Unless Palin has a Learning Deficit Disorder, she should be able to quickly catch up to Obama's miniscule level of foreign policy expertise in no time. There's only one scenario whereby she could not do so... if you are an Obama supporter and proclaim her incapable of doing so.

Your last paper, "Obama's Battle for the battlers", didn't mention foreign affairs as a quality for someone you obviously greatly admire, but now it's apparantly essential. Yes Sarah's not overly strong there or are you just looking for a weak point to attack.

Is your real complaint, that Sarah Palin fulfils what you saw, in that paper, as one of the two essential issues for Obama that could become "problems" for him, I quote "Lastly, a running mate who instantly appeals to white working class Americans might be useful."

Sarah Palin has that doesn't she, like her or or not, she appeals to the white working class, unlike Obama's running mate Biden who looks like another priviledged beltway veteran. Sour grapes.

The addition of Governor Palin to the election mix has certainly the effect of laying bare the workings of the US presidential system.

Her selection was extremely shrewd, even though her subsequent performance has undermined the rationale somewhat.

But it is her references to "Hockey Moms and Joe Sixpacks" that have finally exposed to our gaze what we already knew in our hearts, but were too polite to articulate.

That these people, the HMs and the JSs, whom we hardly know from an international perspective, are going to decide who leads the United States at the beginning of one of the most challenging decades of its short life as a nation.

Forget about her "not being up to the job", whatever that might mean. Behind her, in droves, masses and millions, are people with even less understanding of the dynamics of world affairs, even less understanding of the complexities of global finance, even less understanding of the impact of free trade on jobs and individual prosperity.

Of course, this is the same for any electorate, anywhere in the democratic world.

But what is sharply in focus here is that a supreme virtue is being made of a total, constructive indifference to these issues.

The appeal is categorically to the lowest common denominator.

See, I'm just like you. I care about the things you care about. Elect me, and I'll mould government in your image.

Hockey moms and Joe sixpacks, electing someone in their image. Unworldly, financially naive, internally focussed.

I don't usually care who gets elected in the US. But the international ramifications of a Palin presidency "just a heartbeat away" actually has me concerned for the very first time about its impact on our own future as a nation.

Yeah I'm one Daisym. Being able to see Russia from their front yard doesn't qualify anyone in foreign policy matters. Clearly you haven't heard or read Obama on the same issues.

Nor does Obama believe in the 'end times' that will turn Alaska into a sanctuary for those 'left behind'. Or that humans coexisted with dinosaurs. Or that gays can be rehabilitated. Or that another 100 years in Iraq is preferable to withdrawal. Or...

She could not possibly be as bad as Obama, at least she's inclined to say what she thinks.

Any well programmed computer could do the Obama thing, all the right words, with no meaning behind any of it.

Like another linguist closer to home, all talk, & no taste for action, other than grand gestures.

Just like Rudd, I can't see enough grey matter behind the Obama mouth, to be any use leading a country, unless you really want to be led down the path to oblivion.

That's why they have advisors. What's important is that she is culturally conservative - she believes in God and strives to follow Jesus' example. Unlike her opponents who come up with ways to avoid being good people.

I continue to wonder why so much space is devoted to the US election on online opinion when so few American citizens, who are the only ones who can vote, would read it.

Nevertheless, those interested in the real facts behind Governor Palin's selection as Vice Presidential candidate should read Spengler at:

http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Global_Economy/JJ07Dj07.html

You will find that Palin is quite different to the image portrayed in the leftist media.

Bearing in mind that human politics and culture is esentialy irrational it is impossible to predict who would be a good leader in a time of crisis.

But somehow it seems to me that it is preferrable to try to act and conduct our affairs on the basis of some kind of well reasoned and carefully considered basis.

To be the President of the USA (especially at this time in history) is to be the focus of both the hopes and destiny, and even survival of the entire inter-connected human family.

George Bush gave us the manichean apocalyptic politics described in Monsters To Destroy by Ira Chernus.

The axis of evil---we are the exceptional good guys, and "they" represent pure "evil". When we have cleansed the world of evil everything will be hunky-dory again in Norman Rockwell's sunny afternoon

Palin and McCain are giving us the politics as described in the related books The Political Brain and The Political Mind.

Me-thinks both McCain and Palin (or is that Pain) would continue in this line--and even more so. Because they represent, pander to, and encourage or enliven an extremely psychotic emotionally primitive strain in USA politics and "culture". An emotionally based nativistic primitivism which is full of murderously reasonable demands and intentions.

