Sarah Palin is not such a small-town girl after all
By James Bennett Last Updated: 12:01am BST 09/09/2008
Have your say
Read comments
It is clear that few in America, let alone Britain, have any idea what to make of Sarah Palin. The Republicans' vice-presidential candidate confounds the commentators because they don't understand the forces that shaped her in the remote state of Alaska. | | John McCain and Sarah Palin |
Thus, most coverage dwells on exotica - the moose shooting, her Eskimo husband - combined with befuddlement at how a woman can go from being mayor of a town of 9,000, to governor, to prospective VP within the space of a few years. But, having worked with Alaskans, I know something of the challenge she has faced, and why - contrary to what Democrats think - it could make her a powerful figure in the White House. The first myth to slay is that she is a political neophyte who has come from nowhere. In fact, she and her husband have, for decades, run a company in the highly politicised commercial fishing industry, where holding on to a licence requires considerable nous and networking skills. Her rise from parent-teacher association to city council gave her a natural political base in her home town of Wasilla. Going on to become mayor was a natural progression. Wasilla's population of 9,000 would be a small town in Britain, and even in most American states. Full coverage of the US Election 2008But Wasilla is the fifth-largest city in Alaska, which meant that Palin was an important player in state politics. Her husband's status in the Yup'ik Eskimo tribe, of which he is a full, or "enrolled" member, connected her to another influential faction: the large and wealthy (because of their right to oil revenues) native tribes. All of this gave her a base from which to launch her 2002 campaign for lieutenant (deputy) governor of Alaska. She lost that, but collected a powerful enough following to be placated with a seat on, and subsequently the chairmanship of, the Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, which launched her into the politics of Alaska's energy industry. Palin quickly realised that Alaska had the potential to become a much bigger player in global energy politics, a conviction that grew as the price of oil rose. Alaska had been in hock to oil companies since major production began in the mid-1970s. As with most poor, distant places that suddenly receive great natural-resource wealth, the first generation of politicians were mesmerised by the magnificence of the crumbs falling from the table. Palin was the first of the next generation to realise that Alaska should have a place at that table. Her first target was an absurd bureaucratic tangle that for 30 years had kept the state from exporting its gas to the other 48 states. She set an agenda that centred on three mutually supportive objectives: cleaning up state politics, building a new gas pipeline, and increasing the state's share of energy revenues. This agenda, pursued throughout Palin's commission tenure, culminated in her run for governor in 2006. By this time, she had already begun rooting out corruption and making enemies, but also establishing her bona fides as a reformer. With this base, she surprised many by steamrollering first the Republican incumbent governor, and second, the Democratic former governor, in the election. Far from being a reprise of Mr Smith Goes to Washington, Palin was a clear-eyed politician who, from the day she took office, knew exactly what she had to do and whose toes she would step on to do it. The surprise is not that she has been in office for such a short time but that she has succeeded in each of her objectives. She has exposed corruption; given the state a bigger share in Alaska's energy wealth; and negotiated a deal involving big corporate players, the US and Canadian governments, Canadian provincial governments, and native tribes - the result of which was a £13 billion deal to launch the pipeline and increase the amount of domestic energy available to consumers. This deal makes the charge of having "no international experience" particularly absurd. In short, far from being a small-town mayor concerned with little more than traffic signs, she has been a major player in state politics for a decade, one who formulated an ambitious agenda and deftly implemented it against great odds. Her sudden elevation to the vice-presidential slot on the Republican ticket shocked no one more than her enemies in Alaska, who have broken out into a cold sweat at the thought of Palin in Washington, guiding the Justice Department's anti-corruption teams through the labyrinths of Alaska's old-boy network. It is no surprise that many of the charges laid against her have come from Alaska, as her enemies become more and more desperate to bring her down. John McCain was familiar with this track record and it is no doubt the principal reason that he chose her. Focusing on the exotic trappings of Alaskan culture may make Palin seem a quaint and inexplicable choice. But understanding the real background of her steady rise in politics suggests that Barack Obama and Joe Biden are underestimating her badly. In this, they join two former Alaskan governors, a large number of cronies, and a trail of enemies extending back over a decade. James Bennett is the author of 'The Anglosphere Challenge' |
Have your say
Comments
She even ADMITS to stealing from Alaskan oil companies! She is a parasite - no better than a Democrat.
Everyone in Alaska is on welfare...EVERYONE! they ALL get a piece of the stolen loot from the mafia government.
Posted by Don Welsh on September 9, 2008 9:20 AM
Report this comment
I think Palin is absolutely marvellous. If she never does anything else the way she has got, simply by being there, the Trendies and the Liberal-left and their acolytes running round like headless chickens is a pleasure to behold.
