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Election 2008

Sarah Palin's Debate Performance Tanked Among Women

By Linda Hirshman, TheNation.com. Posted October 3, 2008.


Palin is a lot like a '90s "Rules Girl." She follows a playbook that men respond to -- one that gives women indigestion.
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I have been feeling really guilty about not liking Sarah Palin. She's independent, her husband helps raise the kids, she's worked most of her life. I should luv her. But the minute she minced on stage in St. Louis Thursday, with her shoulder-length hair and stiletto heels, I realized why I don't: she's The Rules Girl.

Remember The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right, Ellen Fein's and Sherry Schneider's explosively controversial 1995 book that upended thirty years of feminist teaching about dating? Forget all that equality and intelligence stuff, The Rules advised. Who wants to be Hillary Clinton? Men are simple, attracted to sexual symbols and bright, shiny objects. If you want them, they argued, you must sport long hair and wear sexy, attention-getting clothes. The suit Palin wore for the debate was some amazingly iridescent material, and she sported an eye-popping sparkly rhinestone flag pin. The governor as the It Girl of the '90s singles scene.

As the capital-letter Rules recommend, Palin knows she must Never Leave the House Without Makeup. And, so far in this campaign, she has scrupulously followed The Rules for dealing with mainstream media suitors: Rarely Return Their Calls. Always End the Date First. Never Make a Date for Saturday Night After a Wednesday Date. Never Make a Date for Meet the Press At All.

Palin follows all The Rules most indigestible to feminists. Let Him Take the Lead ("Bush Doctrine? In what respect, Charlie?") and Never Tell Him What to Do or Try to Change Him (John McCain: "Governor Palin and I agree that you don't announce that you're going to attack another country." Palin: "Well, as Senator McCain is suggesting here, also, never would our administration get out there and show our cards to terrorists, in this case, to enemies and let them know what the game plan was, not when that could ultimately adversely affect a plan to keep America secure.")

The Rules provide a perfect model for GOP media prep. How a Rules Girl acts does not have to reflect what she really believes -- or even what she knows, so long as it's effective with the target audience. As with all such disconnected systems, a practitioner must keep The Rules nearby for reference. If you watch the video of Thursday's debate, you'll see that Palin constantly consulted her notecards. Fein and Schneider recommend keeping a copy of their book on the bedside table, hidden from view but close enough to consult if you're tempted to, for example, linger on a phone call with a boyfriend beyond the prescribed time.

The danger is, of course, when a situation arises for which the notecards do not have an answer. When Gwen Ifill asked a question Palin did not have a notecard answer for -- whether she agreed with Vice President Cheney's egregiously overreaching interpretation of the constitutional role of the vice president -- the answer was ladled up straight from the Palin linguistic smorgasbord:


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See more stories tagged with: sarah palin, palin, vp debate, the rules

Linda R. Hirshman retired as the Allen/Berenson Distinguished Visiting Professor at Brandeis University. With almost no effort, she landed spot No. 77 on Bernard Goldberg's "100 People Who Are Screwing Up America."

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WHY the hell do feminists feel bad about not liking Sarah Palin???
Posted by: Kym525 on Oct 3, 2008 3:53 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Linda, please stop the guilt trips! I'm a proud feminist of color who LOATHES Sarah Palin and believes she has set the clock back at least ten years when it comes to women in politics. She is a sexist male's wet dream--brainless but cute and willing to be molded and used like a battering ram against other women.

I notice that it seems to be only WHITE feminists who are "suffering" this agony nonsense. Actually, I should say WHITE UPPER CLASS feminists--the same ones who played the Oppression Olympics when it was Hilary versus Barack. The rest of us "get it" and suffer no qualms at all. Perhaps because we understand QUALITY rather than image.

So what Palin's a working mom with a husband who stays at home with the kids. She's certainly not the first nor the last. She represents a party that has done everything possible to make working mothers (and fathers) lives harder, especially those who are from the working poor. This is a woman who doesn't see a problem making rape victims pay for rape test kits and who cut programs that would help disabled children (only to give birth to a child with Down's Syndrome).

Not every woman is going to support other women. This is a sad fact of life. Look at all the conservative women who endlessly rant about how feminism has "destroyed" America--the Ann Coulters, Laura Ingrahams, Michelle Malkins, Katie Roiphes, Beverly LaHayes--ALL have benefitted greatly from the strides women made in declaring and fighting for equality. It's time that we as feminists stop trying to accept those who make their bread and butter off of denigrating feminism and start putting our strength behind those who are willing to walk the walk.

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She didn't exactly run up the points
Posted by: hurricane hugo on Oct 3, 2008 6:32 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
with us men, either.

jdfu!

[« Reply to this comment] [Post a new comment »] [Rate this comment: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5]

» RE: Surreal Amerika Posted by: Plexius2
» RE: Surreal Amerika Posted by: morticia
» RE: Surreal Amerika Posted by: ohb0b
Palin was extemely arrogant - And dimwitted
Posted by: jreal on Oct 4, 2008 12:40 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin was the annoying lady at the cocktail party - Or whatever party - but in Palin's case, probably a cocktail party... a cocktail party sponsered by BP, Exxon-Mobile, and Shell Oil.

She wouldn't stop with her incidious remarks. It's like, "what's your problem lady... Go home and kneel over your own toilet before you clog up my bathroom all night."

I was very surprised at how Biden contained himself like a proper gentlemen should. Instead of making her embarrassing scene worse, he just padded her back the whole time until they could leave the party.

She talked about bipartisanship, but all I remember from her was diviseness. To be serious about what I took away from her, I remember, "...Oh say it ain't so Joe." and...(Palin's head: "OK, what was that line Rove told me to use, OK wait a minute.. Oh!) "There's that white flag of surrender."

From Biden I remember facts.

I remember facts from Biden (like tax breaks for 95% of people) the contradiction and lies for Palin (Obama wants more taxes), and not much else from her, except for those steal your heart comments that was so obviousy scripted.

I mean come on, that last time we voted for someone because we liked the way they winked at us, we got Bush, and he gave us Wall Street Socialism.

From Palin I remember a drunken lady at the party that keeps everyone tense until she is finally escorted out of the building by her poor boyfriend/husband.

Some people say that maybe she would be nice to hang out with. Well just remember, she's the drunken, arrogant, and annoying lady at the cocktail party.

I praise Biden for keeping everything on the cool.

