Palin in Comparison: The Beginning of the Meme

When John McCain announced his choice of vice presidential candidate, reactions across the parties were mixed, with the most common question I heard being: is this a joke?

It's no joke and Sarah Palin is someone we must now consider very seriously. She's a woman in power with national recognition running for a very high office. Her history, experience, and stance on key issues are crucial to consider.

As always you can count on the MOMocrats to be your Janes on the Spot. We're each going to tackle Palin on an issue, and what's more, we invite you to do the same. In other words, we'll vet Sarah Palin since John McCain obviously didn't bother!

As Andrew Sullivan said today:

We have had two big presidential decisions from both candidates - the first time we can clearly judge their decision-making skills. Obama's was prudent, cautious, thoroughly vetted, and serious about governing. McCain's was impulsive, rash, barely vetted and decided at the last minute by a small coterie that left everyone else gasping.

 We are at war. Another 9/11 is possible. Israel may attack Iran. Pakistan may go up in smoke. Putin may invade another country. Who would you rather have as president?

Starting tomorrow---that's Monday aka Labor Day, and I'll spare you my very bad puns---at 6am eastern (to coincide with whatever is left of the RNC), MOMocrats will begin posting articles about Palin on choice, environment, foreign policy, and more. The nuts and bolts: we are going to take apart Sarah Palin based on issues and values that do not jibe with what progressive Democrats believe. We'll show you how she's Palin in Comparison. Really, John McCain, what were you thinking?! Your first presidential decision=EPIC FAIL

Here is a recap of our searing indictment of Palin's glaring lack of qualifications—issue by issue— as compared to the team of  Barack Obama and Joe Biden:

Palin in Comparison: What Picking Anti-Choice Palin Reveals About McCain

Palin in Comparison: Foreign Policy Schmoreign Policy

Palin in Comparison: An Economic Enigma

Palin in Comparison: Creationism Should be Taught as Science?? Really??

Palin in Comparison: Not Break a Ceiling But Build A Wall

Palin in Comparison: Commander-in-Chief??

Palin in Comparison: Super-Dad Joe Biden [Guest Post from Poligots]

Palin in Comparison: Immigration and National Security

Palin in Comparison: Experience [Guest Post from Grace Davis]

Palin in Comparison: Sarah Palin Gives Green a 3.0 Platform

Palin in Comparison: Sex Education

Palin in Comparison: Sorry...Not a Maverick

We'd be delighted if you participated with posts of your own (and you have!). Simply add your link in the comments below, help yourself to our graphic, and we will compile the posts participating in this blog action and link them below. We are focusing on big issues, you are welcome to do the same or share a more personal view, just title your posts "Palin in Comparison: XYZ."

Palin in Comparison:  From The Blogosphere:

Resolving Timeline Issues—"You Have Got To Be Kidding Me"

Amy In Ohio—Palin in Comparison: "No Issue Stance Yet Recorded"

Needs New Batteries—This Post Is Not About Birth

Tiny Mantras—Palin in Comparison: This Pander Wasn't for Me

Poligots—Palin in Comparison: Joe Biden--Super-Dad

It's a Balancing Act—Palin in Comparison: Are you kidding me? Sarah Palin?

Up with Moms—Palin in Comparison: Tearing Down the Working Mom Facade

Rebecca Ghost—Palin in Comparison: The Pregnancy: Look What It Says About Palin

Okay City—I Owe John McCain a Thank You

Comments

[SarahE]

Kudos. I'll be tuning in. Let's take the hate and mom-bashing out of this and look at the issues.

[Interested American]

So while the Republicans will be using their convention fundraisers to help hurricane victims and doing all they can to help those in harm's way, you'll be busy spitting on them?

Well, at least you have your priorities in order. Then again, it's not like I heard anything resembling concern regarding those hurt by Tropical Storm Faye, one of the most destructive in American history, during the DNC. What else should we expect?

[rebecca]

It's a great idea, I'll be tuning in. But what I wanna know is who the clever MOMocrat is who keeps coming up with these great titles? Rage Against the McCain is pure brilliance. Palin in Comparison-- awesome. Good work, MOMocrats.

