The Aussie View of Sarah Palin
A friend of mine who’s quite apolitical (by instinct right-of-center, but hates Bush; a remarkably common combination in Australia, particularly among women, and I suspect in many other parts of the world) described Palin to me as “real.” It resonated, because for about a week I had been struggling to come up with one key word to describe Madam Governor, and at the same time encapsulate the reason why she drives the left and the elites absolutely crazy. Finally, and a day before having coffee with my friend, I came up with “authentic.” Palin is Middle America with all its sensibilities, attitudes, pastimes, everyday triumphs and everyday struggles: middle class, a melange of blue and white collar, family-oriented, outdoorsy and sports-mad, often blessed with a good life, but very human in facing its many challenges (a Down Syndrome baby, pregnant teenage daughter, taser-happy brother-in-law).
Barack Obama might have a fascinating story to tell (fascinating enough for two autobiographies at the ripe old age of 46, as has been noted by Palin herself), but how many Americans can look at a Harvard-educated African-American community organizer turned career politician and truly identify with him and see themselves in him, as opposed to merely sharing his ideas and ideals (whatever they are) or being inspired by his soaring rhetoric?
This makes Palin potentially quite formidable. Love them or hate them, we tend to see politicians as another species altogether. When we acknowledge that they are human it is usually in order to contextualize their failings, not to claim them as one of us. The once oft-heard tag of “a man of the people” (for it is still usually a man) nowadays meets with a cynical sneer.
Palin is different. Sure, she is a political animal, a natural, and her personae and story have been given a polish, as all political personaes and stories invariably do. But inside, there is a sufficient core of what my friend called “authenticity” to make her stand out from the usual crowd of suits wanting to have your baby and kiss your vote (or maybe the other way around, but who would notice?). Quite apart from her ability to energize the conservative base, and hopefully broaden the ticket’s appeal to women, she could well prove to have a special appeal that reaches well beyond what has been the traditional Republican catchment area. Only time will tell, but come the November election, we could see the emergence of a small but electorally significant number of Palin Democrats: small town and suburban, often blue-collar and unionized, socially conservative and patriotic, family oriented men and women who see in her their wife, mother, sister or a best friend.
At the same time as we enjoy the current bounce, we have to be wary not to beatify and idealize Palin. She is as imperfect and fallible as the next person, perhaps more so (or at least more publicly so) since she’s engaged in this ultimate game of imperfection and fallibility: politics. She will make mistakes, she will disappoint some, she might even implode sometime over the next two months.
It’s understandable that after the eight Bush years and a lackluster and disappointing primary season the base has been desperate for a messiah. Unlike the Democrat’s black liberation theology where God is black, the Republicans turned feminist — he is really she. But to treat Palin as a superstar at this early stage is as dangerous as to mock and underestimate her.
This is one lesson that conservatives could with great benefit learn from the Democrats this electoral season.
Great article! Rings true for me (also an Aussie). I would vote Republic (and Sarah Palin) if I had a choice.
Terrible headline guys.
Ugh, Arthur–You might want to rethink that header–
To BillJ, hilarious comment. I’ll be laughing about it all day.
Thank you for this perspective. I am an Aussie who has been watching the rise of Sarah Palin with intense interest, and I would agree – she’s real, authentic, no-nonsense, and a natural. I would describe myself as right-wing, conservative, sharing Palin’s views and perspectives, and excited about her in all sorts of ways. She excites me as few other politicians have excited me in a very long time.
Bush’s administration has in many ways been a failure, and America needs a new direction, and Sarah Palin could well provide that new direction. I therefore wish her the very best in this election, and look forward to seeing her take the oath of office.
Why do I write this? Because what happens in the U.S. affects us vitally here in Australia, for good or ill. So I with others take a close interest in events and affairs across the Pacific. Palin has also given me incentive to visit Alaska myself some day.
The female Andrew Jackson. That’s the link, right there. Australians and Palin share a Jacksonian thread.
If you go to Alaska bring lots of Mosquito repellent! They’ve been known to carry away small children up there.
(I live in the lower 48)
I agree with the article’s thoughts on Sarah.
Most Americans would not even dare think of Australia as a state. We have a pretty solid affection for them but really enjoy the differences between us. We like our Aussie friends as Aussies.
I don’t get it. What’s so wrong with “the Aussie View of Sarah Palin”? Unless they already changed the title. If so, I’m not sure I want to know what the previous title was.
Regarding the article; Very well written. It’s nice to see that so m,any Aussies view Sarah Palin with the same eyes as Americans. So many of our people seem to be cut from the same cloth. (I’ve often said to myself that if I ever had to move from America, I would go to Australia. I suspect it is the only place I would truly feel at home other than here.)
And yes, we DO have to be careful not to give Sarah P. the “Messiah” treatment. While it can have it’s advantages, it’s ultimately a drawback when the national press is so clearly NOT on the Republican or Conservative’s side. It could FAR too easily become a weapon to use against us.
So we conservatives will keep on “keepin’ it real” with Sarah P. And we’ll do our best to elect McCain/Palin in November. (at the very least, so as not to disappoint our Aussie pals.)
As an inveterate follower of US Politics, I agree with your Australian friend – Sarah Palin is Real – not a deranged, screaming, ball breaking, harridan Feminist.
I think the following site sums up Obama
Obamonopoly
http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2008/09/obamonpoly.html
Wearyman, look at the URL to see the original title. {8^)
As a conservative Aussie with a huge interest in US politics, msa I offer this personal experience with the Palin phenomenen. My Girlfriend whose interest in Australian politics is limited to “which one will leave me financially better off” and whose interest in US politics means she does not know which party each candidate represents, announced to me the other day that “I aspire to be like Sarah Palin”. After doing a dance of joy I enquired why? Her reasons: She loved the way she shunned the media sterotype of the successful women; her spirit when sticking it to her media critics; her hot husband; her love of family; her success; and also that she was good looking. My girlfriend is irreligious and pro-choice but found more to identify with Palin than any previous political candidate. When informed of Palin’s views on these subjects she couldn’t of cared less. In fact she loved that a woman had strong convictions and wasn’t afraid to air them.
