Some might argue that the two most popular and charismatic political figures in America will be sharing the stage at tonight's Alfalfa Club Dinner in Washington, D.C.: President Obama and vice presidential candidate, Governor Sarah Palin.
There are two categories of people reading this post: the first thinks Governor Palin is a joke. This conclusion was formed in part because "public opinion" was set for three months by Tina Fey and Saturday Night Live, a show that as you know was for over ten years hosted by the "Not-Ready-for-Primetime Players," which is ironic because I think Palin's first month of public exposure was likewise not quite ready for primetime. [And I'll add that her post-election turkey farm photo op would indicate that this may still be true.]In spite of her mangled media moments, the second category of reader tends to think "public opinion" is highly over-rated. [Notice I'm not using the term "conventional wisdom." That's out of respect for the word wisdom.] This second category not only follows politics but also observes human character, and in this regard Sarah Palin showed such remarkable grace under fire for three intense months that they're convinced it's too soon to write her off as a political force.
I happen to be in the second category. I've seen her up close and was impressed, but I'm realistic enough to also be a "wait-and-see" Republican about her viability for national politics of any kind. She will have to emerge from her introduction at the GOP convention to the woman not in McCain's shadow. Whether or not she gains credibility in the next two years will depend on whether the strength of her character can break through the caricature burned in the public's memory.
On perhaps a more important note--at least at this juncture in the Republican story is Friday's election of Michael Steele (former Maryland Lieutenant Governor) as new Chairman of the Republican National Committee. I've watched him grow as a leader for some time and I'm very happy he is in this position.
2 comments:
I'm in the second camp. I think that if Palin really put the effort into a better global understanding, she could really be a powerhouse.
SPS,
There are times that I'm amazed by her outlook on life and her ability to represent middle-America. I agree "better global credibility" (and national) will need to be earned for her to get traction in the future, but it goes without saying that there are categories of people who simply hate her (hate the "living statement" her life is) and they will do their best to make the caricature upstage the character.
Post a Comment