[Julie Pippert]

It's especially rich that you make this comment to me, Interested American. I happen to live in the Gulf Coast region affected by the hurricane. I was helping Katrina victims three days before the government bothered to show up. I've worked with groups that not only helped find *real* housing for displaced people but also got furniture---instead of toxic FEMA trailers. Glad the RNC is holding fundraisers---every bit helps, but people are needed more.

So my priorities are set just fine.

And as I stated, we'll be discussing issues, where Sarah Palin stands and how that compares to progressive values.

That's called discussion, not spitting, and is not mutually exclusive to any relief efforts needed, as I proved above

But I will admit I have talked to some frothy mouthed sorts who did do a lot of spitting when talking.

[Nicole]

You wanted a link? Here's a link where I mention Gustav, Palin, Desperate Housewives and democracy: http://resolvingtimelineissues.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/you-have-got-to-be-kidding-me/

[judy]

Momcrats Rock!
I'll be touted you wherever I am allowed!!

[Interested American]

The reason FEMA did not show up was because of a Democratic governor's refusal to allow them in. They were parked on the border waiting to come help, but she wouldn't let them. Should they have violated the law? I suppose, but they followed protocol and listened to her instead. The mayor of New Orleans was on TV days before telling everyone the threat to the city was averted and they should all stay home. I still remember how furious that made me, having seen what hurricanes do many miles from the point the eye hits. New Orleans was a tragedy, but it should be laid at the feet of the leaders of the city and state, not at the agency that was poised to help. A year or so ago, I remember meeting a New Orleans native who pointed out that the city had received the funding to fix the levees years before, but instead built a bridge with it that was not needed because they still use the one it "replaced". He was furious that his city was in the state it was because of the corrupt politicians who misused funds and then blamed their problems on the federal government.

I'm glad you did your part to help, though. Hopefully you're ready to do it again, or preparing to leave if it's headed for you.

[Victoria]

IMO, you're spending way too much time on this woman. Obama's own lead is to say little and ignore, ignore, ignore. She's a trap set by the RNC and tearing her apart plays right into it. So far, it's worked handily. Out of the box, Democrats started ripping into Palin being a mother, her being a working mother, her being a beauty queen (even if she has since said that she's embarrassed by that and that she only did it for the scholarship money for college), her looks, her youth, her intelligence, and calling her a token and these are all the same kinds of things that Obama supporters did to Hillary and her supporters. Now there are doing it again and rubbing salt in wounds.

Here is a fact. Palin wasn't chosen to appeal to Hillary supporters. She was chosen to solidify a base of religious and social conservatives within the party and possibly peel off a few independents and right leaning democrats.

The only other Hillary supporters who are going to vote for McCain because of Palin are the ones who were beaten down by the sexism and misogyny of certain Obama supporters and who want revenge on the party. It doesn't matter if Sarah Palin burned Hillary in effigy on the White House lawn, they'd vote for Palin to get back at all those Obama supporters who treated them so badly during the primaries. Palin isn't about being an alternative to Hillary. Palin is about getting back at Obama supporters for all those months of unchecked and unchallenged sexism in the party.

It's condescending and insulting to any intelligent woman to outline exactly what the differences are between Hillary and Palin when it's so simple. Hillary is a Democrat and Plain is a Republican. The unintelligent women aren't listening anyway.

[Interested American]

Great point, Victoria. The writers of this blog are often focused on negatives and candidate comparisons, though. Not sure they care for your opinion on the matter.

[pamela]

Kudos to you Momocrats. I am really concerned about Palin for a variety of reasons. I look forward to reading the posts.

[Karen]

http://needsnewbatteries.blogspot.com/2008/08/this-post-is-not-about-birth.html

played this game at home already. thanks for the graphic!!!

[Stefania/CityMama]

Victoria,

While Sarah Palin is being vetted by America (since McCain didn't seem to bother), it is perfectly appropriate of us to explore her positions on various issues. We're getting to know her, we don't like what we see, and we're sharing.

And, as Joe Trippi points out in his blog post today, the real reason Sarah Palin was chosen might not be to appeal to PUMAs. It's to bolster the "maverick" angle of McCain's brand. (http://joetrippi.com/blog/?p=2459) McCain knows he isn't a maverick. Mavericks don't vote with Bush 90% of the time. But in her very short political career, Palin as positioned herself has someone who isn't afraid to take on her party and affect change. Sound familiar? Yeah, kinda scary. We're not wasting time. We're staying on our toes and on her case.