Considering the strangehold the progressives have on the Australian media, this amazed, but gladdened me no end. Regardless of the result this will be a watershed election.
RE: Boris
“Terrible headline guys”
What – you have nothing worthwhile to contribute here?
Pray tell what angle/facet the headline should include instead?
I hadn’t thought about it before, but it seems to me that Sarah Palin is someone who would have a lot of appeal to Australians. Australia is really the only other country in the world that shares what Typewriter King calls the Jacksonian thread in our culture, and as such I would think she would have much of the same instinctual appeal there that she has here. Having traveled extensively throughout the developed world, and having been fortunate enough to have visited several cities in Australia some years ago, I think Australians are the only people in the world who could be said to be similar to Americans, and like Wearyman, I feel that it is the only country I’ve ever visited that I would feel comfortable living in long-term. (The biggest hurdle would be learning to drive on the other side of the road!) We have much in common, and I hope that keeps our alliance and our friendship strong for generations to come.
I really hope you will get to see more of Sarah as Vice President, but even if not, I suspect she will be a major figure for at least the next couple of decades. I’ve long felt that the first female American president would be a conservative, and I have a strong suspicion that she will be the one to achieve that honor.
While I’ve never heard of anyone suggesting statehood for Australia, and I certainly understand why many there would be opposed, as an American I’d like to say I’d be happy to have ya as countrymen. For sure I’d much rather have you guys than the Canadians.
As an American
I can honestly say I have never once in my life thought about Australian politics. I cannot imagine more than 1% of American citizens actually know the name or gender of the Australian President or Prime Minister (not sure which you have and honestly don’t care).
I do wish that other countries would refrain from commenting on OUR political elections though.
I don’t know where the rest of the ‘Aussies’ are from but from small town Australia here Sarah Palin is seen as a bigoted, nepotistic, corrupt, hippocritical, duplicitious, rightous, insincere, narcissistic, bookburning global warming denier. Her popularity is based on a bunch of sad repressed conservitive males who I reckon are wanking themselves in the shower right now, because there wife hasn’t given out for years. ‘Real’, I don’t think so, superficial and with no substance. You can do better USA.
Sarah Palin is everywoman, save for the screaming, whining, victimised feminists on the Left. She’s imperfect, as are we all, but she’s different–not a career politician who aspired to use a stint as a community organiser (mayor of Wasilla, but with actual responsibilities) to become the first female Vice President. Events propelled her to take on the establishment, and now, she stands on the cusp of great achievement.
I have watched the Left try everything those collectivist souls can think of to destroy her. They have failed and will fail. We in fly-over country don’t care what the elites on either coast think.
As far as a hot lassie, she is. In fact, although we’re supposed to vote for the top of the ticket, I’m voting for the one candidate I’d most love to see in a string bikini.
Naturally, and especially after HBO’s Bill Maher mentioned that coverage of Obama by Chris Matthews and Keith Olberdorkmann was so slavish that Maher suspected those two MSNBC commentators wanted to have sex with Barry, I believe Olberdorkmann and Matthews will vote for the candidate they most want to see naked.
To Jack D – As an Australian I’m very interested in US politics, but would draw the line at ever forcing my political view on an American. If any damn foreigner told me how to vote, i’d tell them how to take a holiday involving sex and travel. However, America is the Superpower. Personally, for that I’m grateful and also more interested in your elections than any other country’s.
dandylion – I’d wager that rather than representing small town Australia, you actually represent our equivalent of America’s urban “elite”. It is you and your ilk who befoul our political discourse with their disdain for the typical family and anyone else who doesn’t conform to their oh so progressive and tolerant beliefs. Far more worrying than your asinine opinions on Sarah Palin, however, are the grammatical and spelling mistakes in your post. If you’re the product of our education system then things are worse than first thought.
Good on Ya, Cobber!
With many cousins shearing sheep as big as whales in Western Australia and shooing some cattle as well, it is nice to see the English language put to good use Down Under.
Sarah Palin scares the Hell out of America’s elite – the pencil neck geeks who read and scribble what passes for journalism in the Great 48.
She and McCain are most like most Americans. I know Obama, from having worked on many of his Illinois Campaigns – as we say on the south side-’Nice House and No one’s home.’
Cheers!
http://battlegroundstates08.blogspot.com/2008/09/sine-nobilitas-snobbery-of-campbell.html
To the insular ignorent Jack D, how incredibly hypocritical of you to complain of external commentary on the USA elections when the USA has interfered with democratic elections all over the world including Australia, let alone the USA’s nasty history of supporting right wing dictatorships. You know nothing of Australia because you are a small minded insular human being, and thats being generous. As for the origanal comment about Australia being a 51st state of the USA 99% of Australians would be appalled at the very suggestion. The other 1% can bugger off to the USA.
Personally, I’m hoping you folks Down Under decide not to join the United States. I’m going to need someplace to escape to in the event the McCain-Palin ticket wins.
to Warwick A, indeed Warwick I live in a town in rural South Australia of 4868. I am married and have 3 children and am anti abortion. I reckon when you don’t have a sincere argument, you start to focus on the insignificant.ie,grammar. Sort of a form of ‘urban elitism’ I’d say. What school did you go to?
dandylion,
For every perjorative you listed, linked to a non-rebutted source please. that way the endless back and forth need not continue; otherwise, you are no better (and right now you are no better) than right wingers you detest.
Please tell us how the USA interfered in democratic elections in Australia. I am eager to know.
“you are a small minded insular human being”
This makes you a bigot.
Dear “dandylion”
You are feeling very free to comment about our country and electoral candidates so please don’t be so hypocritical as to castigate someone else or the “USA” for feeling free to do the same about Australia. If it pisses you off so much just keep your nose out of it!
Dear PJM,
The “dandylions” seem to be getting out of hand on this message board. Do you happen to have any weed killer handy? I can send you some…..
Even though I am a Canuck, and only one year older than Gov. Palin, there is something that needs to be raised: how much experience does one
need to have good judgment?
Putting the Alaska establishment in its place counts as good judgment in my view.
