that choice. Rather than select Pawlenty, which would fulfill the desires of the base and nomiate someone who is known nationally, he chose Palin, a person that McCain met with only once before she was vetted. I wonder...I know it is for Palin's support, no rejection, no her keeping of money even though she eventually would not support the "Bridge to Nowhere." Nope, it is solely to attract the "Hillary" voters. And the best way to attract these voters is not to offer them policies they desire or represent their interests, but to nominate a woman.
Next on the list is William "more sophist than Plato" Kristol. He writes that in opposing the Pick of Palin, "liberals" will, "appeal, sometimes explicitly, to anti-small town and anti-religious prejudice. All of this will be in the cause of trying to prevent the American people from arriving at their own judgment of Sarah Palin." Kristol may be correct on this as there is absolutely nothing else on which to criticize. Since she has very little experience and there are few examples in which we can question her judgment, though Troopergate comes to mind, we can only wonder if she speaks in tongues and why conservatives believe religious tests are necessary for office.
Strangely enough, I must have missed the part where Kristol discussed her judgment to lead the country during the War on Terror and how her qualities represent that judgment. It must have been on the third page of a two page article.
Only Charles "I want war and I want it now" Krauthammer questions the pick because it ends the "is Obama ready to lead" argument.
The more I think of this pick, the more I despise the pick, especially the way in which the Republicans have destroyed the country since March of 2003. This pick is a symbolic end to the war on terror as it admits that judgment on foreign policy is not necessary as a prerequisite for office. This pick means that the existential threat of terrorism matters only in relation to winning an election. This pick means that the religious qualification is more important that knowing something about Iraq and Islam. There is no legitimate argument for the War on Terror if your number two person expresses no judgment on how to conduct the war and, consequently would not be able to conduct the war from day one. Appease the base and G-d will provide, I guess. Non-Republicans knew this, even if independents were to scared to vote for a Non-Republican. But this selection is more banal than banal; it represents the failure of War on Terror as it argues for how unnecessary it actually is.
The Neo-Cons love the pick because they know with McCain and Palin they will have two empty vessels to fill with noble lies; two people with no knowledge on the difference between a Shia and Sunni; two people that will follow ideological pursuits regardless of empirical consequences. Like they did with the Bush administration, the NeoCons can rely on the executive to make the world safe for Democracy even if spreading Democracy occurs from the barrel of a gun. This is the consequence of religious tests, faith-based realism, and the noble lie. This is what happens when education concerns whether or not there is prayer in public school rather than understanding the world.
And they way in which McCain is using Palin to advance an argument seriously disrespects Palin and reveals an arrogance that is unmatched. For McCain, Palin represents the argument if you object to a VP because of little experience you must then object to a President. Judgment does not matter for the presidency, only experience in terms of who has been elected the most, right President Lincoln? No matter how many errors, no matter how lapses in judgment or ethics, no matter how many of John McCain's laws get struck down by the Supreme Court for violating constitutional standards, experience to some is the most important qualification. Even though it is almost impossible to vote an incumbent out of office and experience refers only to time in office, "experience" still matters to people as if it is self-evident qualification for office.
If Palin does not bring votes because she is a woman and does not energize the Religious Right because she speaks in tongues, then the inexperience that she represents may help diminish votes from Obama. This demeans Palin- you bring very little to the ticket except for conservative identity politics and the possibility you can attract "Hillary" voters. Affirmative action in the face of racial discrimination is one thing. This is a Religious Right Legacy Nomination, which is similar to a legacy admission for college, an affirmative action policy that conservatives ignore as it helps them.
This is another sign the McCain lacks the judgment to be president and, most likely, lacks the judgment necessary to be a US Senator. The election of McCain represents an existential crisis for this country. Even President Bush showed some limits; McCain has yet to show any limits. He will contradict his "honor" to win an election no matter how devastating it is for the county.
And just think, his motto is "Country First." The selection of Palin is a rejection of Country First. It is McCain first, as it always is.
In a sense, McCain is a maverick. Yet, it is not because he selected a woman; it is not because he selected an "authentic" member of the Religious Right. McCain is a maverick because he undercuts the War on Terror and the reason for his nomination in the first place. For a temporary increase in enthusiasm, he selects someone he undercuts McCain's argument for being a president in the first place.
It may just be the economy, stupid.
