First Gibbs, now the DNC. Meanwhile, as they chase the media and Sarah Palin, the Tea Party crew is raging mad at everyone, with Arianna Huffington’s post a good place to learn about why. As some conservatives decide it’s time to take Tea Party activism the next step, cutting off the fringe that’s toxic, so mainstream Republicans can absorb and utilize the power.
The bipartisan meeting invite on health care wasn’t the only thing the Democrats sent out yesterday. The message actually ending up a little schizophrenic.
Sarah Palin has the political Establishment chasing its tail, whether you’re a Republican or a Democrat. But getting a fundraising email entitled “Bizarre,” with Sarah Palin pictured (as illustrated in the email graphic in this post) says to me that Sarah’s not only good for media, but she’s good for Democrats, too. The only group not quite certain about the benefits are Republicans, but that day is coming.
The DNC, while going after Politico for their story, “We love Palin,” actually thought it wise to attack the substance of their story that openly admitted –hold on to your hat– that “the fact is, she’s a draw.” Considering the fundraising email with Sarah’s picture on it you’d think the DNC would get the irony of their overwrought beef.
Love her or hate her, Sarah Palin is an exciting political story, which carries with it the only section of the American public who is actually emotionally engaged toward a particular politician favorably. As for the Tea Party attack on Palin for being a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” what a gift for Sarah. After David Broder and Joe Klein’s raves this week, sending an acceptance nod to the Republican Establishment, having a sliver of the Tea Party crew attack her is simply a bonus for Palin, ending a week that has been a huge win for Sarahcuda.
But hearing the DNC whine about the media loving Palin’s story and the buzz around this woman, especially considering how much Democrats benefited from Obama’s media adulation that helped sweep him into office, is embarrassing. Democrats, who have Congress and the presidency, can’t seem to shake their obsession with Sarah.
As we approach Valentine’s day, we thought it was interesting to see that there’s a terribly compelling story of unrequited love playing out right in front of us.
This morning Politico posted a story emphatically declaring the media’s adoration of Sarah Palin. “We love Palin,” they gushed. And indeed they do. As Politico reported every major news outlet had reporters covering her speech last week, with CNN devoting a crew of 11 and cable news outlets carrying it live. All of this despite the fact, the speech was admittedly “unremarkable [and] largely a red-meat regurgitation of the sort of sound-byte-friendly attacks and folksy witticisms she has offered many times before.”
But while the media was sending Palin a valentine declaring their “love” for her, The Orlando Sentinel reported this morning that Sarah Palin has barred media from her big-ticket events in Florida next month.
It might be compelling, but seeing how Palin continues to reject the media as they do their best John Cusack holding a boom-box over their head outside her house, it is a little pathetic to watch.
“Pathetic to watch,” clucks the DNC. As for “sound-byte-friendly attacks and folksy witticisms,” you mean like “yes, we can” and “fired up, ready to go”? Seriously, if this is what Tim Kaine is getting paid to do someone should send him a pink slip.
Palin was supposed to fade away… be relegated to a failure… a quitter… someone who could never come back after her disgrace in 2008. Lawrence O’Donnell certainly thinks so and could be right in the end. But nothing takes away from her star power right now, which points to another obvious reality.
Women are clearly still hungry to welcome a woman into the oval office. After the 2008 election they’re willing to join forces with anyone who can possibly get it done, with Sarah Palin being the only force even close to making it manifest. Republicans sensing the nonchalance with which the Obama Democratic Party has treated average workers, instead siding with big banks and Wall Street, which Palin has tapped into, even if the GOP isn’t quite sure of her electability, something that is clearly still in doubt.
Men have floundered and failed serially in politics forever, but come back strong. Why not a woman? But can Sarah Palin? We’ve had George W. Bush and Dan Quayle, but all of a sudden Sarah Palin’s the only idiot? Guys have had over-exercised dreams for decades, why not girls?
While her main critics continue to deny that the emotional connection she taps into has the possibility of trumping everything else. She’s already got her neoconservative talking points down, a prerequisite for any wannabe in 2012, the Republicans considering this the antidote to Obama, as the set up for Bush-Cheney redux is stirring. That’s what happens when a political party shirks their constitutional duties and lets the beast up off the mat.
