Sarah Palin, Game-Changer
[Guest post by DRJ]
MSNBC reports these inflammatory comments from former Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chaffee, a former Republican who supports Barack Obama for President. From the sound of it, Chaffee wants to energize the far left. Calling Sarah Palin a “cocky wacko” is a good way to do that:
“They’ve [the McCain campaign] just thrown this firestorm, this tornado, into the whole presidential election,” Chafee said in response to an audience member’s question about whether the Obama campaign should worry about Palin’s presence in the race.
He said her speech at the Republican National Convention had the unintended effect of energizing Democrats and Obama supporters.
“People were coming into my office, phone calls were flooding in, e-mails were coming in, ‘I just sent money to Obama, I couldn’t sleep last night’ — from the left. To see this cocky wacko up there,” Chafee said to laughter.”
I have two thoughts about the Palin story. First, it’s an understatement to say Palin dramatically changed this election. The past 2 weeks have been all-Palin and there’s no sign it will let up until the first Presidential debate later this month. That’s bad news for the Obama campaign because voters know who John McCain is but they don’t know as much about Barack Obama. September was Obama’s time to define himself with the voters and that time is lost now.
Second, Palin has dramatically changed the role of Vice Presidential nominees. Instead of being the attack dog of the campaign, she’s become the vortex for attacks. Chaffee called Palin a tornado and I think that’s a good description, although not the way he meant it. Like a tornado, the Palin story has sucked up everything around it and, unlike the typical VP nominee, Palin hasn’t had to go on the attack to generate that energy.
Furthermore, ABC’s Palin interview will be broadcast today and at 10 PM EST Friday evening. This guarantees Palin will be the top news story for at least 2 or 3 more days.
In sporting terms, Palin has been a real game-changer and so far the Obama team hasn’t had an answer.
— DRJ
DRJ – Please don’t call Chafee a Republican. He left the party during the summer of 2007 after losing his reelection bid. The party did not even support him as I recall.
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:12 pmThanks. I’ll change it to former Republican and add your link.
DRJ (7568a2) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:15 pmThe Republican party supported Chafee against a conservative challenger in the primary, and also against the DEM in the general election.
cboldt (3d73dd) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:19 pm.
Republican Rebel Chafee Trounces Conservative Rival – “In Rhode Island, the importance of holding onto a GOP Senate seat brought Laura Bush and the GOP establishment to campaign for Mr. Chafee”
Oh, but they have had a timely response to the Palin phenomenon – those witty remarks about whore/trailerparktrash/unfitmother were the true mark of the height of sophisticated banter. Always amusing to watch our so – called “betters” sink into the slime when they’re confronted face – to – face with a complete anomaly apart from their cloistered world.
Dmac (e639cc) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:20 pmTypical of Chafee to get the whole message backwards. He’s had the same problem since Daddy left him his Senate seat. He was a better blacksmith than a Senator.
Mike K (6d4fc3) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:22 pmAnother fool, fallen-from-grace, desperately trying to be relevant and garner attention for himself. He was wrong a lot of the time on policy, and he’s wrong now.
Icy Truth (3b614c) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:35 pmCamp Obama is running low on news cycles to exploit.
Karl (f07e38) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:46 pmChafee’s been hard at work on a densely-annotated political tract that will conclusively establish that Sarah Palin is just a big mean ugly girl.
Cicero (8db983) — 9/11/2008 @ 1:56 pmI haven’t felt this good since the last time I’ve gotten drunk, and it’s been a while!
C. Norris (afc6de) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:04 pmKarl Rove must be watching in amazement, jaw slack, his only thought being “Can they keep this going until November 4th?”
Kevin Murphy (0b2493) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:29 pmActually, Sarah Palin looks like this My Damn Channel girl, right?:
http://www.mydamnchannel.com/Daily_Grace/Week_22/MondaySeptember8th_902.aspx
arbie (ca65ee) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:29 pmI am from RI and I applaud Chafee But you are right he is not a real Republican. Real Republicans are reprehensible liars and con artists. Chafee is a man of integrity whose father I knew personally.
