Here are excerpts from an interview I just completed with Peter Fenton, author of the memoir Eyeing the Flash: The Education of a Carnival Con Artist (Simon & Schuster), and creator of the Carnie Awards, topped in 2008 by Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin.
Says Fenton, "With scant knowledge of domestic or foreign affairs, Sarah Palin has winked her way to the top of the national political heap. And with the enthusiastic reaction to her debate performance from fundamental male members of the Republican punditocracy, it's obvious that Sarah holds the key to John McCain's presidential ambitions.
"Politically incorrect as it may be, Sarah's flirty sex appeal is the only remaining tool in the wheezy old warrior's toolbox. What else could have stimulated otherwise rational conservatives Rich Lowry in the National Review Online and David Brooks in the New York Times to "stand up" and declare victory for Sarah in her debate with Joe Biden?
"Sarah's chirpy manner is a disarming weapon she has employed to vanquish female foes and win men since she nabbed the Miss Congeniality trophy in the 1984 Miss Alaska competition.
"Sarah was ostensibly placed on the ticket to appeal to female voters. But in truth, the opposite is true. Based on my discussions with mature, voting-age females, many women are infuriated by the manipulative coquette, while men are helpless in the face of her cutesy-pie come-ons."
Added Fenton, "Expect Sarah to increasingly exploit her sex appeal in the final four weeks of the campaign. As evidenced by her debate outfit, Sarah's suits will be increasing form-fitting and her on-camera performance increasingly flirty. She's been conning men with her beauty for her entire career and during this crucial period, she's going to step up her game."
I asked Fenton how Sarah's ever-more coquettish public behavior might affect Palin's marriage. He replied, "Todd Palin has been more than happy to ride on Sarah's coattails to this point. He plays a similar role in the marriage to that of the husband/manager of a Hollywood starlet. And such men find the monetary rewards offset the annoying attentions of their wive's drooling admirers."
posted by doc paranormal