I read this with great interest as I am headed to Australia this winter for a month to see the great land down under. I live in the lower 48 in a state known to the east and west coast elitist as fly over country. I grew up in small town America, which I bet is not much different than small town Australia. The opinion of the writer is spot on. Many Americans do see Governor Palin as “real” or “authentic”. Someone not interested in power, but in trying to make America better.
Looking forward to my trip and seeing first hand one of our great allies.
Ryan, refer to the well documented case of ‘The Falcon and the Snowman’ where ‘The Falcon’aka Christopher Boyce sold secrets to thr KGB via the Mexican embassy apout CIA transmissions concerning worldwide covert activitys being conducted by the USA government. One of the specific transmissions handed on was that the CIA were infiltrating Australian Trade Unions to cause industial disruption, so as to cause discedit to the Australian Labor Party with elections forthcoming. And Iam sure this has been the thin edge of the wedge. What else has happened?
You’re a liar, dandylion. A quick google will inform you that postcode 4868 belongs to Woree in Queensland. It’s about 10km from central Cairns. My guess is that you’re a troll pretending to be a rural Australian. Nice try.
Actually my spelling and grammar crack was unbecoming and I wish I’d left it out. I plead temporary insansity brought about from your illogical hatred of candidate Palin.
Oops. I gather you meant 4868 people. My bad. I still think you’re a troll.
Flyovercountry: You’ll find the biggest difference between Aussies and Americans is our use of sarcasm. If you can handle that you’ll have a great time.
Warwick A. Dwelling on the detail instead of the substance, the town I live in is Nuriootpa, and the population varies and estimated population by Wikipedia is around 4500.
Hello Jack,
As the biggest player on the world stage and the leader of the western nations, America’s fate to a very large extent dictates the fate of us all.
Australia followed you into Vietnam and into Iraq and Afganistan. In all of these we have paid a price in both blood and international reputation.
We both believe in and practice a variation on the democratic political system.
While we may not have the right to vote in an election in the USA, we do have a right to comment. After all, it is the USA has the First Amendment, protecting free speech. Should that not apply to all people, not just US citizens?
Please take our interest as a mark of respect for your nation.
But I have to admit your dismissive tone only serves to give further evidence to the much held belief that americans, on an individual basis, are insular, jingoistic, ignorant and arrogant.
Have a nice day.
dandylion,
That sounds intriguing, and I’ll want to read that in order to know the n’th occurrence of USA sticking their noses in other democracies.
Ryan, its a good movie with Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn but and an even better book. Happy reading.
To Exterminanter Needed, good name, to quote Martin Luther King “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter”. Your all for liberty and free speach as long as it agrees with you.
As an American, I can tell you that we are WELL tired of politicians who think that the Constitution is something to wipe their heinies with, and Sarah is more of the same. A female Cheney. I understand that you are far away from what’s happening here, but Sarah is turning out to be a habitual liar, supremely unqualified candidate who is vindictive, petty and apparently is continuing to the Bush policy that they stand above the law. Her election would be disastrous for the future of the USA.
Good grief! For as horrible as some people on this board make America and Americans sound can you please tell us why the hell we can’t manage to keep illegals out? And no, I’m not just talking about people from Mexico. Why don’t a few of you volunteer your time to come over and stand at our borders to make sure and tell everyone that is dying (and yes I mean that in a literal sense on some occasions) to get into the US that it’s completely over-rated here and they’d be better off to try somewhere else!
P.S. “Adam,” unless you’ve met every individual American please refrain from lumping us all into the same group of “insular, jingoistic, etc., etc.” people, that seems to be pretty ignorant and arrogant on YOUR part. I’m sure you wouldn’t want someone saying the same of Australians, the people of America make up the nation you claim to have so much respect for.
Dear “dandylion”
I by no means suggested that you be silent on something that matters to you, I merely suggeted that you not be so critical of others when they feel the need to do the same. Liberty and free speech seem to agree with everyone but very few are willing to pay the price to secure and keep it.
First off, as an American I would like to thank the citizens of Australia for always being a friend that we have a lot more in common with then we have not in common. Friends can disagree and still be friends. As for dandylion you sound so much like the liberal elite in this country its scary. Whenever they don’t agree with a persons opinions they turn to character assassination. All you have to do is say you dont agree with her politics and leave it at that.
I tend to be a moderate on my political views and find that I have most in common with McCain and dont personally like Palin’s politics. However, I find it interesting how much this woman is being attacked by the USA Media and the world media and I find myself rooting for her to succeed because of it.
Good luck down there and hope we can continue to have more in common then not. Advance Australia Fair!
If B.O is elected..would you have room for my family. We will be taxed to death,and silenced from Free speech. IE. the FAIRNESS DOCTRINE.
p.s
I can enjoy a nice game of rugby
thank you Aussie for all that you have done for the world
Adam wrote “Australia followed you into Vietnam and into Iraq and Afganistan. In all of these we have paid a price in both blood and international reputation.”
That’s just petty… and if I was as petty I might say you should thank us for stopping you from being a state of Japan…
War is a terrible thing and should only be a last resort, but we didnt twist your arms to help! And should Australia ever be attacked I would be the first to offer my service to a friend!
I have nether quite figured this out, but what do people of the United States of America like to be called. Americans doesn’t seem quite right because there are Canadians and Latin Americans. Could someone clarify this point.
dandylion- “well documented” does not characterise the claims of a yuppie caught spying for the soviets and trying to justify his crimes. Boyce’s take on the situation in Australia in 1975 sounds more like the view of Baghdad Bob than what that those of us living here at the time could see was happening – that Whitlam’s ego was quite capable of stuffing things up without any help.
Australian leftists need abandon the tunnel vision and realize that not everything that happens in Australia centres on the USA.
I am from down south (the border) and I can tell you about a long history of the US interfering with our government (no misteries here), so I feel I can talk about your elections; That woman Palin could be likable, but is IGNORANT, and puting such a person in a position of power is DANGEROUS to you people and to the rest of the world. Sorry for the republican base “energized” by this pick, but we think one Bush is one too many.