For the last four years hey have been smug in the belief that the next President would be a Democrat and all they had to do was sit back and watch it happen. Now the Republicans have given them a fright and they just cannot deal with it.
I have no doubt that if McCain wins we will see yet another case of them snivelling that it’s not fair that their nice man did not win which seems to have become their preferred motto during the last decade. One thing they have certainly proved and that is that they are sore losers who have no idea of how to be gracious in defeat.
If Obama loses I have little doubt that they will go crying to the Supreme Court, yet again, because they didn’t get what they wanted.
Posted by Jimmy R on September 9, 2008 9:20 AM
Report this comment
What Britain thinks is really not important...ask Donald Rumsfeld. Americans believe in guns and god in that order. America believes in oil....Alaskan crude oil. Big oil runs America. PALIN is an oil player...thats why she is the new star to be worshipped by the American public....who will vote for any MOM with a nice smile...thats America....superficial and anti-intellectual to the last waffle.
Posted by melvin makepeace on September 9, 2008 9:12 AM
Report this comment
I half agree with the headline.
Palin is not a small-town girl.
She is something much more dangerous: a small-brain girl.
John McCain announced that he was running for president to confront the "transcendent challenge" of the 21st century, "radical Islamic extremism," contrasting it with "stability, tolerance and democracy." But the values of his handpicked running mate, Sarah Palin, more resemble those of Muslim fundamentalists than they do those of the Founding Fathers. On censorship, the teaching of creationism in schools, reproductive rights, attributing government policy to God's will and climate change, Palin agrees with Hamas and Saudi Arabia rather than supporting tolerance and democratic precepts. What is the difference between Palin and a Muslim fundamentalist? Lipstick.
Posted by G. Tingey on September 9, 2008 9:06 AM
Report this comment
This is the first objective background political analysis of Governor Palin I have seen here - and it made for a good read.
Sarah Palin did not drop from the sky she has an excellent track record in public life and has been an administrator ('92 onwards) for five years longer than Obama has even been in politics (97-04 Illinois state senator / 04-08 US senator) - which makes negative references to her experience level ridiculous.
There is a gem in the comment by Ben 7:55 AM re the Democrats having to take down their website piece extolling her Republican virtues over the 'bridge to nowhere' project she crushed.
Posted by simon coulter on September 9, 2008 9:04 AM
Report this comment
Palin is not nearly as weak and parasitic as a Democrat..Where do you get this?
Posted by Rhonda on September 9, 2008 9:00 AM
Report this comment
She does steal from the Alaskan oil producers..So What?...There are people who sit around all day and do nothing of value who deserve the stolen money.
Posted by T. Roth on September 9, 2008 8:55 AM
Report this comment
What the US could do with now is some wisdom and reflection, and perhaps a modicum of fiscal responsibility. I doubt Palin will contribute to making this happen, and is more likely than the Democrats to believe she has to 'follow through' with the Middle East pacification project begun by President Bush. So far its been trillions of dollars and many lives wasted, and even most Republicans now recognize it as a fool's errand. Sad for the world, including Americans, if McClain and Palin do win.
Posted by jameswinter on September 9, 2008 8:51 AM
Report this comment
Yes, the only question in considering a potential Vice-President should surely be: would you want this person as President? The Americans have already shown themselves willing to hand control of thousands of nuclear missiles to Dan Quayle, so I'm sure they won't baulk at putting this fundamentalist idiot into office. But listening to Washington scold Moscow about Georgia in the light of Kosovo and Iraq is one level of contemptuous embarrassment - listening to a McCain-Palin administration harp on about the extremism of Al-Qaeda and the Taleban would almost be enough to make me volunteer for the mujahideen.
Posted by Xan on September 9, 2008 8:47 AM
Report this comment
Palin is as great a lefty-loser as any North East Liberal crybaby-scumbag, she is no libertarian.
Posted by L. M. on September 9, 2008 8:18 AM
She is "no libertarian"?
Thank God for that.
Posted by roberta on September 9, 2008 8:46 AM
Report this comment
Of politics and williwaws, calm can be dangerous
I remember when we lived in Alaska several decades ago, there was/is a destructive phenomena of nature that could suddenly appear out of nowhere on a calm placid day. Being a chechako (newcomer) I recall driving down the highways on the Kenai Peninsula and seeing certain mountainsides with all the trees smashed flat to the ground. In my ignorance, I assumed it was caused by snow slides. But why just those particular mountainsides and not even steeper ones in area? I once asked an old timer about it, he just smiled and said "williwaw." Williwaw, what the heck is a williwaw? I learned it is when a cold blast of wind suddenly comes screaming down from the snow and ice fields off the mountains, often destroying everything in it's path. There are maritime warnings given to vessels cruising too close to the Alaskan shorelines and I once witnessed what great power a williwaw possesses. A foreign registered tall sailing ship had visited Seward and created quite a stir of interest. The vessel departed, and a few days later came news of a disaster, it had been placidly sailing just offshore when suddenly, a williwaw struck, knocking the ship over and it sank.
