I often find myself scrolling through some of the more rampantly right-wing blogs on the internet. Not in-so-much and I’m searching for any type of truths, but in search of a better understanding as to how the mind of a hyper-partisan conservative works.
How do they come to believe such things?
The same could be said of any of us with progressive ideals, I suppose.
The point to this diary is to examine how certain conservatives – the fine people at RedState ( in general ) and poster Jeff Emanuel ( in specific ) – are willing to justify the selection of Sarah Palin.
more predictability below the flip
While there have been countless diaries here at dKos that have tackled Sarah Palin in regards to a variety of subjects ( some of whom have been less than a shining example of what a true progressive does ---- yes, I'm looking at the "baby conspiracy people" ) I thought i'd approach this from my own perspective.
While my writing style has been labeled dysorthographical at times, I hope that this diary will help shed some light onto how many Republicans have been turned on their collective ears. They are attempting to compensate for the fact that it is actually THEY that were shocked by the choice of Palin, and THEY have now lost their bearings to such an extent that THEY are having to defend that which they previously decried.
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So, to the resumes of Sarah Palin and Barack Obama.
For those who wish to view Emanuel's full post ( as I will tackle only portions of it here ) feel free to click the link here. This will take you directly to post plus the comments section - without having to sift through the rest of the textually undulating hysteria - where you can see how easily the conservative masses are duped.
The two candidates are listed off in catagory form: Name, job sought, etc, just like a resume.
Once Emanuel gets to the "Religion" section, that's when the fun starts.
RELIGION
Palin:
Evangelical Christian;
attends Juneau Christian Center when in Juneau and grew up attending Wasilla Assembly of God
Obama:
Attended Trinity United Church of Christ for 20 years, a "black liberation theology" church formerly led by Rev. Jeremiah Wright and governed according to the Black Value System
While Palin could potentially have "pastor problems" of her own, Emanuel takes the Sean Hannity approach in speaking about Obama's former church.
Also, you'll notice, that Emanuel linked to a direct, clear explaination ( from the church ) of Black Liberation Theology in his attempt to malign Obama as some sort of "seperatist". That word will come up in relation to Palin later.
We all know, or at least should have the bone-marrow intelligence to know, that not all people are going to "worship" in the same fashion. Having attended several churches that are predominantly "black" I have seen more passion, more energy, more of an engaging atmosphere than in any predominantly "white" church I have ever attended. The experience gives the phrase "praise God" a whole new meaning.
While the words "Black Values Systems" and "Black Liberation Theology" can and do trigger the label of "speriority" to be thrust upon the part of those that are practicing them, the very nature of this belief, this style of theology, is against espousing ANY form or superiority.
Also, as conservatives are often very demure, very docile in their approach to religious worship, the thought of a "firey pastor" or a different style of worship tends to make them react out of fear.
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EXECUTIVE EXPERIENCE
Palin:
Governor for 2 years;
Mayor for 6 years
Barack Obama:
None
While Palin was the mayor of a town of less than 7,000 for six years - beginning in 1996 - he alleged executive experience is rather questionable.
Upon entering office, she requested the resignations of the Chief Of Police, librarian, Director of Public Works, and Finance Director. And, according to Ann Kilkenny ( former city council member ) thought that some books ought to be banned. She increased the city sales-tax to build a "multi-use sports complex" that went over-budget. She was against expanding the city's library. But, she did decrease her own salary. I mean, when your husband is an oil-field production operator for BP and owns his own fishing business, the money's already in the bank.
During her second term, some of her "executive experience" was getting "earmarks" for Wasilla that were criticized by her newfound friend, John McCain.
As Governor of Alaska, Palin was "for the bridge before she was against it" and, according to a campaign coordinator "they kept the money".
Then there's Palins "executive experience" when firing Public Safety Commissioner Walter Monegan. Her decision to cut the funds available to "teen pregnancy" programs.......
you kind of see where this is going.
