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Conservative Feminist - Definition

Sarah Palin – the Modern Maggie Thatcher

When Sarah Palin was announced as the choice for running mate, misgivings came from both genders within the Republican party, fueled by a relentless press that questioned how someone with no background (they neglected to use Google), could be elevated to such a lofty position. Then she spoke at her introduction and set the Republican base at ease, but not the media (that body she does not court), which works for her in this instance. The worry that a woman would not be able to stand up to the opposition and/or to lead in any event has taken hold of the press, regardless of party affiliation (evident during Hillary Clinton’s candidacy), fell on deaf ears as Palin spoke with television viewership that rivaled that of media darling, Obama. The questions are still there, in the papers, or the blogs, or the cable news outlets – is she capable of sustaining this level of statesmanship?

Photograph of Margaret Thatcher wedding day 1951

Apparently, she is given more credence by the British who have already compared her to their own Margret Thatcher, and with good reason. From the book, “Queen, Empress, Concubine” by Claudia Gold, Thatcher’s life and rise in U.K. politics is given excellent, albeit condensed treatment. Thatcher was the first woman that lead a political party in the UK, her background one of simple means; her father was a local grocer who instilled in her the value of hard work and self-reliance. She worked her way through Oxford, studied chemistry and joined the Conservative party. She won a seat in Parliament, at the age of 34. Thatcher was also a wife and mother, and a reformer. The Press did not treat her kindly. There are similarities – therefore the comparisons.

Women here, stateside, have looked for a strong, conventional, yet independent leader who was in that very mold. Is Sarah Palin another Margaret Thatcher? Humble background, mother, and a conservative streak would lend to the comparison – that said, Palin has an endearing indentifying quality, which leaves no doubt that she will lead with grace, style and yes, wit – but with integrity from a position of strength.

It is not the fact that Palin is a woman that is her political strength - her strength lies in her accomplishments as a reformer, her fearless and capable speech, and her ability to actually indentify with those in the trenches. She just happens to be a woman, and women just happen to have been waiting for “not any woman” but a woman who could lead. There will, of course, be the one issue that separates (or appears to separate) women in the U.S. and that is the issue of abortion. How important is that issue to the independent and unenrolled women? That is the unknown. The committed left and the committed right have already chosen sides on this issue in regards to Palin - ( some on the left going to far as to worry over her hairdo (without first checking fashion trends) as if a choice of hairstyle somehow has relevance to governing. Independent minded and Unenrolled voters look to character, accomplishments, and of course, the entire ticket, and yes personality. In that case, Palin should do quite well; regardless of (or perhaps because of) how hard the left leaning media works to portray her in a negative light.

Palin Power – Ignites the Race!

Watching Palin deliver her introductory speech at the RNC Convention last evening proved that she could stand up and be counted as a serious candidate for the job. Her appeal to the base is obvious; yet watching CNN Campbell Brown comments following the speech, gave one an indication of the power Palin. All week long, Brown has been insinuating that Palin was not experienced enough for the job, and the fact that she was a mother, might somehow make her less capable, especially when it came to taking care of her children – Brown’s commentary following the speech was a startling turn-around. (Paraphrasing) “How many working women with children can indentify with her? I have children!” She went on to complement Palin on several points; which brings up a significant point – Brown is far from a Conservative – she has championed (either intentionally or unintentionally) Barack Obama since the primary season began – almost with as much enthusiasm as “Obama Girl” – she was visibly excited about Palin last evening – and although this may be temporary, it is significant in that Palin made her appeal directly to women – many of who are not as seriously committed to one particular candidate, but are seriously committed to career and family – the impact is yet to be determined, however one can bet the house that Palin, who embodies normal woman, family, career and common sense, will appeal to a women and men that are not considered part of the “base”.

While Palin was busy chopping down Obama and Company with style, grace and humor, Joe Biden was out there (literally), telling Florida voters he was ready to file criminal charges against the Bush administration if elected. Contrast and Compare Palin and Biden – one is uplifting in away that hasn’t been seen in far too long, the other is making promises that appeal to those heavily vested in the Move-on.org crowd. Normally, one does not look forward to the Vice-Presidential debates; however, this year is different. Palin proved that she was capable of taking unprecedented and, for the most part, unwarranted attacks on her career and her family, by fighting back with grace, dignity and humor.

The evening’s line-up included McCain advisors, Meg Whitman, former CEO of EBay, and Carly Fiorina, former Hewlett Packard CEO – women who bear testament to the fact that McCain understands the strengths of women – in business and in government. He continued that trend when he chose Palin for his running mate. She has appeal – she has common senses, she has business and governing sense, and above all – she has the sensibility of a mother of five. That appeal transcends gender, and from this urban perspective will appeal in areas of the country not mentioned by those pundits who felt she might capture rural women, but would certainly have problems with those more (unsaid) “sophisticated” urban women (actually stated!). The pundits had better rethink – hockey moms, working moms, and women not so heavily vested in the right to have an abortion that they cannot be moved, exist in urban areas, in rural areas, and in suburbs across the nation.

How ready is the country for a woman to lead? A recent Rasmussen Poll (although Sarah, rightly so, has doubts about polling), indicates that in a matchup between Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin (presidential), 85% of voters surveyed indicated they would elect a woman to lead our nation. Rasmussen may be a bit early, considering that the 2008 election has yet to take place, yet the fact that such a poll would be taken, may be truly visionary.