Palin: The Ghost of Katrina Past
As Republicans are gathering in St. Paul, Minnesota, the gale winds of Hurricane Gustav are already casting a pall over the week's festivities -- an unfortunate reminder for the GOP of the Bush Administration's lackluster response to Hurricane Katrina three years ago this week.
However, while Gustav appears to be a far less severe storm, the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as the GOP's Vice Presidential nominee (on the third anniversary of Katrina) risks becoming the man-made event that will blow the party badly off course: evoking visceral reminders of Republican mismanagement and even incompetence in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The most tangible response from the mayhem in New Orleans that followed Katrina's landfall was a larger impression of mismanagement and even cronyism by the federal government (a view personified by the vilified FEMA head Michael Brown). It's an image that fundamentally tarnished the perception of the Bush Administration; indeed since August 2005 President Bush's approval ratings have never jumped above 50%.
Clearly, one of Senator John McCain's key goals at the Republican National Convention has been to remove the stain of Katrina and cast his candidacy and the Republican Party in a more positive light for the electorate. As an early critic of the failed Bush Administration response, McCain has some credibility on this front and one would have expected a "turning the page" type argument to be at the forefront of Mr. McCain's acceptance speech on Thursday night.
But the emerging firestorm around his VP pick, Sarah Palin is threatening to undermine these efforts and remind voters of the GOP's competence gap that emerged post-Katrina. Whatever one's view of Mrs. Palin as a Vice Presidential nominee it seems clearer, day-by-day and hour-by-hour that the McCain campaign spent precious little time vetting the Alaska Governor before her selection. As a story in today's New York Times suggests, Palin may have only emerged as a serious contender "four or five days" before her selection.
Now, only four days after her unveiling as John McCain's running mate the national media is uncovering stories about Mrs. Palin's association in a fringe, Alaska secessionist party; her misstatements on the fabled Alaskan "bridge to nowhere;" her conduct in firing the state's public safety commissioner; her husband's prior DUI arrest; her efforts to secure federal earmarks; and of course word now that Palin's 17-year old daughter is pregnant. The worst part of this story might be if the McCain campaign actually did vet Palin.
Just as the bungled response to Katrina was a seminal moment in removing the veneer of competence that had defined the Bush Administration, the growing firestorm around Mrs. Palin threatens to remove the veneer of competence and probity that has long defined Mr. McCain.
Indeed the biggest risk to come out of the Palin imbroglio is not the issues that may arise around her, either personally or politically; it's instead the questions that may begin to arise about John McCain and his decision-making process in choosing a Vice Presidential nominee.
One of the strongest assets that Mr. McCain has in his race against Barack Obama is the notion that he will be the steadier hand in Washington; the experienced and resolute leader who is far less risky that the young upstart Senator from Illinois. In fact, one would expect the experience advantage of Mr. McCain to have been the key talking point not only in this week's GOP convention, but also in his acceptance speech on Thursday night.
But with the selection of Mrs. Palin, this image has taken a significant hit and may force McCain and other Republicans to tone down their attacks against Obama's supposed lack of experience. What's worse, only a day after curtailing much of the events at the GOP convention in St. Paul because of Gustav, Republicans run the risk of looking unseemly if they attack Democratic nominee, Senator Obama too aggressively - the replacement of former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani as tonight's keynote speaker are a clear sign that Republicans are taking steps to seem less partisan. After a fairly successful Democratic convention, which improved the public perception of Obama, the challenge in "going negative" could have significant consequences on Republican's ability to redefine Obama.
However, in the end, it is the Palin situation that may throw the greatest monkey wrench in GOP plans. It may still be too early to fully assess its impact on the presidential race, but if the selection of Sarah Palin as VP begins to crystallize negative public opinion about the GOP it may well be remembered in the same way as Hurricane Katrina - as a disaster from which the Republican Party may not soon recover.
Speaking of more vetting problems. The NY Post can't find any evidence that Levi Johnson ever agreed to be the groom, in spite of Sarah's announcement that he was going to be. This may be close to a literal shot-gun wedding.
There comes a point when your opponent is digging his own hole faster and deeper where the only sensible thing is to step back, watch and enjoy the show.
September 2, 2008 5:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hell no! There are plenty of shovels laying around. Grab one and pitch in!