One thing that I think the conservative movement needs to take a look at, aside from the fact that she is the Governor ( and was a mayor ) and that puts Palin into the catagory of "executive experience", is how she has used the power that she was given by the people of the state of Alaska. The reason that the conservatives that are so jaw-dropped-fawning over her should do this is because she is/was the executive of Alaska, and the people of Alaska were the ones that had to "experience" her "executiveness". Simply because she was the governor doesn't mean it was all wine-and-rose.
I'll let that one marinate in your brain for a second.
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Foreign Relations Experience
Palin:
Governor of state that borders two foreign countries (Canada and Russia)
Obama:
Chaired Senate subcommittee on Europe but never called it into session;
once gave a speech to 200,000 screaming Germans
While Obama's speech in Berlin should not be minimized by Emanuel or any other conservative that are fooling theselves into believing that they are being clever, let's take a look at the "experience by proxy" meme that RedState and most conservatives are swallowing whole like so much sweet candy.
Does living next to, or close to, something mean that you have a working knowledge of it at will benefit you and those around you? No, of course not.
That's like saying that since I grew up in Kentucky, have lived here all my life, that since my house is less than 3 hours from Churchill Downs, and I have ridden horses with my brother, that I will win the Kentucky Derby next year.
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Military Affairs Experience
Palin:
Commander in Chief of Alaska National Guard;
Son is enlisted Infantryman in U.S. Army
Obama:
None
It is interesting to note, and has been mentioned here at dKos before, Sarah Palin has no real control over the Alaskan National Guard.
In-as-much as any governor of any state in America is the Commander-In-Cheif of the guard in their state, Emanuel is creating the illusion that Palin somehow has "complete" control over the guard in Alaska. True, she does "oversea" their activities in the state - ranging from search-and-rescue and even manning the missle defense system at Ft. Greely. However, the personnel follow the military chain of command when they are deployed overseas. Ultimately, it is the Pentagon that has control of the Alaskan National Guard.
The little tid-bit about Palin's son serving in the U.S. Army Infantry has absolutely no relevancy in regards to Palin's Military Afairs Experience. True, she will now experience what it is like to have a son on active duty - maybe. It will be interesting to see where her son is stationed, and if he really will have to go to Iraq as so many other sons and daughters have.
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Speaking Ability
Palin
Beautifully executed initial stump speech in Dayton, OH hockey arena without a teleprompter
Obama
An enter...wait--did you say without a teleprompter??
It is quite interesting that Emanuel feels that this is something that somehow is a qualification to be VP or President. Palin's initial offering to the American public in Dayton was - to many - nothing overtly spectacular.
Like many people in the political realm including McCain - who can barely use the teleprompter - Obama does operate under the guidance of a script. That being said, he is more than capable of holding his own in a non-scripted environment. We would know know more of Palin's non-scripted presence should her handlers actually let her speak to the press. It will be interesting to see how her "coaching' has paid off when her first media interview is done by ABC.
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While the remainder of the comparative analysis has been more fully investigated by many here, I'll let those that have read those diaries take this into context with them. However, should you feel the need to check out any remaining points that were not covered here, the link is above.
Truthfully, over 50% of Jeff Emanuel's comparison chart has no real relevant information to either candidate.
It is also interesting to note that since the revelation that Sarah Palin was to be McCain's choice as running-mate, the conservative movement ( and the media that caters to them ) are now seeing the ticket as Palin/McCain and that she has the "experiece", the resume, that would even qualify her to be President.
The rhetoric and narrative of the conservative-right has had to be shift and twisted to such an extent, that many of the arguements against Obama are now strengths for Palin.
The shear "gimmick" factor surrounding Palin's selection seems to not be phasing conservatives at all, as they clamour to show that her every move somehow qualifies her for some position.
As the pundits and politicians, commentators and anchors within the conservative realm try to jockey for position as the lead Plain Supporter, they are doing one thing that the voters may not be realizing - they are showing more enthusiam for the VP slot then the Presidency.
To me, at least, that speaks volumes for how they truly view John McCain.