Once that's done, it's back to our regularly scheduled programming: Raging against the McCain.

[Victoria]

"But in her very short political career, Palin as positioned herself has someone who isn't afraid to take on her party and affect change. Sound familiar?"

Of course. It sounds like Obama. Both are inexperienced politicians who are vying for high power and who have enough ego to think they can do the job without the experience. That's always scary.

Although, if she's taking on her party, that means she's taking on Bush Co and eventually, McCain. It's been said time and time again that Obama's sorely lacking health care plan (when compared with Hillarys' real universal healthcare) and his poor showing on FISA as well as his pandering to the fundies in the south are all just political maneuverings so that he can get into office and then get real change in motion.

I distrust it thoroughly, but that's the meme. The RNC will start playing feeding the same meme into the blogging shadow media and it will work just as well. Just saying.

[lu]

Yes! I am looking forward to this and exposing her for what she is all about.

[Backpacking Dad]

Dear MOMocrats: Take your cue from Interested American. During this run up to the election, which is, well, a choice, please do whatever you can to avoid talking about anything that would help people make said choice. It's confusing and/or a waste of time because everyone, including those "undecideds" some people talk about, has really made up their mind already and they don't need to make an informed decision in November. Despite the name of this blog you should really spend your efforts doing PR for Republicans who will grandstand during a hurricane. Whatever you do, don't talk about politics; this is a time of emergency and all political and philosophical discussions ought to be supsended (along with most civil liberties) until this crisis is averted.

Next month isn't looking much better, actually. Wildfires in California probably ought to take up most of your time. In fact, don't talk politics until January.

Thanks.

[Karin]

http://mudflats.wordpress.com/

The Palin expose starts here.

[Amy in Ohio]

I posted here:
http://amyinohio.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/palin-in-comparison-no-issue-stance-yet-recorded/

I'm interested to read everyone else's take on the other issues, but my biggest worry about Palin is the thought of her behind that desk someday with the foreign exposure she hasn't had.

Shivers down my spine.

[Interested American]

Backpacking Dad, the main error in your sarcastic comment about what the Momocrats should do is assuming they actually want to influence undecided or independent voters. It's also more than a little sad that you think doing something to respect the need to focus on an impending catastrophe is grand-standing. Republicans should leave that to Obama and his temple.

[Mom101]

I think that Andrew Sullivan comment is spot on, as is the Joe Klein quote he was commenting on: "The Palin pick reflects the most dangerous tendencies in McCain's foreign policy--the tendency to react, to overreact, to crises, without thinking it through."

This nomination is McCain's first huge misstep that demonstrates his inability to lead the country properly. I don't want to give him the chance to make another.

[Victoria]

Politics before people. That's the American Way.

I think that the most difficult job is still convincing women that Barack "Sweetie" Obama cares about women. The blogosphere is taking any step forward five steps back. He'd do well to show up on Kos of Huff Po and tell them to cut the crap. No one is voting just for Obama. People want real change that his supporters are going to back up in real life. So far, that isn't happening. SO far, they're putting Palin in the stirrups and looking up her dress and still are even in the comments on this site.

The Repubs can mention all they want that she's a beauty queen. That's what Repubs do. I'm waiting for Democrats to be better than the Repbus by not sending out that sly slap. It's a whistle call for something very ugly, and even on this site, it's being whistled. It's not just "who me? but it's part of her resume". There is an insinuation being made and that insinuation will put McCain in the white house. Some women are Democrats first. Some women are women first. Some women don't like to be bitch-slapped by any other woman and will bitch-slap back even if it lands her in jail. So far, I'm still seeing a lot of bitch-slapping and women willing to prove a point at the expense of something more important.

[Marissa]

Interested American - This is a blog that unabashedly promotes one candidate over another; it's in the title. The tone here is quite civil (unlike the posts you have made). If you disagree with the viewpoints, there are undoubtedly thousands of web spaces dedicated to fawning over the Republican vice presidential candidate without getting into any unfortunate details regarding her actual record or views. If you are going to continue to post here, please at least try a civil tone without insulting people you neither know nor understand. Your anger is palpable, and understandable given that you are in the minority of views here (see my first sentence). Since Governor Palin has only been on the national scene for approximately 96 hours, and there are 65 days until the nation must decide whether she is fit for office (which is, of course, the only relevant decision), it is entirely appropriate for the news outlets - including this blog - to make her views known. Personally, I find them extreme. And I am grateful to the MOMOCRATS for digging as they do and presenting information for me to digest.