Meanwhile, Sarah Palin continues to do what she does best. Drive the left nuts, while making the right unsure of who they are and what they stand for as they wonder who they’re going to find that can resurrect them from the dead. It may not be Sarah Palin, but she’s having the time of her life right now, as the oval office dances across her noggin. Running for president, at the very least, will be good for her bottom line.
Everybody is covering Sarah Palin right now, using her to their own ends and that includes the DNC. She’s the biggest thing in politics and certainly the most exciting story, which comes complete with drama, unknowns, possibilities, as well as elitist harangues against her, which is proving to be the Democratic blind side once again. She’s also the only woman on the national scene with any heat. After Hillary Clinton’s exit, it’s nice to see a strong woman out there making The Boys in the Establishment a little crazy. That Sarah Palin is enjoying the angst of the major parties is obvious; that she could care less is too.
I just can’t enjoy it like you do Taylor. The thought that our society has sunk so low as to be excited about a charismatic low brow like Sarah just makes me depressed.
It’s not the first time and we’ve had charismatic high brows that weren’t much good for lifting us up either. Palin is simply benefiting from the vacuum created when Hillary left the scene.
It’s *very* interesting that conservatives are now moving to purify, if you will, the Tea Party.
I would like to see a woman become POTUS, just not this one. I’d really have to get up every morning and ask for divine intervention if she become POTUS.
Taylor – do you think the high highfalutins in the Dem Party meaning the WH are going to get the message?
She is the personification of Crack Cocaine.
She wows ‘em, then feeds ‘em crickets and a wink for ideas.
Divine Intervention + Bomb Iran reprise = revolution of my head.
Every time I hear her speak, I can’t stop my head from spinnin.
Make her stop!
Jane Austen says:
13 February 2010 at 12:43 pm
If the past year is any indication there is no evidence whatsoever that they’re listening to anyone outside the inner sanctum.
”I come from Arkansas; I get why she’s hot out there… ”Why she’s doing well.” – former Pres. Bill Clinton (9.23.08)
WOW!!!!
So as things stand now we can expect the Democratic Party to self-destruct if it hasn’t already. What a freaking joke.
Maybe we could form the “U” Party. One up them.
Remove Sarah to an undisclosed location, replace her with Tina.
End of problem. Todd couldn’t tell.
Yeah,Bill Clinton gets it that is why he was a two term president. Both Clintons get it. You never heard Hillary making fun of people or any part of the Democratic Party.It’s why the village calls him Elvis.
The Clintons understood what it was like to work and work hard. They met people without an education who worked hard to provide for their families – the Clintons honored that work. They honored their commitment to their faith and the institutions that they revered.
they all did their best to put her down(dead).
she made some very good moves and now they cant get rid of her.
like her or not most that I have contact with think she is the only chance for reform in the government.
the republicans pissed her off the democrats in congress are needing extermination and with her record of cleaning house she offers to the people what they thought they were getting with mr obama.
if she does decide to run on a reform platform she will be the next president of the united states.
my opinion of course and some of you are really going to hate it but she cant do much worse of a job than mr big business “behind closed” doors obama has done so far.
Lake Lady says:
13 February 2010 at 1:32 pm
djjl says:
13 February 2010 at 1:36 pm
So true. Two of the hardest working people in politics. It’s been their passion for so many years.
Mark D…yes it can get worse.
“We should all be proud of Governor Sarah Palin’s historic nomination, and I congratulate her and Senator McCain,” Clinton, the first woman to win a presidential primary, said in the statement. “While their policies would take America in the wrong direction, Governor Palin will add an important new voice to the debate.” – CNN
The Obama team wanted Clinton to napalm Palin during the general election. She said no. She knew better.
If Tim Kaine’s in charge of this DNC campaign, he’s an idiot, though it seems he’s got plenty of company.
One thing that Clinton was not(compared to some of the Democrats of today) and still is not so condescending of the average person.
Hard working? Palin? What a hoot. As she lay in her office tanning bed, it was Todd who was running Alaska. To wit: over 25,000 e-mails that he sent to keep the government running. She did not write a word of her much praised book. That was done by a ghost writer. It’s doubtful that Sarah even read her own book given some of her answers about its content. McCain’s top people thought, and said, that she was a blithering idiot. If one doesn’t come to the same conclusion after listening to her for five minutes then I dare say that those people probably never got out of the sixth grade. Palin is a buffoon and 55% of conservatives now feel that she is not qualified to be our president. Subtract the Liberals from this equation and it would seem that only a very slim group in this country has gone completely brain dead. Hopefully nobody on this blog is one of them? Peace
I don’t you’ll find any admirers here of Palin’s politics Imhotep. But I must say, I recognize and appreciate your restraint today.
djjl, I appreciate that you appreciate that. Because I gotta tell you if I see one more “why do all of the stupid Liberals hate poor Sarah Palin and the wonderful T-baggers” my head might explode.