September 3, 2008 12:41 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm an Alaskan and have watched Palin her entire political life. You radically underestimate her. Time will tell and once McCain lets her loose you'll understand what I'm talking about.
She's genuine whether you want to believe it or not. She's taken on Big Oil and succeeded where 30-40 years of so-called seasoned politicians couldn't and wouldn't stand up to them for fear they'd lose their support. Mind you, she had to turn on her own Republican party to do this.
Before she ever campained for the office of Governor she was on a committee that she saw the corruption first hand. She was given that cushy postion (well over 100,000 dollars a year salary) because the sleazy Republicans thought she'd be a good puppet. They thought the same as you, "... she's a beautiful woman, that means she'll do as she's told and look the part."
She turned the bastards in and it ruined her politically at first. She held her ground and didn't give into their pressure, she gave up the cushy salary and the high held positions they offered her to shut her up. Sure enough the truth came out and once the closed record was opened, we normals found out what she had done.
This caused a bunch of other special interest groups to take her on their shoulders and help her win the Governorship. It was an easy win, the current Governor was unpopular and grass roots folks saw something in her. She had campaigned that she was going to change the way we did business in Alaska and she wasn't going to be swayed by any powers other than the power of the people.
Those power mongers that thought they had her in their pockets because they supported her campaign soon found she was going to keep her word to the people no matter how much special interests freaked out. She proceeded to single handedly get laws through the Legislature that kept big oil from getting away from dominating OUR (yours too, not Exxon's) oil. We now will be producing needed gas for Americans and the costs will be cheaper for them just because of her actions.
With the oil prices going sky high and Alaskans along with everyone else paying outrageous gas prices, she took the oil wealth and instead of spending it all on Government fodder she got a bill passed that is going to give every Alaskan $1200 this October. Directly out of her office, with all the spending politicians screaming bloody murder. I believe that's where this current, "Tried to get a Trooper fired. . .came from.
It should also be noted that when questions did arise about the firing of the saftey officer that might be because he wouldn't fire the Trooper, her enemies circled for the kill. Instead of cowering and/or hiding anything, she did her own investigation and found sure enough it did seem members of her staff did pressure the safety director. She herself called a press conference to admit the deeds. There was no reason for her to do this. She did it because she's not afraid to do the right thing and she's not afraid to let the people she represents see her mistakes.
There are so many other acomplishments but too many to put everything here. The national press is underestimating her. I also see all these posts from so-called Alaskans that say stuff about her that even her local enemies here would never say, because they simply do not apply. It's sad how the left is threading their rope to hang themselves.
She isn't as inexperienced as it may seem. We have close International relations in Asia, Alaska is not like the lower 48, we're much more worldwide orientated. Her having to take on one on one negotiations with the oil companies for the gas line, which are larger and more powerful than most countries on the planet. This is a billions of dollars battle certainly the largest project this nation will have this generation. She beat them and now they are rushing to get development done to impress her and try to beat her in the court battles. Development that they sat on for over 30 years is for the first time being done.
She's been maintaining an administration that involves a state that is one third the size of the entire nation. No, not a lot of people but resources and soldiers up the ying-yang. The logistics alone are mind bogeling. The trouble is most of the country doesn't know what it is like to live up here and how cosmopolitan and internationally situated this state resides.
But you will find out, people like her can't stop the shine of their qualities (like O'Bama). I can't type enough here to tell the whole story of Sarah Palin and no I'm not one of her groupies. I happened to have been a political editoral cartoonist early in her career and I enjoyed picking fun at her. I watched her grow into a polished and amazingly effective politician. That is why I must speak up.
There are things you can say about Palin that diminish her, but all the current stories are just made up fluff for lack of facts. Let the campaign ride and you'll see the true woman, like her or not. She does not hide who she is and what she is capable of, let that give you fodder and stop this silly guessing.
At least ask we Alaskans, and please check that they do come from Alaska. Not "I once lived there. . ." or "I absolutely hate her and so do many others in Alaska. . " It's not true and it's not how her enemies up here would talk about her. Maybe if an article ever comes out about her that has a hint of truth in it, I'll come back here and tell you what those things are. She isn't perfect and she is a politician afterall. There's always bad that can be said, but currently you aren't hearing the truth. Until then I'll speak in her favor.