Well, what do williwaws and politics have in common? Onto a calm and orderly national political scene and it's unsuspecting victims, (AKA democrats) out of Alaska a williwaw has struck them like a force of nature, and her name is Sarah Palin.
Posted by Roland on September 9, 2008 8:42 AM
Report this comment
I believe the Mayor of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch should take over from Gordon Brown.
He has had tremendous experience exploiting the resources of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch , making the slate from the nearby hills one of the most sort after products in the United Kingdom.
Has only travelled abroad once to Dublin, but he feels that experience has given him a window on the world.
His wife is a original native of the area which gives the mayor extensive electoral appeal.
The Mayor believes that Wales is actually Eden as described in the Bible and that the Welsh people are the original Israelites.
The Mayor believes in gay rights and was recently delighted to discover his fifteen year old son is gay. His son is the only gay person in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
Posted by Gary Hyams on September 9, 2008 8:39 AM
Report this comment
I second the comments above regarding the clarity with which the UK writers see the US political scene. I have some comments.
Palin is being groomed for the next run at the Presidency. McCain, if he wins, will probably not run again. If he loses, she will have a good shot if Obama becomes another Carter.
The real target was Hillary, who in spite of having traveled the world on the wings of Air Force 1, has arguably less experience running things than Sarah. Palin is the anti-Hillary for the next time.
The fact that she has become a celebrity is gravy, and was not anticipated.
When Obama didn't pick Hillary as VP, he set the stage for this. This was poor judgement and not a good executive decision. McCains pick was better.
Biden is a zero factor, by the way. I lived for years in Delaware and when he was elected as Senator, DE had 600,000 people. He had no experience, but lucky for him Delaware has a tradition of always reelecting their Senators. He hasn't done anything in the 30+ years he's been there.
Posted by Jack Dellevigne on September 9, 2008 8:37 AM
Report this comment
They used to say that Thatcher was the only member of her Cabinet that had balls.
I would confer that platitude to Mrs Palin.
If the USA doesn't see fit to elect her as VP, is their any chance you could send her to the UK please?
We need all the help we can get to lead the charge against our infestation of professional socialist politicians.
She'd also give Carla Bruni a run for her money too as she's very pleasing on the eye.
Posted by Mike T on September 9, 2008 8:35 AM
Report this comment
Mr Bennett, you are focussing on half of the story about Mrs. Palin, forgetting the other half - the gun-toting, warmongering, terrifying "creationist", anti-abortion (even if raped - help!!!) half. She may be a good administrator - an "operator" as the political elite like to describe such people - but her moral compass is skewed and she truly believes that God (not an entity in which I believe, I must admit) is on her side and the side of America as a whole, no matter who it attacks nor how many innocents are killed in the process. How can anyone be so firm about abortion and not worry about killing children who are actually out of the womb and can experience fear and pain? She and like-minded others are a frightening species and should not be placed in powerful positions where they threaten the rest os us.
Posted by Liz Davison on September 9, 2008 8:35 AM
Report this comment
Let's be realistic, the woman is outstanding! No wonder that the usual lefties are running round like headless chickens! Expect the usual smears etc. from the left on both sides of the Atlantic. The BBC, Guardian and other far left organisations are beside themselves with rage - not only has Sarah Palin shown how much better she is than the odious Mrs Clinton but she is also going to ensure that their favourite non white is going to lose!
Posted by David - the original! on September 9, 2008 8:26 AM
Report this comment
"Despite what James Bennett writes you cannot help wondering why any 43 year old would would not
have had the curiosity to visit a foreign country. Palin was issued her first passport in 2006 and used it on an official troop bolstering visit to Iraq and Kuwait. I question her credentials as world leader considering she has never seen the world."
Offhand, I doubt it's a matter of "curiosity." I'd say it is more a matter of having been more than just a bit busy.
I did not go overseas until I was 45, for much the same reason, and despite very much hard work, my accomplishments are not 0.01% of Gov. Palins. (Granted, like most people, I also had financial limitations that made overseas travel impractical.)
Gov. Palin's to the Middle East is interesting, however. I wonder how many current U.S. state Governors have been to Iraq and Kuwait?
