Palin Isn't Acting Like a Leader
| February 6, 2010 I apologize in advance to Save Jersey Palin fans, but there's really no way to defend Sarah Palin's somewhat -- dare I say -- "retarded" behavior as of late.
By now, you've no doubt heard that the graceless Rahm Emanuel used the word "retarded" to describe some Democrat activists. So what? Exactly...
Sarah Palin found out, overreacted, and demanded Emanuel's resignation.
Meanwhile, Rush Limbaugh (and many lesser conservative commentators like yours truly) had a lot of fun with Rahm's situational lack of political correctness. This country is starting to take itself far too seriously. What happened to "sticks and stones can break my bones," etc etc etc? I thought that was schoolyard common sense. Our society is so self-obsessed with not offending anyone that we don't even acknowledge the actual legitimate definitions of words! One definition of "retarded" is literally "stupid" or "unintelligent." Its use in this context has nothing to do with Sarah Palin's down syndrome child or anyone else's handicap child.
But logic be damned! What does the woman known simply as "Sarah" to her supporters do next? Allow her official spokesperson to take a shot at Rush -- then deny it:
After the former GOP vice presidential nominee attacked White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel for using the word "retarded" during a private meeting, the blogger asked spokeswoman Meg Stapleton if Palin would also rebuke Limbaugh for using the same word on his show.
"Gov. Palin believes crude and demeaning name-calling at the expense of others is disrespectful," Stapleton said, prompting blogger Greg Sargent to use the headline.
But Stapleton told POLITICO that the comment given to The Plum Line was not specifically aimed at Limbaugh.
"The Washington Post is trying hard to take the pressure off the White House by creating a side controversy, but it is missing the point," Stapleton said. "As the governor has said, it doesn't matter who says the 'r' word. It should no longer be part of our lexicon."
I fully understand that the liberal media is trying to play Rush and Palin against each other. I also get that Sarah was trying to use Rahm's words against Obama to score political points. Whatever. Let's stay focused on substance, not process.
The major point is that a true CONSERVATIVE leader would have dismissed this entire Rahm controversy as, well, retarded. Getting into it with a Chicago thug like Rahm Emanuel over the proper use of word "retarded" doesn't speak well of Palin or any higher political aspirations she may still harbor. Moreover, as if it weren't already abundantely clear, real conservatives don't play the PC gotchya game with liberals. It's unbecoming!
I said it back on November 18th, Save Jerseyans: Palin's current public relations strategy is "backasswards." She is behaving less like Margaret Thatcher and more like a female incarnation of Archie Bunker! Shape up or ship out, Governor. Act like a leader. Right now, you're not helping the movement at a critical time. You're succeeding only at reinforcing the negative stereotype concocted by your enemies on the Left.
Agreed.
Reply to this
Matt,
You are wrong! Governor Palin is an inspiration to women. How would you feel if you had a mentally-challenged child? It's crushing for parents and tough to tackle.
Limbaugh, Emanuel, all blowhards who should be more sympathetic to people with real problems.
Be ashamed!
-SP
Reply to this
Using the word "enemies" to describe your political opponents is a little dramatic, no? Take a step back, cool off and think about the implications of that word.
Reply to this
Not all political opponents are "enemies," Situation.
However, it's undeniable that the Governor has enemies in the media. They tortured her for pecuniary gain in the form of newspaper headlines and sold magazines. They hate her because of what she represents.
My frustrations with Palin are another issue entirely.
Reply to this
Damn straight you're the Enemy. With a capital E.
Reply to this
I really used to like Sarah Palin but now she's a complete embarrassment. She's the equivalent of a mooching relative who crashes on the couch and doesn't leave. She seriously needs to go away.
Reply to this
From this Independents eyes, I disagree Matt....I think she's acting like a perfect Republican politician. Which is sad.
Cathy
Reply to this
Joseph, you are in no position to ask her to go away, seriously. She is very popular on a national scale. You are not.
I don't get the "mooching relative who crashes on the couch" part. That isn't my experience of relatives. Can you come up with another metaphor to make your point?
Reply to this