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News & ArtsSunday, February 7, 2010
Politics Palin's Cheat Sheet
Posted by Dan Savage on Sun, Feb 7, 2010 at 9:52 AM
Sarah Palin gave a speech to the tea party convention last night...
...and she had some crib notes on her hand: "Energy," "Budget Cuts," "Tax," "Lift American Spirits." Those are, it turned out, Palin's priorities should she decide to run for president—and it seems pretty clear that she is running for president—and she had to write them on her hand. Andrew Sullivan picked apart Palin's speech as the venom dripped from her mouth last night and you can read his take here, here, and here. It makes for pretty depressing/terrifying reading.
1
watching that absolute insanity shouldn't have been so scary, but knowing that we elected bush makes the possibility of her running tangible and terrifying.
thanks for the screenshot of her cheat sheet-i hope that photo makes the rounds.
thanks for the screenshot of her cheat sheet-i hope that photo makes the rounds.
2
She and anyone else should not be called Governor unless they finish their first term either on a good note or bad one.
3
She wrote on her hand? What's next, passing notes about cute boys and sneaking cigarettes in the girls' room?
4
She's dumb, a loser, and a quitter. A Republican through and through. Who's taking care of the retard? She's always shoving her retard in people's faces but her poor kids get stuck with the full time job of caring for him. She's a fucking twit.
6
My take: The crib notes were put there specifically so that the educated/media elite would call her out and ridicule her for it. Then she can play the wronged "Real American" card again and her throngs will cleave even closer to her.
By the Monday news cycle at the latest.
By the Monday news cycle at the latest.
7
In order for me to believe that she wrote those crib notes I'd have to believe she was both right-handed and literate. I'm only prepared to believe one of those things.
9
Crib notes on her hand?
Bashing people she doesn't like on Facebook?
It's confirmed. She is mentally a 14 year old.
Bashing people she doesn't like on Facebook?
It's confirmed. She is mentally a 14 year old.
10
Like GW Bush, Palin has the uncanny ability to express the Conservative worldview in a way that resonates with the base (i.e. the morons).
11
They don't want a smart president. They want a dumb president with powerful executive operatives behind her.
Reagan? GW Bush?
The best answer to Palin: We've barely recovered since the last time you were in power.
Reagan? GW Bush?
The best answer to Palin: We've barely recovered since the last time you were in power.
12
I wouldn't in the least care that she had notes on her hand if she hadn't blasted Obama in that very speech for needing a Teleprompter. (This after Obama's rather assured performance in taking questions from House Republicans, without a Teleprompter, of course.)
It's one thing that Republicans often have principles that I often find abhorrent. But more amazing is their complete lack of shame at their own hypocrisy.
It's one thing that Republicans often have principles that I often find abhorrent. But more amazing is their complete lack of shame at their own hypocrisy.
13
I'm with @6 -- Don't make fun of the dumb kid. Give the dumb kid many, many oportunities to prove how dumb he is.
The American public isn't blind or stupid, but they hate bullies.
The American public isn't blind or stupid, but they hate bullies.
14
I think this is just wonderful. Let the "Tea Partiers" run Palin. Let the Republicans run Romney. Those two will be so busy bashing each others' brains in that Obama will win in a landslide.
16
"It makes for pretty depressing/terrifying reading."
Dan, dear, don't be such a weenie. She spoke to 1200 people who spent $500 each to hear her That's about the capacity of the ballroom at the Westin. BFD, as the kids say.
Instead of getting depressed and terrified by a nimwit like this, Liberals and Progressives should be figuring out a way to speak to "basic" people that doesn't sound like we're talking down to them. We used to know how to do it, but we let ourselves get cowed by the Reaganites, and now suffer from a bad case of battered wive's syndrome.
Instead of just liking our wounds and talking about how we know best (which we do) we should fight back.
Dan, dear, don't be such a weenie. She spoke to 1200 people who spent $500 each to hear her That's about the capacity of the ballroom at the Westin. BFD, as the kids say.
Instead of getting depressed and terrified by a nimwit like this, Liberals and Progressives should be figuring out a way to speak to "basic" people that doesn't sound like we're talking down to them. We used to know how to do it, but we let ourselves get cowed by the Reaganites, and now suffer from a bad case of battered wive's syndrome.
Instead of just liking our wounds and talking about how we know best (which we do) we should fight back.
20
Sullivan's take was fun to read. (You have to love a man who sends you googling all the time - his current pet word is Dolchstoss, fer crissake.)
21
Sullivan: 9.30 pm. The first mention of the debt after half an hour. This is a brutal, take-no-prisoner attack on Obama. She's running for president.