Peace
“like her or not most that I have contact with think she is the only chance for reform in the government.”
You hang out with some REALLY strange folks if this is true!!
“the republicans pissed her off the democrats in congress are needing extermination and with her record of cleaning house she offers to the people what they thought they were getting with mr obama.”
Are you as mental as this sounds? Do you REALLY believe this crap?!
“if she does decide to run on a reform platform she will be the next president of the united states.
my opinion of course and some of you are really going to hate it but she cant do much worse of a job than mr big business “behind closed” doors obama has done so far.”
OMG, you REALLY are that mental. Were you in a coma from the electroshock therapy for 8 years?
“Imhotep says:
13 February 2010 at 3:06 pm”
This is one of those posts that really make me worry, you sound lucid and logical, even reasonable. Where have you hidden the REAL imhopless?!
I’m not so sure it why do all the stupid liberals hate poor Sarah so much as it is “liberals should be certain they know how to win friends and influence people” to support their goals. Argue smart and don’t act condescending and nasty. I loathe Sarah Palin but I’d prefer to encourage those who support her (in my mind mistakenly) to continue listening to what I (we progressive/liberals) have to say. I just don’t think kicking ‘em in the teeth as idiotic and misguided miscreants (though some are) is beneficial to my cause.
I must say, there have been many moments when I believe I can truly embrace some of the righteous anger that surely drives some in the tea party movement. I’m sick and tired of my government ignoring those who’s backs it rests on. I’m tired of big business via media ownership distorting reality and setting the agenda for their benefit. My guess is a lot of these people may just be miserably tired and very afraid.
Yes, I acknowledge that there are the true crazies. But, too often lately, I have felt a deep anger at our party politics – it should be little wonder that some may want to scream “a ox on both their houses” and try to regain some voice in governance.
Taylor, thank you for a very good article. Palin is “Godzilla in heels”! She brings alot more to the table for the American people than anyone else at this time. She has the credentials, so rather than people saying she is dumb, maybe they should think to themselves, could you have 5 children, and run a state, that is by the way 2.5 billion in the black at the end of the budget season, a budget that Sarah herself made before she left office. AND she was forced to get out of office by the leftwing bloggers & their ethics complaints that were ruled unfounded.. Go Sarah! !
Well, I just tried to post this really thoughtful comment to Imhotep and I think secular stepped on it
bassicha
How on earth did left wing bloggers drive out Sarah?
Which bloggers filed ethics complaints?
I don’t know for sure – but this doesn’t match your budget info (do you have a supporting link):
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE51J02J20090220
Sliding oil prices and production have prompted Alaska officials to forecast a state budget shortfall of $1.25 billion in the next fiscal year instead of the surplus they predicted just two months
ago.
