Palin – Reaction from a Concerned Left

It is interesting that the Press who felt that any mention of Barack Obama’s wife or children was totally reprehensible would turn on Sarah Palin and her seventeen year old daughter with such vigor. Those blogs that claim to represent the left, including nominee Barack Obama began the rumor mill as soon as Palin was announced as V.P. pick. Without a shred of evidence these outlets (including Daily Kos, CNN, MSNBC, CBS news and others) went to “bat for Obama”. His reaction was telling – hands off the family, especially in regards to Palin's 17 year old daughter’s pregnancy. Obama mentioned that his mother was only 18 when she gave birth – should the fact that Obama’s mother faced a similar situation to Palin’s be analyzed from every angle? Hardly. It is a private, family matter, one which affects households in American everyday, regardless of race, ethnicity or socio-economic backgrounds. Unless one has their pre-teen and teenage daughters (or sons for that matter) locked up in a bubble, that child is subjected to non-stop approval of teen pregnancy from family friendly outlets such as Nickelodeon and Disney, the teen idols are engaged in drinking, pornography, etc., which is glamorized by these same news outlets that now have their “panties in a bunch” so to speak. Should this even be a story? Hardly, the problem is that there is very little that is negative to be found in Palin – thus, grasping at straws is what is left.

Palin is a reformer, one who has taken on her own party, and contrary to what is being widely reported from the main press to the local, she is a known entity to the Republican base, a woman in the mold of John McCain. The press, so concerned with family issues and one non-story from a disgruntled employee in The Alaska State Government Juneau Empire, are questioning whether or not Palin was fully vetted. They should start reading newspapers:
An article from the Washington Post dated August 31, 2008, titled “Palin Made an Impression From the Start” outlined the extensive vetting process.

So, why the hoopla over a family matter and a non-story? That is one easy answer – the polls. Barrack Obama was supposed to have received at the minimum a 15 point bump from his “historic” speech – the actual numbers feel far below the anticipated leaving both candidates basically tied. The problem – the announcement of Palin as the V.P. pick virtually erased any bump Obama may have enjoyed. The press is reacting: protecting one who they perceive as their own.

Where does the press go when family and non-issues may not be enough? Why the old “right-wing Christian” theme, of course. There are a few problems with that tract: In reality her values do align with those who would be considered value-voters (i.e. Religious), however, she appeals to those white, working class men – and women who are interested in a candidate that will reform, not conform. Sarah Palin speaks to the nation from the RNC convention on Wednesday night, after which, the polls will tell how well she resonated with the base, as well as the nation. (If one looks to Rasmussen Polling for guidance, how well she did with the base and “likely voters”.) Feminists (true feminist, not the pro-abortion-one-issue groups), will make up their minds (if they haven’t already), and the polls will give an indication of how well she does with certain demographics. Will she change the minds of those committed to a particular party? Most likely not – she will appeal to the base, and the 20 million evangelical voters who will go to the polls – the wild card will remain the Independent voter. The independent voter – McCain’s strong suit – shared with Obama – for now.