That said, I heartily agree that to focus on Governor Palin is a mistake for the Obama campaign. The issue is not her, but what it says about Senator McCain's judgment to have chosen her. It is a decision of highest importance (particularly for a man who may have used up his get out of death free cards). His decision strikes me as sexist in the highest degree, and lacking in any kind of judgment for one who claims to "always put country first."

[Julie Pippert]

Marissa, I think you make a good point about over-focusing on Palin. That's why I tailored my article(below) about her anti-choice stance to what it reveals about McCain.

His choice not only shows poor judgment, but also reveaals the direction he intends to continue going: the exact same way as Bush.

I don't want that. So...hence why I am here doing this. :)

[Tracy (Tiny Mantras)]

Well I'm not sure if this exactly suits the meme, but here's a post on Palin, in light of today's news:
http://tzt.blogspot.com/2008/09/palin-in-comparison-this-pander-wasnt.html

[Kristin]

Like Tracy, I'm not sure if ours fit the meme -- but here goes...

If you look a bit further down the blog, there's a more issues oriented post...

http://poligot.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/palin-in-comparison-joe-biden-super-dad/

http://poligot.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/palin-in-comparison-a-mothers-love/

[rebecca]

Here are my four or five cents:

http://rebeccaghost.blogspot.com/2008/09/pregnancy-look-at-what-it-says-about.html

[gloria lofland]

Can it be said that we have been once again fooled into thinking that this young woman is the most the RNC had to offer.What they will do is use a women as the front to make us believe she is in control of the VP spot all the time pulling the strings to make her talk and walk lock step with their agenda. Poor Palin after all she had did, just to have herself made a pawn for the RNC. Watch out Palin when conservatives say they love love love you,you'll being set up. Please remember you,re a Women first

[Jenn]

I posted here

http://jennoah.blogspot.com/2008/08/are-you-kidding-me-sarah-palin.html

John McCain picking her for a Vice Presidential candidate has literally disgusted me and I'M A WOMAN. I feel for her as a person, I think she felt she had to do this for her party but how can her heart be in this with what she has going on personally. I'm not taking anything away from her ability to balance all, as women we have to do that. But to think that if John McCain (God forbid) got voted in the White House and more God forbid he was sick, hurt, or passed away and SHE were to step in? VERY scary. I see the Republicans on CNN defending her and trying to shove this crap down our throats about how experienced she is and it sickens me. I am an American woman and I can think for myself, I can ascertain quickly a situation and form my own opinions. Don't try to force me to believe your bull.

When John McCain announced his pick in her that day last week, and she had her family on the stage, don't you find it odd that her daughter, Bristol, who is pregnant, was holding her Mom's baby but covering her whole front body with a huge blanket or sheet? They were trying to hide her pregnancy. Did they think no one would find out? Really? While I'm not asserting this should be an issue up for discussion, I'm pointing out the dishonesty in the act of hiding it. Maybe a small thing but funny that on the front end of this whole deal there is already much to question in this pick. What is John McCain's judgment really like? I think he just displayed it for us.

She is NOT experienced and they are telling us she is. Think for yourself; don't believe the words they are saying. You can tell when their feet get put to the fire, they cannot answer the questions directly.

It's enough! Big mistake in picking her and I sincerely hope they do not win the election in November or we're all in trouble.

[Amy@UWM]

Here's mine. Posted this on my own, but it sorta fit with the theme so am offering it as part of the meme.

http://upwithmoms.blogspot.com/2008/08/tearing-down-facade.html

[Lawyer Mama]

Wow! So has anyone clued in "Interested American" that we see his IP address when he comments and therefore know that he is really Robert? No?

Hi, Robert! *waving* Having fun trolling today?

[Carrie]

McCain's people have been swarming to Alaska to get to the bottom of all the rumors re: Sarah Palin - hmmmmm. . . now that's someone I want in office. Someone who acts first and asks questions later.