Two relevant quotes.

"This time...the barbarians are not waiting beyond the frontier,they have already been governing for quite some time" -- from After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre

"To allow the market mechanism to be sole director of the fate of human beings and their natural environment....would result in the demolition of society" -- from The Great Transformation by Karl Polanyi

Following on from the second quote, the USA now has no culture. Only a media created and driven spectacle.

Palin "culturally conservative?"

I would be very surprised if the
lady knew what those words meant,
or how to spell them.

I agree with Pericles. It is
frightening. And I too am not
usually that concerned about
American politics. But after
George W's term in office, and now
the chance of a worse tsunami to hit
the world scene with McCain and Palin.
I am concerned.

All I can hope is that sanity and
good judgement prevails when the Americans
cast their votes.

Although, I'm not betting on it.
After all as the bumper stickers say:

"Vote Republican, it's easier than thinking!"

God Bless America...
She'll need all the help she can get under
McCain and Palin.

Ho Hum thanks for the quotes. It gives me the chance to offer the following.
Firstly something for the bushites, who just can’t get enough of kickin’ ass.

"A democracy which makes or even effectively prepares for modern, scientific war must necessarily cease to be democratic. No country can be really well prepared for modern war unless it is governed by a tyrant, at the head of a highly trained and perfectly obedient bureaucracy."

Aldous Huxley


I mean, who wants war? Ask any vet and he’ll tell you anyone who’s been there and seen the real thing wouldn’t.

Next, something from the Karl Rove handbook. Sarah’s been on this particular tack lately, claiming that as Obama wants to talk to America’s enemies he doesn’t see America the same way that Republicans see America. It was written by a monster but no-one disputes he was the best at what he did.

"Naturally the common people don't want war...that is understood. But after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country."

Hermann Goering

This last is my favourite, for obvious reasons.

"As democracy is perfected, the office represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. We move toward a lofty ideal. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their hearts desire at last, and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."

H. L. Mencken

It turns out the more Palin speaks the more popular Obama becomes. According to polls he’s ahead in states that haven’t voted democrat since the 60’s

And here's the movie:

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1831461

^Posted by TRUTHNOW78, Tuesday, 7 October 2008 1:07:52 PM

That's why they have advisors. What's important is that she is culturally conservative - she believes in God and strives to follow Jesus' example.^

Believes in God?.
And that is a reason to vote FOR her?.
Does she also believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy?.
Bush is a Christian.What a looser.

Sarah, when asked about her views on the bailout of the banks:

"That's what I say that I like every American I am speaking with we're ill about this position that we have been put in where it is the taxpayers looking to bailout, but ultimately what the bailout does is help those who are concerned about the healthcare reform that is needed to help shore up our economy, um, helping the, oh, it's got to be all about job creation, too, shoring up our economy and, and putting it back on the right track; so healthcare reform, and reducing taxes and reining in spending has got to accompany tax reductions and tax relief for Americans and trade we have we got to see trade as opportunity not as, a, a, competitive, um, scary thing, but one in five jobs being created in the trade sector today we, we've got to look at that as more opportunity, all of those things under the umbrella of job creation, this bailout is a part of that."

But ain't she just HOT!

Bennie

What truly amazes me is that Palin's brain doesn't implode while she spouts that utter incomprehensible, fragmented crap.

BTW, I think Tina Fey is hotter, more intelligent and has a sense of humour. Can you imagine Palin telling a joke?

Someone on this forum (I think) gave a link to Asia Times Online www.atimes.com

The link was to a good article titled 'Hockey Moms and Capital Markets' (Spengler). Spengler showed great insight to the American political system with his complimentary comparison of Sarah Palin to the underlying strength that 'ordinary' American people provide to their country and its institutions. From the beginning, ordinary Americans have given their Country the stability of governance that made them a great people. And as American politics plods along, you may see this quality at work, as Spengler has, if you look closely.

Polls indicate that these ordinary Americans give their Congress about a 12% approval rating. Why the people don't turn out the politicians who earned this scorn is a mystery to me. Maybe the reluctance to do so is part of that quality of stability. Of the Democrat and Republican choices, Sarah Palin stands out as the breath of fresh air the majority of Americans are looking for, to John McCain's benefit. McCain, Obama, and Biden are Washington insiders...really part of the problem reflected in the dismal Congressional approval ratings.

