Sarah Palin, Anyone?

[furnishedowner]

Sarah Palin just came to our Conservative, majority Republican, religious little town.  To do a book signing for her book.

I couldn't figure out why there was gridlock on Main Street until I saw the people lined up in the freezing cold, out in the parking lot, hours and hours before she was due.  The newspaper then reported people CAMPING OUT ALL NIGHT in order to speak with her.  They reported a fanatical typical book-buyer--  "Sarah, you are a gift from God!" said with a quavery voice and tears running down the buyer's cheeks.

I then saw people walking around with Sarah books clutched to their chests like Bibles, smiling.  This is creeping me out.  This is celebrity worship on steroids.  I am trying to think of similar political cases, but all that comes to mind is Hitler, and the public fawning after his book, Mein Kampf.  His message was, "I KNOW the right way for the Vaterland and you must follow me."  People were happy to obey such single-minded, simplistic authority. He was the One.

That is why I am creeped out by this over-the-top "Sarah is the One!" following.  It just seems worshipful, and all-accepting of everything this former candidate espouses.  Like a female political Elvis.

The last time Sarah Palin came here, during the campaign, 10,000 people reportedly showed up.  The event had to be held in an airplane hanger.  This town has only 50,000 people, so many had driven in from neighboring states and counties.  She draws a huge crowd.

Without a doubt she is amazingly charismatic, and the camera loves her.  Kennedy might have been the last politician that was that photogenic.

But where is the substance behind the personality cult?

My feeling is that she cost John McCain many, many votes.  Would you have trusted her hand on the helm, as second in command to an elderly President who had already been treated for cancer and had war injuries?  Her lack of depth, of thoughtfulness, of intelligence and political savvy was downright scary.

Are you all Sarah fans too?  Anyone else looking beyond the dazzling smile?

Furnishedowner

 

[brockovich]

FO, I like her. I think she is good conservative voice and for the most part has been good at establishing a political dialogue on many social & economic issues. I would challenge you on a few things. Celebrity worship on steriods???? The same could certainly be applied to Barack Obama during his campaign. That was not a cult following? It certainly is fading now since the veneer of the campaign has been stripped away and people now see he governs so far to the left(Except maybe on the Afghan war) At least Sarah followers understand the issues. Many Barack followers have no clue where the man stands on any issue. Any comparison to Hitler(Either to Sarah from the left or Barack from the right) is simply unfounded, offensive and unamerican in my opinion. I believe she garnered at least as many votes than she may have lost and what cost McCain the campaign was the economic collapse six weeks prior to the election. There is more depth to her intelligence and thoughtfulness than she is given credit for. And I wonder why there is such a fascination with her from the left? I can only guess that they are threatened by her otherwise the attacks on her would have tamped down by now. Her savyiness need only be measured by her brilliant rollout and conduct on this book tour. I am not saying she is presidential material but she is not a dummy.

[propertymanager]

FO - you're funny!  I think it's especially ironic that you called Sarah "the one", when that is exactly what BO is called (along with THE MESSIAH) and other ridiculous nonsense.

You simply don't understand what's going on in this country.  BO and his socialist/communist buddies in the Whitehouse are attempting to DESTROY the country.  They are trying to institute socialism as our form of government.  The majority of the country doesn't want to live in a socialist country (although you've made it pretty clear that you do).  Sarah Palin is the ONLY person on the national stage that is articulating a CONSERVATIVE MESSAGE (as opposed to the left-leaning republican message).  That's why people stand in line for HOURS to meet her.  She may be our best hope, or only hope, to keep our freedom (short of a civil war).

[justin0419]

Mike Huckabee rolled thru here a couple weeks ago.  There were tons of people out there waiting to meet him.

I understand it must've been really hard for the Dems to figure out where our President stood on issues prior to his election.  All those votes of "present" sure were difficult political decisions. 

[Hoosier4life2005]

I dont want Sarah for president, but I do like her.  (She isnt qualified, but neither was Obama.  Ide rather have Sarah over Obama in a heartbeat).

I find it halarious you say shes a celebrity on steroids.... have you looked at Obama?!?!?