Joe: Adam is right. For joining you in those conflicts we did pay an international reputation. And my response? Who cares. In every conflict this century the US and Aus have stood side by side. In case people haven’t noticed most of the world consists of failed states, rogue dictatorships and robber barons. Seeking their approval would be to morally debase ourselves. True friends are willing to fight together to defend what they believe in. The best judge of our actions is the vitriol we receive from our enemies and the thanks we receive from people we have helped taste what most of us take for granted.
Australia has no greater friend than the US and the US has no greater friend than Aust. If that pisses you off, consider the alternatives.
Well here I am the liberal elite living in rural South Austalia.What universe are you people living in. You want to make out that anyone living in ‘small town America[read Australia] is a redneck, ignorent, backword, conservative voting illiterates. Well we are not. I haven’t a university degree but it doesn’t mean that we don’t see whats happening with the world. And if you people don’t see your connection with the rest of the world then where all stuffed.
Allan it is quite true what you suggest about the self indulgent egotistical nature of the Whitlam Government, but Yuppies or no yuppies, documented fact is exactly that. Do you want to commence litigation against this bloke?
I completely agree, Australians of course have the right to express their opinions about the US Election. What happens in the US will certainly have immense impact throughout the world. The trick is, Australians can discuss American politics and preferences without ever having these people as your elected leaders. We Americans have put up (as have the rest of the world) with someone who is “just life one of us” and “real” and look at what happened. Why is being educated a fault? Why do we have to elect someone that you would rather have as a drinking buddy than a respected leader? Yes, she is Governor of a state, yes she has children (she particularly likes to bring out her infant son for press ops) and yes her family is just as messed up as the rest of ours. So what. Our country is suffering and though Obama has his faults, voting for McCain-Palin will continue if not worsen our current situation. What I don’t understand is how most outside of the US will agree Bush has been an incredibly destructive leader, you would vote for the two people who will continue his policies. She may be “genuine” (though it is becoming clear that may not be true) but she is also a continuation of the Bush administration. We Americans do not have the luxury of treating the US election as simply a hot topic for international news, we are picking a leader who will at the best of their ability, attempt to turn our country around.
Considering the fact that it is so clearly obvious to the rest of the world that B.O. would be the “better choice” for the US it makes it even more obvious to those of us that live here that B.O. needs to be investigated with the same thoroughness and dilligence that Sarah Palin seems to be on the receiving end of.
Thanks very much “Mexican bystander” but I think the vast majority of Americans would choose the so called “ignorant and dangerous” Sarah Palin to the man we all know is in the pocket of Chicago mob “politicians” and is best buddies with known and unrepentant terrorists.
As soon as the rest of world stops asking for handouts from US based organizations for “relief” I’ll start putting a little more stock in their opinions about our electoral candidates. Keep biting the hand that feeds you and sooner or later the “person” on the other end of the hand starts to reconsider putting their hand out in the first place.
In Alaska, the governor IS the law, albeit one that is tempered by the current state constitution, the state supreme court, and adjudicated cases. I don’t see any evidence of Palin defying the constitution or any other laws; I do see a lot of the Democrats and Media muck-racking as much fantasy as they can in order to discredit an authentic candidate.
On the one hand we have 90+% of blacks voting for Obama just because he’s (partly) black; I detect a similar swing based on gender which will finally push a female above the glass ceiling of the presidential branch of our government and into office. I’m eternally thankful it wasn’t Hillary that got there, for she is literally all the corrupt things you ascribe to Sarah.
May my countrymen and countrywomen wake up before it’s too late.
Congratulations dandylion, your summation is completely the reverse of the debate here. You seem to equate conservative voting with illiteracy, backwardness, ignorance and all your other ravings. Guess what? I’m a conservative and am particularly proud that it is conservatism that best identifies with small town values, which are actually traditional values. I think if you were to study the ideology behind real conservative beliefs, you’d be very enlightened. The tone and statements of your previous posts make you out to be confused.
Back OT, it’s Sarah Palin to my mind that has done more than anyone in the last 20 years to re-establish and reinvigorate them. She rocks. And if there is a subsequent flow on effect to Aus then we will all be the better.
P.S you may like to reconsider using redneck as a term of abuse. A good many people in the US and Aus consider it a badge of honour.
This is from a Californian. One big issue is completely missing from the original article, and explains why the left is furious with the choice of Palin. McCain has been hammering Obama for months as too inexperienced to be President. Then, when he decides it’s politically expedient, McCain chooses Palin to be, potentially, a heart beat from the Presidency. Palin’s resume, knowledge of economics and internation affairs, is extremely thin. This choice was the height of cynicism. It showed that McCain never took experience seriously. It was a tool to pound Obama with. McCain discarded this ‘principal’ the instant it suited him.
Now- the US left still blew it utterly in focusing their anger at Palin, rather than McCain, who was, after all, ‘the decider’ in this.
By the way, what in the hell is the fascination with a political leader who ‘is just like me’. Are people serious. I don’t want people ‘just like me’ performing in the movies or playing professional sports. And I sure don’t want them leading my country. We’ve just had 8 years of that kind of bozo, and destruction has followed everything he touched.
I swear if I hear, “she’s a heartbeat away from the presidency” from the ridiculous left one more freaking time….
“Paul,” I know quite a few of you Democrats out that direction consider California to be a rule unto itself but let’s pull our heads out of the glitter cloud produced by Hollywood for a second and look at reality!
Are you aware that JOHN MCCAIN is running for president? Not Sarah Palin, JOHN MCCAIN! You’re comparing apples to oranges here.
Why don’t we be fair about the whole situation (after all, Democrats want everyone to have a chance to have their say)and compare:
JOHN MCCAIN vs. B.O.
Sarah Palin vs. Joe Biden
Feel free to start tallying up your “experience” column now!
P.S. I happen to completely agree with you about one fact, if one of our electoral candidates was “just like you” I wouldn’t want them leading the country either!
Sorry, Paul Rosenberg, but Palin, in the Number 2 spot, has much more executive experience than Obama, in the Number 1 spot. Besides, it isn’t experience so much as it is taking on corruption and “good old boy” politics, and in that contest Palin scores 100 and Obama scores 0.