I don't think Palin would win and I certainly don't want her as president, but she also shouldn't be underestimated or dismissed. If Reagan and Bush could appeal to enough voters, so can Palin.
I don't think Palin would win and I certainly don't want her as president, but she also shouldn't be underestimated or dismissed. If Reagan and Bush could appeal to enough voters, so can Palin.
22
@21 - She's been credited as being a primary cause of John McCain's loss. I think we already know how the majority of voters react to her, and they find her terrifying. It's just this way she has of "energizing the base" that makes them *think* they have a chance. The crazy, stupid religious right has always thought of themselves as a majority. Give them a chance to learn how false that it.
23
@16 -- Obama does a pretty good job of speaking to "basic" people. Even the people who don't like him say they are inspired when they listen to his speeches.
24
Palin as president would be the death knell of America as a world power. Seriously, you thought people hated you when Bush was in charge? That would be nothing compared to the reception little miss retard would get...
25
sarah palin is finally uniting this country, just like she said she would.
conservatives: "run, sarah, run!"
liberals: "for the love of god, RUN SARAH, RUN!"
conservatives: "run, sarah, run!"
liberals: "for the love of god, RUN SARAH, RUN!"
27
I also want to add that her podium said Gaylord on the front. I know I'm being immature, but really... it's kind of funny!
28
Comparing Palin to Reagan gives her too much credit. She is Eva Peron: an empty, inconsistant, symbol. Her very stupidity and perceived lower-class roots make her all the more beloved by her supporters. The more we dismiss her the greater her power.
29
@28: Actually, Eva Peron was much more than "an empty, inconsistent symbol" - it was she, not Juan Peron who was the real power and made real changes.
That was further evidenced when Juan was back in power with a new wife, Isabel, who got the powerful official position that Eva had pushed for. Upon Juan's death, Isabel took power and a nightmare reign of terror was unleashed on the country (many people were 'disappeared', and concentration camps were established).
If anyone was the "empty symbol" it was Juan Peron.
That was further evidenced when Juan was back in power with a new wife, Isabel, who got the powerful official position that Eva had pushed for. Upon Juan's death, Isabel took power and a nightmare reign of terror was unleashed on the country (many people were 'disappeared', and concentration camps were established).
If anyone was the "empty symbol" it was Juan Peron.
30
Seriously, anyone's worried about Palin?
I PRAY for a Palin Presidential campaign. It would be a godsend to split the Republican party like that.
Buck up, dear progressives. This is not a serious threat.
We need to focus on what we bring to the game, and let the republicans dither away on their own.
I PRAY for a Palin Presidential campaign. It would be a godsend to split the Republican party like that.
Buck up, dear progressives. This is not a serious threat.
We need to focus on what we bring to the game, and let the republicans dither away on their own.
31
#29: Know that's my point. Palin or Peron were not great evil minds a la Stalin or Hitler, they were uneducated tools who played on the politcs of "real people' and their working-class resentments. Everytime we dismiss Palin as a former Beauty Queen from a white trash background it gives fuel to her politics of resentment fire. Eva Peron also played on this. If you insulted her for being an illegitimate B-movie actress it just made her more popular with the working classes.
34
24
interesting point.
The 20% of Americans who self-identify as Liberal care deeply what the rest of the world thinks.
They bear the ineptitude of Obama cheerfully as the price of international popularity.
Real Americans (the other 80%) care deeply about American Security and Values.
They think the world, and the Liberals, should go fuck them selves.
interesting point.
The 20% of Americans who self-identify as Liberal care deeply what the rest of the world thinks.
They bear the ineptitude of Obama cheerfully as the price of international popularity.
Real Americans (the other 80%) care deeply about American Security and Values.
They think the world, and the Liberals, should go fuck them selves.
35
I think the reality and consequences of even the slightest possibility that she takes the Oval Office in 2012 should be terrifying enough to take her seriously starting right now.
All it would take is a second economic downturn, and the great American voting bloc would be hers. American voters are fucking simple. Because of this, she's the most frightening figure in the world today and anyone who doesn't see that isn't paying attention.
All it would take is a second economic downturn, and the great American voting bloc would be hers. American voters are fucking simple. Because of this, she's the most frightening figure in the world today and anyone who doesn't see that isn't paying attention.
36
If Barack Obama used only crib notes instead of a teleprompter, he'd be a lot more "depressing/terrifying" than dear sweet Sarah!
37
Watching her speak is very insightful. She still hasn't worked out how to provide solutions. If you didn't know who she was and you watch this you'd assume she was a conservative radio commenter, not a politician. It takes one person to ask 'how?' and she'll fall apart. Her versus Obama in a presidential debate would be amazing. I think she would literally melt on national television.