Posted by Paul R. on September 9, 2008 8:26 AM
Report this comment
Nice try to elevate a political pygmie who sounds like George W Bush in a skirt.
Posted by Phil G on September 9, 2008 8:23 AM
Report this comment
Here's the linked article of September 8, 2008 on Biden's false statements about his voting record on taxpayer funded abortion clinics which I mentioned in my 7.55am comment:
link
Posted by Ben on September 9, 2008 8:18 AM
Report this comment
Palin is as great a lefty-loser as any North East Liberal crybaby-scumbag, she is no libertarian.
Posted by L. M. on September 9, 2008 8:18 AM
Report this comment
Many thanks for this detailed piece of real journalism and a valiant attempt to get beyond the caricatures....unfortunately, because it does not conform to the prejudices of the UK's media pundits it will remain an unturned nugget...
Posted by The Aged P on September 9, 2008 8:16 AM
Report this comment
Palin steals from the Alaskan oil producers and gives it to people who vote for her...She is USA OPEC.
Posted by Thomas on September 9, 2008 8:15 AM
Report this comment
Interesting to read the comments from US readers. It confirms my feeling that Americans are brainwashed by their media, government and big business more than most other countries.
Land of the free! Really!!!
Posted by Palin on September 9, 2008 8:14 AM
Report this comment
That makes for a good contribution to the dabate. What we need now from the candidates are some policies on how they will sort out the main issues for the USA. pollution, guns, the economy, the enviroment and health.
And how are they going to sort out US debt and mend the damage done to the reputation of the USA world wide. And how will they compensate the 300,000 children maimed for life in Iraq for A WAR THAT SHOULD NEVER HAVE HAPPENED
Posted by John on September 9, 2008 8:13 AM
Report this comment
So Governor Palin does not have a passport. So what? Neither did Abraham Lincoln who became President of the United States as the Union descended into Civil War. The secessionist South's main customer for its cotton was Britain; with the Union's blockade of Southern ports, this produced economic and political tensions between the Union and Britain and Lincoln spent 4 years steering a very careful course to prevent Britain providing the South with financial/military/diplomatic aid and, by 1863, the risk of a war with Britain which he (and Prince Albert) skillfully averted. Some folk, mainly Lefties, don't know, or care, about history. The 'no passport' issue is absurd. As to the invented "religious" issue over teaching of creationism and Darwinism in schools, Gov Palin is in favor of free speech: "Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information." Again, another phony "issue" from the Left which is, of course, the group which has effectively tried to silence any and all facts and discussion about the one "religious" issue (Islam and its threat to humanity and freedom of speech and conscience) throughout Western media.
Posted by KitKat on September 9, 2008 8:10 AM
Report this comment
The Alaskan Democratic Party had an article on their website for some time which gave full credit to Governor Palin for her stance on, and conduct over, the "Bridge to Nowhere" issue. That aticle contradicts, of course, the present "spin" by the Obama camp over the Governor's role in that issue. Shortly after Palin was proposed by McCain and then approved by the Republican National Convention, that website article was removed. (An article about this is over at www.littlegreenfootballs.com complete with the original Dem website page about Palin.) This is typical of what should be termed, correctly, the Left's fascism; just one little instance of attempting to rewrite or utterly ignore the facts of the past. As for Senator Biden, the Telly will have real meat there: the man constantly lies, this time only a day ago on "Meet the Press" (American TV political programme) stating that he never voted for government funding for abortion clinics. Unfortunately for Biden, his voting record (and Obama's) on this can be viewed and totally contradicts that lie. (Obama also did not support legislation seeking to protect babies who survive what the sick Left calls "botched" abortions.) No wonder the Dems hate Governor Palin: the Democratic-controlled Congress (12% approval rating from the American people = 88% DISAPPROVAL RATING) wants the American people kept in hock to the Saudis instead of using America's own oil resources as Palin wishes. As for Obama, I look forward to an expose in print (rather than readers' comments which are then removed) of Obama's Marxist roots,terrorist associates, his open support of Marxist programmes --- Public Allies --- and his highly questionable links, from his very earliest days (Saudi support for getting him into Harvard and paying his school fees) to those groups which seek America's destruction and enslavement under Islam. The Khalid al-Mansour links are already out in several articles at Investors Business Daily, just so that the Telly's Censor doesn't have heart failure or press the "delete" button. Wake up, Telly: lots of real reporting on this election still to be done!
Posted by Ben on September 9, 2008 7:55 AM
Report this comment
Why would any American want to go to the boring and depriving socialist utopia of the EU? To see grand monuments to human oppression or what you refer to as castles and churches?
No one wants to live like The Borg...At least I wouldn't think so.