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Alaska_state_budget
Alaska Budget 2010
Alaska faces a $1.3 billion budget gap for fiscal year 2010.[1] Alaska’s estimated fiscal 2011 shortfall is reportedly $677 million.[2] The steep decline in oil prices, the state’s dominant source of revenue, ended their historical annual surplus requiring dipping into its special reserve fund of approximately $8 billion.[3] The Alaskan oil forecast for FY09 was 0.689 mbd at $65.70 per barrel; the FY2010 forecast was 0.655 mbd at $58.29/bbl.[4]
Gov. Sean Parnell explained the challenges faced in putting together the 2011 budget include built in increases for education and Medicaid that could total $163 million combined with 5% to 6% personnel increases of new labor contracts for state workers.[5] In January 2010 a new budget report revealed that Alaska has approximately $10 billion in cash reserves.[6] The revenue report revealed that a state tax on oil and gas production was “performing as expected,” however in January 2010 the governor said he “wants to give oil and gas companies greater incentives to do business in the state” by changing the state energy tax.[7][8]
Alaska revised surplus projections for fiscal year 2009 and faced a $360 million budget deficit.[9] Fiscal year 2009 budget revenue was $5.87 billion and fiscal year 2010 enacted budget revenue is $3.21 billion, a 45.3% decrease from 2009.[10]
http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Alaska_state_budget_%282008-2009%29
Alaska Budget 2008-2009
Alaska faced a $1.65 billion budget shortfall for fiscal year 2009[1] and a similar shortfall for fiscal year 2010, $1.25 billion, in light of drops in oil revenue.[2] In early January 2009 Senate President Gary Stevens stated that the state was facing a budget deficit as large as $2 to $3 billion for FY 2010. [3] The state budget spending-versus-revenue gap is largely due to a decline in the price of oil. In December 2008 state officials anticipated a $388.7 million surplus for FY 2010 but in just two months revenues dropped.[2] In response to the state budget crisis Gov. Sarah Palin proposed that the state draw on reserves. A total of $1.36 billion and approximately $1.2 billion are estimated to be withdrawn for FY 2009 and FY 2010 respectively. “Responsible reductions and prudent use of reserve funds that we had set aside for tougher times will help us weather the storm,” said Palin. The includes Constitutional Budget Reserve totals $7 billion. [4]
[edit] Impact of budget woes
anyone getting e-mails from Democrats.com talking about a group called “brown baggers?” Progressive Democrats of America are involved in this group. Seems to be in opposition to the “Tea Bag Party.” They organize “Brownbag Vigils outside Congressional district offices.” I’m just curious.
djjl says:
13 February 2010 at 4:30 pm
Truth be told I didn’t know it was leftwing bloggers who forced her out either.
I thought she quit on her own accord. And I read the the piece you posted re Alaska’s financial situation. So I don’t know what bassocha is talking about either.
“djjl says:
13 February 2010 at 4:30 pm”
So it looks like what yer tellin me is either bassicha is
A. Delusional and in need of immediate involuntery commitment
B. Thispshycotic break with reality is drug enduced
C. of chronicly mentally ill
or
D Just some dimber then a box of hammers moron with their head shoved SO far up their own keister they can’t even see or hear.
Frankly I’d vote for D. with quite a bit of A.
I always look when statements are made with no supporting link. I like to consider the credibility of the link source.
Hey, if you can stand up to left wing bloggers I think you need to get out of the game.
secular – you are definitely a mess!
How much snow today?
scuse me – can’t stand up
Imhotep
To get back to what I intended to reply earlier about your head exploding – I think the general idea is to encourage those of us who think the Palins of the world would take us off a cliff, is to speak to those who are angry and fearful in a manner that would allow them to listen. I don’t listen when you spit in my face. Most folks don’t. I know there are some miscreants who are against anything “different” – that includes skin color, national origin, etc – but I must say, I can imagine there are a lot of folks who have had anger and disgust rise in them as it has me and others here with a government predisposed to the moneyed interests and not nearly enough aware of the average citizen’s plight. Of course, it is on the back of the average citizen that this government functions….and doles out it’s largesse to the moneyed interests.
I think I’d rather speak in a manner that allows Tea Partiers, who in reality share my concerns, to listen to what I have to say.
Ha ha Djjl…your detective abilites seemed to have scared off bassicha.
I really don’t understand why Obama does not have more of his Cabinet people out on the airwaves. I heard Kathleen Sebelius on C-span today talking at a convention.Usually I am critical of her dullness but today she gave a lengthy,detailed,deeply knowledgable talk on healthcare.She explained to the group how everything inter-related. She also explained what they are currently doing about finding paperwork efficiencies and moving more records to digital and finding fraud. They are doing quite a lot and finding many pitfalls.
She also expressed pretty strong confidence that something would get done this year. She also explained what would happen if nothing was done.
Why have they not been educating the public all along? Why didn’t they start with education?
This same thing is probably happening in all of the various departments of government. I am hearing good things about Jackson at the EPA a really smart,funny, compelling personality.Chu is supposed to be a genius,what is he up to? There have to be some liberal successes going on,what are they?
As far aa I am concerned the jury is still out on Arnie Duncun. When I catch him on c-span he sounds pretty boilerplate.
My point is …why is Palin stealing all the thunder and why is the country via the media talking about 2012?
Perhaps the Chicago Mafia has them under wraps lest the steal the thunder of “the One.”
“My point is …why is Palin stealing all the thunder and why is the country via the media talking about 2012?” Lake Lady
Because intelligent people know it’s way too soon. Let the tea-baggers and other nutcases get their headlines. Let them achieve their ‘peak’ now. And by all means, Let Sarah Talk! The more she opens her mouth, the more people are turned off.