When she spoke about constitutional rights for terrorists she completely misunderstands the purpose of the constitution. It's designed to protect everyone, including those most disagree with (like terrorists).
I know I'm preaching to the choir here but she is a fucking insult to what this country could be. America is much better than this.
When she spoke about constitutional rights for terrorists she completely misunderstands the purpose of the constitution. It's designed to protect everyone, including those most disagree with (like terrorists).
I know I'm preaching to the choir here but she is a fucking insult to what this country could be. America is much better than this.
40
Palin is like that weird little turd chunk that swills around and around, and you wonder if you'll have to flush again.
But eventually she'll go down with the rest of the shit.
But eventually she'll go down with the rest of the shit.
41
They're cowards, is what you mean to say, living in constant terror that the entire world is out to get them. A guilty conscience will do that, you know.
Real Americans (the other 80%) care deeply about American Security
They're cowards, is what you mean to say, living in constant terror that the entire world is out to get them. A guilty conscience will do that, you know.
42
now you're just making things up
and you sound silly
remember-
it's danny who is TERRIFIED of Palin
and you sound silly
remember-
it's danny who is TERRIFIED of Palin
45
@44: Did you watch the Q&A session he had with the GOP? He walked right into a lions' den of sorts and, entirely unscripted, delivered them a good old schooling. Watch it if that's what you really want. I feel like you won't because seeing Obama actually taking initiative and demonstrating leadership might damage that little world of your own that you live in.
Again, Cascadian bacon, something ain't kosher with what you're saying.
Again, Cascadian bacon, something ain't kosher with what you're saying.
46
Bash her all you want but leave her son out of this. Anyone who would bash a child with Downs Syndrome is pathetic. He didn't ask for this and likewise can do nothing about it. I hope he has a happy and fulfilled life regardless of who his parents are.
Karma can be a bitch and bite you personally in the ass at any moment. Not cool people, grow up.
Karma can be a bitch and bite you personally in the ass at any moment. Not cool people, grow up.
47
Actually, he doesn't have Down's Syndrome. He's that way because his mother is his sister and his father is his grandfather.
But your point remains valid.
But your point remains valid.
48
45
the meeting with the GOP was interesting because those meeting are held off camera so the participants can be frank and get something useful done, Obama insisted on cameras and used it as (another) photo op-
it was a chance for some real progress but Obama traded it for a chance to wax eloquent for the camera-
more talk over action-
more style over substance.
the meeting with the GOP was interesting because those meeting are held off camera so the participants can be frank and get something useful done, Obama insisted on cameras and used it as (another) photo op-
it was a chance for some real progress but Obama traded it for a chance to wax eloquent for the camera-
more talk over action-
more style over substance.
52
I really want to hear Palin's Interior Monologue while refreshing her talking points: "Shit, what was I going to promise voters if they elect me president? 'Lower Texas'? That doesn't sound right..."
53
@48 but he waxed eloquent WITHOUT A TELEPROMPTER so that line of attack is closed.
the GOP tried to showboat in their ridiculous speech/questions, too. they just didn't do it as well because they don't really debate, they don't really legislate. and it wasn't a chance for real progress because the room was full of knuckle dragging neandertals.
the GOP tried to showboat in their ridiculous speech/questions, too. they just didn't do it as well because they don't really debate, they don't really legislate. and it wasn't a chance for real progress because the room was full of knuckle dragging neandertals.
54
Christampa, if making fun of a child with a disability is your idea of fun, your life must really suck. I bet you kick puppies too.
55
Actually, I'm making fun of you, but I wouldn't expect you to understand since you're apparently retarded.
One (anonymous) poster said something true(That she uses her child for political gain) in a crude way(retard) and you start bitching as though the entire thread was focused on her retard son. Maybe you could try pulling back the outrage a bit. It's not like someone was making fun of your retarded family member.
One (anonymous) poster said something true(That she uses her child for political gain) in a crude way(retard) and you start bitching as though the entire thread was focused on her retard son. Maybe you could try pulling back the outrage a bit. It's not like someone was making fun of your retarded family member.
56
The thing that pissed me off the most about her recent media blitz? The way she kept using "Loving "Special Needs" Kids" as a very subtle code for "Anti-abortion". As someone who works with special needs kids, I found that grotesque.
The thing that pissed me off the most about her recent media blitz? The way she kept using "Loving "Special Needs" Kids" as a very subtle code for "Anti-abortion". As someone who works with special needs kids, I found that grotesque.