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Why didn't the media notice Palin's most appalling display of stupidy during the debate?
Posted by: NoMcCainPalin on Oct 4, 2008 12:41 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Only one media person that I know of observed what my astute wife did when Palin started ticking off positive things after Gwen Iffil asked the governor what her negative attributes were.

"She doesn't know what an Achilles Heel" is!" my wife exclaimed in utter astonishment.

Not only did Miss Iffil miss it, but so did Chris Mathews, Rachel Maddow and Keith Obermann. Not surprisingly to me, however, Palin's ignorance didn't get past my favorite pundit, Bill Maher, who made the same observation as my wife on his Friday night HBO "Real Time" show.

If the media doesn't do a better job of spotlighting Sarah's incredible stupidity, she might, God forbid, end up our heartbeat-away commander-in-chief next year.

One more thing for NEW AlterNet visitors. If you are an undecided voter, learn the truth about Insane McCain and his so-called "heroic" war record by clicking on: Vote Against McCain (one of the HOTTEST anti-McCain sites on the Web)

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Decent article - but just doesn't get it
Posted by: Jbuuty on Oct 4, 2008 1:41 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I won't profess to speak for women. I didn't even get a chance to see the debate. I hope that Palin seriously tanks any hope that McCain may have had of being elected.

However, the average person (including Americans, but not only Americans) is not excited by particular policy points and statistics. Obama achieved nearly 'mythical' status by offering a vision, a grand narrative if you will, not by outlining policy details. The Republicans have been successful by offering narrative - an inaccurate one intended primarily to illicit fear and loathing - but it has worked enough to get them into power.

Second point is that McCain/Palin do not have to win outright. They only need to keep it close enough to allow all the election-rigging activities of the Republican to remain sufficiently hidden from the general public.

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I must be weird
Posted by: leTerrassier on Oct 4, 2008 2:13 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Because I'm a male and I don't find shiny objects attractive. I know the Rules say I do, but I just don't. I mean, my attraction to women in general is usually based around things like character, intelligence, personality, and, yes, looks, but never shiny things. I must be gay...

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» RE: I must be weird Posted by: Shey
» RE: I must be weird Posted by: kungfuma
» RE: I must be weird Posted by: BST
Palin really knows how to play the game.
Posted by: countingdaisies on Oct 4, 2008 2:26 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
All she has to do is wink, smile and repeat his name often and McCain thinks she's the greatest thing since his second wife. And what about her husband? Wouldn't most men walk around with a hard-on if they were always referred to as the first dude? When it comes time to vote, I hope all the men will be thinking with the right head.

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Just Call Me Baby 1 (888) ......
Posted by: abemko on Oct 4, 2008 3:23 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thanks for the article. It was accurate but restrained. I thought I was the only one that noticed this kinky behavior, until I spoke to my brother-in-laws Brazilian wife and then my sister. "She was flirting with everyone", my sister in law gushed laughingly. "Wow, with her eyes and her lips and standing so close to Biden afterwards, she was being a hot babe on a hot date"! "Are you kidding," exclaimed my sister, "Palin was being hot from day one, she's the wet dream of the men of the Christian right, demur yet hinting at availability." She's one of those girls who attracted too much attention at too young an age and discovered that physical assets trump substance every time .... well almost, just until you really need that substance. Yep, McCain will surely expand her legislative portfolio so that she can really work Congress. Oh, notice how Cindy McCain is suddenly nowhere to be found.

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Just Call Me Baby 1 (888) ......
Posted by: abemko on Oct 4, 2008 3:23 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Thanks for the article. It was accurate but restrained. I thought I was the only one that noticed this kinky behavior, until I spoke to my brother-in-laws Brazilian wife and then my sister. "She was flirting with everyone", my sister in law gushed laughingly. "Wow, with her eyes and her lips and standing so close to Biden afterwards, she was being a hot babe on a hot date"! "Are you kidding," exclaimed my sister, "Palin was being hot from day one, she's the wet dream of the men of the Christian right, demur yet hinting at availability." She's one of those girls who attracted too much attention at too young an age and discovered that physical assets trump substance every time .... well almost, just until you really need that substance. Yep, McCain will surely expand her legislative portfolio so that she can really work Congress. Oh, notice how Cindy McCain is suddenly nowhere to be found.

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kym525 is 100% right [ sorry I hit the wrong rating, thought #1 was best re-rate as #5
Posted by: cherylsass123 on Oct 4, 2008 3:47 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I think everybody in here, both he guys and the girls, said it all about palin! why should feminists feel sorry for this piece of mooseshit that has not just set women back ten years, but more like 50 at least![ 1958 sounds about right? mrs. ward cleaver? hello?] and the fucking media, on ABC same old shit about how she did very well. just what those assholes said about mc jerko last friday night, when obama was the star player! I don't have cable, but I soon tuned into bridgeport CT's PBS ch. 49- where two women from the new york times, all the rest; said that biden won this debate! anyway, it's great to hear how eomen are wising up to this skank! by the way, that 'how to keep a man' book is a real joke! it reminded me of this columnist some years back at the danbury new times, karen ali; whom in her dating column every friday; was telling women the very same shit! just curious as to this woman's advice to never go " dutch" on dates really works. this being that . in a book called ' so you want to be a lesbian'; it was said that the main difference between women on dates with women is how they always go " dutch" on the first several dates! well at least I guess it taught sarah palin how to be submissive to HER MAN! or is that " her master"??? the lying, sneaky, crooked bastard better known as the DIS-HONORABLE SENATOR JOHN MC CAIN!

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Let me see if I've got this right
Posted by: MartianBachelor on Oct 4, 2008 3:56 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Hirshman is lamenting the fact that both parties aren't bending over backwards to the maximum extent possible for "the woman vote"?

With a sense of bratty adolescent self-importance and entitlement like that, it's a bit of a stretch then for feminist types to always be going on about women's alleged "second class" citizenship. Boo-hoo!

The fact is Alaska has the highest ratio of men to women of any state, so it's not only natural but perfectly predictable that a very popular female politician there would appeal to men (in the general sense of the word) just like any man would, yet Hirshman sees this as some unforgivable crime.

Whereas, of course, a male candidate who appeals to women by following the male equivalent of "The Rules" is judged by an entirely different standard. Ok, I think I'm getting this.

As I've outlined before around here, when everyone is going for "the woman vote" and no one is going for "the man vote", the high demand for the former increases its cost, while the low demand for the latter decreases its cost, thus making it a plausibly wise strategy to eschew the former in favor of the latter.