Most people would rather see government much more accountable, for if it were, the current meltdown of Wall Street wouldn’t have happened. But when one looks into the reasons, it is the “good old boy” network that has resisted any changes and perfections that would have prevented it. Not it appears a trillion dollars (that’s a thousand billion!) will likely be needed to fix the mess. Why the taxpayer has to bail out Wall Street when they’ve been so greedy and irresponsible is beyond logic.
So back to the experience canard–Palin trumps Obama anyday. (Palin even trumps Biden.) Even her experience as mayor was executive experience, whereas I don’t see any at all for Obama. Obama tries to belittle that (as if that was all of Palin’s experience), but she has more–as a business owner and as Governor of Alaska. The score is still 100 to 0.
People like others who are “just like me” because I have a great sense of right and wrong, a righteous indignation for people who are greedy and manipulate the system (Wall Street) and who try to pander their way out of a dangerous world (just sit down and talk with our enemies). Sorry, although I have more education than Obama, I still don’t relate to him, and I’m glad I don’t. I’d put up two masters and bachelors in science and engineering against a law degree anyday. I had a college roommate who went through law school and it completely messed him up, and it was a fairly conservative school.
And you rant against Bush is completely missplaced. He has fought a successful war against terror and has kept the homeland safe; has brought democracy to Iraq and is expanding the fight in Afghanistan, and the excesses of Wall Street, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the rest, can be laid at the feet of the very people on the Democratic ticket this time.
McCain was for reforming those institutions several years ago. The Democrats stood in the way.
And now the Democrats want to allow drilling on the continental shelf beyond 50 miles, where there is little potential for oil or gas. Do they think we’re really that stupid? Must be; there are enough Democrats who continue to vote them in. Maybe $8/gal gasoline will finally wake them up. Or will it take $10/gal?
One big issue is completely missing from the original article, and explains why the left is furious with the choice of Palin.
Another major reason why the Left is furious by Palin is she challenges the feminist orthodoxy. This is a topic I explored in a recent interview with James Morrow, conducted from my Sydney taxi, Cabpoll 08.
As an American who pays rapt attention to every news source (no matter their “agenda”) I possibly can, I can see how people who are in other countries and don’t necessarily follow our 24-hour news cycle can have a favorable impression of Palin. However, for those of us who are actually going to have to live with her if she’s elected, she gets scarier and scarier by the minute. Every day, new info is coming out about corruption, cronyism, impropriety, misappropriation, and utter mismanagement under her watch in Alaska. She was a calculated pick for political reasons and nothing else. If McCain and Palin get in, Toronto is going to have 2 new residents- me and my wife.
The comments are more amusing than the article.”Dandylion is on a roll.
As soon as the rest of world stops asking for handouts from US based organizations for “relief” I’ll start putting a little more stock in their opinions about our electoral candidates. Keep biting the hand that feeds you and sooner or later the “person” on the other end of the hand starts to reconsider putting their hand out in the first place.”
As an Aussie, I agree with Exterminator Needed.
Hey “Sean in DC”
Don’t let the door hit you in the A$$ on the way out, maybe you’ll get lucky and Michael Moore will be your next door neighbor because he has threatened that a few times as well. Why don’t you do us one last favor before you head out and take as many of your Demoncrat friends with you as you can fit in your hybrid. I doubt it will be many since they’re all so fat from sucking off the government teat but with your astounding world perspective (based on watching the MSM 24 hours a day) I’m sure you’d be able to convince them that Canada is better choice, Bon voyage!
P.S. You might want to start practicing French now since you have less than two months to learn it!
Palin is a self-serving opportunist. She seems to be a mix of Bush and Cheney who is willing to stick it to anyone if it helps her. She is also vindictive even when wrong and now more than willing to circumvent the law again for her own selfish reasons. No she doesn’t have the necessary experience. This doesn’t sound like the definition of a public servant to me. She wants to force her minority views upon a diverse public and would only continue the past eight years of disaster. Even long established and respected conservative members of her own party have said as much. The US and the world does not need another divider, even as vice president.
I would hate to see a 51st state as your country has it’s own character and a great history. Be free.
Dear “George”
I think “Sean in DC” has room for you in his hybrid. He’s going to be heading for Canada Nov. 5 so you’d better tell him now to save you a seat!
Sean in D.C.: After McCain-Palin win, and if you pledge never to return to the U.S., I’ll contribute to a relocation fund for you. Of course, pledges mean nothing to your sort, so it’ll mean taking a risk. Worth it though if you keep your word.
George: You have to stop pushing the Q-tip into your ear when you meet resistance.
dandylion,
US’er here. Normally, we call ourselves Americans, since our country doesn’t have a name. That’s a little provincial hubris, since both Canadians and Argentines, and everyone in between, are also Americans. A common construction in Latin America is to call us “los estadounidenses” or “United Staters”. But you’ll never hear that here, or from us.
You call us Yanks, but to us, Yankees are the small town folks who live north and west of New York City and Boston.
We’d be happy if you can find a way to call us “friends”.
No one here cares what Australians think. About anything. If we want your opinion, we’ll sell it too you. If you don’t like it, f*** off. No one here will even notice.
John aren’t you a nice guy? Who kicked you while you wrote that?
I, an American in France, am very greatful for Aussies, whatever their political bent…Vietnam is actually France’s baby folks..
Dandylion, you’re quoting a book qnd a movie!?!?, um how about some serious documentation, I’m sure that there are cites out there, as a book can be written by anyone about whatever, and then made into a movie which will push it’s concepts further to the left…
John, you noticed enough to go to the trouble of writing a comment. I’m from Oz and I like Sarah Palin. I wish she was Australian, and if she was, I’d vote for her. I hope she and McCain win in Nov, and I like McCain too. So stick that up your yankeedoodah.
It is a well known ‘secret’ in Alaska that Tod is the de facto governor and Sarah is just the mouth piece that is good during the election time but absent in the administration.
What’s scary is that if McCain gets elected and dies ( a good chance for his age), US will be stuck with Tod as de facto president without getting any vote democrat or republican.
