Thursday, September 04, 2008
Four Points on Palin [Rich Lowry]
A friend e-mails in reply to my Post piece today:
A few thoughts on Palin:
1) The ability to effectively skewer political opponents with a twinkle of the eye and remain likeable is a rare political skill. The three best I’ve ever seen: Reagan, Clinton, Palin.
2) Has any candidate for national political office ever emotionally bonded with the base of his/her party faster than Palin?
3) To rise in a male-dominated field, women in politics usually have to choose between being likeable or tough. Even for a political talent like Hillary, it’s a tension that results in an either-or choice. Because of her personality and biography, Palin may be the first woman with plausible national ambitions to have both.
4) As good of a performance as that was, I’m still concerned that the message of the convention is insufficiently targeted to persuadable voters. Sure, Obama’s a snob, but if he brings more bread and butter, people will vote for him.
09/04 02:54 PM
Share