Yes, women may be a majority of the electorate, but they tend to congregate in large, crowded metropolitan areas in populous states, where their voting effect is diluted by the way the electoral college works -- a factor of about two or three dilution is not atypical. What paints the nation's vote map red or blue is population density. The R's have perfected a strategy of getting the many low density states such as Alaska and Wyoming (1.1 and 5.1 people per square mile, respectively), which carry more electoral college weight per citizen, and which also happen to have more men than women because of the way the sexes distribute themselves geographically. The counties that Bush carried in 2004 are four times as large in area as Kerry’s counties were, and larger area generally means lower population density.

Believe me: nobody in rural areas - women included - much gives a whit about silly stuff like Hirshman's "thirty years of feminist teaching about dating", nor are they much impressed by Obama'a Harvard law degree and urbanity. Quite the contrary. Just like the city folks aren't much impressed by Palin's macho hunting abilities (-must have been Chapter 36 in "The Rules"), which no doubt explains why in more than a few she sets off the same creepy obsessive stalker behavior that someone like an Ann Coulter or Michelle Malkin have endured for years.

About all this article proves is that, once again, the one characteristic which Palin has that is the most unforgivable sin of all, from the perspective of the Feminazi is that she is feminine. But don't anybody call that 'misogyny'.

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» Nope, not really Posted by: iatsebean
Ignorance in Abundance
Posted by: progressivepatriot on Oct 4, 2008 4:04 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Although she didn't fall flat on her face, Palin continued to show her ignorance. Her two favorite strategies: answer a question that wasn't asked or answer with a memorized sound-bite.

Go to www.thanksbutnothanks.com to view articles, editorials and videos telling the truth about Palin.

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» RE: Ignorance in Abundance Posted by: anneliese-nyc
Did you see her on FAUX?
Posted by: Lauren on Oct 4, 2008 4:15 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I loved this priceless gotta watch show of blame everybody but me.

She is a master distracter. I'm so glad people are waking up to it and seeing through it. Whew!

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» Gotta watch Posted by: kepstein7777
Non-Hillary?
Posted by: kepstein7777 on Oct 4, 2008 4:30 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Mmmmmmmmmmm...Shiny objects!

If I recall correctly, Hillary stuck pretty close to the "rules" during her campaign as well, at least as far as telling Middle America what she thought they wanted to hear, never committing to anything outside the parameters of the wishy-washy, DLC corporate agenda, and not trying to change the system.

And if "the voting-age population has been predominantly female...for decades", where exactly have they been the past 8+ years...playing hard to get with non-Republican candidates?

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» Yes. Posted by: Beck
» pant suits Posted by: wefearwhatwedontunderstand
cheerleader
Posted by: jon B on Oct 4, 2008 4:47 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I found her debate style closer to a high school cheerleader. Every time she praised McCain I half expected she would pull out some pom poms from under the dais. And I quickly got tired of the folksy stuff like, "Gosh darn it," or "I'll betcha."

I was not a Clinton supporter (mostly because I had a no more Clinton/Bush presidents rule), but I could imagine Hillary as president, but never could I picture a President Palin.

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» Folksy stuff Posted by: kepstein7777
» RE: Folksy stuff Posted by: jon B
» RE: cheerleader Posted by: orwellturns
» RE: cheerleader Posted by: anneliese-nyc
Excellent post!!! Palin also used the "T-word"...
Posted by: greentime on Oct 4, 2008 5:13 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
which is equally loathsome.

Oh yes, I mean "Tolerance", and how dare she or any of her fellow Christian hate mongers declare anyone to be less worthy of full human being status! These are veiled righteous behaviors that have historically permeated the racist, sexist and homophobic conservatives that have plagued the social development of this country since it's inception.

She represents the worst of the intolerant and uncompassionate conservatives that have proven to be so void of love and respect; qualities much more valuable than the divisive rant of backwards so-called and self proclaimed Christians.

We do not need to be vetted by a self-proclaimed bigot. Thank you Sarah, but no.

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Palin missed a bet.
Posted by: Chickensh*tEagle on Oct 4, 2008 5:50 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
When she greeted Biden and asked if she could call him Joe, she should have straightened his necktie (even though it didn't need it). Give him that warm tingly feeling. :-)

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» RE: Palin missed a bet. Posted by: VZEQICVA
» RE: "Only if you call me Joe Sixpack." Posted by: Chickensh*tEagle
» RE: Palin missed a bet. Posted by: Joni50
I Despise Vapid, Stupid People
Posted by: beautifulady2003 on Oct 4, 2008 5:57 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
...regardless of gender. I despise Palin because she has no business running for vice president, and she knows it, but she is ambitious and unscrupulous and obviously doesn't give a rat's ass about what is good for the US. What is good for Sarah Palin is all she is interested in. In fact, it is painfully obvious that she's quite uninterested in the issues important to America, since she displays an incredible ignorance of those issues. I doubt the woman even reads a newspaper.

But I am sad that her stupidity is acceptable to so many people. If Palin were a man, she would not be running for vice president. But the GOP chose her as a way to lure votes away from Obama. They are using sex appeal and sexist tactics because, as I have said before, they have nothing else to sell.

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» RE: I Despise Vapid, Stupid People Posted by: beautifulady2003
» I'm sayin' it IS so, Joe Posted by: wefearwhatwedontunderstand
Meow, hiss...
Posted by: BST on Oct 4, 2008 6:02 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow, meow, here come the bristling feminists who love to tell tales of woe about how women lag behind -- and here comes a young, attractive, assertive woman giving it her all in a VP debate and, oh, she's ripped to shreds. How, well, catty -- like high school.

I am one of the aging feminists who fought for women's rights, helped start a women's health network, encouraged women to run for office and have always told me daughter she can do anything she sets he mind to. She is now a very successful, bright career woman, married, kind to her parents, friend to a million galpals and guypals, who wears Jimmy Chou shoes, has long hair, is gorgeous and knows how to flirt.

Once you let the genie of feminism out of the bottle, you cannot expect to script for a lifetime everything that the products of that decision do or say. As Ellen Goodman said in a wonderful column (and I paraphrase) -- women have as much right to be mediocre as men.

I do not want the GOP ticket nor Sarah Palin for VP. My opinion is that she's not got the background nor breadth of national/international knowledge for that challenge. But I like her grit, her assertiveness, even the fact that she accepted what would be a rough, tough assignment, running for VP. All you women who dislike her style ought to get out there and run for office yourselves.