Can we trust this guy that uses his wife as front just to get the real power to make decision?
Jack D, speak for yourself. I think Australia’s a fascinating country. Natural beauty, amazing geologic history, good-humored people, plenty of beer and wine, producers of Guy Pearce and Anthony LaPaglia …. And jeebus, it’s a parliamentary democracy. What news have been listening to the past few years that you never heard the phrase “Prime Minister John Howard”? He was kind of a big US ally.
Adam: Grow up. You don’t sound any more intelligent or rational, with your fisty, worn-out little anti-Americanisms, than the people you’re whinging about.
So, thinker, I guess Palin’s 80% approval rating means that Todd is doing a good job?
I think that we are lucky to have staunch friends like the Australians. When I think of any possible place to live (besides the US), I always think of Australia. My dad was there during WWII and always spoke highly of the people and the beautiful country.
I hope that we do elect John McCain and Sarah Palin. John McCain wants to be the President of American and Americans, not a citizen of the world. I simply trust him more that I could ever trust Barack Obama.
They way the left has reacted to Sarah has been shocking. Please check out some of the center/right sites to see what we really think about Sarah. The ones talking about her being “scary” are ill informed and deliberaly blind.
She like most of the rest of the center right/conservative folks don’t want to force their beleifs on anyone else, but we do want to be free to have our beleifs.
For the safety of the entire world, everyone should hope that John McCain wins in November. Please remember, we have a common enemy that wants us all either conquered or dead.
About the Common Enemy that wants us dead: I can’t stress the fact enough that that line is true.
About Alaska: On Mikes Comment on the Mosquitoes: I moved from Alaska to the Lower 48. Yes, the Mosquitoes look big enough to carry an infant to their hive (yes, they are THAT big). Yes, at times you’re dealing with 8 hour days and 16 hour nights. If you thought everything was bigger in Texas, you’ve never been to Alaska.
Oh, and while the winters aren’t that bad, the summers are beautiful.
Interesting that Aussie conservatives readily do what U.S. “conservatives” can’t bring themselves to: admit that the Bush administration has been a failure.
Also interesting that essentially positive views on the candidacy of Palin are met with, from many here, a massive “go f##k yourself” from Americans proudly claiming that they have neither interest in nor respect for any other country, not even for a staunch ally like Australia. Truly pathetic.
Australia is a great ally of the US. The two nations’ Free Trade Agreement has been a boon for both, and their war on terrorism has netted terrorist cells in both countries. I also admire how John Howard stuck to his principles and partnered with Bush despite the hatred of Bush by so many in Australia and elsewhere in the globe. He stood by his friend and proved he wasn’t a hypocrite or just a puppet. It’s probably his friendship with Bush that lost him the prime ministership.
About Palin, she is authentic, and that was a spot-on article because it was fair and balanced. The liberal elite and left-leaning Democrats have always painted a picture of conservative Republicans as either out-of-touch, ultra-wealthy, white, racists — or, as out-of-touch, ultra-religious, racist nutcases. The truth is, most conservatives and Republicans are like Palin — a mixture of blue and white collar, have a belief in God but don’t impose their faith on others, and are for spirited individualism and prosperity-building by sheer hard work, principles and determination but not by generational government give-aways. That’s why the Obama team and the liberal establishment are now focusing their venom on Palin — she destroys those myths that they’ve been pushing for decades. In the end, it’s the elitist, ultra-liberal Obama that the majority of Americans cannot relate to.
Thinker: think harder.
Palin is not that silly Queensland fish n chip shop owner who was the great white hope at the time.
Not dull either or touched by the Qld sun.
I am sitting here in Albuquerque, in a liberal bastion of whats in it for me, me, me. Most of the crap that the liberal media has put out is either distorted or untrue.
If Palin wanted an in-law fired for tasering his step son, or breaking his first wife’s arm, so be it.Being a CONSERVATIVE mom is not against the law, though it may be if Barrack Hussein Obama gets elected.
I am also tired of all of the Bush bashing, the press has so poisoned the atmosphere here and across the globe about him, that he has not been treated fairly. He has made mistakes by trying to reach across the ailse, not enough troops in Iraq intially, and being to easy on Amnesty, but we have not been attacked in the US since 9/11. We have not had incidences similar to the ones under Bill Clinton, and have removed weapons of Mass Destruction (tons of Yellow Cake) from Iraq to Canada. Did we here anything from the Mass media on this? I had to read about this on a right wing Blog.
I would also like to comment that I really appreciate the Aussies for all of their help, God Bless You.
Keep voting in your own opression.
Keep voting the looters of your funds.
Keep voting in the criminals that lied about the reason to invade iraq and murder a million plus of them,and lied about the source of the anthrax attacks.
Keep voting in supporters of an open border , evidence of the war on terror hoax.
Keep on cheering them on,
Keep on keeping on .
Know what brainwashing is ?
Nice to read you again, Arthur! You never fail to cause comment, do you?
I love Sarah Palin! I love Australia! and I love the writings of Arthur Chrenkoff! I love America, too! I am just full of love! Can’t we all just get along?
I will admit, I was not excited about this presidential campaign until John McCain brought Sarah into it. I mean, I was going to vote for him anyway because we cannot have an empty suit as president. I really thought he was going to take the ‘safe’ way out and put in Pawlenty and the rest of the campaign would be Snoozeville. But, he surprised me, and I love to be surprised! Sarah Palin is a strong, conservative woman and the liberals are just pissing all over themselves about it. By McCain choosing Palin he got into the history making side of this election, too. He also acquired a set of conservative cojones(if you’ll pardon the expression) funny that they should come from a gun-totin, pro-life, moose stew eating, mother of five, soon to be grandmother!
As for Australians having an opinion on U.S. Politics or vice versa, it’s all good. We’re human beings, we are opinionated.
Keep them coming, Arthur!
a proud conservative woman from Oceanside, California, U.S.A.