57
47, are you as retarded as Palin's kid? Let me spell it out for you...
TODD PALIN FUCKED HIS DAUGHTER, GOT HER KNOCKED UP, AND SARAH FAKED A PREGNANCY TO COVER UP FOR IT, AND USED IT TO SCORE POINTS WITH THE "PRO LIFE" CROWD.
WHEN THE BABY TURNED OUT TO BE A BABY THAT WAS CONCEIVED BY A FATHER AND A DAUGHTER, SHE COVERED IT UP BY SAYING IT WAS A DOWN'S SYNDROME BABY, AND THEN USED IT AS A SHIELD FOR LEGITIMATE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BABY.
TODD PALIN FUCKED HIS DAUGHTER, GOT HER KNOCKED UP, AND SARAH FAKED A PREGNANCY TO COVER UP FOR IT, AND USED IT TO SCORE POINTS WITH THE "PRO LIFE" CROWD.
WHEN THE BABY TURNED OUT TO BE A BABY THAT WAS CONCEIVED BY A FATHER AND A DAUGHTER, SHE COVERED IT UP BY SAYING IT WAS A DOWN'S SYNDROME BABY, AND THEN USED IT AS A SHIELD FOR LEGITIMATE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BABY.
59
@58: Yeah, conspiracy theories like the one above (even if it is somehow disgustingly true) really just give Palin another reason to cry foul on all those Liberal Media Witch Hunts.
We should be going after her on more concrete things like her stunning hypocrisy about the word "retard", her "death panel" lies, and her general lack of a political/legislative clue.
We should be going after her on more concrete things like her stunning hypocrisy about the word "retard", her "death panel" lies, and her general lack of a political/legislative clue.
61
Crap, that should be does it really MATTER?
Sorry Christampa, this really struck a nerve obviously. We can fight back, he can't.
Bash her, bash me all you like, just not him.
Sorry Christampa, this really struck a nerve obviously. We can fight back, he can't.
Bash her, bash me all you like, just not him.
62
Called line breeding in cattle and does not cause the problems the kid has.
Over time, over and over, genetic defects will prevail, but, not the first time.
People with the mind set evidenced here are more like Dear Sarah than any progressive community. Get fucked yu silly idiots who think this is about the disabled kid.
IT IS ABOUT PRE EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKES, RANK LOOTING OF THE TREASURY- AND ALL THE WORSE THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PAST 40 YEARS.
SERIOUS, YOU BET.
Over time, over and over, genetic defects will prevail, but, not the first time.
People with the mind set evidenced here are more like Dear Sarah than any progressive community. Get fucked yu silly idiots who think this is about the disabled kid.
IT IS ABOUT PRE EMPTIVE NUCLEAR STRIKES, RANK LOOTING OF THE TREASURY- AND ALL THE WORSE THAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE PAST 40 YEARS.
SERIOUS, YOU BET.
64
@62: Okay, you know nothing about probability/inheritance. Sure, there is a very low chance that defects will result from the first time, but there are those few cases.
Way to be a dumbass reactionary, even if it isn't about the kid.
Way to be a dumbass reactionary, even if it isn't about the kid.
67
@61 Linda with a Y: Good on you but save your breath. It's great you're an advocate and all, but too many Sloggers including their leader Dan just don't get it.
Ignorant people have a chance because they can change. Stupid people are offered change and refuse it in favor of being stupid. Pretty clear who is who in this thing.
Ignorant people have a chance because they can change. Stupid people are offered change and refuse it in favor of being stupid. Pretty clear who is who in this thing.
69
My oh my, oh you seething, vengeful, angry, frustrated Sarah Palin-bashing sloggers - political contentment remains elusive even with your guy in the White House.
72
Is it just me, or is she looking really tired and a hell of a lot older in this last year? The next 4 years are not going to be kind to her, and her photogenicity is really all she has going for her.
73
@67 - speaking of not getting things, where does conflating "having a sense of humor" and "being stupid" put you in the ignorance--->stupidity continuum?
74
When you make fun of a retard who happens to actually have Down's Syndrome, then yes, it is about the retard. Poor kid can't help who his parents are, leave him out of it.
As for Sarah Palin, if anybody can remember who the Hell she is come this time next year, I'll be impressed. I say she's a minor historical footnote, at best. If I turn out to be wrong about this, I'll get shitfaced, come on this message board and talk ugly about retards. Promise.
What we really need to focus on is solving this country's problems. Anybody up for that?
As for Sarah Palin, if anybody can remember who the Hell she is come this time next year, I'll be impressed. I say she's a minor historical footnote, at best. If I turn out to be wrong about this, I'll get shitfaced, come on this message board and talk ugly about retards. Promise.