September 3, 2008 1:40 AM | Reply | Permalink
That's all well and good, and I applaud her for her Mr Smith Goes to Washington uprightness. But she is extreme pro life, she tried to ban books--and she may be in a position to influence 3 Supreme Justice picks--I have to oppose her positions on those issues, alone. Dealing with corruption in a state with a population of roughly 700k is not the same as going up against all the players with a stake in the Washington game. A lot of em tried, and a lot of em died...
September 3, 2008 2:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Artic Frost,
all that was missing from your post was The Battle Hymn of the Republic playing in the background.
Wasn't the McCain camp supposed to have advertised on thier site for supporters to go to different blogs and talk up McCain etc?
September 3, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Honey, please, I do not know if you are paid to post for her and McCain, but my understanding of Sarah is that if she did fire the people you referred to, she soon filled those positions with her friends. HER FRIENDS. Yes, she is some kind of noble.
She has good spin to her and is able to recover, verbally, when she makes a gaffe, and she sounds as though she can talk a hole in your head without ever stopping. I listen to her and I am thinking, "SHUT UP! You are digging a hole for yourself the longer your mouth is moving." I mean, sheesh, doesn't she know to stop digging when you're standing in a hole?
Do you know what she represents to me? Nothing. She is not my vision of a president. Please do not live in denial, she is being vetted for the position of president.
Sarah is ignorant. I could have lived with her ignorance; what I can not live with is when she met the leader of Afghanistan? Pakistan? He was flirting with her and she did nothing, but accept the flirt/flattery without putting a stop to it.
Condoleeza is taken seriously by members of all countries and would not tolerate the disrespect of being treated as less than an equal.
Do you recall the uprise and headlines following the quick massage Bush gave to the german(?) prime minister?
No this Sarah likes the flattery too much for my peace of mind.
October 1, 2008 9:13 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well Arctic F.,
it certainly is nice to know you support your governor. I hear your praise, and she may very well be a great person, but where's the substance?
What qualifies her to be more than a PTA mom?
"She stood up to big oil" is a repeated phrase, but stood up for what? More money and Less environmental protection?
So she dug in and asked for a bigger cut.
That's not change, just more of the same crony mentality.
She promotes "christian family values" and can't even control her own family. Her daughter is unwed and having a baby for christ's sake!
How the hell is she going to manage the country?
She doesn't even know what the VP's job IS?!!
And Russia or not, she has no international experience or KNOWLEDGE!! She has stated her lack of interest in the Iraq war.
Her nomination is a Hail Mary joke.
She may have made a great governor.
But now, her every misstep in life will be scrutinized, and revealed to the world.
IT may very well ruin her career, and for what?
THe impulsive desperation of an old man and a party that doesn't recognize its own extinction in progress.
We'll be watching...
September 3, 2008 11:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
The biggest issue is going to be McCain's impulsive gut-level rapid decision-making with he chose the poorly vetted Sarah Palin, not so much Sarah Palin's qualities or lack of them.
The stark comparison between the panic of the Republican Party as more and more stuff on Palin dribbles out and the cool response of Obama that the daughters' pregnancy has nothing to do with the campaign or with Sarah Palin's qualifications is obvious.
Who is the steady hand making the right decisions? It's sure not the desperate John McCain.
September 3, 2008 1:51 PM | Reply | Permalink
c4logic - I respect the opinions of someone like you who focuses on what Palin stands for and you stick to the issues. Applause! Applause! Applause! At least someone around here isn't afraid to have a legitimate opinion. I can't argue with you on her very conservative nature, you're correct. However, it should be noted that a special session of our lesilature was called to finalize acceptance of the gas pipe line and many Republicans demanded she put the abortion issue up as well. She refused on the grounds it would dilute the facts on the real issues they were supposed to be there for. Now, don't misunderstand me, she would gladly support aggressive abortion laws. Also, in fairness to our small population, you have to understand that the extent of power of the oil companies is international. We understand it up here very well. They aren't easy to take on and they are the exact same people who ARE influencing current Congressmen and Senators, Congress couldn't and won't stop them but she could and did. How many times has the left screamed for someone to do something about them? However, your opposition is based on truth and I won't begrudge a well thought out opinion.
