This is a diary reflecting on the brewing response to McCain's Palin gamble, from a neurological and strategic point of view. If you're too sick of the subject (and who can blame you!), move on, move on. But, I've taken the time to read almost every Palin diary that's been posted here so far, and I've been tuning into the right wing blogosphere. I'd like to offer a perspective, and some suggestions.
My perspective boils down to this:
This is a big election about big things. Palin is a distraction. Keep your guns on McCain, your eyes on the prize
First off, the "shiny object" effect. Anyone ever been to a magic show, especially one by Penn and Teller or the Amazing Randi? Then you know that
FLASH! Oh my God, look at that!!!! BLOOD!! TWISTED METAL!!!
the human mind is highly adapted to focus on a small set of events, processing narrow bandwidth intensely. This probably has to do with how we evolved. We prioritize things - the lion moving suddenly in the grass causes everything else to disappear. Magicians use this effect to pull off staggering feats of sleight-of-hand. I once
WHOA! He caught a bullet WITH HIS TEETH!!!!
watched a bare chested Australian magician conjure objects from thin air - and knowing what to look for I saw him calmly set up for the next "appearance" with his right hand while the audience gaped at the burning sparkler in his left. Good magicians can practically make a car "mysteriously appear".
Palin amounts to such a distraction, although I sincerely doubt that the McCain campaign is sophisticated enough to be setting up for the next rabbit out of the hat. It was clearly a desperate gamble from a desperate gambler, but the tactical success of flashing this particular bright shiny object is clear. Already, we're hearing all kinds of wonderful things about Ms. Palin from the mainstream media, and the congenitally nervous Democrats will of course fret. But, tactics are not strategy.
So, how to respond? Well, first off, just accept that Palin will be the subject of the hour. Next up: Gustav, and then the RNC convention. The Obama campaign has done an incredible job of shaking off distractions, so I'd say it's best to stay focused and on-message.
Which brings up the next point: vetting Palin, and the troublesome effects of plutonium.
McCain's pick of Palin is a staggering act of arrogance, a brazenly cynical gamble, and the most desperate gambit I've seen a politician pull in my 40-some odd years.
For crying out loud, he met her once.
It's basically certain that his vetting of her was nonexistent. McCain is so arrogant, so inclined to gamble, he basically decided his gut had to be right - and damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! This is the issue that is relevant, and which will win the election for us. Why we want such a president is a matter for further discussion.
As a result of McCain's impulsive gamble, it's certain that she's done some dumb and ethically questionable things, which will all come to light. Well, either that, or the cover-up will be far worse than the crime. I look forward to hearing her talk non-stop about Troopergate this fall, although she'll probably pull in a lot of sympathy for trying to keelhaul her sister's drunken and possibly abusive spouse.
Watch the left hand, not the right: you can bet that Trooper Wooten will be the next Jeffery Dahmer by the time the right wing smear factory is done with him.
Funny how ethics go out the window when people are convinced of their righteousness (see also: Torture, and public indifference thereof). Remember, pulling down Palin is not the best use of resources. This election is not a referendum on Sarah Palin.
OTHER conspiracy theories about her are another matter entirely. If true, the most prominent of these would essentially amount to a nuclear detonation inside the McCain camp. Well, I have news for you:
PLUTONIUM IS HAZARDOUS. WORKING WITH IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED
Look, right now the klieg lights are crackling on all over Alaska. Relax. If there's a nuclear bomb waiting there with McSame's name on it, it will be discovered. Publishing diaries that push incendiary rumors is not productive, because 1) they keep the focus on the bright shiny object and 2) become plutonium in your lap if they are discredited.
And I have to say - sorry about this folks - the most prominent of the weird Palin rumors is most likely false. It's just another really, really bright shiny object. Sure, there are some dissonant things there - but as the husband of an Ob/Gyn, I can tell you that her story is entirely possible, even likely. So, do you really want this bomb you fancy yourselves to be fashioning to blow up in your living room? My advice, and I'm sure Obama's: relax. Trust the National Enquirer, who stand to make money on any scandal.
Focus on McCain, and his addiction to risky gambles
For my part, since our overarching goal is to defeat McSame, I wholeheartedly endorse censorship of diaries that gin up rumors that take us off-message. But that's just me. I have a military mentality (although I am not a military man).
By the way, in the interest of continuing to watch the magician's hand that is not holding the rabbit, be aware that the GOP apparatchiks in the media will be looking to pin any "smears" on Palin on the Obama campaign. Frankly, they can just lie about this. And they will - so be ready! But above all - stay cool and on message.
Ok, /diary