Peggy Noonan pwns Sarah Palin

This election and probable defeat is NOT Gov. Palin's fault; it IS President George W. Bush's fault completely and totally. Gov. Palin was rushed to the top, and forced to deal with the MSM in a year when the MSM have been unprecedented in their efforts to get one candidate elected - Sen. Obama. I am convinced four years from now she would have been fine, especially if she had been seasoned by more experience and going through the primary process. Alas, now her brand has been so badly damaged that she is probably done on a national level - at least for a long time.

Wow, what a disappointing article. Peggy Noonan is one of my Top 5 favorite pundits, but this smelled a little bit like my son's Diaper Genie. Why? The armchair psychologizin'. I can't stand it when liberals make up elaborate psychological profiles of people based on a few video clips and sound bites, and I'm really disappointed to see Noonan doing it. Granted, Peggy has watched Palin for "7 weeks," but does that REALLY merit such a presumptuous assessment of the governor's psychological and intellectual make-up?

I doubt it. As one who has loved to judge people (usually for the worst), I know that our judgments frequently end up being flat-out wrong. Human beings are three dimensional or more.

It is so sad to read about the ineptness of Sara Palin when we have a very inempt and lying Senator Obama running for the highest office in the land. Come to Chicago and find out who the true Obama is.

Are you kidding me. Palin was picked by J. McCain as a strategic move to attract upset women who supported Hillary pure and simple. If Senator Obama had chosen Hillary as his VP, Palin would have been left to fix the problems she caused when she was mayor and now governor. Her rhetoric on the campaign trail is all too familiar in terms of Republicans attacking their opponent rather than standing on their own record, comprehending the real issues facing Americans and their plan to address them. Bush, Bush Sr., Reagan, etc. have been borrow and spend Republicans who have pushed the national debt beyond comprehension. Social Security will go bust soon with the payout moving to the general fund. 7 of the last 10 Presidents have been Republicans who are responsible for over 80% of this debt. People need to grow up...you can't throw a war without raising taxes, you can't send $700 billion to Wall St. without raising taxes. Republican turned Independent voting for real change in Obama here.

I liked what Sarah Palin has had to say in recent press events; however, I believe that a lot of what she say is for sensationalism. She does have a good track record in Alaska, but she is not the one who would be running the country,...McCain would. And yes, I think his adding Palin to his ticket was a strategic move to get the female vote. However, that's just politics. Each side does what it can to get ahead. Now, with that said, Obama has made some excellent points in his speeches. He has certainly touched on delicate topics, sometimes with less than finesse. But he comes across as genuine, and that my friends is what it takes to win. He does lack the years of experience, but I see him winning this election. I'm not going to go into how I'll vote, but rest assured I will. The one thing that disappoints me in both parties, though, is their willingness to attack the other side. Sure we need someone in the highest office of our country who will stand up for what s/he believes, but that should be a defensive move, not an offensive one. It's simply bad manners to point out others' wrongdoings, even in politics, not to mention the ethical implications. Yet on both sides, I've seen other political candidates, all the way down the line, follow suit. This type of behavior makes politics "smell." Both parties should have a bit of faith in the American public, knowing that we can see how different administrations have handled various scenarios, and definitely the effects on our lives (and pocketbooks). To each candidate, clean up your campaign. Don't speak ill of the other party. It only makes you look small. Other campaigns have been run better than this type of public debauchery.

Many people like very much Mr. Palin. Her big trouble appears she is too pretty to be on the national political scene at that age outside Alaska where she was very well recognized as a popular governor.

As the governor she saw the strong Russia is very close neighter to the oil rich state, Alaska. People think it is the end of the world as the words suggested, "Bridge to no where."

When time comes, Mrs. Palin can build a bridge there in a giant scale to reach at the other end.

Otherwise, the Russians could build one. Don't you think so?

Don't you think if she were a black or black enough there would have been no such harsh words to her beautyful insight which she warned to the American people, Alasaka is the oil rich front line of the United States facing the strong Russiaia?

America's frontline is not in Georgia but in Alaska!!

Mrs. Palin correctly recognized it in a very meaningful way to the Americans.

NOONAN WRITES: : “They ) GOP partisans) bitterly attacked those who came to stand against the Bush administration. ….If they had stood for conservative principle…. instead of attempting to silence those who opposed mere party,…(the GOP). would be in a better, and healthier, position.”

RE: PALIN: “….the Palin candidacy is a symptom and expression of a new vulgarization in American politics. It's no good, not for conservatism and not for the country. And yes, it is a mark against John McCain, against his judgment and idealism.”

“No news conferences? Interviews now only with friendly journalists? …..This has been Mr. Bush's style…..and see where it got us. You must address America in its entirety, not as a sliver or a series of slivers but as a full and whole entity, a great nation trying to hold together. When you don't, when you play only to your little piece, you contribute to its fracturing.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

What Noonan knows and would undoubtedly share were she having a drink and feeling blunt:

None of this matters. Not war, not fracturing divisiveness, not polarizing anti-intellectual pandering, not financial collapse and unthinkable debt. All that mattered in 2000 and all that REALLY (apparently apres Iraq) mattered in 2004 and will matter on November 4th to the 'principled religious social conservative'; ABORTION trumps all aces, homsexuality is the real threat.