Mexican Bystander, because there are millions of your fellow Mexican citizens in the US illegally, I think I can say this to you, too, as a naturalized American citizen who came in to America legally and whose Australian husband was recently naturalized a US citizen also: you need to tell your government to spread the wealth of your oil profits, instead of pocketing them and rewarding corrupt local, state and federal cronies. Your government needs to create jobs in Mexico so that your brothers and sisters won’t have to struggle through barbed wires, hot endless deserts and cramped mini-vans to find work in the U.S. Instead of criticizing your neighbor up north, worry about problems (serious problems) in your own backyard.
“I love Sarah Palin! I love Australia! and I love the writings of Arthur Chrenkoff! I love America, too!”
Me too, picooke.
The image I have of Australians is much the same as the image I have of Jacksonian Americans. That’s a compliment.
We are about to witness an enormous landslide victory for Sarah Palin and that that guy she’s running with.
axiom – yeah, I know what brainwashing is. It’s believing socialism will work despite the evidence.
Aussies – I love yall. I hope to visit one day. Yall’ve never stopped making the cars that we Americans never stopped wanting (but the gov’t forced them to stop making).
Holden and Ford AU forever!
oh and bystander – sorry we interfered in your Mexican dictatorships. Sorry if Texians and Tejanos didn’t want to share the fate of Zacatecas, the Yucatan, and the Republic of the Rio Grande when Santa Anna dissolved the Mexican congress in 1835. Sorry we interfered when bandits from your country sacked Colombus, New Mexico, a town in our country. Sorry if the majority of Mexican citizens decided to stay on as US citizens and not go willingly back to a dictatorship. Honestly, this revisionist “evil US” crap from certain people in Mexico annoys the hell out of me.
Please spare me this Palinmania. Befor McCain picked her, 99% of them never heard of her, Wasila or could name the capital of Alaska, now all her supporters rally around someone they don’t know at all cause she is what every right wing, semiliterate, anti-intellectual nullity thinks a woman should be: Guns, hockey, good looking, hunts, anti-abortion, pit bull. I don’t know what is more appalling, the superificiality and the stupidity of the Palin supporters or the detractors. It really shows just how shallow America really is.
David F.
“weapons of Mass Destruction (tons of Yellow Cake) ”
Do you think at all? Since when is yellow cake a WMD? Do you know how difficult it is to enrich it or that the ultra long half life of U-238 makes for a poor dirty bomb too?
BTW, that yellow cake was inventoried and sealed by UN inspection teams in the 90′s. And it took almost 2 years for our forces to locate and secure it. No wonder why you admire Bush and Palin, they think on your level!!
seguin- you are so brainwashed you don’t even realise you are under a fascist socialist system .
note the bail outs , bigger govt, more taxes, free speech ZONES !
WAKE UP !
US citizen in New Zealand (for over a decade). Thank goodness we get FOX news out here now. (grin); the media is really warped. And I’ve been a student of the media (from So. California background), since the 1980′s. The left lean has been going on in education and the media … forever … so nothing that new there.
About the view of Palin by Australians, I think she shares those same qualities that anyone wants in a public servant:
#1, she knows she’s a public servant and she works for the people (witness the popularity rating in Alaska).
#2, she has her own opinions, she’s smart and effective and personable. I mean, really, what’s not to like would be the question.
(For those who old world feminists who think ‘choice’ (aka choice to kill) is the be all and end all of political litmus tests, please realize you are now irrelevant. The women’s movement has taken effect; thank you. Now get out of the way of this bright young star. She doesn’t have your fight; and you don’t have hers. She has the world to deal with — leave her alone.)
I’d love to see McCain go for 4, then Palin take the next 8. If she has 1/4 of the saavy people have already testified to and attributed to her, we’ll be in good hands.
Sorry for length — but, lastly — the reason why Australians (and everyone around the world), should care about which party gets the White House, is because:
Economically, America is not isolated (nor any other way, but recently, the so called “American” financial crisis, is a world financial crisis — and Australian banks, (hint, Australians), took a hit.
Check into our funny named Fannie Mae and Freedie Mac, and how these ‘independent’ institutions lobby the Senators for their favors, and how — AFTER the Chairman of the Senate committee to oversee these institutions — OBAMA is #2 is receipt of lobbyists funds.
OBAMA will, yep — raise YOUR taxes, even if you’re in Australia.
How’s that for how you should see Palin.
I think she’s gorgeous through and through, and what the world citizenry needs now is to get mad as hell and not take the corruption, the double talk, the media ‘objective’ BS, and stand up — and fight.
Yes — go ahead and watch the end of McCain’s Republican Acceptance Speech. He actually DID it, he said, ‘stand up and fight’, and that’s exactly what EVERY ONE, in EVERY COUNTRY needs to do.
Stop this corruption.
(At best, we can’t afford it).
Better than that — it’s plain wrong.
And Palin stands up against plain wrong.
(Check her record in Alaska. If she can do even just that amount from a VP bully pulpit — we have a great moment ahead of us.)
Respectfully,
Vicktorya
you poor wretched brainwashed fool viktorya.
palin is just a puppet of the same criminal cabal that has been “raping” americans for decades.
WAKE UP !
http://www.infowars.com
Javelin, I think the Yellow cake was discovered in 2003, so when The Messiah returns it to Iraq or gives it to Iran, it worries me that clowns like you do not see the gravity of the situation.
Would you promote a private to a general in 143 days, a stockboy to CEO in the same period of time? I think not! But that’s what you idiots want to do.
As I stated, Mistakes have been made by the Bush administration. Do you think we would be in Iraq if the majority of Democrats, Republicans, Clinton personnel, Russia, Germany, England, France, and probably 80% of the world believed and stated that Iraq had WMD, or would you cut and run like the left did? I think the second portion fits you.
I’m sorry, I don’t like socialism/communism spewed by Obama, I’m self employed and by the way my Hygienist is half hispanic, been with me 20 years, makes $36 an hour, her assistant is hispanic, makes $18 an hour, my assistant is hispanic and makes $18 and hour, my receptionist makes $21 an hour and she’s half hispanic, her Grand-parents live in Juarez and yes her parents came over legally, Call me a greedy Republican!Call me an Ex-Marine(GI got me trough College.)
Javelin, Your comment: “I don’t know what is more appalling, the superificiality and the stupidity of the Palin supporters or the detractors. It really shows just how shallow America really is.”