Over at The Weekly Standard, the Neo-Cons rejoice with glee over the Palin nomination, which makes as much sense as the nomination itself. "She turned me into a Newt" Gingrich states that this pick represents the "authenticity" that Obama-Biden does not as she relates to the common people since she played basketball, hunts, and is a hockey mom; she reformed Alaska, even as Troopergate hangs over her head. Read: she is a real religious conservative.
Stephen F. Hayes writes how unconventional the pick is. And when you think about it, the selection of a white, evangelical, Pro-Life, anti same-sex marriage, hunter is a very unconventional pick for a Republican. McCain could have selected Joe Lieberman, a Pro-Choice, Jewish Democrat-- a pick that would have challenged the Religious Right and the Conservative base and still made "sense" in terms of the War on Terror, remember that? However, as you can see, McCain bucked tradition with the selection of Palin, to advance its own form of identity politics. But this time it is better because she's a woman; her family represents her faith.
Rather than select Romney, wait the base would not approve of that choice. Rather than select Pawlenty, which would fulfill the desires of the base and nomiate someone who is known nationally, he chose Palin, a person that McCain met with only once before she was vetted. I wonder...I know it is for Palin's support, no rejection, no her keeping of money even though she eventually would not support the "Bridge to Nowhere." Nope, it is solely to attract the "Hillary" voters. And the best way to attract these voters is not to offer them policies they desire or represent their interests, but to nominate a woman.
Next on the list is William "more sophist than Plato" Kristol. He writes that in opposing the Pick of Palin, "liberals" will, "appeal, sometimes explicitly, to anti-small town and anti-religious prejudice. All of this will be in the cause of trying to prevent the American people from arriving at their own judgment of Sarah Palin." Kristol may be correct on this as there is absolutely nothing else on which to criticize. Since she has very little experience and there are few examples in which we can question her judgment, though Troopergate comes to mind, we can only wonder if she speaks in tongues and why conservatives believe religious tests are necessary for office.
Strangely enough, I must have missed the part where Kristol discussed her judgment to lead the country during the War on Terror and how her qualities represent that judgment. It must have been on the third page of a two page article.
Only Charles "I want war and I want it now" Krauthammer questions the pick because it ends the "is Obama ready to lead" argument.
The more I think of this pick, the more I despise the pick, especially the way in which the Republicans have destroyed the country since March of 2003. This pick is a symbolic end to the war on terror as it admits that judgment on foreign policy is not necessary as a prerequisite for office. This pick means that the existential threat of terrorism matters only in relation to winning an election. This pick means that the religious qualification is more important that knowing something about Iraq and Islam. There is no legitimate argument for the War on Terror if your number two person expresses no judgment on how to conduct the war and, consequently would not be able to conduct the war from day one. Appease the base and G-d will provide, I guess. Non-Republicans knew this, even if independents were to scared to vote for a Non-Republican. But this selection is more banal than banal; it represents the failure of War on Terror as it argues for how unnecessary it actually is.
The Neo-Cons love the pick because they know with McCain and Palin they will have two empty vessels to fill with noble lies; two people with no knowledge on the difference between a Shia and Sunni; two people that will follow ideological pursuits regardless of empirical consequences. Like they did with the Bush administration, the NeoCons can rely on the executive to make the world safe for Democracy even if spreading Democracy occurs from the barrel of a gun. This is the consequence of religious tests, faith-based realism, and the noble lie. This is what happens when education concerns whether or not there is prayer in public school rather than understanding the world.
And they way in which McCain is using Palin to advance an argument seriously disrespects Palin and reveals an arrogance that is unmatched. For McCain, Palin represents the argument if you object to a VP because of little experience you must then object to a President. Judgment does not matter for the presidency, only experience in terms of who has been elected the most, right President Lincoln? No matter how many errors, no matter how lapses in judgment or ethics, no matter how many of John McCain's laws get struck down by the Supreme Court for violating constitutional standards, experience to some is the most important qualification. Even though it is almost impossible to vote an incumbent out of office and experience refers only to time in office, "experience" still matters to people as if it is self-evident qualification for office.
If Palin does not bring votes because she is a woman and does not energize the Religious Right because she speaks in tongues, then the inexperience that she represents may help diminish votes from Obama. This demeans Palin- you bring very little to the ticket except for conservative identity politics and the possibility you can attract "Hillary" voters. Affirmative action in the face of racial discrimination is one thing. This is a Religious Right Legacy Nomination, which is similar to a legacy admission for college, an affirmative action policy that conservatives ignore as it helps them.