You write she "minced on stage in St. Louis Thursday, with her shoulder-length hair and stiletto heels, I realized why I don't: she's The Rules Girl." Huh?

How totally reprehensible for women to judge other women by their hair, their heels.I saw her "stride" not mince. Remember, the women in comfortable sweat pants and not-so-coiffed hair are judged not so kindly, too, by numbers of the population.

Frankly, Ms. Hirshman, you sound a lot like the '70 rules girl -- disdain men, refuse to recognize that the genders do have differences, downplay the natural inclination to connect using a wink and be sure and talk behind the back of any of the girls who like lipstick and pink cheerleader skirts.

Sarah Palin is not at all the best choice for a VP candidate because, in my opinion, she lacks the know-how needed for that position and potential rise to President. But I refuse to join the chorus denigrating her as a woman who does not meet with feminist approval and will stick to the issues in assessing her.

I've come a long way, baby; it's too bad so many other women seem not to have. In fact, I'll bet you that Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton would find cordial common ground if they ever sat down over martinis. They're got similarities: Courage. Convictions.

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» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: kepstein7777
» Not Cattyness Posted by: Gravitas
» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: JamieC
» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: BST
» Make that.... Posted by: morticia
» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: bluebirdella
» RE: Meow, hiss...Pt. 1 Posted by: munchkinpup
» RE: Meow, hiss...Pt. 2 Posted by: munchkinpup
» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: rinpochet
» RE: Meow, hiss... Posted by: VMRH
Palen and the Peter Principle
Posted by: Dallas Suz on Oct 4, 2008 6:25 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'll start by saying I live in Texas where we have Hair Perry for governor. Now Hair Perry is a male Sarah Palen. Not too bright but perky and looks good in clothes.

When I looked at Sarah Palen the other night I expected at any moment she would after winking break forth with "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"

The way some stte governments are set up the governor doesn't need to be the brightest bulb on the tree. Just like Perry rose to the level of his mediocrity so too did Sarah.

We must ask ourselves what does the governor of Alaska do? Is it be instrumental in governing or is it to act as an extension of the tourist board/chamber of commerce? If the latter then Sarah Palen may well fill the position adequately. Having risen to the top of her mediocrity.

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» poor Texas - first Bush, then Perry Posted by: wefearwhatwedontunderstand
Women are not fooled
Posted by: scheherezade on Oct 4, 2008 6:35 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Neither conservative nor liberal women are fooled by this gibbering fool. Males, unfortunately, are not so discriminating.

McNasty's mistake was in misjudging how women understand gender politics.

I posit that for women, Palin's presence illustrates male domination's most ancient and destructive motif: elevation of a youthful, pretty, potential sex partner over more meritorious, experienced women.

This will resound with female voters, regardless of politics. I love watching Goody Buchanan, Goody Matalin, Goody Chavez and other Republican broodmares grit their teeth and attend to their assignment laundering the new mistress' laundry.

As the author suggests, they've dedicated decades to following 'rules' dictated by Mr. Man's dick-ego needs -- only to find themselves slapped back down to firstwife status in the end as dickbrain's little head rules the day.

Let us not forget the viciousness with which Hillary (decidedly not a 'rules' player) was treated by even so-called 'liberal' males. The obsession over her appearance, the need to belittle her sexually for being intelligent and strong.

The unfortunate fact of life is that if his dick's involved in any way, shape or form; male biology renders him incapable of thinking past said dick on any issue -- usually to the detriment of women (except the relative few at any one time he's hoping to mate with).

Now, male dick-think has finally succeeded in placing a beauty-queen idiot within reach of the White House.

Hopefully this will open many women's eyes -- and perhaps their pocketbooks, when it comes to supporting qualified female political candidates. Not to mention their voting choices.

Male rule over women will always limit female power to the Palins, the Clara Petaccis, the Eva Brauns. Only if and when women finally become tired enough of this to organize, will the ceiling have to come down.

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» RE: Women are not fooled Posted by: beautifulady2003
» RE: BST-Women are not fooled Posted by: munchkinpup
» RE: Women are not fooled Posted by: beautifulady2003
» RE: Women are not fooled Posted by: cdub
» RE: Women are not fooled Posted by: scheherezade
» your comment cracked me up Posted by: Grandma Crabby
The Anti-Hillary
Posted by: taxidriver on Oct 4, 2008 7:32 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Republicans recognized the intrinsic appeal of having a woman on the ticket and chose an anti-Hillary. Palin is a conservative instead of liberal; unreflective instead of reflective; under-qualified instead of qualified; and non-threatening (to conservative men) instead of very threatening. (Think of all those Hillary nut-crackers, ha ha.)

Whereas Hillary is relentlessly intelligent with loads of political experience, Palin seems to be of mediocre intelligence but is "eager to learn." She doesn't threaten insecure men like Hillary did; older men want to "mentor" the winking lass from Wasilla.

I think women, better than men, recognize Palin for what she appears to be: a political opportunist who unashamedly uses feminine wiles to seduce men and her audience.

Women want to be judged on their merits, not on their cuteness or sex appeal. That's why, I think, so many women are disappointed with her, because Palin lacks merit and openly uses her sex appeal to compensate, thereby confirming some men's sterotypes of women.

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October Surprise
Posted by: jon B on Oct 4, 2008 7:36 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's quite possible McCain is just playing Palin as a pawn. Just as Bush "changed his mind" about Harriet Meyers as Supreme Court judge after the conservative intelligentsia got on his case, McCain is hearing it from those same conservatives about Palin.

The October surprise could be that Palin backs out so that McCain can pick Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Guilliani or some such name conservative to "strengthen" the ticket in the last few weeks of the campaign.

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» October Surprise Posted by: jon B
» RE: October Surprise Posted by: Gisele
» RE: October Surprise Posted by: willymack
this is an achievement?
Posted by: Grandma Crabby on Oct 4, 2008 7:39 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's amazing what can be characterized as a "win."

Since Ms. Palin did not stumble around like a freshly lobotomized Chatty Kathy doll, many on the right say she did FANTASTIC! John McCain himself growled over her performance like a horny neanderthal.

Oh goody. She can memorize some answers and wink prolifically without looking like her false eyelashes are coming off. Now THAT'S the kind of talent we need in the Oval Office.

If the leaders of those evil empires want to nuke us, I suggest Sarah purse her lips and BLOW. That'll save us!

Good grief. I am forever amazed at what impresses some people.