Btw, Palin didnt cost any votes for Mccain.  Shes actually a true Conservative, and Mccain is a Liberal.  If anything she gave true conservatives a reason to vote for Mccain.

[PositiveOutlook]

Furnishedowner,

Think about this for a minute... you decry Sarah Palin and people who are interested in her, DESPITE the fact that she has been derided all across the media plain, and yet Obama, with whom existed PLENTY of questions that he was not exposed to or asked to answer, or even have his RECORD questioned, all that was put aside and he was OPENLY referred to and exalted in the media as the one to "save" not only America, but the WORLD! 

So how you can even make the comparisons you did with any credulity without even mentioning Obama, says all there needs to be said...

[allagash]

But where is the substance behind the personality cult?

Maybe you should read the book....or is that too simplistic.

-Mike

[propertymanager]

Maybe you should read the book....or is that too simplistic.

Shhhhh!  FO only bases her misguided opinions on "feelings" and propaganda.  If she read the book, she might actually learn some facts and that is strictly verboten for socialists.

You notice that there hasn't been anything but silence from FO after it was revealed that "global warming" was just a big scam and that the so-called "scientists" had been doctoring the data. 

[sellnbama]

Furnished,
You can't possibly be this liberally hypnotized.I read your posts like this and say to myself "Here's a totally- I follow only what the liberals tell me to type".Have you actually listened to Sara or possibly checked her qualifications?They kick the piss out of the community organizors.Also watch the debates between Obama and Dr. Alan Keyes to see DR.Keyes wax the floor with the studder master when you have time.
 Tune away from air america and MSNBC once in a while,,it may explain why those crowds are so huge.Or just stay on board with your liberals only rules,that's working out real well as I read the latest pole is at 45% conservative.Good luck in 2010,2012-----this is america FURNISHED,these are just normal people, don't act so confused.

Unbeleivable you said the word "cult",,you really need to do a little research into the Obama drama to see a mindless "cult".

[furnishedowner]

sellnbama,
I don't watch or listen to those stations you mentioned.  I AM living in a Conservative heartland here, and that is mostly the media that I am exposed to.  There are only a few closet liberals here.  We greet each other with code words, eye winks, and secret handshakes.  Every now and then I get away to Liberalland and take a deep breath of fresh air.

propertymanager,
I have already skimmed her book while standing in my local Big Box Store.  Sure, I will read it, hey, I read even ketchup bottles.  Seriously, biographies are my favorite brain food. I read books, magazines and newspapers every day. I just need to get it from the library, yard sale or thrift store. I try not to buy books any more unless they are keepers, it was becoming too expensive and no more shelf room.  I have banned myself from bookstores lately.  So, no, reading is not too simplistic for me, but thanks for asking.

You have all answered my question.  You all like Sarah Palin!  I like her, too, she is disarming and watchable.  I just don't like the idea of her running the country.

So if Conservative Republicans, BibleBelters, the far Right unites behind her will it be a new, break-away Party?  Would she attract enough moderate Republicans to get her the 2012 nomination?  Or will she scare them too?  Would you balance that platform with a "liberal" Republican?

Furnishedowner

[sellnbama]

Furnished,
 As I remember Obama ran as a moderate democrate(even though he had the most liberal voting record).But everyone was so caught in the momentum of our first black president, that all got overlooked.And now that his mask is off and all can see who us conservatives seen he won't stand a chance.

 This is a repeat of Clinton's frist year,,then the repubs restored balance back into congress and got the economy on track with TAX CUTS.Therefore getting Clinton re-elected.I just hope this is not the case this go round,,our country can't afford another year of Obama muchless 7.

 And why are'nt fellow women more supportive of a woman achieving the great feat that african americans have.Is it because she's attractive or just a conservative or both??

[allagash]

So, no, reading is not too simplistic for me, but thanks for asking.

That was myself…actually…who asked the question.

Last time I listened to a live Sarah Palin speech...I think it was just about  2 or 3 days before the November 2008 election.

Can't remember exactly where we where...either at Port Fourchon or 200 miles out in the Gulf of Mexico....on a 210' offshore supply vessel servicing one of Noble's rigs:

http://www.noblecorp.com/

She almost brought tears to my eyes.  That's about all I can remember.  It was a great speech.