This is another sign the McCain lacks the judgment to be president and, most likely, lacks the judgment necessary to be a US Senator. The election of McCain represents an existential crisis for this country. Even President Bush showed some limits; McCain has yet to show any limits. He will contradict his "honor" to win an election no matter how devastating it is for the county.
And just think, his motto is "Country First." The selection of Palin is a rejection of Country First. It is McCain first, as it always is.
In a sense, McCain is a maverick. Yet, it is not because he selected a woman; it is not because he selected an "authentic" member of the Religious Right. McCain is a maverick because he undercuts the War on Terror and the reason for his nomination in the first place. For a temporary increase in enthusiasm, he selects someone he undercuts McCain's argument for being a president in the first place.
It may just be the economy, stupid.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Worth the Consideration of Those Who Would Consider It Worth Considering
McCain Blogette: Musings and Pop Culture on the Political Trail. John McCain's daughter continues to blog the campaign trail. Harrogate found out about this months ago, and even linked to it once on the Situation. But then, he forgot all about it, what with the deluge of Breaking News that has Broken over the course of that period. But then today he remembered, and thought he'd post it again.
Odd question of the day:
When you home school, does your child move up from grade to grade or just move from room to room?
Smoke More Blog: Two Bloggers We're All Familiar With, Offering Takes on Palin
Literacy Chic celebrates Palin especially here; and also here.
Though apparently not a fan of the Alaska Governor, Anastasia Offers a Wag of the Finger at Sexism in the Palin Discourse
Though apparently not a fan of the Alaska Governor, Anastasia Offers a Wag of the Finger at Sexism in the Palin Discourse
Harrogate's Second Ever Tip of the Hat to Andrew "Reagan Was Awesome But Gays Should Have Rights" Sullivan
Harrogate's gotta hand it to Sully. Since the scope of Palin's social conservatism has begun to emerge centerstage, he's been going after her with everything he's got.
Nor is the "human interest" angle for attacking Palin, that Supa mentioned yesterday, lost on his Sullyness. Take this particular entry, for example.
Nor is the "human interest" angle for attacking Palin, that Supa mentioned yesterday, lost on his Sullyness. Take this particular entry, for example.
About that glass ceiling Schtick
In her speech of introduction, er, acceptance speech, Sarah Palin stated:
“It was rightly noted in Denver that Hillary made 18 million cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling in America. It turns out the women of America aren’t finished yet, and we can shatter that glass ceiling once and for all.”By shattering, she means that women can only hope o be VP so long as they are accompanied by their grandfather?
Palin; or, Gun Rights Explained, Iraq Solved, Change Delivered, Glass Ceilings Cracked, and Green M&Ms Eaten
So much bilge packed into only 46 seconds!
Friday, August 29, 2008
As Much as Harrogate Detests The Current Configuration Of Our Media......
He is still human. Does he not still bleed? Does he not feel the thorns of life? And verily, has he no sense of humor?
Because it is goddamned funny how MSNB has said "to hell with it, we're getting behind Obama the rest of the way, though we promise to be clumsy about it often, to the inadvertent detriment of the candidate we are supporting. Even Buchanan and Scarborough are going to come off, the rest of the way, as friendly old curmudgeons who just need more time around Rachel and Keith, and they might see the light yet." Etc.
Meanwhile FOX says, "whatever, duuuuude. You knew where we'd be the whole time."
Compare all this with the putridness of CNN as they continue to raise the brow and pretend to an above-it-all objecticity and journalistic integrity. But in reality, CNN runs mre fluff pieces, more human interest stories (heh), than the other two, and by a country mile.
FOX and MSNBC therefore win in terms of entertainment value. Flipping back and forth between them lately has been a real treat.
:-)
Because it is goddamned funny how MSNB has said "to hell with it, we're getting behind Obama the rest of the way, though we promise to be clumsy about it often, to the inadvertent detriment of the candidate we are supporting. Even Buchanan and Scarborough are going to come off, the rest of the way, as friendly old curmudgeons who just need more time around Rachel and Keith, and they might see the light yet." Etc.
Meanwhile FOX says, "whatever, duuuuude. You knew where we'd be the whole time."
Compare all this with the putridness of CNN as they continue to raise the brow and pretend to an above-it-all objecticity and journalistic integrity. But in reality, CNN runs mre fluff pieces, more human interest stories (heh), than the other two, and by a country mile.
FOX and MSNBC therefore win in terms of entertainment value. Flipping back and forth between them lately has been a real treat.