Granny's crazy videos = Go get a chuckle!

Luv,
Granny

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"Winky" is creepy. . .
Posted by: stevehamlin on Oct 4, 2008 7:51 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
"Winky" is creepy in the same very inappropriate way that Jon Benet Ramsey was creepy.

Wrong place, wrong time.

Reversion to "cute" is a non-starter.

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» RE: "Winky" is creepy. . . Posted by: beautifulady2003
» RE: "Winky" is creepy. . . Posted by: peacefullaim
Why Feel Guilty
Posted by: Gravitas on Oct 4, 2008 8:42 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
While feel guilty about not liking her? I have long been able to separate the person from their ideology. There are progressives whose policies I love, but whose personalities I can not stand!!!

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Many men have already had a bad Palin trip
Posted by: alturn on Oct 4, 2008 8:45 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin's performance reminded me of experience with the archetypal sorority woman who packaged their looks and social standing to manipulate and seduce "Mr. Right". All the other guys not meeting her expectations or who she could not use she would not have the time of day to be kind.

Once getting her man, she would hold him to and strangle him with her strict interpretation of what is a perfect life based on societal norms set in this stronghold of materialism and glamour. No matter how perverted, bereft of altruism or non-sustainable those standards might be.

There are many men who have experienced the Palin type and know firsthand how bad a trip they can be. Many of us know the value of waiting for a more spiritually grounded woman who demonstrates the ways of the heart.

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» You're no feminist. Posted by: countingdaisies
» On the money! I agree Posted by: Bobsays
» Say it ain't so, Bob! Posted by: morticia
» Well aren't you special! Posted by: eeezzz
Roll roll roll my eyes
Posted by: FlowerGirl on Oct 4, 2008 8:51 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin is an insult to every woman in this country. Her plan isn't a road forward for women or anyone else in this country - it's a giant step back that is really going to bite this country in the ass. We've been suffering long enough.

I am a woman who has been and will continue to be a life-long Democrat. I am not supporting Palin because I scrutinize every word she says - and what she's saying is scary. I don't think that a lot of people really listen to what she has to say. For example, there was a panel of women in Colorado who watched the debate on Thursday night and they said that they didn't like Biden. They thought that Palin won the debate, when in actuality, she blew it through her disrespect of her opponent and the moderator, and not answering the questions posed to her. The lack of support from them for Biden struck me as strange since Joe Biden was the one who created and got passed the Violence Against Women Act, which gives abused women help in getting justice against their attacker instead of being ignored. The National Organization for Women heralded the bill as "the greatest breakthrough in civil rights for women in nearly two decades." Biden also had been a single parent after his wife and daughters were killed in a car accident for many years. It would seem that they went in there with their minds already made up. They don't care about Palin's politics and policies - they just want a woman to be voted into high office.

Palin wants the VP to have more power, even more than Cheney has brought upon himself, which is what's been happening over the last eight years. A vote for McCain/Palin would be the ruin of this country.

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» RE: oll roll roll my eyes Posted by: beautifulady2003
Maverick John
Posted by: boing007 on Oct 4, 2008 8:57 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
John McCain has been screwing up his Maverick image for months. Mavericks don't call for more wars and more money for the military and so forth. If he's down in the polls, he has only himself to blame.

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Jon Benet Ramsey
Posted by: boing007 on Oct 4, 2008 9:00 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin is the natural evolution of a Jon Benet Ramsey type, thirty plus years later.

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» RE: Jon Benet Ramsey Posted by: jreal
» RE: Jon Benet Ramsey Posted by: beautifulady2003
» RE: Jon Benet Ramsey Posted by: Gisele
What's the Difference Between Sarah Palin and Dan Quayle?
Posted by: Jim Shaw on Oct 4, 2008 9:12 AM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lipstick

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» Yay, Jim!!! Posted by: morticia
» RE: Are you sure... Posted by: Plexius2
» RE: Are you sure... Posted by: morticia
Why didn't Gwen keep her on topic
Posted by: snedunuri on Oct 4, 2008 9:47 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
There hasn't been much crticism of Gwen and her role in all of this. Isn't the job of the moderator to keep the debators on topic? time and time Gwen let Sarah Palin get away with not answering the question. Now its interesting that the Right started questioning her impartiality in this debate, simply b/c she's writing a book in which one chapter is about Obama. Fox News made a point of mentioning several times as the debate was about to start that Gwen had such a book coming out. So perhaps she feared the Right and a smear campaign about her forthcoming book - what if the publishing house drops her book deal, better not risk it, eh?

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Your so Pretty!!!
Posted by: Julie James on Oct 4, 2008 10:03 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Lets just keep right on patting her on the back and saying Your so Pretty; everytime she opens her mouth to speak! Lets not ask her one real question about herself or her religious beliefs that fuel her positions on Politics.... For instance Why has no one asked her "Does she believe in the End Times and Jesus's return..and Does she support the ushering in of the Apocalyptic End Times through Nuclear War with the Middle East and Russia and is Alaska really the Rapture point for all Christians...Inquiring minds must know..

These questions are important to the Christian right wingers and should be asked; as well as it would give those of us that know better a change to actually hear her say "Yes I do" for ourselves!! So we can quit speculating and watching the secret youtube revival lying on of hands healing service....I am a former Pastors Wife of a Pentacostal Born-Again Christian church myself and this Women scares the Shit out of me..She wants to take away our reproductive rights and overturn Roe vs Wade what is Next my Right to Vote...You bet! She will try to make it a challenge for me too Vote independently as a women if she gets into office...She only wants the boys to look at her and vote her in!!!....Our 3 ring circus of a media just keep right on asking her questions that they know she just can't answer and then go and pat her on the back and saying there there Sarah Your so Pretty!!! She is fun to look at and for some men this is Ok; hoping she has other skills! Well she has proven that she can make babies..Will this be enough...

Lets ask these types of questions to also clear the big pink elephant from the room....

Oh and where is pretty wife Cindy and why did'nt MCain just pick his wife to be his VP running Mate; that would have been mcuh more honest..Mrs. Palin and Mr. McCain can pretend all day that they are the perfect Christian husband and wife team ever...I mean President and VP team for the USA...

