The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

‘The Weekly Sarah Palin Segment . . .’

Posted on | November 28, 2010 | 31 Comments

“. . . in which the impression is given that the whole of conservatism is encapsulated in this one glorious woman.”

Instead, he would perhaps have us believe, the whole of conservatism is encapsulated in Charles Krauthammer’s brain.

It is not Krauthammer’s fault that the media are obsessed with presidential politics. It is not Krauthammer’s fault that, when Palin’s choice as running mate in 2008 suddenly made the GOP ticket competitive with Obama (see the poll numbers cited here), the media embarked on a search-and-destroy mission against Palin. And it is not Krauthammer’s fault that the media have continued to use Palin as a scarecrow, a Republican demon-figure presented as the too-horrifying-to-contemplate alternative to supporting Obama.

However, it is Krauthammer’s fault that he can’t speak of Palin except to dismiss her with a sneer. (Am I the only one who noticed his significant pause between “glorious” and “woman”?)

Allahpundit isn’t as openly sneering as Krauthammer: “While no one would claim that conservatism begins and ends with Palin, some of her more devoted supporters do seem to regard her as an avatar of the movement.”

Here’s my problem with such dismissive attitudes toward Palin from conservatives: It sets up the 2012 primary contest as a battle between Smart Republicans (who are presumed to oppose Palin) and Dumb Republicans (who presumably support Palin). This message — which is being shouted from the rooftops by Krauthammer, Rove and many others — will tend to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Which is to say, most of the Smart Republicans who take their political cues from the conservative intelligentsia will in fact oppose Palin. But the influence of Rove, Krauthammer et al. is not so great as they wish and, in a multi-candidate field, the irreducible hard core of Palin supporters among GOP primary voters is still large enough to win pluralities in every state where the primary electorate is limited to registered Republicans. (Seriously: Comparing the average Romney supporter to the average Palin supporter, which is more likely to trudge through the snow to attend an Iowa caucus meeting?)

There is therefore a very real possibility of Palin winning the 2012 presidential nomination, at which point all the sneering condescension of the Krauthammer/Rove class will justify the MSM in declaring, “The Dumb Republicans have won!”

And that’s not going to help beat Barack Obama, is it?

At least for the sake of argument, let Palin’s supporters stipulate that, as a candidate, she has very real liabilities. Let them grant that Palin’s detractors are sincere in their criticisms. Rule out of bounds any ad hominem attacks on the “Beltway elite” or any accusation that the anti-Palin conservatives are expressing mere snobbery toward someone they perceive as a provincial rube.

Still, from a standpoint of pure political strategy, Palin’s conservative critics are at risk of wrecking the GOP’s chances in 2012 by their constant reiteration of anti-Palin memes. If Republicans are to defeat Obama in 2012, they absolutely must have the enthusiastic support of the Palinistas, whether or not Palin wins the nomination.

If Palin’s supporters believe that she has been cheated out of the GOP nomination because a cabal of elitists conspired against her, they’re unlikely to volunteer to man phone-banks and canvass precincts and do the other kinds of grassroots activism necessary for some other Republican nominee to beat Obama.

And what if Palin is the nominee?

Elections are about choices, and I presume that Karl Rove and Charles Krauthammer — and even David Frum –would prefer to see Sarah Palin take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2013, rather than to see Obama win a second term. If I am correct in that presumption, I would hope to see the conservative intelligentsia start acting as if a Palin presidency were both possible and preferable to Obama’s re-election. 

Because it is possible, even if Palin is not your ideal candidate for job.

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Category: Election 2012, Sarah Palin

Comments

  • http://912member.blogspot.com just a conservative girl

    While no one would claim that conservatism begins and ends with Palin, some of her more devoted supporters do seem to regard her as an avatar of the movement.”

    Sadly, many Palinista’s do think it ends with Palin. Do a negative post on Palin; all of sudden you are supporting Obama. To many, there doesn’t seem to be anyone else. I don’t believe that to be the case.

  • http://thepagantemple.blogspot.com/ ThePaganTemple

    the irreducible hard core of Palin supporters among GOP primary voters is still large enough to win pluralities in every state where the primary electorate is limited to registered Republicans.