:-)
Breaking News: P. Diddy Impacted by Rising Fuel Costs
Poor P. Diddy. He's having to fly commercial airlines these days instead of trekking around the world on his private jet:
That's how high gas prices are. I'm at the gate right now. This is really happening, proof gas prices are too high. Tell whoever the next president is we need to bring gas prices down.Preach on, Diddy. Preach on.
"She's No Hillary"
Amen. Hillary, please don't let Sarah Palin ride your coattails. I can't believe she cited you as an inspiration. Doesn't she know that she's McCain's pawn? I'm so disgusted right now. I love Rachel Maddow: Sarah Palin is basically a "human interest story" right now in national media coverage. Awesome.
If you want to destroy my PUMA....
Pull this thread as I walk away....
Earlier today, I was about to nominate Mr. Howard "Nice Sweater" Wolfson for the coveted Assy McGee Award® for his completely obnoxious comments of
But, instead of Mr. Nice Sweaters Finish Last, I will promote Darragh Murphy, one of the leaders of the PUMA movement. On Hardball this evening, Murphy, as she is known on all the A list blogs or, Bat-Shit Murphy as she is known on this blog, is still in the grieving process of the Democratic Primary. Instead of having 16 years of a Democratic President, with Senator Obama knowing his place in society and waiting to run in 2016 even if Democracy screwed that up, Bat-Shit Murphy stated we'll probably have 16 years of a Republican presidency noe beacuse of the excellence (and ovaries) of Sarah Palin. Damn kids who voted in the Democratic primary, ruining the dreams of PUMA...how could you? McCain is too good and this ticket s too string to even cast a ballot.
But, for the person who donated to McCain in 2000, this is okay so long as you vote Democratic on the down-ticket. Well, Bat-Shit Murphy, by ignoring the top of the ticket, you are going to do a splendid job of advancing your goals of health care for all, equal rights, reproductive rights, worker protection, enviroment protection, help for college students, and good public schools. McCain and Palin are known for these issues.
We here hope you are wonderful towards one another...And we hope you support Palin, who clearly supports every one of your goals. Just ask the polar bears, Bat-Shit.
Earlier today, I was about to nominate Mr. Howard "Nice Sweater" Wolfson for the coveted Assy McGee Award® for his completely obnoxious comments of
If the pick is indeed Sarah Patlin you are going to have a lot of women voters wondering why Senator Obama didn't tap Senator Clinton as his running mate.Of course if Obama picked Clinton there would have been no need for Palin but...what do you expect from someone who works at Fox.
But, instead of Mr. Nice Sweaters Finish Last, I will promote Darragh Murphy, one of the leaders of the PUMA movement. On Hardball this evening, Murphy, as she is known on all the A list blogs or, Bat-Shit Murphy as she is known on this blog, is still in the grieving process of the Democratic Primary. Instead of having 16 years of a Democratic President, with Senator Obama knowing his place in society and waiting to run in 2016 even if Democracy screwed that up, Bat-Shit Murphy stated we'll probably have 16 years of a Republican presidency noe beacuse of the excellence (and ovaries) of Sarah Palin. Damn kids who voted in the Democratic primary, ruining the dreams of PUMA...how could you? McCain is too good and this ticket s too string to even cast a ballot.
But, for the person who donated to McCain in 2000, this is okay so long as you vote Democratic on the down-ticket. Well, Bat-Shit Murphy, by ignoring the top of the ticket, you are going to do a splendid job of advancing your goals of health care for all, equal rights, reproductive rights, worker protection, enviroment protection, help for college students, and good public schools. McCain and Palin are known for these issues.
We here hope you are wonderful towards one another...And we hope you support Palin, who clearly supports every one of your goals. Just ask the polar bears, Bat-Shit.
Today's Assy McGee Award®: Sean Hannity in a Walk
First off, let Harrogate Preface this by saying there were many fine contenders today. Including any Hillary Clinton "supporter" who is out there pimping for McCain, and definitely including the entire Townhall.com blogroll, which has been creaming all over itself over McCain's vacuous and overtly desperate Veep pick all day.
And so at first, Harrogate thought he'd just not give the award to anybody. But Harrogate and Supadiscomama turned on "Hannity and Colmes", and in the first five minutes Sean Hannity referenced five times the fact that Palin gave birth to a child she knew in advance had Down Syndrome. It was not a personal decision for Palin herself, you see, but an act of Political and Doctrinal vindication.