VietEraVet (543dfe) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:41 pmRepublicans are sleazy liars and he doesnt belong with this fascist group.. Thanks morons for your complements!!
The hatred from the Left is just flowing today. Like a spigot.
JD (6a8c0a) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:43 pmJD,
Karl’s comment furnishes the “why” concerning the hate shown by Axelrod’s Astroturf Brigade. Meanwhile, Obama is focused on his fundraising schedule and the sad fact that income seems to be seriously lagging projections.
He needs to get off the campaign trail and stay after the money. Or forget the money and stay focused on campaigning. Or start work on his third autobiography.
It really doesn’t matter what he does though. Ned Lamont could explain why not.
Rick Ballard (14757e) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:53 pmTry clicking on VietEraVet and see what you get. Trolls are usually anonymous. I wonder what she is a veteran of ?
Mike K (6d4fc3) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:53 pmThat’s bad news for the Obama campaign because voters know who John McCain is but they don’t know as much about Barack Obama.
I don’t think voters know much about either. They could probably recite the ‘drill baby, drill’ and ‘tax break for the middle class’ mantras. But neither candidate has articulated an economic blueprint that lays down systemic reforms and spending cuts. Applause lines about waste and earmarks are not going to pull the ox out of the ditch.
A compelling biography is not destiny. Uncomplicated love of country is a narrative. And a flashy, erratic orator with Bush-baiting and class warfare imagery is likewise not transformative.
steve (05d7a1) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:55 pmJD – I think VEV has been eating some bad clams.
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/11/2008 @ 2:57 pm“Real Republicans are reprehensible liars and con artists.”
Yeah, and as we all know, real veterans always take the opportunity to trash half the country on the anniversary of mass murder on our homeland. Sure, no question she/he/it’s a veteran – in their fevered mind.
Dmac (e639cc) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:01 pmI think VEV has been eating some bad clams.
Must…not…respond…to…bait…for…easy…joke…
Dmac (e639cc) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:02 pm“EXCLUSIVE: GOV. SARAH PALIN WARNS WAR MAY BE NECESSARY IF RUSSIA INVADES ANOTHER COUNTRY”
“When asked by Gibson if under the NATO treaty, the U.S. would have to go to war if Russia again invaded Georgia, Palin responded: “Perhaps so. I mean, that is the agreement when you are a NATO ally, is if another country is attacked, you’re going to be expected to be called upon and help.”
You picked yourselves a real winner here. I’m sorry, but it’s getting annoying being called a cocksucker, a cunt etc.
You people are the biggest fucking idiots I’ve ever come across in my long life on this planet.
jar@my home computer (6b0755) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:11 pm“Game Changer” indeed. Bring on the Apocalypse.
What a country.
I agree Jar. People should stick to “stupid” when talking to or about you. For example, “hey stupid, what do you think the US obligations under the NATO treaty entail when a member country is invaded?”
Rick Ballard (14757e) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:18 pmJAR – You twat (new word) how is what she said any different that what your lord any master Obama says, No Options Should Be Taken Off The Table. You are a freaking weeping mangina. Plus we do have treaty obligations, but democrats I guess only view those things as paper to be torn up if they inconvenience them or cause discomfort.
I want to hear more about the reemerging national security gap JAR. Do you think your estrogen levels can handle it, Nancy?
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:20 pmJAR wrote:
What would you rather her say? “Oh, nooooo, Charlie, we could never go to war with Russia! We’ll just let them have it.” Any leader that would say “this option is off the table” shouldn’t take the oath of office.
You may want to consult one of The
PigBig O’s brassiest supporters — Gen. Wesley Clark — about his answer to this question might be. Under Clinton, he gave an order for NATO forces to fire on Russian troops that was disobeyed by a British commander, who said, “I am not going to start the third World War for you.”Well, then! You know a little of what the Palin family is going through thanks to lying punks like yourself.
What? You don’t have any mirrors in your house?
L.N. Smithee (a0b21b) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:28 pm“You people are the biggest fucking idiots I’ve ever come across in my long life on this planet.”