This arguably admirable pact with the devil in the name of God was understandable to many, but no longer acceptable to most. The price tag may have earlier this century been concealed, but the ending Bush era invoice is shocking to any even-handed partisan. Like Peggy Noonan. George Will. David Brooks. To name a few.

Pwn is an internet, or specifically, an online multiplayer game term.

It is based on a common typo style misspelling of the word 'own'.

It means to sort of dominate or humiliate a rival. To defeat them in a public and decisive manner.

I'll bet my diminished 401-K that Peggy Noonan will eventually change her view of Sarah Palin to the point of regretting what she has recently written about the Alaska governor.

A good number of columnists -- many of them conservative -- dismissed Ronald Reagan in the 1970s as a "mere B-movie actor." It was a much younger Peggy Noonan, however, who first captured the essence of Ronald Reagan in her first book and memoir of WH service, "What I Saw At the Revolution."

Maybe in her heart no one will ever measure up to her first political love (RR), but, whatever the reason, PG "just doesn't get it" when it comes to Palin. Eventually Noonan will "get it" -- and come to realize how wrong has been her first impression of Palin.

The Man From K Street wrote: October 17, 2008 9:44 AM Am I the only conservative who is frankly weary of Peggy Noonan, not because of any "betrayal", but just because I've long since found her written punditry to be hopelessly pretentious and meandering? It is one thing for conservatism to end up as incurious Palinism, but when its scribes end up putting forth psychobabble expectorant and calling it political analysis, is it any better? Don't get me started on Noonan's voice. I also can't be the only one who finds it grating and obnoxious.

No, you're not the only one. Both in print and in person (i.e., on TV), Ms. Noonan has become Norma Desmond.

Reganite -

Not trying to be an ass here, but on what do you base your opinion of Palin?

What, substantively, does she offer the country in terms of a guiding principle or philosophy?

Reformer in Alaska? Not so much.
Fiscal discipline? Not so much, based on her record.
Earmark reform? Not so much, based on her record.
Health Care Reform? Until she was picked by McCain, she was on record supporting Obama's Health Care plan.
Energy? What's the philosophy or principle to get us off foreign oil, other than "Drill, Baby, Drill"?

Seriously, what does she stand for, other than "Hockey Mom", "Maverick" and "Pro-life (but is glad her daughter CHOSE to keep the baby. Doesn't that make her pro-choice?)"?

What's the political principle or philosophy that guides her?

Seriously, what does she stand for, other than "Hockey Mom", "Maverick" and "Pro-life (but is glad her daughter CHOSE to keep the baby.

I believe "CHOSE to keep the baby" was versus giving it up for adoption, not versus aborting it. I.e., of the various pro-life options, her daughter and boyfriend chose to keep and raise the baby themselves.

EddieInCA (11:21 AM): "Reaganite - Not trying to be an ass here, but on what ..."

For all our sakes, please try harder.

After hitting the mute button when she was chosen I went somewhat ballistic, threw a pillow at the television and shouted, "McCain just threw it away!"

My gun toting, church going, Republican in-laws won't even talk about politics now. They are as disgusted as I am, which is amazing as it is the first common ground we have had (except for my one brother-in-law who is a venture capitalist and we can always talk business).

Yes, the economy will probably be the nail in the coffin, but Palin has brought nothing to the table but contempt for the ticket and her supporters.

Noonan has done some nice things but she's no deep thinker--she was, a big W. fan, after all. On the other hand, like that uncultured, uneducated oaf, Roger Kimball, I think that Palin is "the best thing to happen to conservatives since Ronald Reagan. I would feel far safer with her in the White House than I would were Joe Biden or Barack Obama presiding over the canapés at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." (http://pajamasmedia.com/rogerkimball/2008/10/12/on-disagreeing-with-a-friend-about-obama-with-a-coda-on-plagiarism/)

For everyone who defends Palin, just imagine what you would be saying if Obama had picked her as his running mate. I CANNOT believe what O'Reilly, Rush, Coulter, and every republican would be saying about her. It would be far harsher than it is now. I have NEVER seen anything like this ever.

Interesting though that she can find the time to be on Saturday Night Live this weekend (so say reports). I want to see her on Meet The Press & other intelligent shows where she is asked serious questions with followup questions (& see how she relates to the other guests). I don't think she could handle it & the McCain camp knows this. It is just unbelievable that we could have her as a president if something would happen to McCain if he is elected.

I hope that we NEVER see anything like this again.

Yeah, we could have a "smart" person for President like Bill Clinton or Jimmy Carter. That would make Israel and the rest of the world feel better, I'm sure.