I am voting for Nadir/Gonzalez and Now after almost 20yrs removed from Christian Palin style thinkgs I am a proud Pagan Feminist and i am pissed off by the nerve of a women playing such a bad game of catch me if you can i am the hottest chick in the room...I don't need to vote for a women like this just because she is a women..I want the best person for the Job and right now i believe its Nadir..At least he speaks the truth to me and his VP running mate is so much Hotter and Sexy Smart...Peace and Love Julie

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» RE: Your so Pretty!!! Posted by: BST
Doing it all, the nerve of her
Posted by: BST on Oct 4, 2008 10:19 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin is:

...in a stable (her only) marriage
...is a mother several times over
...has a special needs child
...will soon be a grandmother
...supports her children in their decisions, including carrying through on a pregnancy
...has been a mayor and is a governor
...is a sportswoman
...has taken on the challenge of running for VP
...has proud, loving parents
...is beautiful with great legs
...looks good in fashionable clothes
...actually likes men

Oh, dear, could she be a feminist's nightmare, having the nerve to be out doing it all, rather than sitting around complaining that women never get the breaks?

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» RE: Doing it all, the nerve of her Posted by: Julie James
» RE: Doing it all, the nerve of her Posted by: peacefullaim
» RE: Doing it all, the nerve of her Posted by: countingdaisies
» But she's stupid Posted by: jreal
» "First Dude" = Larry Craig? Posted by: westomoon
» Sportswoman???? Posted by: abrunvand
caronome
Posted by: Bayardtom on Oct 4, 2008 11:02 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
It's really getting annoying to hear all the palaver about the chocolate covered black widow spider - Ms Palin. She is not stupid but ignorant,evil and calculating. SHe knows just what she's doing all the time. If it weren't an insult to Al Capp, I would say that she sounds like she came right out of Dogpatch. Daisy Mae was a simple sweet person.
But Sarah is so ignorant that she doesn' even realize that she is an affront to all women and men.I admire Joe Biden's self control and good nature. I would have smacked her in the mouth with a shovel.
And to all of the men who call her "hot" - shame on you for your sexist attitude. Can't you see that she's playing you, too? It's all a calculated sham, you betcha!

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» Evil?? Posted by: gellero1
re
Posted by: kungfuma on Oct 4, 2008 11:13 AM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I guess I get it ,you really think we 'feminists' are jealous of her.YOU dont know anything about feminsim. I dislike her intensely I dislike everything she does and stands for.killing and gutting any animal is not high on my list of people I would like to be..How a woman with kids has such a penchant for killing "others" shows the depth of her wickedness. She makes me wanna puke. She makes me wanna take her out on the mats

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Why do all these Palin obsession articles EXCLUDE moderate and/or independent women?
Posted by: maxpayne on Oct 4, 2008 12:39 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I know most of them are uncomfortable with the way Palin tries to pander to the macho male qualities but I have yet to find a single article against Palin actually come out and speak for moderate and/or independent leaning women.

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I am an old lady
Posted by: Grandma Crabby on Oct 4, 2008 12:43 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
feminist who has survived on her own in this material world. I held a job usually held by men (TV news photographer) and I was damn good at it.

I also single-handedly raised a child who is now a non-pregnant honor student working 2 jobs and triple majoring. (Bio, art, religion)

Here's the deal...(and this is the LAST time I'm going to say it.)

Feminism is about being respected and liked for something OTHER than your sex appeal. Like oh, let's say because you are intelligent and hard working. Now that doesn't mean a feminist CAN'T be sexy. I myself, am amazed that at the ripe old age of 50, men actually drool over me. (I got big tits and my physical therapist makes me stick them out so my poor wretched spine can heal.)

Sarah Palin not only is on the wrong side of every issue we feminists hold dear, but she epitomizes this great misunderstanding that drives old broads like me nuts. Her greatest asset is her sexiness. OK, groovy, I can be sexy too, there's nothing wrong with it but that shouldn't be 95% of your appeal. Let's see some REAL INTELLEGENCE. REAL DEPTH. REAL CHARACTER.

She has none of that stuff. She's merely a prop for the repugs at this point. A sexy, winking prop.

If Sarah Palin were 300 pounds with warts on her nose, she could wink all day long and no one would nominate her for dog catcher. Hence, her popularity is all a tribute to FAKE FEMINISM. She is admired for her looks but people con themselves into believing they like her for all that intelligence.


Granny's crazy videos = Go get a chuckle!

Luv,
Granny

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» Are you bitter? Posted by: countingdaisies
» RE: I am an old lady Posted by: BST
» RE: I am an old lady Posted by: Yam
» You're Jealous, Granny... Posted by: gellero1
Lilly
Posted by: Lilly on Oct 4, 2008 2:47 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Let's set up a metaphor. You are teaching a college-level course and on the first day the class meets you explain that course requirements will include attendance at lectures, readings, discussion, labs, a paper, and an exam. Students male and female take notes on this and do not question the drill.

Except for one perky little girl who announces that she isn't going to do any of that---she is going to ignore those silly rules, and instead she is going to paint a picture of the classroom. And she accompanies this announcement with quasi-sexual behavior like blowing kisses, winking, tossing her long hair around, eyeing others flirtatiously, and calling the professor by first name without invitation. As she leaves the room she slaps the professor on the back then bounces off in a cloud of seductive folksiness. I'm not sure this female student would be judged to be an anti-feminist; I think she would be judged to be an unstable student and referred to the Counseling Center.

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» Perfect analogy Posted by: Beck
Perfect
Posted by: Jeanne on Oct 4, 2008 2:48 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
This article nailed it. I also have had a gut negative reaction to Palin's nomination. I feel literally insulted that the Republicans think so little of women that Palin's nomination, they think, would be viewed positively. But the visceral dislike I feel toward the candidate, herself, is almost irrational. This article puts it all in clear focus. And, no, I never felt bad about disliking Palin. If she were a man, she'd be equally unqualified.

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» RE: Perfect Posted by: VMRH
Dick Cheney with Lipstick?
Posted by: ohb0b on Oct 4, 2008 3:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Practically no one is talking about the scariest comment she made, when she suggested the powers of the imperial vice-president would be expanded in her administration.
What really scares me about this is while she may be just as sociopathic as Dick Cheney, she lacks his intellect. She's more like George Bush, which terrifies me, because there is a Karl Rove type neo-conman manipulating her behind the scenes.

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Mouseketeers
Posted by: Direct Democracy on Oct 4, 2008 5:18 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin reminds me of Annette Funicello or some other 50's anachronism. Laura Petrie.

Like representative democracy itself. We're trapped in the amber of our inability to go forward.