What we really need to focus on is solving this country's problems. Anybody up for that?
75
@16: "Liberals and Progressives should be figuring out a way to speak to "basic" people that doesn't sound like we're talking down to them.. Instead of... talking about how we know best (which we do) we should fight back.
With all due respect it is discouraging that even many liberals believe the talking point that we talk down to others more often than conservatives do. I disagree. I have noticed, my whole damn life, that conservatives are very often hard-headed, condescending, self-righteous, holier than thou people. It is pretty fundamental to their whole world view. To paraphrase Sarah Palin, they believe they are the REAL America (us liberals, us who live in cities, we "just don't get it" because we stray too much from old fashioned American traditions and conservatism). They've been going apeshit since Obama and the dems reclaimed the government because "we" are not even real Americans, democracy should not count us in, therefore the teabaggers lust for bloody civil war. They are loud and clear about it. They are the real America! Sure I've met liberals who can seem condescending to those they disagree with too, but usually it seems to be due tot bad social skills and not a deep-rooted worldview.
Today I heard Sarah Palin state that by the way Obama talks, he must want all of us to just sit down, shut up and agree with everything he says. So laughable that I think it's a continuation of this intentionally misleading talking point that most liberals are condescending. The more they say it, the more people will believe it even if it is BS
I think what liberals, progressives need to communicate is WHY capitalism is not fair, why we can't just let the free market dictate everything, why (duh) some things need to be taxed. Most of what we argue will never get through as long as they believe, fundamentally, that unregulated capitalism will lead us to eutopia.
More...
With all due respect it is discouraging that even many liberals believe the talking point that we talk down to others more often than conservatives do. I disagree. I have noticed, my whole damn life, that conservatives are very often hard-headed, condescending, self-righteous, holier than thou people. It is pretty fundamental to their whole world view. To paraphrase Sarah Palin, they believe they are the REAL America (us liberals, us who live in cities, we "just don't get it" because we stray too much from old fashioned American traditions and conservatism). They've been going apeshit since Obama and the dems reclaimed the government because "we" are not even real Americans, democracy should not count us in, therefore the teabaggers lust for bloody civil war. They are loud and clear about it. They are the real America! Sure I've met liberals who can seem condescending to those they disagree with too, but usually it seems to be due tot bad social skills and not a deep-rooted worldview.
Today I heard Sarah Palin state that by the way Obama talks, he must want all of us to just sit down, shut up and agree with everything he says. So laughable that I think it's a continuation of this intentionally misleading talking point that most liberals are condescending. The more they say it, the more people will believe it even if it is BS
I think what liberals, progressives need to communicate is WHY capitalism is not fair, why we can't just let the free market dictate everything, why (duh) some things need to be taxed. Most of what we argue will never get through as long as they believe, fundamentally, that unregulated capitalism will lead us to eutopia.
76
@75 Good points. Unregulated capitalism doesn't work because capitalism is all about getting more, and the people who are really good at it fall in a continuum between being great at business on the one end of the continuum and being corrupt swindlers at the other end who don't mind abusing others, in order to get more. Regulations are needed in order to weed the corrupt swindlers out of the system. Untaxed capitalism is unfair because getting more requires a certain set of abilities that NO ONE has at all times, even if most people have these abilities for a certain period of their lives. The taxes are needed to provide for those who fall out of the set of "able to make more right now." Every person is at some point in their lives too young, too old, too sick etc. Taxes enable the community as a whole to take care of those who are outside the boundaries of "currently able to make/get more."
78
You guys still talking about that hot Gilf? Hmm. Knock yourself out.
Me, I write my crib notes on a small pad of paper when I speak in public. Hand works too, I suppose. I don't see what the big deal is.
"The American public isn't blind or stupid, but they hate bullies." Hence President Obama's drooping polls, eh? You spend a year bad-mouthing all sorts of perfectly ordinary people--businesspeople, GOP opponents, etc.--, and you are president, a funny thing happens: people stop liking you. I would have thought someone as smart as President Obama would know that.
Me, I write my crib notes on a small pad of paper when I speak in public. Hand works too, I suppose. I don't see what the big deal is.
"The American public isn't blind or stupid, but they hate bullies." Hence President Obama's drooping polls, eh? You spend a year bad-mouthing all sorts of perfectly ordinary people--businesspeople, GOP opponents, etc.--, and you are president, a funny thing happens: people stop liking you. I would have thought someone as smart as President Obama would know that.
80
Dan (and all Obama-bashing dems) should be made to read this entire opinion piece:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg…
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cg…
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