As for Fireshadow, you're just more of the same prattle that will desolve as the country gets to know Sarah.
Richard - I'm not so sure it was as impulsive as you may think. She was being considered long ago along with all the others. It was big news up here in Alaska that our Governor was actually on the list. Not a single person in the state, and that includes Sarah, saw this coming. Is it a move of desperation on McCain's part? I'm not so convinced of that because I know how brillant a show she can put on and maybe McCain has figured that out. But I can't dispute your opinion, you may be correct, yet I have faith that the campaign process will prove if she is cabale or not.
I do have one point of contention - you say, "as more and more stuff on Palin dribbles out. . ." mostly rumours (nasty ones at that) have been dribbling out. You are correct if the McCain group didn't see this scrutiny coming then they are playing the fools. I'm just not convinced of that yet. But I won't say you're wrong yet either. I have faith time will tell. O'Bama won BIG points in my book for his response to the nomination, it wasn't just a cool response it was the right and fair response. He definitly displays excellent leadership qualities. I'm thrilled we have two very worthy candidates and I have no idea who I'm going to pick.
Yep - I'm one of those undecideds that will be deciding who the next President will be. I won't cry if O'Bama wins if I don't vote for him. I think he is a fine man, I just respect and like McCain too. I'm really perplexed as to whom I'm going to pick. O'Bama could be as great as JFK and actually get people caring about their country again. McCain is a known commodity and I know what to expect out of him, he's a great man. Sigh - it's a very tough choice. Right now I lean towards McCain because of the nastiness of the far-left, but yours and c4logic prove not every left leaning person is nasty. By the way - don't complain to me about the nastiness of the far-right, I hate them too.
September 3, 2008 4:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
As I understand it you "lean McCain" because of the nastiness of the far left.
Yet you say
"don't say anything about the far right because I hate them too"
Somehow I smell something fishy. Particularly in light of the fact that picking Palin was a clear bow to the far right of the Republican Party. You know - the part of the party that generally hates him because he thumbs his nose at them?
Your extensive posting and elaborate efforts to console Obama suporters make you sound like a McCain operative. Which is inherently not a bad thing, but when you pose as a curious moderate you move into territory called lying.
September 4, 2008 1:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Arctic Frost, I would just say that experience isn't everything. Judgment is key. McCain clearly has little that would do us good. For instance, anyone could see the war wouldn't be over in a matter of months. He has little economic management experience, and can hardly understand the needs of the vast majority of the population having five or more houses to contemplate their needs in.
Regarding Sarah, the obvious thing to do for the country is to go with a safe pick. I don't care how good of a politician you are, being thrown into the national media lion's den is a daunting task.
September 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Arctic Frost, I would just say that experience isn't everything. Judgment is key. McCain clearly has little that would do us good. For instance, anyone could see the war wouldn't be over in a matter of months. He has little economic management experience, and can hardly understand the needs of the vast majority of the population having five or more houses to contemplate their needs in.
Regarding Sarah, the obvious thing to do for the country is to go with a safe pick. I don't care how good of a politician you are, being thrown into the national media lion's den is a daunting task.
September 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, Arctic Frost, I would just say that experience isn't everything. Judgment is key. McCain clearly has little that would do us good. For instance, anyone could see the war wouldn't be over in a matter of months. He has little economic management experience, and can hardly understand the needs of the vast majority of the population having five or more houses to contemplate their needs in.
Regarding Sarah, the obvious thing to do for the country is to go with a safe pick. I don't care how good of a politician you are, being thrown into the national media lion's den is a daunting task.
September 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Help.
Could the choice of McCain have to do with protecting Bush from prosecution because of some of the acts, known and unknown, committed by him while in office?
The choice of Sarah as a running mate has to do with her being ignorant and not DC savvy? I mean it is not like she would question anything if she is being used as a rockstar; she does so love the spotlight, to her detriment.
Hillary would have worked to protect Bush, as well, and would have worked, had it not been for Obama.
Obama will not strike a deal with the outgoing administration and I am sure they know it and are looking for ways to combat him, but ideally defeat him.
Help. Is this farfetched a thought or not developed enough to have queried it?
October 1, 2008 9:23 AM | Reply | Permalink