FREE AMERICA

REVOLUTIONARY (DIRECT) DEMOCRACY

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» RE: Mouseketeers Posted by: RMS
Vote
Posted by: BST on Oct 4, 2008 6:01 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
The best way to show your sentiments about Sarah Palin is to vote for Barack Obama.

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Vice presidential antics
Posted by: GPFrank on Oct 4, 2008 9:03 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
As a male (somewhat long in the tooth I admit)I was more fascinated by her antics than anything else: her incessant babbling, the expressions in her face, including the occasional grimace.
Do you remember Danny Kaye in the movie, "The Inspector General" That's what she reminds me of.
Of course I hold off a little because I don't flirt with married women in the first place or her kids.
But I think she did well of what she knows how to do but she is missing a career as a commedienne.

But just imagine her in the Kremlin meeting with Medvedev, or better, with Putin.

A great scene for a movie directed by Woody Allen

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How Mc'Palin lost her date @ the Nat'l. Prom Debate!
Posted by: rwcbanzai on Oct 4, 2008 11:52 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wow, what a sexy flirt with that ditsy kiss of death pass & asking Biden if she could call him Joe in that "gold digger" tease tactic of getting Biden to lower his guard with an insincere first name verbal allure. It reminded me of that cutesy cheerleader act to gain the male votes so she could be the queen of the prom. It was as if her hockey mom soft ball rules meant she was the only one that could slap that puck. Biden’s sincere defense was a charming smile to a shrill sweet tart throwing sexist hard ball pucks. Her contentious tone was uncomfortable, as well as her self righteous comments with folksy hockey puck barbs. If this is how women act in Alaska, I can see why men live alone in that that frigid cold. I could see McCain’s "strategy" of revenge for his senior senate colleague, by sending his junior governator-cheerleading oil tart to punch Biden below the debate belt & insult his over drilled sensibilities. Hasn’t the GoOP- over-drilled all of our sensibilities?
Palin’s "Popeye" wink demonstrated her "tactic" of a fool flirting with disaster. If her only ass-et is her cutsy secxatary image she demonstrated that she was the "first class" flirt who knew how to manipulate old men with subliminal gestures of "Olive Oil" allure and winking facial taunts of danger, in sexist tainted tones like “say it ain’t so Joe?”!
Now, that kind of act from a married mother with children offends my liberal sensibilities and lowers her status to a flirtatious manipulator with no scruples & any idea of how to debate a serious man & a bankrupt serious nation drowning in both streets! Her cheerleader chants for "drill baby drill" and supposedly expertise with oil (her brokered deal) seemed only a hollow echo covering for the hole in her drilling philosophy, as well as her claim that only a maverick "Prisoner Of War" knows how to win a war from a desk! That Pitt Bull… with lipstick never answered the questions (ignoring the rules of the debate) & kept claiming her oil credentials to the point of worshipping Exxon Mobil and blessing their greedy hearts. It bothers me when lip smacking politicians say we the people are very hungry for oil & use the cloak of personal greed & self-righteousness as a force field to attack everyone’s sensibilities of her idea of raping the environment, just for her brokered corporate greed.
In contrast, her debating skills fell flat(with those who understand debating) & her subliminal messages projected thru her "hungry eye" glasses, caused me to reciprocate in disgust by, just saying no to dangerous minds & BIMBO flirting eyes!
In conclusion, O’Biden won by the sound facts of logic, debate & protocol. In contrast Mc’Palin lost all dignity with her flirtatious high school Alaska/folksy doublespeak accentuated by that foolishly alluring deceiving “trust me ”WINK"! Please, tell me, if elected who can trust two cowboy Mavericks when they get out of control? (WINK!)
Only an independent fool like Benedict Arnold (CA & CT [WINK])! Please forgive my wrestling high school, collegiate tone!

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Palin is a game-changer for all but women particularly
Posted by: georgiaorwell on Oct 4, 2008 11:59 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I'm beginning to get a little scared, I'll admit.

I've talked to a few men who were wowed and bedazzled by this travesty of a thinking individual. Ms. Palin convinced them to change from voting from Obama to McCain just by flirting outrageously and by her 'plain talk'. I guess all those 'gosh darns' and 'golly gees' were just the 50s jargon they needed to hear as she winked and talked straight into the cameras. Good comparison about the 'Rules Girl'.

Palin in an insult to all women - with her charging for rape kits, stance against Violence Against Women Act, support for shooting wildlife from planes, and overall targeted appeal primarily to men like the ex-beauty queen/cheerleader she represents. The fact that she knows next to nothing about anything seems to be immaterial. No matter how many nasty tricks Hillary pulled at times, I would have loved to see her up there debating against Palin. Biden did as good a job as anyone could have done considering he was walking through a mine field with her. I am very disappointed in Gwen Ifill's performance as moderator - I respect Ifill but she let the debate get entirely away from her.

I am begging those who are as fearful as I am about McInsane (who was chortling like a hyena after the debate) to not get complacent about this election - it's definitely not in the bag for Obama - every single vote will count. It will be inconvenient to move out of the country if McInsane wins this election (would anyplace be safe with him wanting to go to war with everyone) because it will absolutely prove what most Europeans already believe about Americans - and it's not good. Please, everyone, Obama/Biden sincerely need your votes.

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Candidate To Nowhere
Posted by: eskit on Oct 5, 2008 1:05 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin doesn't represent American women any more than she represents family values. She's represents the lies of the right wing and that's about it.

By the way, there a funny music video of Palin at youtube.com (search for palin music video eskit).

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The DC Madame; Sarah Palin
Posted by: canadagirl on Oct 5, 2008 6:15 AM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Will the real DC Madame nakedly come forth? Yes, Sarah Palin the the Diva of Witchy Wasilla. The greatest 'Political Prostitute of all time', and her bigender audience of the Republican Party are 'entranced' with her abilty to screw them along with all the 'redneck' Republican knimwit's and Leaders. Great job for the greatest show of incompetence in many years as you skirt this 'mess' of a hick into the spotlight of the most important election of all times, where her freewheeling use of 'Torrist' has been once again used with Obama. Racism is now at a new low America? You are now lying with the breast of America in all filth ingrained in religion, sexuality, foreign affairs, other nation's, fellow American's and her own corrupt state of Alaska.

