Comparing and Contrasting
This is not, repeat, not an endorsement. The only thing I'm endorsing at the moment is Barack Obama's resounding defeat at the poll in 2012. This is just an opportunity to compare and contrast, really. While I've read over the arguments for and against a Palin candidacy and concluded that she would not be my first choice, I am impressed with the way she connects with the people. For example, check out this photograph from this weekend's Rolling Thunder rally in Washington DC:
This isn't a dopey Michael Dukakis in a tank moment. Far from it. She looks relaxed, and happy to be among a group of big beefy biker veterans. These guys served our nation in uniform and now many of them also volunteer as members of the Patriot Guard, lining the route of funeral processions and protecting grieving families from the hideous Westboro Baptist types. They frequent truck stops too, and I've found them to be good and patriotic people. It's comforting somehow to see Palin spending time with these folks and apparently enjoying it. This sort of connection is a direct repudiation of Barack Obama's denigration of these people as being bitter and clinging to their guns and religion, etc., and our side of the debate can only benefit from more of this.
I'm actually pretty optimistic about our prospects in 2012. On two wheels, our side's preferred method of travel is this:
Compare and contrast with this:
This race is ours to lose.
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Comments :
Apr '11
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Great post.
Nov '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
I’d say she looks a lot better in a helmet than Michael Dukakis does.
Jul '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Other than the mom jeans, a helmet while riding on the sidewalk, and what looks like a tether to a secret service agent in the back (training wheels were removed just before camera shot), the best that can be said for the 2nd pic is that at least it's a guy's bike.
The 1st one? Hel--lo Sarah!!
Not my choice, either. But you hit the nail on the head, Dave.
Nov '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Good point...
Mom jeans vs. 7 For All Mankind- no contest!
Jul '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
BTW, that had to have been a posed shot. If he went any distance at all, his pants cuffs would have gotten caught in either the wheel spokes or the gear train... Those ain't skinny jeans.
Sep '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
I'm with you Dave. On all points. It's just nice to see a political person appreciate something beyond Washington that's not Hollywood.
May '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
I don't think Gov. Palin should run for pres. this time around - which is a shame because I think she'd make a good, and eventually, a respected and admired president. For all the trashing she's taken from the smart set I can't imagine her ever making the boneheaded mistakes that has brought the country down as far as the current guy has. And, she loves us. She loves our country. The other guy can't stand us, and only deigns to rule us to sate his narcissism. I still can't believe he got elected.
May '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
You're being unfair, Dave. She's just comfortable because these are her kind of people. Put Obama in a faculty lounge, he'd be comfortable too.
Sep '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
President Obama looks like he's waiting for the airbag to go off on his bicycle.
Jun '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Living in Alaska makes you humble, and brings you closer to your fellow human beings.
The weather is trying to kill you most of the year, and if you're ever stranded and freezing, any person that comes along (with some form of transportation) may be the angel from Heaven who saves you. In Alaska, in February, angels come on snow machines and they're all beautiful. Even the fat ugly bearded ones who need a bath.
May '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
I bet Sarah doesn't sissy throw a baseball, either.
Dec '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
No doubt. Looking at the pictures, she can probably bench press him and his bike. Think that bowling ball pretty much maxed him out.
Edited on Jun 1, 2011 at 12:06amNov '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
If Palin were ever invited to an Obama cabinet meeting she’d be the only real man in the room.
Jan '11
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
#1) Rolling Thunder!
#2) Rolling Blunder!
May '11
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Dave, You make a valid point and your post is sure to test the capacity of Ricochet's latest server upgrade. A lot of pundits seem to agree with George Will and think that Palin's largest obstacle is that people won't trust her judgement specifically in relation to nuclear warfare. That worked with Goldwater and it was used against Reagan but I don't think that will affect most voters today. I think Palin's biggest obstacle is something she can probably never change and that is no matter what she does, she will draw insanely intense media attention and to the vast majority of the electorate who don't really care about politics, she will always be considered a publicity hound. Fair or not, I think that's the way it is.
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Southern Pessimist, yes I remember the left tried to use the nuclear judgement issue against Reagan. His ostensible unpredictability also unnerved our enemies, who released the American hostages the day he was inaugurated. I rather hope our enemies find Palin unnervingly unpredictable too.
May '10
Re: Comparing and Contrasting
Is President Obama riding around the dangerous wilds of Martha's Vineyard, or is it the violent back-blocks of Nantucket?
Edited on Jun 1, 2011 at 8:50am