Just shows how elitist liberals have become. A Harvard education is better than the U of Hawaii. Thoughtful, involved people live in the big cities, in rural areas people cling to guns and religion. The majority of American voters are from those fly over states and are slightly right of center. And the majority of us want fewer and more limited abortions. The elite left continue to try to shame us by calling us stupid. I call it down to earth and real.
Face it, Javelin…PALINMANIA is alive and real and we’ve found someone that speaks for us instead of at us. The name calling you indulge in: “anti-intellectual”… “shallow”… “superficiality”…and “stupid,”is just part of your fear that
THE DEMS WILL LOSE YET AGAIN!
Be afraid! Be very afraid!!!
My advice to you would be to get a sense of humor and maybe dumb yourself down for, at least, the next four years so life won’t be so stressful for you.
I’m getting ready to put some shrimp on the BBQ, (I kid you not!) Have a good day, everybody, especially you, Javelin.
And remember to VOTE, for if you don’t vote you have no right to complain about any of it.
from,
a never shot a gun in my life, pro-life, athiest, conservative woman from the left coast.
Oceanside, CA, USA
(It takes all kinds, don’t it?)
The heck with Puerto Rico. British Colombia and the NW Territory to go along with the Aussie states. But then Alberta and Sask would complain about being left out, I suppose…
David W. Lincoln:
“Even though I am a Canuck, and only one year older than Gov. Palin, there is something that needs to be raised: how much experience does one
need to have good judgment?
Putting the Alaska establishment in its place counts as good judgment in my view.”
Being a fellow Canuck I get a laugh out of folks claiming a female at the tender age of 44 is not capable of governing a country. Our history tells us of Queen Elizabeth the First, who at the tender age of 25 took over a bankrupt country called England and within 44 years she made the British Empire while destroying Spain & French aspirations for her country. I see much more strength of character & personal integrity in Palin & McCain then I do in Obamba.
picooke
You talk anbd think in cliches. I’ve lived in the country and hunted and very few women hunt. At best, a woman would buy a deer permit and give it to husbands or friends to fill. Ditto with guns, they might tolerate them but few are gun nuts. Nor are most country people fundamentalist either, though they tend to be more religious. The difference between me and you is I actually know what I am talking about and you are just a parrot of cliches. Liberal elitists, hah, parrot back a few labels so you can dismiss anyone who disagrees with your pathetic, childish self centered worldview and then go listen to talk radio! Calling you ignorant and anti-intellectual would be charitable.
Javelin, I think the Yellow cake was discovered in 2003, so when The Messiah returns it to Iraq or gives it to Iran, it worries me that clowns like you do not see the gravity of the situation.
The yellow cake was inventoried by the UN Arms control people and it was where they said it was. So spare me your ignorant, pointless talk show like trash. It wasnt the only case of mass ammo dumps that were left open to be looted by terrorists and balck marketeers. If no one in the White House or Pentagon saw fit to go secure the supplies inventoried by the UN no less, then they are as stupid and incompetent as you seem to be.
BTW you robot, where did you come up with your brainless quip that Obama is going to give it back to Iraq or Iran, from some equally stupid and petty talk show host or blog? The Canadians bought it and are using it for fuel rods, but don’t let the facts get in the way of your brainless, paranoid self serving rant. Be a good Bushbot, you have the right mindset.
Javelin, it’s gettin’ to you…you know…a McCain/Palin win. Take a breather and relax…it’s not that bad, okay?
Javelin,Jim Jones is looking for you, he has a glass of Koolade for you.
I don’t have a lot of time to get on the computer like you, I work for a living.
dandylion,
You’re not very bright for an Aussie. Americans from the United States of America generally like to be called Americans. Just as Mexicans are from the United Mexican States and Brazilians are from the Federative Republic of Brazil.
Javelin, The interesting thing about cliches is that they become cliches because there is truth in them. Here’s another cliche for you: “ANGRY LEFT”
You know, you don’t help your Almighty Obama’s cause by being so petulant and mean. If you are indicative of his supporters, well, it just doesn’t speak very well of him, now does it? It’s going to be a long, long campaign season for you if you don’t calm down. I shudder to think how you’ll handle a McCain/Palin administration, if you’re this worked up about the campaign. Get off the computer, turn off MSNBC, try yoga or long walks, that might help.
By the way, don’t bother taking a minute to think of a clever retort, I am done with this board and shan’t return!
concerned about the Angry Left,
picooke
If Australia had been a little more close i would have had FOREIGN experience too. Gosh she just makes me wanna run for president!… but hold on…who the hell cares abou Australians!…you guys are more stupid than Palin!…maybe we should send her to australia…
i guess its true what they say ” the one eyed man is king in a blind’s man country”
Palin the next President for Australia…Moose and kangaroo stew!
Guys the truth is she is a nice likeable woman that touches you and blah blah blah…but after all that is done look at whats going on in the economic markets and around the world..she doesnt address ANY issues… and wen she does…its a bunch of blubber…i mean be realistic…she isnt ready to be where she is…and she was stupid enough to accept the VP slot…they set her up and she took the bait…
I like Sarah Palin. I don’t need a messiah. For the benefit os anyone who thinks she doesn’t know economics, I’ll bet I would have to go through a sample of 1000 people to find anyone as ignorant as Obama on that subject.
About a year ago, I rode a bike (motorcycle) completely around, and across Oz. I like Oz and I like Ozzies. It’s the only place I’ve ever ridden where complete strangers invited me to their homes to spend a night. I found they were much like Americans, a little more egalitarian, and proud of it. Diving on the Barrier Reef was fascinating, Queensland reminded me of Texas, right down to the Santa Gertrudis cattle and the King ranch.
There are only 25,000,000 or so Ozzies. I found they treated their Vietnam veterans as least as badly as we treated ours, till very recently. They seem to be more welcoming to immigrants than we are, possibly because area wise they are comparable to our lower 48, but have huge amounts of empty space.
Oh yeah, I found that in towns, you better look left before you step off the curb, if you want to live long enough to come back and tell about your wonderful stay there.