A couple retorts to Ms. Noonan:

mypetjawa.mu.nu/archives/194463.php

article.nationalreview.com/?q=NzFlNWM1ZmUwMmU3NWQ5ZmVlMzBjOTNlYTUzYjUzOGQ=

I agree that Palin has the potential to become the next Reagan. Considering that she has already been found guilty of abuse of power, I would say she could easily follow in Reagan's footsteps, who was guilty of a far greater crime than Nixon's (though nowhere in the Bush league) -- the Iran/Contra scandal, which many serious presidential scholars agree is one of the most serious presidential crimes in our history. Reagan created a shadow government to skirt congress when they didn't agree with him. He should have been impeached, at the least, or more rightly should have spent time in jail. When you subvert the will of congress, you are guilty of an impeachable offense. I find "Saint Ronnie's" hagiography disgusting, and when history dispenses with those worshipping at the cult of Reagan's personality, he will not be viewed kindly. That's the difference between the left and the right. Clinton, lies about an affair: impeach him! Reagan, runs an illegal arms for guerillas scheme, resulting in death and destruction: worship him!

It is one thing when and if the (liberal?) 'MSM' says what Noonan says in her column here that Rod linked. Or if the same (liberal?) 'MSM' said (quoting David Brooks:) "Sarah Palin Represents A Fatal Cancer To The Republican Party" October , 2008

Neither was James Carville in the Huffington Post. Is it possible that Palin defenders note that the wildest excess against Palin was originally the Left. But…after about two weeks… the most disgusted attacks upon Sarah Palin have been largely from her own party heavyweights. Including our host here, Rod Dreher.

It would be helpful if one made note of this instead of perpetuating the victim mentality that the Left Leaning Media is maligning the 'morning after' pill that Governor Palin proved to be.

fbc:
Post Redux:

The 'left' doesn't need to 'hate Sarah Palin' because it 'senses' that Palin 'has the potential to be the next Reagan'. (I can hear Rod gagging) Not when the Right's diehard Conservatives like Brooks, Buckley, Parker, Will, Noonan, Dreher et al write loudly and often their contempt for her.

"She has the potential to be the next Reagan. The left senses this and despises her for it. "

I voted for Reagan. Palin is no Reagan. Reagan spent years giving speeches and talking about foreign and domestic policy. Reagan wrote quite a bit about his beliefs on these issues. Reagan did the hard work and preparation that laid the groundwork for a successful presidency. Quite frankly, I find it offensive that anyone would compare Palin to Reagan. Such a comparison is an insult to Reagan and to rational thought. Show me the speeches Palin has written and given herself over the last few years on foreign policy (Reagan wrote his own speeches in the early years). Show me Palin's writings. Then we can compare the two.

Steve

Steve:

Check out the definition of "potential"; then write back. I didn't say Palin was equal to Reagan, I said she had the potential to be the next Reagan.

And as a refresher, Reagan endured all the same jeers from the self-anointed intelligentsia that Palin is undergoing now.

Noonan is spot on and she's not alone. Matthew Dowd, Bush's cheif strategist in 2004, said that McCain knows he put the country at risk with Palin. Palin has turned off the education conservatives and as David Brooks pointed out, educated professionals are leaving the republican party. It's becoming the party of the uneducated.

It can be reversed but Palin isnt the way to do it.

Palin is certainly not an intellectual, but "not being an intellectual" has somehow been conflated by many into "being anti-intellectual".

I haven't read all of Sarah's speeches, etc., but I've yet to see anything that would actually be *anti*-intellectual.

Incidentally, my answer to the problem of edited interviews would be to do *live* interviews; I still have confidence that she can actually give a decent interview, and this would be the way to avoid the editing problems.

Conservatism cannot abide another sequestered leader. And that's what Sarah Palin is, whether by the McCain camp's design, or by the campaign's reaction to what seems necessary.

I fail to see anything substantive in her. She won't answer a question. Not one. Unless it's about energy policy, where she ends up saying "tapped into" and "hungry markets" 3 times because she's taking up time to ride her respective interview out.

I had such high hopes for Palin. I wanted her to be the type of candidate that would show that Conservatism could be open, intelligent, and articulate again, representing those who lead (or strive to lead) simpler lives as such, as well. But all she has shown to be is parochial, provincial, thoroughly partisan, and devoid of much substance. Her candidacy hardly makes her seem like an adult. Just like Bush tends to take the posture of a testy teenager whenever he's given hard questions.

While she may be right about many of the Culture of Life issues, there were many, many others in the Republican fold who were, too. As time passes and as Palin fails to redeem herself as a mature candidate with her own unique political perspective and philosophy (and I'm sorry, but drilling in ANWR as the only major policy point she'll admit to differing from McCain does not a unique perspective make) that is truly confident enough to not be afraid of the hard questions, I get a greater feeling every day that her being chosen for this office was an act of spotlight-stealing and campaign strategy, not an act of substance and purpose to the calling of the office.

I am thoroughly disappointed in the Republican ticket this year. And since I find the Democratic ticket morally objectionable as well, I won't be endorsing either.