    Not only that, but I think in those states where Democrats can vote in Republican primaries, she might do just as well or even better, if enough Democrats think Palin heading the ticket would be a sure way to defeat the GOP.

  • http://thepagantemple.blogspot.com/ ThePaganTemple

    I presume that Karl Rove and Charles Krauthammer — and even David Frum –would prefer to see Sarah Palin take the oath of office on Jan. 20, 2013, rather than to see Obama win a second term. If I am correct in that presumption

    You might be correct in some individual instances, but I doubt it. These people aren’t worried about the future of the country, nor are they worried about the effects of a second Obama term. Their chief concern is keeping their level of status and influence in the GOP, establishment wing. If Palin were to win, it would amount to a sea-change in the way the party operates, and in what wing of the party would come to predominate.

    When you see these present GOP leaders, you evidently see loyal Republicans and Americans. I see Frank and Lisa Murkowski times fifty.

  • http://saberpoint.blogspot.com Stogie Chomper

    The left has chosen Palin as their symbolic target, following Rule 13 from Alinsky: 13. Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it and polarize it.

    Per Alinksy, the left should pick out a single person to demonize and ridicule. It is a way of focusing and motivating the group. The same thing was done with Newt Gingrich in 1994.

  • http://twitter.com/meanolmeany paul mitchell

    Sarah is ONE person. I just do not get the animosity towards her. The Conservatives that continue to attack one of our own look petty and small, just like the liberals that are doing the same thing look.

    I distinctly remember something from the Founding Fathers and the Framers about this being a nation of LAWS not men. Conservatism is a way of life, not a way to target ONE person that believes in the philosophy.

    In other words, quit attacking the MOST VISIBLE messenger and if you think that she is a hick rube, keep it to yourself and get the MESSAGE out. If you attack Sarah and her family PERSONALLY, you are attacking the philosophy tangentially. Keep the bitching in the family and unite.

  • http://twitter.com/theoriginalCL Michael Todd

    I don’t believe for a second they’d prefer Palin to Obama. All you have to do is look back to the Goldwater campaign to realize the Establishment has goals that are quite contrary to that of the conservative movement. It was the Republican Party who beat Goldwater, not Johnson. Nothing ever changes, it’s foolish t believe otherwise.

    If I’ve learned anything about politics in my 42 years, it’s that it will take a profound change in the hearts and minds of the American people to change anything, not the political process, at least in the near term. If conservatives want a limited government, they have to be willing to take some political hits. Yes, they have to be willing to lose elections.

    There’s simply no proof that GOP “wins” have ever, or will ever, reverse the growth of government. Faith belongs to God, not politics. The GOP is not the end game. The GOP is not an answer. Anymore, I don’t even believe it’s a viable tool. History says it’ not.

    Until “We the People” decide to take a stand, vote principle and be willing to lose, there is no hope. We’re doomed.

  • Tennwriter

    I agree with the fellow who accused them of being Murkowskis. And if you think you’re not, then PROVE it. At this point, the burden of proof is on the Establishment as to why we should support anything they do.

    I’m a Palinista, but I don’t think Conservatism begins and ends with her. However, I do think that Palin is an excellent RINO detector.

    In 2008, I was planning on voting Hillary rather then McCain because better an open enemy than a hidden enemy. But then he showed great grace, and put Palin as his VP. So I changed my mind and voted McCain.

    I know the Establishment is going to play dirty, its what they do. But at some point, I may decide to vote for Obama. And let me be clear, Obama is a horrible president. But if it takes another Obama term for the GOP to get the message and let the True Conservatives run the show, then so be it.

    It’s time to play chicken. Show the Establishment that we’re crazier than they are. They want to keep their jobs….well, they might, if they get behind the right people. Granted, this means some loss of status, but not all. But if they don’t play well with us, then they can lose everything.

    You think I’m wrong to be so harsh. Show me I’m wrong. Prove you’re a loyal conservative instead of a selfish politician.

  • Mangrovemama2002

    Yeah, I am also quite bored with the smart Republican crowd.

    These same people unquestioningly hang on Karl Rove’s every word, while conveniently forgetting that he was the architect of the GOP’s descent into irrelavance in GWB’s second term.