Judging by the amount of bile you spew here on a daily basis, it would appear that your kidneys are ready to pack it in – permanently. Oh well – at least try to die with whatever dignity you have left. Buh – Byeee.
Dmac (e639cc) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:32 pmJD wrote: The hatred from the Left is just flowing today. Like a spigot.
Uh-uh. Ruptured sewer pipe.
L.N. Smithee (a0b21b) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:34 pmYou picked yourselves a real winner here. I’m sorry, but it’s getting annoying being called a cocksucker, a cunt etc.
— Then stop being one! Pick up the thread you abandoned and later falsely claimed victory over. Stop constructing your posts almost exclusively from the posts of others. Express your own opinion — in your own words.
As for going to war with Russia — lesson #1: you NEVER take an option off the table; you ALWAYS negotiate from a position of strength.
Icy Truth (b28aae) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:34 pmThis is what Jar – Jar wrote previously today:
Do you have any principles left? This is a question fot PF and WLS.
To be followed up with:
You people are the biggest fucking idiots I’ve ever come across in my long life on this planet.
And there you have the final judgement.
Dmac (e639cc) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:37 pmApparently the buzz is Sarah Palin does just fine in her first Charlie Gibson interview Except for one gaffe. Charlie Gibson quotes Gov. Palin’s words, but inaccurately, and the quote just happens to be from our first gay* president, Abraham Lincoln. http://ace.mu.nu/archives/273244.php
http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/11/open-thread-palin-on-abc/
I assume tomorrow the comment from Andrew Sullivan will be Sarah Palin is a dangerous Christianist because she quoted a notoriously gay (but in the closet and self hating) anti-states right athiest hypocrite racist radical.
* According to Andrew Sullivan http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2005-02-17
Joe (dcebbd) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:43 pmWe know how Obama would react to Gibson’s hypothetical from the primary debates, he would consult the lawyers. Boo-Yah!!!
daleyrocks (d9ec17) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:45 pmDon’t you guys get it? Dems hate strong women who refuse to accept second class status. Any woman who won’t kowtow to the ambitions of men in the Democrat Party has got to be put in her place.
These uppity women should stay home and bake cookies, they should leave the decision-making to the liberal men who know better than to introduce concerns of family or children into the business of running a country into the ground.
Sure, women are allowed to vote, but only so long as they vete for Democrats. Anything else isn’t allowed. Don’t they teach these hayseed broads anything in the public schools?
Ropelight (921f6e) — 9/11/2008 @ 3:57 pmHey, folks, you are not debating with JAR. “jar@my home computer” posts from a different IP address than JAR and I think JAR also said on another thread it’s not him/her.
However, “jar@my home computer” is posting from the same IP address as a commenter who posted recently under the name “whatever.”
DRJ (7568a2) — 9/11/2008 @ 5:34 pmDRJ – Thanks. Despite the differences in names and IP addresses, there is not the tiniest bit of difference between the bile spewed by whichever name they choose to select.
JD (6a8c0a) — 9/11/2008 @ 5:42 pmDarn it, Obama has his legions of sycophantic trolls who come here to enlighten you neocons about the true nature of the Anointed one and you spit in their faces. I don’t see Juan McSame getting much support from the wise people of Europe, the intelligensia, Hollywood elite or other bling-wearing patriots. And now Ace of Spades reveals that Obama has another celebrity showering him with adulation. Boy George’s Neo-Disco Tribute to Barack Obama. Watch/listen and weep McCain/Palin rubes:
madmax333 (0c6cfc) — 9/11/2008 @ 6:09 pmhttp://minx.cc/?post=273164
Who knows, maybe the left will respond to Chafee. But it will make independent-minded women happy every time she’s referred to as a “firestorm” or a “tornado.”
sierra (aa4594) — 9/11/2008 @ 6:58 pmI believe the NATO treaty obligates members to defend others.
So, yeah, under the treaty, we’d have to defend a member nation.
That’s what a treaty is. It binds us to action.