Posted by Vince on September 9, 2008 7:41 AM
Report this comment
Yes Palin is a socialist parasite but the Democrats are far worse.
Some choice, eh?
Establisment's Team#1 vs. Establishment's Team#2.
Both want to own me.
Posted by Randy on September 9, 2008 7:35 AM
Report this comment
Biden is just a murdering thug...Same mental thought process as Hitler and Stalin.
Posted by Diane on September 9, 2008 7:31 AM
Report this comment
If we could just damp down the religious bit, Sarah Palin would be an excellent UK PM.
Given the US track record on assassination, I would think that this splendid woman is already in someone's 'cross-hairs'. An 'unfortunate accident' is doubtless being planned as we speak. There's nobody quite so vicious as political losers - witness Gordon Brown!
Let us sincerely hope not - the Western world desperately needs this overdue breath of fresh-air, after years of the socialist PC foot on our necks.
Posted by Graham King on September 9, 2008 7:28 AM
Report this comment
"She is just another socialist parasite who thinks she is entitled to other people's lives."
Agreed. The little parasite voters demand that government be their parent and tell them how to live and take their money and spend it wisely and.....
I don't know why the Dumobrats think she is a 'conservative'. Probably due to their public school 'education'.
Posted by Millard on September 9, 2008 7:27 AM
Report this comment
The "no passport" rant sounds so funny as an argument to Americans. We are the gold standard and have it all here. It's you folks who have boring lives and need to "escape". When we see your socialist footprints on the moon, you can then lecture us why being like you is admirable.
Posted by Robert Burnett on September 9, 2008 7:26 AM
Report this comment
There is a difference between 'bringing someone down', which is always based on character smearing, and asking tough questions about her moral values and attitudes.
I am tired of Americans thinking that killing foreigners for oil is acceptable. it is totally unacceptable for Americans to do that to others. If she cannot accept that, then she is unfit for office.
I expect her to be challenged about whether she thinks it unacceptable to use ICT destruction to shut down financial exchanges in other countries and whether any manifestation of that by her country should lead to a shut down of the NYSE for 6 months. If she cannot accept that, then she is unfit for office.
I expect her to be asked about why the USA cannot accept Europe leading the world at soccer, when it dominates American Football, Ice Hockey, Basketball and Baseball. If she cannot accept that either, then the sooner she receives the traditional ice hockey roughing up the better.......it will teach her a valuable lesson. One which will have been far too long in coming.
And I expect her to explain about the USA stealing intellectual property from the UK ruthlessly using full spectrum dominance surveillance mechanisms. We are supposed to be her staunchest ally, yet that behaviour shows the USA's true position. I expect every USA spy in this country to be named, shamed and discharged dishonourably from Govt service. If she considers this activity to be acceptable, then I consider putting the sexual proclivities of all her family out on the internet for global delectation to be acceptable. How would she feel about that? Outraged is the answer. Maybe she can understand how WE feel?
Finally, I must ask her if she considers the hanging of Donald Rumsfeld, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove, for crimes against humanity over the past 30 years, to be an acceptable plea bargain to prevent 100 million Americans dying in a nuclear war. If she does not, then not only does she have no moral position credible in any HUMANE society, but her loyalty knows no bounds.
I am sure that the American people would make the necessary conclusions prior to voting day in that scenario.......and I am sure that the world will pay sufficient attention to electoral practices NOT to accept a third successive rigging of Presidential elections in 'the greatest democracy on earth'.....
Eh?????
Posted by Rhys Jaggar on September 9, 2008 7:25 AM
Report this comment
The VP votes in the Senate in case of a tie vote and attends state funerals...That's about all...Only retarded weaklings consider the VP, or any politician as a 'Leader'.
Posted by James on September 9, 2008 7:23 AM
Report this comment
It seems my initial thoughts of "game over' for Obama were right. The Obama/Biden ticket is one of a part Black (unfortunately not slave descended), inexperienced, ex Muslim(his school records confirming this are on file) coupled with a much older previously failed gaffe prone pit bull. They are up against a recognized war hero and a feisty good looking young woman with more administrative experience than Obama and Biden combined (not difficult as NEITHER has any). Its all over bar the shouting and Democrats and their libertine supporters in the MSM on both sides of the Atlantic are doing so much of that that you KNOW they are really scared that they have been trumped and found out at last.
Posted by Peter Barry on September 9, 2008 7:12 AM
Report this comment
Excellent, thoughtful article describing Palin's rise in the unique Alaskan political environment. It's sad that a British publication was the first to offer a really interesting piece on Palin. The main stream media in the US is astonishingly lazy, hypocritical and Obama obsessed. They could learn from you.
