There are lots of things I like about Sarah Palin, not least among them the fact that by her very presence we have proof that the basic tenants of American feminism have made in-roads even in religious circles.
There are also lots of things I don’t like about Sarah Palin, not least among them the perception she pushes of rural America. The multi-faceted truth, which I’ll readily admit doesn’t fit well into a 10-second sound bite, is much more complex and much more important.
I’ll also admit something else: I wanted Sarah Palin to do well. We live in a world where there are far too few strong political female role models for young women on the left side of the political spectrum, and even fewer on the right. I wanted Palin to be the national equivalent of Iowa’s own Joy Corning or Mary Lundby — intelligent, well-spoken, and self-assured. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long to figure out that Palin has nothing on the strong Republican women that have graced Iowa.
And, although further proof that Palin is politically (and perhaps ethically) lacking isn’t needed, Andrew Sullivan has put together a list of “odd lies” attributed to Palin. It is true that Palin has been and continues to be a subject of unique interest for Sullivan, and it could very well be that this list would not exist were it not for that interest. (Yes, Mr. Sullivan, that’s a nice way of saying that you have fixated on Palin at a time when many politicians are worthy of such scrutiny. I will, however, refrain from speculating as to why.)
As odd as it seems, Palin remains an important figure in Iowa politics by virtue of our first-in-the-nation status. Even if her influence never makes it outside of the Hawkeye State, it will create ripples here that could change the landscape our upcoming gubernatorial and statehouse races.
Republicans have been quick to point out during the Sonia Sotomayor hearings that a compelling personal story should not always translate into political success. They say that everything a person says or does — and not just where a person comes from or has struggled through — should be held in account while deciding if an individual is worthy of holding more power. I agree, and also believe the practice should not be limited to proposed Supreme Court Justices.
(Hat tip to Linda Thieman of Blog for Iowa)