This country has lost so much in the recent past....as it's wealth continues to get consumed.

My guess is that when she came on to John McCain's scene…her contribution  turned out to be well over and above what was anticipated by the Republican strategists.

I mean like……off the charts.

Maybe it’s that Alaskan attitude of getting back to fundamental roots.

I like her, too, she is disarming and watchable.  I just don't like the idea of her running the country.

Are you kidding?

With the likes of Mitch McConnell….she’d be a great puppet.

And I mean that sincerely.

We need a lean Washington…not a bloated one.

That’s mainstream America talking.  People are sick of it.

-Mike

[sellnbama]

Mike,
  Exactly right.The elite are going to "rush,rush" theirselves right out of office and not a minute too soon.People are starving for anyone they can relate to.Obama has the least private sector experienced administration in history.So how can ANYONE put any faith in them,,,,,,they need to trade in their "HOPE" FOR A LITTLE EXPERIENCE AT ACTUALLY RUNNING A BUSINESS.I can't beleive people are doubting Palin,,look at this idiot in there now.Do they really wanna bring up experiece..........>>>>>>>>>>>>2010,2012!!

[furnishedowner]

Amazing responses.  Who knew?  My opinions differ so much from you posters that it is interesting to have this dialogue.  Maybe we can learn from each other.

How can anyone possibly call Obama an elitist?  A poor boy, self-made African-American?  That doesn't compute.  If he is an elitist, we are all elitists.  It is plain wacky to call him an elitist.

I voted for Hillary Clinton in the primaries.  I felt she was the more qualified candidate.  I would have been as thrilled to get a really competent woman for President as to get an African-American man.

So no, the fact that Sarah Palin is attractive meant nothing to this voter.  How blinded are you all by her looks?  Truthfully now, if she resembled Eleanor Roosevelt, would you all still be ga-ga?

When I have listened to Sarah Palin, immediately I think "air-head".
She reminds me of a sincere, but simplistic elementary school teacher.  The kind who spouts facts, but can't think her way to anything deeper.  I have heard the same from others, both male and female.  That kind of superficial thinking is scary in a leader.  We just lived through that brain vacuum with Bush.

allagash,
I didn't understand your Sarah Palin Puppet reference.

Seriously, guys, if this is the best candidate you got, it's going to take a lot more convincing for middle America.  Don't forget you are the right, not the middle.  The middle (like me) elected Obama.  And I am well pleased with the progress of our nation.

Furnishedowner

[propertymanager]

A poor boy.....

That sounds like racist talk to me!  LOL!  If a conservative said something terrible like that.....

I would have been as thrilled to get a really competent woman for President as to get an African-American man.

I guess I should have said racist and sexist!  Personally, I don't care if it's a man or woman - what I care about are their POLICIES!

So no, the fact that Sarah Palin is attractive meant nothing to this voter.  How blinded are you all by her looks?  Truthfully now, if she resembled Eleanor Roosevelt, would you all still be ga-ga?

Her looks means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to me.  What I care about is getting conservatives in the government - people who understand and respect the constitution!  That is the ONLY thing that matters.

She reminds me of a sincere, but simplistic elementary school teacher.  The kind who spouts facts, but can't think her way to anything deeper.  I have heard the same from others, both male and female.  That kind of superficial thinking is scary in a leader.  We just lived through that brain vacuum with Bush.

EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED - an honest, simple, normal American to lead the country.  In fact, the only person that I can think of that would make a better president than Sarah would be ME!  However, you better hope that doesn't happen because you and all the other socialists would be strongly encouraged to move to Europe (where you belong).  That encouragement would be in the form of higher taxes for socialists; socialist registration; licensing for socialists; and maybe even ankle bracelets (in keeping with your idea of punishing the innocent - you should like that).  In addition, THOUSANDS OF VIOLENT CRIMINALS would spend the rest of their lives in prison (without tv, weights, movies, baseball, special meals, etc, BUT WITH PLENTY OF HARD LABOR).

The middle (like me) elected Obama.  And I am well pleased with the progress of our nation.

You are a socialist - plain and simple.  You're no where near the middle and neither is Osama Obama - the One who you have chosen to DESTROY THE COUNTRY!