Posted by Allison Randall on September 9, 2008 7:08 AM
Report this comment
Great and very interesting article!
Posted by odin on September 9, 2008 6:56 AM
Report this comment
My God, after all the crap, a piece worthy of the label "journalism".
If someone reads this to 0bama they'd better have the smelling salts ready.
Posted by SmallDog on September 9, 2008 6:56 AM
Report this comment
I take many of the nasty things I've said about Brit journalists. This is an excellent piece, most informative. Sadly no one in the American media is yet to have a clue...
Posted by William Naegele on September 9, 2008 6:47 AM
Report this comment
From Expat 44
What a useful and informative article.
Compare with the Economist's deadful piece on Palin last week!
I had no idea of her real political background.
Thank you.
Posted by John Hughes-Wilson on September 9, 2008 6:30 AM
Report this comment
Remarkable. A rare, intelligent article in about Gov. Palin. That gas pipeline is the most expensive public works project in America. She's accomplished more in her two years in Alaska than most governors do in eight. Obama has done nothing in comparison to Sarah Palin.
The left considers themselves so much smarter than the rest of us that they cannot stop themselves from lecturing continually about how stupid we are for not agreeing with them. They are hammering nails into Obama's coffin but they're too damned arrogant to shut up. All they've got is talk but with every word Obama is going lower.
It's all over but the counting.
Posted by Richard L. on September 9, 2008 6:24 AM
Report this comment
This was a very informative article.
Barack Obama and Joe Biden are in for
quite a surprise. The more they
underestimate Sarah Palin, the more
unexpected it’s going to be when she
comes out swinging (hard) during the
debates. Hopefully they don’t catch
on to this, though!
Posted by Justin on September 9, 2008 5:29 AM
Report this comment
The person in a real sweat about her ability to clean up corruption will be Obama himself. The activities of his wife, his hoodlum Middle Eastern backers, and the already notorious Chicago political machine will be a splendid field to start the clean up. This election becomes more interesting by the hour.
Posted by James on September 9, 2008 5:26 AM
Report this comment
I wonder when we are going to see stories about Joe Biden, firms like MBNA and asbestos trial lawyers that donate hundreds of thousands of dollars to Biden's campaigns and millions to his lobbyist son Hunter.
Posted by Brian Cunningham on September 9, 2008 5:25 AM
Report this comment
What a good column. Hitherto the reporting on Mrs. Palin has been decidely of the lazy variety. [e.g. Mr. Bennett's "exotic" observation was bang on] The pipeline is not yet built, of course, but Mrs. Palin seemingly has severed the Gordian knot that has bound its completion for decades.
Posted by Michael from Alberta on September 9, 2008 5:18 AM
Report this comment
Here in the States, the Obama-Biden team hasn't
been able to muster a clear attack against Palin that
hasn't backfired. McCain's crowds have grown
tremendously. Biden isn't doing much of Obama's
"dirty work", as a VP should. And don't forget the
Bradley Effect. Go Cameron!
Posted by Steven on September 9, 2008 5:01 AM
Report this comment
Actually, many of us here know exactly what to
make of her, which is precisely why she's so
popular. It's the elitist media that can't come to
terms with her 'one-of-the-regular-people'
lifestyle. You can't fake what she has. Ask Obama.
Get on board England because she's going to be
around for a long time.
Posted by Danielle Harris on September 9, 2008 4:56 AM
Report this comment
FINALLY the Telegraph publishes an article which articulates some of what Palin brings to the table. It's about time! Land which brought the world Thatcher, I really did expect more from you (in terms of having articles like this vs. previous ones about her "affair"). I specifically expected more from this newpaper - for a while, it was like reading a trashy magazine. I almost entirely abandoned The Telegraph. So thank you for THIS article and for finally taking journalism seriously in regards to properly looking at this important American figure.
Posted by Kristine Alford, TX on September 9, 2008 4:55 AM
Report this comment
A formidable woman. We underestimate her at
our peril!
Posted by David Lodge on September 9, 2008 4:45 AM
Report this comment
She is just another socialist parasite who thinks she is entitled to other people's lives. She steals oil money from those who own and finance the mining of oil and hands the loot out to the jackass citizens who have not lifted one finger to produce the oil...But I imagine they will vote for her because of distribution of the 'legal' theft.
Pathetic.
Posted by Nancy on September 9, 2008 4:37 AM
Report this comment
Finally someone who has written
something intelligent about Palin. I
knew there was more to McCain's
choice than the media was willing to
report!
Posted by HEATHER on September 9, 2008 4:35 AM
Report this comment
I enjoyed your clear, concise article. Thank you. Only one thing. There are 49 (not 48) other states in the US. Where you referring to the "lower 48" states (excluding Hawaii). Thanks again.