    And they are the same types who dismissed Ronald Reagan, who is certainly the best and smartest President in my 53 years, as a B grade actor who could never be President – much less such an amazing one.

    You would think that, at this point, they would be a little chastened after having one of their best and brightest, Tom Delay, now labeled a convicted felon.

    Very nice article, Stacy.

  • Tennwriter

    Sure, there’s other people, but Jim Demint needs to take Boehner’s job, not Obama’s job.

    And that’s one of the big things with Palin. Sure, it’d be nicer if she had more experience, or more of this or that. We all are sadly finite creatures with eternal souls.

    But who else is better? Romney? He couldn’t even beat McCain who was not a prize. Huckabee….he’s got some good points, but I think Palin’s better. Jeb Bush…..NO….I am not voting for Yet Another Bush. I voted for two of them already. Enough. We’re not an aristocracy. If he was Jeb Smith, maybe, but he’s not. Mitch Daniels who was for, if I remember right, increasing taxes? Christie…a capable Democrat. Herman Cain—not tough enough against abortion.

    Let’s let Bobby Jindal ripen a bit more.

    Now, I’ve also heard about Pence, Pawlenty, and Paul Ryan??, but I know little to nothing about them.

    As you can see, our bench is mighty thin.

  • RefudiateObama2012

    I think you paint the Palin supporters with too broad a brush. I don’t have a problem understanding that some people will favor another potential candidate over Palin. With me, the problem with supporters of other potential candidates is when she is denigrated as stupid, unsophisticated, unqualified or polarizing. We have seen her attacked from both the left and the right, and we will not ignore anyone who relies on memes fueled by her detractors, including the media.

    As a Palin supporter, all I expect is that she be shown the respect that she’s earned. Support your candidate, but don’t try unfounded criticisms to belittle Sarah Palin. Do your homework before you repeat something you’ve read or heard, or you’ll be shown as the fool you are when you repeat inaccuracies.

    As a supporter of another potential candidate, don’t try to build him up by tearing her down.

    For those of you who say, “I like her, but she’s unelectable”, I say get off your butts and change opinions. Why should you let the Democrats, a small number of GOP operatives, and the media dictate to you who is electable?

    I stand with Sarah Palin, and I welcome others to stand with her too, but if you would rather stand with another that’s OK. That being said, if you choose to use falsehoods and innuendo against her, expect that an ordinary barbarian will come along and chop you off at the knees. That’s just the way it is.

  • Serfer62

    The primary target for the ’12 elections are the rinos and DC elite. It is the hatch gang that gave murkowski a chance to win over the AK GOP preferance. They also give us open primary elections allowing the Kommiecrats to select the GOP candidate. McCain? Really!!
    The 2012 elections will see the senate become GOP with NEW senators owning their success to the TP not the DC GOP who will probably politic against them as the did so many in ’08.
    The DC GOP must be desolved…

  • Kimsvaj

    Very good article mr. McCain. I’m glad to see that someone finally gets it. As someone who is a very big supporter of palin I will never understand the dismissiveness of her from so many. Why are they so worried if she runs? If she is as dumb as they think she will not win the primaries. She has to debate all the other candidates and she will have no room for any gaffes. The attacks on her have just made me loose faith in the republican party. I would never vote for Obama but I may stay home if the republicans continue down this line. The only person the republicans should be attacking is Obama

  • Katherine C

    Count me as a conservative that has a low opinion of Palin from several different angles:

    1. I think she gets WAY more credit for being a “true” conservative then she gets credit for. She wholeheartedly supported TARP and was a lover of pork barrel projects for her state.

    2. I don’t think she’s very bright (even though I usually agree with her on the issues) She attended 5 colleges in 6 years to get a degree in journalism. I wouldn’t hire a person with that resume to be my secretary.

    3. She’s completely unelectable, and would lose in a landslide. Every single poll shows her trailing other Republican candidates despite universal name recognition.

  • http://thepagantemple.blogspot.com/ ThePaganTemple

    She’s completely unelectable, and would lose in a landslide. Every single poll shows her trailing other Republican candidates despite universal name recognition.

    There again, this has everything to do with the Democrats, the media, and the RINO Republicans. If the party were to stand behind her, support her in every way expected of a party to support its standard bearer, then it would be a different story.

