“#45 Why thank you b10621, but lets give credit where credit is due, everyone gives non-partisan points at Particco right? Anyone? Hello? Anyone? I hear crickets? They must be in my elitist head.
Comment by Oiram — 9/4/2008 @ 4:12 pm”

and I would be gratefull to “Oiram” or to any other who could explain who is the Particco he mention.
Since long time I’m searching people with my rare family name. Sincerely.

You just remember that it’s not about you. You do the job you were “hired” to do. Keep your ears and eyes open. You’re there to learn, not to teach.

And besides, my intention in taking an internship in the first place was to observe the whole process up close, and see whether or not it lives up to its abyssmal reputation. Much of my schoolwork this semester is more journalism than poli sci.

Is curiosity an exclusively realist tendency?

I had no choice in the matter, though I’m interested in interacting with members of the opposition party on a regular basis.

“No choice in the matter?” When did interns become conscripted?!

So far, all that has come out about Palin is a series of rapidly debunked smears on the internet, stories started by political enemies, and a lot of meaningless drivel.

In order for a politician to be an office holder, they must run for office and win (otherwise they’re not an elected official, and thus cannot affect policy directly).

Restating it, by using the accretion of power as a measurement of intent regarding the politician seeking office, you are disqualifying anyone who qualifies, as the necessary electoral victory automatically accrues power for the winner, which you then use to discern the intentions of the politician. It is a feedback loop that will frustrate you in what is actually an honorable quest.

Which brings us back to the original discussion. I am interested in Palin’s campaign because she has done the things that I wish to see our politicians attempting, and that is an increase in transparency and a decrease in wasteful spending. The best method of determining a politician’s intent is watch what they do.

Good luck in your internship. Please, please don’t forget to comment about your experiences (preferably while they’re happening), as I expect everyone here would be interested in your thoughts regarding the slaughterhouse.

Another example where comparison between Palin and Obama rather than Biden hurts Obama.

- L.N. Smithee

I had no choice in the matter, though I’m interested in interacting with members of the opposition party on a regular basis.

Besides, it’s not like there aren’t idealists of all ideological stripes.