Yes. Hannity hailed this as a celebration of Palin's anti-abortion creds. That Palin will apparently put up with and even encourage this kind of framing all season (will she even do it herself?) says enough about her character.
Perhaps we will be hearing about this all season long. Nothing is too low, nothing is off limits for the GOP which has done so much damage in such a short period of history. Doctrinalization of every aspect of Life. This is What Sean Hannity and the GOP stand for.
Oh, Fuck It. There are no words. Just the Award.
And so at first, Harrogate thought he'd just not give the award to anybody. But Harrogate and Supadiscomama turned on "Hannity and Colmes", and in the first five minutes Sean Hannity referenced five times the fact that Palin gave birth to a child she knew in advance had Down Syndrome. It was not a personal decision for Palin herself, you see, but an act of Political and Doctrinal vindication.
Yes. Hannity hailed this as a celebration of Palin's anti-abortion creds. That Palin will apparently put up with and even encourage this kind of framing all season (will she even do it herself?) says enough about her character.
Perhaps we will be hearing about this all season long. Nothing is too low, nothing is off limits for the GOP which has done so much damage in such a short period of history. Doctrinalization of every aspect of Life. This is What Sean Hannity and the GOP stand for.
Oh, Fuck It. There are no words. Just the Award.
A Consideration of the Palin Pick
After thinking about the pick on the walk home, here are a few thoughts:
First, from McCain's perspective, it is a smart pick. It energizes the base (Christian Right, NRA, Pro-Life [Feminists for Life]; it reinforces the Maverick image, and it looks to keep the lower-middle class vote. It excludes Lieberman, Romney, and Ridge, as the Christian Right desires. It also saves Huckabee for 2012.
Second, it changed the narrative of the day though it did not change the terms of the fall campaign. Obama defined the campaign Thursday. There has been no rejection of those definitions. In fact, with the Palin pick,we are still discussing McCain's judgment.
Third, this may empower competing groups of women as an electorate. Thinking about women as a voting bloc is a mistake. I am sure that many social conservative women are thrilled with the pick as she "speaks for them," those who are forgotten in the culture wars.
Fourth, she reminds people of Tina Fey.
Fifth, McCain is attempting to appropriate the "change" argument. We know that the premise of the election is "change." The question McCain presents is how much change can you tolerate? Race will be the subtext to the question of change.
Sixth, the debate will go straight down hill. Even below the point at which we stand. Since the inexperience topos is effectively off the table, we have only Obama is "different." Obama's "otherness" is too much, ours is just right. As Time shows, McCain no longer has any honor left because of this election. I do not know if Palin has any, especially when she asks the American people to support her because she has ovaries...i mean to break the glass ceiling.
Seventh, this is an attempt for Ohio and Pennsylvania, but mainly Ohio. This is a completely defensive, and political, selection for John McCain. I repeat, he has no political honor.
A few things I cannot understand: Palin admitted she knows "nothing about Iraq." She has not thought about it with any depth.
The know nothing about one another as they only met once. This is a terrible sign of judgment.
McCain does not believe think highly of the American electorate. His arrogance is overwhelming at this point.
Finally. she opposes polar bears!!! (I wonder what her stance is on global warming?)
First, from McCain's perspective, it is a smart pick. It energizes the base (Christian Right, NRA, Pro-Life [Feminists for Life]; it reinforces the Maverick image, and it looks to keep the lower-middle class vote. It excludes Lieberman, Romney, and Ridge, as the Christian Right desires. It also saves Huckabee for 2012.
Second, it changed the narrative of the day though it did not change the terms of the fall campaign. Obama defined the campaign Thursday. There has been no rejection of those definitions. In fact, with the Palin pick,we are still discussing McCain's judgment.
Third, this may empower competing groups of women as an electorate. Thinking about women as a voting bloc is a mistake. I am sure that many social conservative women are thrilled with the pick as she "speaks for them," those who are forgotten in the culture wars.
Fourth, she reminds people of Tina Fey.
Fifth, McCain is attempting to appropriate the "change" argument. We know that the premise of the election is "change." The question McCain presents is how much change can you tolerate? Race will be the subtext to the question of change.
Sixth, the debate will go straight down hill. Even below the point at which we stand. Since the inexperience topos is effectively off the table, we have only Obama is "different." Obama's "otherness" is too much, ours is just right. As Time shows, McCain no longer has any honor left because of this election. I do not know if Palin has any, especially when she asks the American people to support her because she has ovaries...i mean to break the glass ceiling.