Posted by FM Murphy on September 9, 2008 4:27 AM
Report this comment
This is a very interesting article. Thanks for sharing your perspective on the Alaskan political scene and Gov. Palin's involvement in it.
Posted by Jill on September 9, 2008 4:22 AM
Report this comment
Anyone who has heard of Sarah Palin and bothered to read up on her already knows this and more about her, yet it is refreshing to reread an article like this because there has been a concerted attack against her by adults in the MSM who know better but have consciously decided to attack her so that they may profit from their own misogyny, a word that has only recently become "in vogue".
Posted by leatherneck on September 9, 2008 4:17 AM
Report this comment
I love that so many liberal Democrats are basically calling her a small town hick and underestimating her. I think she's going to shock a lot of people, and it's going to be great fun to watch.
Posted by Tanya on September 9, 2008 4:11 AM
Report this comment
Here in MN, I can tell you that the democrats are extremely worried that this "nobody" is taking the charm off of the ONE (Obama). I am a republican in a democrat state. I can tell you that I am so excited that Palin is on the ticket that even some democrats are saying privately that she is exactly what our country needs to get moving again. So, here in the states it is a young woman, pretty as she can be, determined as the American Armed Services when they do battle and a charmer to boot that is making our country even greater.
Posted by Kim Gruetzmacher on September 9, 2008 3:57 AM
Report this comment
I suspect that we all will be seeing a lot more of Sarah Palin over the coming years. I know a lot of you in Europe are rooting for Obama but here in the states we are generally suspicious of those who advocate large government (ie., socialist) solutions to our ills. Here in Pennsylvania, we are even more suspicious of those who have in the past have supported gun control. I realize that such concerns are fairly alien in Great Britain but here we take our God given right to defend ourselves from violent criminals VERY seriously and any threat to that right is vigorously opposed. Basically, Obama doesn't connect with a lot of us and because of that, he's probably going to lose.
Posted by Dr. Fred in PA on September 9, 2008 3:56 AM
Report this comment
Good article but to say "few in America" is not correct. You can say, "Few in the media or Few in NYC". The rest of us get it.
Posted by linda on September 9, 2008 3:55 AM
Report this comment
Wow!
Well done.
Why do I have to learn so much of what I know from foreign sources?
Posted by Larry Sheldon on September 9, 2008 3:52 AM
Report this comment
Finally, a fair and balanced depiction of a seismic
shock to her two opponents who thought they
could just tell her to go and make their coffee. One
an extreme left winger with NO experience, and an
ego to match, and a equal left winger with a thin
facade, and a member of the old boys network.
Good ridence.
Posted by William Mears on September 9, 2008 3:49 AM
Report this comment
"She is not a political neophyte because she and her husband ran a commercial fishing operation"/ Pray tell how an operation which employs only three or four people for about one mont a year constitutes political experience? On that basis running a kindergarten group would be even better political experience; more participants and for a longer period.
Posted by Ian Stuart on September 9, 2008 3:42 AM
Report this comment
I dont think that Obama and Biden are underestimating her necessarily. The fact that there was so little know n about her was the reason why the media has carried on a vetting campaign of their own - because its news.
Palins reformer persona is over-stated because of it fits with the 'maverick' tone that they are trying to push on McCain. Her challenge will remain to connect with the wworking class women - beyond the obvious connection who are pro-choice, pro sex-education and anti-censorship in nature.
The shielding she is taking from the media is not a good sign from a campaigning point of view, but up until now she has met the challenges more adeptly than her running partner.
Posted by David H on September 9, 2008 3:32 AM
Report this comment
It is truly shameful that it takes a Bbritish newspaper to publish the truth on an American election an obligation that our craven biased in the tank for the Democrats media refuse to do!
Sorry to the british loony left but I suspect American voter in November will extract their pound of flesh from the Democrats and their media strumptes by soundly defeating "The One".
Posted by Yank on September 9, 2008 3:14 AM
Report this comment
This is another typical misunderstanding of American politics. Nobody votes for VP! Palin's nomonation is McCain's admission that he can't win, so he'll throw red meat to the GOP core and the Republicans will be able to say they fought the good fight and party activists will return for 2012.
Posted by Claude on September 9, 2008 2:21 AM
Report this comment
It is great fun watching the Democrats and their PR machine, the MSM, run around with their hair on fire.
After trying to libel and slander her with outrageous claims, all of which have fallen on deaf ears as the latest polls prove out, they are left with a candidate headed down the drain and just a glimmer of hope for Hillary in 2012.