And I can't even begin to think what would become of us if something happened to McCain as president. Shudder. Mom 101 said it perfectly.

And unfotunately, the misinformed and the uninformed won't even read these blogs, to there is no hope in reaching them - but we'll bang our collective heads against the wall trying and there is nothing wrong with that, even with another hurricane brewing.

[Interested American]

I have forwarded your comment to Robert, Lawyer Mama. Not sure why you think he is the one posting here. I will refrain from using his computers in the future when making my posts.

[gloria lofland]

Take a good look at the talking heads of the RNC, do they really think people is buying the crap they're spitting out? Palin is a last minute pick who had not been vested to pick up the Clinton vote.Yet, we the PEOPLE ask no questions, just accept what the RNC has put before us. What a joke, People have became more advanced then that.

[kirsten]

Has anyone else noticed when Republican's are fielded with the question "Do you believe Sarah Palin was the best person McCain could've picked as his running mate?" They ALL avoid the question with statements like.. "I think she was the right pick" or Sarah Palin has done blah blah blah" Not ONE has said "YES she was the best possible pick". Hmmmm one has to wonder why? I have to agree with what my brother said on another site and I quote...

"the Republicans have had so much control for so long and they have failed at every level to deliver a better America. Fewer jobs, less wages, less vacation time, outsourcing, no-bid contracts, legislation hand writen by special interests, useless wars, Valerie Plame, Hurricane Katrina, falling home values, foreclosures, the deficit, etc., etc., etc.,….. the list goes on and on. Reagan came up with the famous political rhetoric to be used as a barometer for who you should vote for:

“Are you better off than you were four years ago?”

Most Americans aren’t. 95% of America’s wealth is held by 5% of the population. And they ain’t sharing!"

Oh and this part was right on too....

"We are expected to consume and keep shares and stocks rising, but with less money and less time. When we can’t keep spending our jobs are outsourced to make up for our lack of resources. Obama spoke to these issues. I often get people telling me that I want America to looklike Europe. I respond that I would rather have America look like Europe rather than South America (from a standard of living standpoint).

The Second Amendment, abortion, a strong military are no longer pertinent to the debate of a strong America. America can’t afford McCain or Palin."

[Nate]

Hey, I've loved this meme & read as many of the stories as I could find time to. Here's my contribution: http://okaycity.com/2008/09/02/i-owe-john-mccain-a-thank-you/

[Jason]

I'm a guy, and this pick was as insulting to me as it should be to women everywhere:

http://ruggerjay.typepad.com/pet_cobra/2008/08/sarah-palin-and.html

[Dan]

I like what Dick Morris had to say about her.. She was about to be fired, and punished by two corrupt Republicans, she went out and exposed them both. She won against the incumbent Republican Governor in the primary, and then again in the election. She got the Attorney General Fired who was as corrupt as one could be. But the most important thing for me is not that she is pro-life, NRA member, or Pro Drilling ANWAR. I go by her 80% approval rating in her home state... Tell me one other Republican or Democrat that has that credential. After all isn't that the only credential that matters?

As for Experience.. She has 2 years in the Governors spot.. Obama has 3.. one year of which has been spent campaigning. But lets compare apples to apples.. Sara Palin is not running for President.. Don't compare the teacher to the student... The President spot is the teacher and the VP is the Student.. People are making the comparison of Palin and Obama, which is not correct.. nor intellectually honest. But Intellectual honesty and the Left rarely co-exist. I don't care how much experience she has.. Generally the more experience a politician has the more possibilities they have for corruption.

[SacramentoBlog]

Palin in Comparison: Are Women Interchangeable?

http://blog-sacramento.blogspot.com/2008/09/ramblings-on-sarah-palin.html

Evidently the McCain camp thinks so... Delete one liberal, strong woman, insert one right-wing conservative woman... Aren't they all the same?

[Cindi @ Mama Mentor]

Grabbed the banner and thanks for pursuing this! I fear for my daughters and what rights Baby Boomer women have fought so hard to achieve ~ Here's a link to my post:
Sarah Palin ~ A Sorry Time for Feminists ~ Ask Your Baby Boomer Mothers http://mamamentor.blogspot.com/2008/09/sarh-palin-sorry-time-for-feminists-ask.html