How does that become SARAH PALIN WANTS TEH WAR WITH RUSSIA!!!!ELEVETY!ZOMG!!!!!!
steve miller (dcbd46) — 9/11/2008 @ 7:37 pmPalin has shocked all of America because she simply painted Obama and his party as they are. She did it with an impecable speach, glib humorous commentary and points that drove home what most americans are thinking. No wonder the Democats had to instantaneously invoke, attacks of “lack of experience” (a farce since as a two year govenor of Alaska she would have more execuitive experience than Obama), a family out of wedlock teenage pregnancy, a 20 year old DWI in a state where there are few cars, and trumped up charges that (and this is a laugher) she used her influence to get some one in government fired. Bill and Hillary NEVER DID THAT! did they?
willymack (d8c112) — 9/11/2008 @ 7:45 pmYahoo – Reuters
“Palin leaves open option of war with Russia”
Nuance.
JD (6a8c0a) — 9/11/2008 @ 7:47 pmNo, the thing that is exploding the Democrats’ heads is that Sarah doesn’t appear to be afraid of them.
steve miller (dcbd46) — 9/11/2008 @ 7:48 pmMccain and his lobbyist campaign managers should be tried for treason and crimes against the American people. “Country First!” What a joke! Mccain’s judgment is so far gone that he don’t care what it takes to get elected even if it ruins this country. His campaign is dispicable and dishonorable. He may be getting a little tic up now, but he won’t win the election. I refuse to believe that the American people think these two people are more capable of leading this country than Obama and Biden.
Obama/Biden08
AB (c36902) — 9/12/2008 @ 1:09 pm#39 – AB
Mccain’s judgment is so far gone that he don’t care what it takes to get elected even if it ruins this country.
Icy Truth (3b614c) — 9/12/2008 @ 1:19 pm— So, what he does to get elected, that in itself will ruin this country? It will be ruined before he ever takes the oath of office? Because of what — campaign tactics?
39~
Hmmm, musing for a moment…it seems to me like Obama would have some trouble leading a bunch of kindergartners out of a classroom during a fire drill.
Apparently he does have some charm, some charisma, but I fail to see it.
And Biden? Well, he didn’t get where he’s at by being in the front of the pack.
EW1(SG) (da07da) — 9/12/2008 @ 1:24 pmAB – That was a weak effort.
JD (5f0e11) — 9/12/2008 @ 1:25 pmObama would have some trouble leading a bunch of kindergartners out of a classroom during a fire drill.
— Obama: Okay, children. We’re uh, uh, uh, we’re going to exit the building now. [Pause] We — we — we’s, uh, I, uh, I know that some of you want to go that way; [Pause for effect] and I, uh, I know that others of you want to go in a different direction — and that’s okay; I understand that. But, uh, what we as Americans have to do, is, uh, we have to act collectively . . . uh, you know, for the uh, uh, the common good. So, what I propose to do is, uh, uh, if — if you will [*crackle*] agree to do your part [*sizzle*], and uh, uh, uh, commit to performing community service [*choke*], now wait — now wait just a moment; hear me out, now [*sputter*][*gasp*][*wheeze*]. Just a couple hundred hours per year, that’s all [Pause] That’s all. You guys [*collapse*], you, uh, you’re young — you’re young, and let me tell you [“Mr. Obama, I can’t breathe!”], there is nothing more, uh, uh, gratifying [“Help!”], more, uh, soul-lifting [“I’m burning up!”], more, uh, uh, uh, uh, [Pause], more uh, you know; it, it, it’s a special time [“Now I lay me down to sleep”] in, in, in your lives is what I’m trying to say; and you [*rattle*], you should grab onto it. So what do you say, kids? [Long pause] Uh, uh, uh, uh, kids?
Icy Truth (4935fe) — 9/12/2008 @ 1:57 pmJust my luck. I finally write something that makes me laugh right at the point when everybody abandons the thread.
Icy Truth (0e4d32) — 9/12/2008 @ 5:53 pmI thought it was hilarious, Icy Truth. Great work.
I may steal it.
SPQR (26be8b) — 9/12/2008 @ 5:58 pm