It is too easy to shoot down Palin, citing her unique qualities that America needs as justification for doing so. Ironically, those who respond so tightly to Obama's mantra of change are seemingly blind to the diamond in the rough they have in Palin... and the true change she represents.

Were she to find herself in a confrontation with foreign heads of state one day, I suspect that the American Hockey Mom will confound them to no end. I believe she would be a tough negotiator who cannot be dealt with by the old, established rules.

There's much more to Sarah Palin than some give her given credit for.

You better read it again Daisym. He does not endorse Sarah for President though he does have an explanation for why she's got the reaction the republicans were hoping for. ""Hockey Moms," to be sure, may not be the optimal promoters of America's future."

Personally I'd prefer the most powerful leader in the world to be, well, worldly. Educated, even. Intellect would help; it's been in short supply lately.

Says Spengler, "Outside of the United States, the young governor of Alaska has become a figure of ridicule - someone who did not own a passport until last year and who quaintly believes that her state's proximity to Russia gives her insights on foreign policy. How, my European friends ask, was it possible for such an an ignorant bumpkin to become a candidate for America's second-highest office? They don't understand America."

Apparently Spengler has a unique insight that escapes the other 90% of the planet. He seems to want someone who believes the world will end in her own lifetime - due to the imminent rapture - with her finger on that little red button.

"Were she to find herself in a confrontation with foreign heads of state one day, I suspect that the American Hockey Mom will confound them to no end." As opposed to, say, communicating a solution?

Maybe if she winked a lot they'd go weak at the knees and roll over.

The Washington, DC, insider-elites, along with some heavy corporate hitters are responsible for the current capital market problems.

Some would have us believe that this situation would more likely be the result of lesser mortals (Hockey Moms) running things.

The Elite are not better...they merely think they are.

Sarah Palin is a Washington outsider, elite (perhaps) in another incarnation, whose sense of personal honor and integrity, whose sense of right and wrong, will serve her Country well, given the chance. These qualities are too often missing from those aspiring to the highest levels of public and corporate governance.

Daisym

I don't know any "hockeymums" who have a six figure annual income, she is not an average mum by any stretch of the imagination.

http://www.aol.com.au/news/story/Estimates-show-Palin-assets-top-$1-million/1069661/index.html

Further she has zero understanding of world issues (can you imagine her negotiating with Putin?), believes in 'endtimes' and you want this woman to have her finger on the nuke button?

However, if you can swallow the twaddle that she utters, maybe you deserve her as a leader - the problem is that the rest of the world doesn't.

Who are these 'elite'? Washington has been under Republican influence for eight years and McCain must be considered one of them. He's been in the senate a generation and he's not 'elite'?

The GOP has created this narrative about elites (damn progresive libruls) and non-elites (people-who-vote-for-Bush). The coalition in Australia got similar mileage out of the concept, which is odd considering they did not represent the working class. Seems you're tying that tag to anyone not republican.

The failure of the banking system is partly due to the deregulation promoted by the GOP. The democrats typically want more wealth to be distributed further down the food chain. It never did trickle down, did it? The wealthiest have become more wealthy under the republicans.

Having volunteered considerable time - pro bono - to social issues does not Obama demonstrate honour and integrity? When's the last time Palin or McCain did this?

No, Palin would serve her country best by staying where she is and answering charges of cronyism, like she promised to do.

I believe Sarah Palin is 'up to the job'. Others disagree. So be it.

I've had my say on this matter. I'm done with the back-and-forth. Thanks for the lively discussions. We'll not be changing each other's personal opinions.

May the American people choose wisely in November.

Oh c'mon, is no-one prepared to stick up for Palin? Is there no-one with sincerely held beliefs that contradict all known tangible evidence?

It's a bit like debating a creationist. Like Sarah!

From today's news...

"Shouts of "traitor," "terrorist," "treason," "liar," and even "off with his head" have rung from the crowd at McCain and Sarah Palin rallies, and gone unchallenged by them."

I read on a forum an entry from a teacher in the states, who recalled a comment from a student - "my parents won't vote for Obama because he's gonna be assassinated anyway..."

And Palin encourages this stuff? Oh well, it's a small price to pay.

""It's a dangerous road, but we have no choice," a top McCain strategist recently admitted to the Daily News. "If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we're going to lose."

Bennie

It is no joke, I am really frightened that the first decent prospect for president in years, will be murdered as a result of the reprehensible campaign being waged by Palin.