Posted by JT on September 9, 2008 2:20 AM
Report this comment
This is an excellent, objective article.
Posted by Jay, New Orleans on September 9, 2008 2:17 AM
Report this comment
Hmmm... Sarah Palin, seems to me, to be the best "man" out of the four contenders for U.S. President, and Vice president.
Given the fact that government is only for "The good of the people" and that is defined as protecting and promoting the life, liberty and property of the citizens, being governor of such a state as Alaska may have given her a view of how government policies actually fulfill the above, or if wrong, oppress the people.
Unlike the big states of the lower 48, the results of policy, good or bad, would show up quickly, and I'm sure the hardy Alaskans know how to point out the same.
But where are the political MEN in all this? Since the 1960's the MEN have, by legislation created the Nanny State, which has extracted trillions of dollars from those who work, and re-distributed that, through a costly bureacracy to the "Entitled" class, which just now includes the cute new girl and guy named Fanny and Freddie...
There was a time in America when MANLY politcians were taught they were a type of "FATHER of the Commonwealth" to the citizens, and their Harvard educations defined that as "protecting and promoting the life, liberty and property of the citizens," in order to be productive, intelligent, and virtuous in all their family and civic duties.
I do know of some politicians that try to emulate the above code, but they are in the minority, besides that, once a program is in place, the succeeding pols inherit the consequences of an "attached clientele."
So the question is, when will enough "MANLY MEN" rise up in U.S. politics to be true "Fathers of the Commonwealth," or does Sarah Palen have to take the D.C. crowd on a bear hunt to teach them a thing or two...
As for the DT...please keep this venue up, the best news sources about the U.S. in my opinion now are from across the 'pond'.
Its that "Manly" thing lacking in American press today...
Posted by Tusculum Russ USA on September 9, 2008 2:16 AM
Report this comment
She's only running for VP, but she has more experience than the man the Democrats have running for president - ok, so, he was a community organizer... . For the sake of the world, we need a strong US, and McCain/Palin has more chance of giving us that than these other people. Carter was the worst US president in modern history, and Obama will be nothing more than a repeat of that. We're still dealing with Carter's mistakes, so please, let's not have people in 2040 having to worry about Obama's mistakes.
Posted by Tony Hillbear on September 9, 2008 2:04 AM
Report this comment
you have got to be kidding me. stating the fact
that she has dealt with the canadian government
means the charge of no international experience
is now absurd, is at best a pathetic argument.
i'm sure this woman has plenty of good points
and people will come out to support her, but
letting this kind of dross get published in The
Telegraph dismays me.
How about discussing what her actual
international experience is ? so far i have read
only that she has been to two countries outside
the US. now in a country where the vast majority
of people don't have passports this is to be
expected, but to put a person with no real
experience of the outside world one heart attack
from the most powerful office in the world scares
me.
if you really want to say she has international
experience and that to say she doesn't is not fair,
then please try and make a coherent argument,
not just write it
Posted by NYCmid30s on September 9, 2008 2:01 AM
Report this comment
"few in America, let alone Britain, have any idea what to make of Sarah .."
Britain maybe but in the American heartlands we understand her perfectly and millions like what they see.
Posted by Stan (Expat) on September 9, 2008 1:08 AM
Report this comment
As the old saying goes, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it,s the size of the fight in the dog".
The liberal Democrats are finding out, I believe they wonder what has hit them.
Posted by Barbara on September 9, 2008 1:04 AM
Report this comment
Despite what James Bennett writes you cannot help
wondering why any 43 year old would would not
have had the curiosity to visit a foreign country.
Palin was issued her first passport in 2006 and
used it on an official troop bolstering visit to Iraq
and Kuwait. I question her credentials as world
leader considering she has never seen the world.
Posted by Patricia Atkins on September 9, 2008 1:02 AM
Report this comment
I like her, and wish her well.
Posted by Plum on September 9, 2008 12:48 AM
Report this comment
Palin indeed is a good politician. The current POTUS has also been considered a good politician, and I would tend to agree.
However, there is an important difference between being a good politician, and having the ability to lead wisely.
One way, or another, we in the United States will get the government we deserve, as always.
Posted by Brian, Chicago, USA on September 9, 2008 12:39 AM
Report this comment
"But Wasilla is the fifth-largest city in Alaska, which meant that Palin was an important player in state politics."
It's a tiny little town with fewer than 800o people.
Are you hallucinating?
Posted by Steve G-nyc on September 9, 2008 12:20 AM
Report this comment
Post a comment
Secret investments reveal China's stealthy advance. | | Holly Willoughby talks about her best and worst holidays.
| | When should parents tell a child about their origins? | | We assess the Mercury Prize contenders.
|