The whole time that Sarah P. has been on the scene I've been wondering - why am I so drawn to her, even as I'm horrified and terrified that she might be in any position of power, even as I'm offended that John McCain would think he could fool us with someone of such ignorance, why don't I change the channel, why don't I read about something more important, why don't I talk about something more interesting, why can't I take my eyes and ears off her? I am pretty sure it's not because she's physically attractive - I'm a straight woman, and there are lots of women in the world that I find more aesthetically pleasing than Sarah P. Besides, even if someone seems stunning when you first meet them, an unpleasant personality can make them seem less and less attractive physically. I don't think its because she's "charming" or "charismatic" - to tell the truth her demeanor is really grating to me.
But - as repulsed as I am - a deep young part of me wants to believe her, wants to imagine that she will fix everything. The part of me that is looking for a parent to come along and take care of me, to make sure my husband and I have a job, to make sure we aren't attacked by terrorists, to ensure that my government does a good job while I sleep safely in my bed at night. That part of me wants a mother that will make sure the world plays fair and doesn't pick on me and a father that stands on the porch with a shotgun and a dog to keep out the meanies.
Sarah Palin seems to be auditioning for the role of "Mother of the Nation", and wow, is she believable. She sounds a lot like my kindergarten teacher, who could always be counted on to provide a snack after naptime, or to give a stern lecture to someone who was stepping out of line. I have this feeling that if she likes me, I'll get a treat. And these are tough times, so I could certainly use a treat. She's going to "reform" Washington, and I wouldn't have to do a thing except vote for her - she'll take care of it.
Compare this with what Obama offers. A leader who will inspire me to participate and influence government myself, a leader who demands that the people stay educated, informed, and involved. I mean, I'm flattered that he wants my help, but this sounds like a lot of work. And the more I learn about the workings of government and the risks this country faces, the more frightened I get. But this is Obama's message - we are adults, and he's not going to coddle us, and in return we get to feel the satisfaction that comes from making a difference, and in return we get a more functional government and a more prosperous country.
The choice my psyche thus faces (and please don't get me wrong, it really isn't a choice for me in particular) is between the old primitive paths that kept me sane and comfortable in my childhood, or moving beyond what's comfortable now that I'm an adult. I believe we face this choice every election, but I can't remember one in which the symbolism was so strong, in which the choice was literally between a proud hockey mom who would (presumably) take care of us and a leader who based his campaign on empowering the people of a community.
For this reason I suspect that disparaging Palin too much will not have the effect we want, because she symbolizes an intoxicating dream, that the voters can remain children forever. Rather than screaming to the undecideds that this mother figure who resonates with them so strongly is incompetent (noone likes to hear that about their mother), I think we should really accentuate the advantages of being a big boy or girl - more money, more jobs, more healthcare, less violence, less war. I'm trying to be gentle with the people I speak with - making the adult choice can be hard regardless of how critical it is to the society's future. Gentle, but persistent - this is important!