The media LOVES Sarah ? Of COURSE they do. They also ‘love’ train wrecks and serial killers. But thanks to Steven Colbert we now have a new bumpersnicker that’s accurate: Sarah Palin is a F-ing Retard .
Seems like they could highlight the areas where Democratic governance is positive.For that matter I don’t think our constitutional law professor President (that is not a criticism) has done enough explaining to the public why it is so important that our Justice Department goes back to following our laws and using our legal system to try terrorists.
secularhumanizinevoluter says:
13 February 2010 at 3:41 pm
GREAT new avatar!!!
Colbert is truly brillant. My problem with him is that he plays his character so well that I can’t take it sometimes.
and speaking of “Let Sarah Talk” – Gee, I wonder why they’re now (or ‘still’, considering China) demanding “No Reporters” – “No recorders of any kind”. It couldn’t by any chance be the same reason McCain’s people didn’t want her talking, could it ? Could it be that everyone *knows* every time she opens her mouth (without her palm pilot to guide her *L*), there’s a damned good chance she’ll say something insanely stupid.
Her own father declared her a narrow-minded racist.
Give me a break.
Sarah Palin 2012 !!
Carrie Prejean VP
Please?
Lake Lady
I heard Colbert speak previously that he did not let his children watch him “in character” because they might not get the difference between the character and “who Daddy really is.”
pmichael
palmpilot = that is just too good lol
Lake Lady says:
13 February 2010 at 8:21 pm
“For that matter I don’t think our constitutional law professor President (that is not a criticism) has done enough explaining to the public why it is so important that our Justice Department goes back to following our laws and using our legal system to try terrorists.”
Could it be that THAT is not his purpose?
bassicha says:
13 February 2010 at 3:46 pm
You’re going to need a helmet in here, but welcome!
My point is …why is Palin stealing all the thunder and why is the country via the media talking about 2012?
Sarah Palin is exciting, because she’s new, she’s a woman, and her storyline has no sure direction.
And whatever was exciting about Barack Obama has gone pfffft.
Oh, and everyone is bored with the bipartisanship speak that has Pres. Obama impersonating a moderate Republican.
“Could it be that THAT is not his purpose?” djjl
djjl, I think the ‘fireside chats’ from our Presidents are *extremely* important as they recognize the importance of “attitudes”. Scared people don’t spend money. Scared people don’t buy houses. etc. The ‘attitude’ of this country is far too important than to turn its management over to Rupert Murdoch.
Personally – I’d like to see Obama with his own half-hour show – every single night of the week.
pmichael…I’m afraid people are tuning him out. There are others in his administration who can talk too. I always enjoy Biden. I know they are probably afraid he will accidently speak some truth.
“And whatever was exciting about Barack Obama has gone pfffft.” Taylor
Yes – it’s been proven a long time ago. In this country, the Beverly Hillbillies Show (I know – I’m dating myself) is FAR more popular than Alex Trebek and Jeopardy – which is an excellent parallel for Palin and Obama.
They are tuning him out because THEY DON’T BELIEVE HIM!
Lake Lady – don’t let the media influence the way this country works (or ‘feels’). Nearly HALF the country doesn’t give a damn. 42 out of 100 eligible voters DID NOT EVEN VOTE in the 2008 election !
pmichael
You might have missed my point – perhaps that is not what he desires to do.
Okay I see, djjl. However – most presidents since Eisenhower (more media conferences than any other president) and before (FDR) know it’s a HUGE part of their job (managing ‘attitudes’). This is *especially* important during times of war and conflict.
Taylor Marsh says:
13 February 2010 at 8:22 pm
secularhumanizinevoluter says:
13 February 2010 at 3:41 pm
GREAT new avatar!!!
What do you see?! On my screen I still have the celtic knot showing?!
djjl says:
13 February 2010 at 4:56 pm
None today. Over the two “events” we got close to 40″
And how so I am a mess? Please to clarify.
You are a mess – my jargon – you are a “hoot.”
Please note secular= that is meant as a compliment!
We are amazed that we (Little Rock) still have snow on the ground 10 days after the first fall.
Have you changed your web address – I’ve been trying to find you from the info you gave before?
See you folks another day
Web page is aboutartglass.com