    But while the media and the Democrats conduct a frontal assault, the establishment GOP conducts a subversive internal assault which is much more deadly.

    And if they cause the party to lose the election, it will be their fault, not Palin’s or her supporters-who are NOT going away.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1385852725 Richard Mcenroe

    Tina Fey got an award. Sarah Palin got Congress. Please, please PLEASE keep thinking she’s an idiot.

  • the Dragon

    Katherine,

    Your point 2 is interesting. Does the fact that you usually agree with her, mean that we can ignore points 1 & 3, since, by definition you must not be very bright either? ;-)

    Regards,

  • Quartermaster

    The problem is the DC faux conservatives. Krauthammer can usually write good stuff, but when he writes bad stuff he writes very badly. His sneering contempt for the Tea Party types, and anything that smacks of jerking a knot in the tail of the GOP establishment marks him as untrustworthy. Rove, ditto.

    When you give money for campaigns be sure to stay away from the establishment funds, or anything run by idjits like Rove, Gingrich, or Armey.

  • Charlie

    And why do you think she attended different colleges? Could it be she had to EARN her way to education perhaps?

    I don’t think you are a conservative at all…

  • http://pointofagun.blogspot.com/ Dave C

    I would never vote for Obama but I may stay home if the republicans continue down this line. The only person the republicans should be attacking is Obama

    I won’t stay home but will give a serious look at a third party ticket should it come to that.

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  • http://dad29.blogspot.com/ Dad29

    But the influence of Rove, Krauthammer et al. is not so great as they wish

    Nor as they imagine. Rove seems more and more desperately seeking relevance (except to FoxNews). K-Man is far too smart to be caught playing the Palin game.

    Too bad.

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  • Anonymous

    Could Mr. Krauthammer be suffering from The David Stockholm (neé Stockman) Syndrome?

    Just asking….

  • WestForWestWing2012

    Wow, Stacy, best article on the subject that I’ve seen in a while. THANK YOU for injecting points of sanity and reason for BOTH sides in the Republican Palin wars to consider.

    Full disclosure: I am a former Palin for Prez advocate, and still think she’s the single individual most responsible for the Republican sweep on November 2.

    BUT the complete failure of her “intensely negative” numbers in the opinion polls to budge one iota in the last 2 years–and the fact that even 2/3 of the Republicans who LIKE her do not want her to run for Prez–have made me reconsider. I hate to say I agree with Karl Rove, but on this I believe he is right. In her personal life, I think she has plenty of “gravitas”–but it does not come through when she’s in the limelight–and perception is everything.

    However, you make a VERY good point about the way Rove and the other Sarah-bashers are setting us up for failure, and I only hope that movers and shakers in the high ranks of the party read your piece and take it to heart.

    My fondest hope is that the whole mess becomes moot when the GOP wakes up and realizes we already have a once-in-a-lifetime leader who is Oval-Office-ready TODAY, not to mention in 2012. He is the Winston Churchill to Barack Obama’s Neville Chamberlain, he got his “executive experience” the same place Dwight Eisenhower did–the U.S. Army–and his name is Allen West.

    http://WestForWestWing2012.com/about/

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  • Hotspur666

    Conservative girl? You sound paleo, which is synonym
    with neo-nazi muslim supporter!

    By bashing Sarah, you show your true face…next, blame Israel
    for the palesto-simians’ crimes! Just like Adolf Hitler Buchanan.
    Then vote for whatever demon rats that is out there
    that is not black or Jewish.

  • Hotspur666

    Conservative girl? You sound paleo, which is synonym
    with neo-nazi muslim supporter!

    By bashing Sarah, you show your true face…next, blame Israel
    for the palesto-simians’ crimes! Just like Adolf Hitler Buchanan.
    Then vote for whatever demon rats that is out there
    that is not black or Jewish.

  • Hotspur666

    You just repeated the standard argument of all the anti-semites: “You cannot criticize Israel without being called a nazi!”
    the “arab street’s” wisdom!

  • Hotspur666

    You just repeated the standard argument of all the anti-semites: “You cannot criticize Israel without being called a nazi!”
    the “arab street’s” wisdom!

  • Hotspur666

    And you didn’t vote obama, right?

    What a dizzy bimbo you are!

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