Many know what prostitution is in it's many forms, this trailer- - - sh hick from bridge to knowhere has studied with GOPAC, and the Republican Womans' boot camp in Alask since 1995, sadly did not teach the art of 'respect', 'integrity', 'competence', 'knowledge', and who her opponant really is. She is the anti-christ of the New Republica Party, with all her charm, innuendo's, dirty talk and challenged intellect. Proud to be a six pack Amercan gryl, not nowin' weer she came frm', not nowin' weer'shes bin'. I am a real woman, as most are in this continent, demand from her to bow out after Obama wins before she's charged with her crimes in Alaska. Go Home and take care of your children Madame, before they are left with a motherless home, her being in prison. I ask Alaska to step up now, with your hope and dreams you have so nobley told the World of this woman. Do not let McCain's over reach in Alaska politics affect you. Do what you have told the press you want of this Palin duo. Impeach, charge and stop them from further destroying Alaska and America.

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Scriptural Word on Palin: winkin', blinkin' & nod
Posted by: babka on Oct 5, 2008 7:03 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
http://bible.cc/proverbs/10-10.htm

if only Obama had thought of Dolly Parton as his running mate.

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Didn't think another woman could top Hillary's betrayal
Posted by: Purple Girl on Oct 5, 2008 7:32 AM   
Current rating: 2    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
but I was Wrong.
Hillary's demand to have rules changed ,bars Lowered and Lies Ignored was not only a disservice, but an Utter embarassment. She sent Us back 35 yrs on the Abilities and integrity scale.BUT SARAH has taken Us all the way back to '2 Steps Behind the Man' ideology. She hasn't just used the 'Sexism Card' she's used the 'Weaker of the Sexes' Card.By not facing the Nations questions she and Mac are legitamizing Discrimination on the basis of Gender, "Lil' Lady" mentality. At this time in our nations history We need to worry about Protecting a VP candidate from serious scrutiny? Even Out right Frontal Attacks.If she can't handle to heat from the Press Kitchen, she is Unfit to handle the heat from our Domestic and international Kitchen. Go home Sarah, continue your Breeder role and Status in Wassila!

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Catty
Posted by: Jeanz on Oct 5, 2008 9:03 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
You lost me by starting your commentary with a catty attack on SP's appearance. Fact is, she looks great. It's the fact that she's not ready to be vp or president that matters.

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Sara Palin
Posted by: Pirate1 on Oct 5, 2008 11:42 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Is Dan Quayle with boobs and make up..

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WAKE UP AMERICA
Posted by: HPipe on Oct 5, 2008 2:29 PM   
Current rating: 4    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Wake up America. What Sarah is – is a Christofascist. The greatest threat to our Democracy, based upon power sharing between the three branches of government, is under siege. The threat is internal. Sarah, Cheney, Bush and their legions are out to destroy our representative government. You can drape an American Flag over a pig and put lipstick on it but it is still a pig. And that pig is FASCISM.

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I'm gonna field-dress me a Biden, I mean Bison
Posted by: kattfish on Oct 5, 2008 4:53 PM   
Current rating: 5    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Palin is an insult to me as a woman and Mother. Her constant reference to "joe6pack" speaks volumes about her ethics. Both my husband and I have an occational beer, but to clump middle-class America as joe6pack really pisses me off. Joe6pack isn't how I want my kids or anybody else to think of me. She acts like she should be on Jerry Springer, not running for VP. You don't speak for me, lady!

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» Of Course You're Insulted ! Posted by: gellero1
This male didn't think much of her before and the debate makes him think even less of her
Posted by: DaBear on Oct 5, 2008 8:17 PM   
Current rating: 3    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
I loved Hugo's post and I second his jdfu!

Frankly, that bitch reminds me of the barbie who stole my copy of my music theory final exam senior year in high school and took the final late, using my perfect scored exam as her crib notes. When I complained no one listened and she, a rich girl without ever having experienced want or hunger, got a scholarship for college based on her exam while I, a working class kid got nothing.

Frankly Palin is an insult to men everywhere. She's the fucking queen bee we all want to take down in the most humiliating way possible, just like she did to us over and over again.

Behind every rich person is a crime.

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» Your Scholarship Posted by: gellero1
She's a great hockey mum
Posted by: lesterliu on Oct 6, 2008 4:12 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
She's a great hockey mum, a sitting pretty, an eye candy, nobody denies that. As candidate for VP ? well WhiteHouse is a show business anyway, lets stop this celeb mania and focus on McCain!
Getting our minds trapped in Palin is what GOP wanted, dont let them get their way.

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Thank you SNL!
Posted by: smallbizusa on Oct 8, 2008 11:04 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
If not for the comedic stylings of Tina Fey, people might actually be fooled by this nonsense. Can we all just take one moment to laugh? I really need to laugh right now.

This election is brutal. John McCain is trying desperately to execute his life's goal. His last act. He's so angry that he is being out-shined in the twilight of his career. He picked her to add a little sparkle to his ticket. Now the sparkle has dulled. I couldn't go on if I didn't believe in my heart, that in the end, Obama will prevail. Let's have some faith. Can't you see McCain imploding?

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GoodReason
Posted by: VMRH on Oct 8, 2008 11:55 AM   
Current rating: 1    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
Sarah Palin did an excellent job in this debate, and she has done an excellent job on the campaign trail. Madeline Albright once said that there is a special place in hell for women who tear down other women. Sarah Palin found this quote on her Starbucks coffee cup a week ago, and it is so apropos. You would never attack a man in the vicious way you have attacked this good woman. Feminism doesn't stand a chance with the type of "sisters" here.

But there is a new feminism coming . . . to replace the old feminism that 3/4's of American women do not identify with. It is a Red State Feminism, and it will contest the mantle of feminism that has been too long monopolized by those with a political agenda most American women do not support.

I guess the viciousness and pettiness simply comes from the realization that the days of monopoly are over.

Red State Feminists

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» No, no. That's not the quote. Posted by: abrunvand
Obama
Posted by: Larry Sinclair on Oct 9, 2008 8:29 PM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
rated my blow job a "10."

That's why he came by my hotel room the next day for more cracksmoking and blowjobs.

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article not bad but one quibble
Posted by: whealeydj on Oct 11, 2008 5:26 AM   
Current rating: Not yet rated    [1 = poor; 5 = excellent]
is a Vice Preisdential candidate is always supposed to defer to Presidential candidate. he or she is the 2nd banana and will always appear to defer the top of ticket. author unfairly used this as evidence of old fashioned feminine deference to patriarchy imo. Palin is more attractive to conservative men than liberal women because former group likes ex beauty queens that wink at camera and the latter does not. I was hoping for more

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