In commentary written on 10 September, Chicago Sun-Times film critic and host of "At The Movies" wrote his opinion of the GOP Vice Presidential candidate and of some of his views on her qualifications to be the VP.
Original Article Here
Back in the day I was never a fan of Roger Ebert. I much preferred Gene Siskel. But Ebert hit this one right on.
I think I might be able to explain some of Sarah Palin's appeal. She's the "American Idol" candidate. Consider. What defines an "American Idol" finalist? They're good-looking, work well on television, have a sunny personality, are fierce competitors, and so talented, why, they're darned near the real thing. There's a reason "American Idol" gets such high ratings. People identify with the contestants. They think, Hey, that could be me up there on that show!
But he nails it on the head when he states
My problem is, I don't want to be up there. I don't want a vice president who is darned near good enough. I want a vice president who is better, wiser, well-traveled, has met world leaders, who three months ago had an opinion on Iraq. Someone who doesn't repeat bald- faced lies about earmarks and the Bridge to Nowhere. Someone who doesn't appoint Alaskan politicians to "study" global warming, because, hello! It has been studied.
The larger story here is that the GOP has manged to sell the American people the idea that we should be proud of mediocrity.
My girlfriend, a New Orleans native, (The future MrsChris) calls it "Crabs in a bucket" comparing this phenomenon to the behavior of crabs. When one crab starts to make it out of the bucket the others will drag the crab back down to prevent it from achieving success.
Senator McCain and Governor Palin use sarcasm to highlight the fear of someone being superior to us.
I would also want someone who didn't make a teeny little sneer when referring to "people who go to the Ivy League." When I was a teen I dreamed of going to Harvard, but my dad, an electrician, told me, "Boy, we don't have the money. Thank your lucky stars you were born in Urbana and can go to the University of Illinois right here in town." So I did, very happily. Although Palin gets laughs when she mentions the "elite" Ivy League, she sure did attend the heck out of college.
Five different schools in six years. What was that about?
On this site we have also talked about her lack of travel experience. Because we know that living close to Russia isn't the same as actually travelling and learning about other cultures and learning to respect people of different backgrounds.
Mr. Ebert sums up nicely
But some people like that. She's never traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America or Down Under? That makes her like them. She didn't go to Harvard? Good for her! There a lot of hockey moms who haven't seen London, but most of them would probably love to, if they had the dough. And they'd be proud if one of their kids won a scholarship to Harvard.
I trust the American people will see through Palin, and save the Republic in November. The most damning indictment against her is that she considered herself a good choice to be a heartbeat away. That shows bad judgment.
The bottom line is John McCain has no policy to speak of. Given his experience in the senate you would think he would have more than drill drill drill, and I can win in Iraq. (Insert joke here). I wonder if that big "Country First" banner indicates a musical playing order for the DJ at his rallies.
Sarah Palin so far has exhibited behavior which seems to be immoral, unethical, and someone of dubious character. The very scandals which have come out combined with her daughter Bristol's personal issues says to me that she puts her ambitions above all else, even family. Any intelligent politician would know that all of these issues would come out in the media vetting process and would question him or herself whether it is worth it to put their family through it. Secondly, they would beat the media to the punch.
In the end. I've had enough.
(P.S. Hopefully, the fiscal responsibility republicans will revolt and excommunicate the Neo-Cons.)