"...Now even laughing at Palin won't be enough of an anti-depressant because millions of our fellow citizens actually think she is ready to be president. Wow -- a person who just two months ago most of us had never heard of and who has now been dressed up and sold to the American public by the likes of Karl Rove. Forget the fictional Fox show, she has been thrust into the all-time best reality show ever conceived. While providing great material for Jon Stewart, David Letterman and Tina Fey, she's serving the increasingly dangerous role of pandering to the audience at Fox News with her hate speech.

So here we are with a dire economic outlook. State governments are begging for credit from the federal treasury to pay for next week's payrolls. They are slashing the budgets to the bone in order to come to grips with dwindling tax revenue in the coming year. As this trickles down, each of our local communities only has its overstretched local tax base to pay for the services like schools, maintenance of crumbling infrastructure and picking up our garbage. It is generally the case when our national leaders fail to balance their own budgets, we all have to deal with the garbage. Really, in these times, we can do much better than a vice-presidential candidate who asserts that Barack Obama is a terrorist...."

http://www.alternet.org/election08/102369/why_it%27s_not_that_fun_to_laugh_at_sarah_palin_anymore/

Considering Biden is supposedly an EXPERT in matters of foreign affairs ...

He said >> “When we kicked ... Hezbollah out of Lebanon, I said and Barack said, "Move NATO forces in there. Fill the vacuum, because if you don't know -- if you don't, Hezbollah will control it."

Sorry WHAT DID HE SAY? Hezbollah was kicked out of Lebanon? By the US and the French? As Greg Sheridan noted in the Australian, that WILL be news to the Lebanese.

In the same paragraph he suggested NATO troops should have been sent to Lebanon, which would, of course, have meant US troops would have to have gone in as well. Was he really suggesting the US get involved in another internal struggle in a foreign country?

Then he said >> “We spend more money in three weeks on combat in Iraq than we spent on the entirety of the last seven years that we have been in Afghanistan building that country..”

Turns out that this isn’t even close to being true.

>> “He also made it clear to viewers he had absolutely no idea what the Constitution says about the office he seeks. In stern tones, he informed Mrs. Palin that the vice president can preside over the Senate only in case of a tie vote, and that this is outlined in the Article One, which according to him concerns itself with the executive branch of government. Nope. Article One is about the legislative branch, and what a part of it says is this: "The vice president of the United States shall be president of the Senate, but shall have no vote, unless they be equally divided.” http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/oct/12/bidens-gaffes-12284920/

He has also said >> “When the stock market crashed, Franklin D. Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the, you know, the princes of greed," he said in an interview with Katie Couric of CBS News. "He said, 'Look, here's what happened.' "

WHAT! !! !! !!. First, Katie Couric wasn’t even born in 1929. Second, TV didn’t exist. Third Roosevelt wasn’t president in 1929. Whoops.

Politics is about getting out there and creating public interest.

If that was the only parameter, the GOP would be home and dry on Sarah Palin alone.

Compare the posts in this small backwater of Australian opinion to Sarah Palin and you will find incredible interest. Ask who the VP on the “Owamba” ticket is and most would not have a clue and them that do can only remember it rhymes with “Bidet” (so apt for the ‘wet’ side of politics).

I do not have a clue about who will win this election but whoever it is will be aware that Sarah Palin was the First woman (ahead of Hillary Clinton), to run on a presidential ticket and that she will be around again in 2012.

As for Obama and Biden – do they have a first name? oh yes… one of them has a first name which sounds like someone coughing

Re “It is no joke, I am really frightened that the first decent prospect for president in years, will be murdered as a result of the reprehensible campaign being waged by Palin.”

Maybe fractelle should do the right thing to protect democracy and stand for election against her… oh I forgot, fractelle is not qualified to stand, Sarah Palin is.

It is just more ranting drivel and scare mongering for the ingestion and circulation of the mindless mob,

During WWI the propaganda was that Germans ate babies… maybe, with the above level of hysterical nonsense, we will see that again (perhaps check if Sarah Palin has any Aryan blood in her background.

And she did win the Miss Wasilla (that almost sounds German) pageant

Has the Democrats VP won anything like that, foot bath of the year, maybe.

PaulL good response Paul

Politics is about getting out there and creating public interest.

Palin has done it partly because she is a woman, where as Hilary didn't and Obama has done it because he is (half) black.