Seventh, this is an attempt for Ohio and Pennsylvania, but mainly Ohio. This is a completely defensive, and political, selection for John McCain. I repeat, he has no political honor.
A few things I cannot understand: Palin admitted she knows "nothing about Iraq." She has not thought about it with any depth.
The know nothing about one another as they only met once. This is a terrible sign of judgment.
McCain does not believe think highly of the American electorate. His arrogance is overwhelming at this point.
Finally. she opposes polar bears!!! (I wonder what her stance is on global warming?)
Harrogate: We must discuss this pick!!!
Sarah Palin, the Creationist. Let's here it for faith based reality:
No wonder why the country went to war in Iraq. Republicans do not know how to judge evidence in a debate.
Fucking Kids.
"Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both."
No wonder why the country went to war in Iraq. Republicans do not know how to judge evidence in a debate.
Fucking Kids.
My Love for Debbie Wasserman Schultz
It continues. Yesterday, or the day before, I noted her kick ass nomination address. According to The Washington Post (via TNR) here is her response to Palin:
"I know Hillary Clinton, and Sarah Palin is no Hillary Clinton."
Introducing Sarah "Barracuda" Palin
Ed Rollins, on CNN.com, offers this insight into Palin as VP candidate:
I love that last bit. Is there an implied comparison to Hillary here? That is, Palin is tough but also appropriately feminine? I'll bet she wears skirts to prove it.
The "who" is a young, articulate, smart, tough, pro-life woman who is the governor of our northernmost state. She is conservative and a mother of 5, including a son in the Army who is set to be deployed to Iraq on September 11. Her youngest child has Down syndrome.
The "Barracuda" nickname came from her aggressive basketball play on the state championship basketball team. She is a hunter, pilot and lifetime member of the NRA.
She is blunt, outspoken and charming. And don't assume she can't stand toe-to-toe with Joe Biden. She is a great debater. And she was runner-up for the Miss Alaska title, won Miss Congeniality in that contest, and plays the flute.
I love that last bit. Is there an implied comparison to Hillary here? That is, Palin is tough but also appropriately feminine? I'll bet she wears skirts to prove it.
Identity Politics to be sure
But, he cautioned, “The huge gamble is that John McCain is 72, he’s had a couple of bouts with cancer.” If McCain wins the election, but then were to die or become disabled, Buchanan wondered, “Can this woman be President of the United States?”
So says Pat Buchanan about McCain's VP pick, Sarah Palin in an article on MSNBC. While think Buchanan's question is valid, I wish he had worded it another way--"Can this person be President of the United States?" would have been a better wording I think. Buchanan, however, (and believe me, I never, never thought I'd be saying this) articulates a point that I equally concerns me by highlighting Palin's sex. She is going to be questioned hard by Republicans and Democrats alike because of her sex and her position as a mother of 5. I imagine she (and McCain) will be asked the following question many, many times: "In the event that you become President, how will you juggle the Presidency and motherhood?" This questions angers me because it is inherently sexist, and here's why: no one has asked Barack Obama (or Bill Clinton for that matter) how he will juggle fatherhood and the Presidency?
McCain may have made a strategic pick, but as Solon and Harrogate have already pointed out, the VP campaign (such as it is) is now solely about identity politics. And while many conservative women may be thinking that McCain just did a great thing for American women, I actually think he has succeeded in screwing us over yet again.
So says Pat Buchanan about McCain's VP pick, Sarah Palin in an article on MSNBC. While think Buchanan's question is valid, I wish he had worded it another way--"Can this person be President of the United States?" would have been a better wording I think. Buchanan, however, (and believe me, I never, never thought I'd be saying this) articulates a point that I equally concerns me by highlighting Palin's sex. She is going to be questioned hard by Republicans and Democrats alike because of her sex and her position as a mother of 5. I imagine she (and McCain) will be asked the following question many, many times: "In the event that you become President, how will you juggle the Presidency and motherhood?" This questions angers me because it is inherently sexist, and here's why: no one has asked Barack Obama (or Bill Clinton for that matter) how he will juggle fatherhood and the Presidency?
McCain may have made a strategic pick, but as Solon and Harrogate have already pointed out, the VP campaign (such as it is) is now solely about identity politics. And while many conservative women may be thinking that McCain just did a great thing for American women, I actually think he has succeeded in screwing us over yet again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)