Mandingo
Shared on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 14:39
As the race to the big house nears an end a bit of infighting has begun in the McCain camp. In recent weeks Palin has veered off topic from time to time and the recent spat over her wardrobe has fueled the fire. McCain aides point at Palin for going off topic and Palin aides point back claiming she is becoming the scapegoat and merely defending her image. It remains to be seen if some in the party will attempt to throw her under the bus on November 5th, but that’s not the point.
Will Palin use the remaining time left to position herself for a career change/upgrade? History shows her to be an efficient opportunist and one wonders if she will escape from the Titanic unscathed. Her poll numbers in Alaska have dropped 20 points since her selection, and while still respectable, show that not everyone is thrilled with the new persona. How much of it is Palin magnified and how much is party points that have been put into her hands?
Despite less than stellar performances in most media, there is still a percentage of the republican base that sees her as the last lifeblood of the party. In return for her core values they have forgiven everything including troopergate without question. It’s difficult to pin point these folks though since even Evangelicals have expressed some doubt. It may be possible that the church is no longer chained body and soul to the GOP.
McCain’s ability to carry nearly half the popular vote while ignoring a few normal Republican themes signals the shift of the party. It doesn’t help that the current administration has ushered in one of the largest eras of government growth and intercession, which leaves many wondering just what their platform is anymore.
Whether by desire or by necessity, a portion of the party has moved towards the center. This begs the question, will Palin be able to adapt to the new shape of the party or continue down the conservative path that she has trod to date? While this strategy of throwing red meat to the party base will carry a percentage of support you have to wonder if that message will still carry any weight in the future of the more center center/right political landscape.
As republicans lose seats in the Senate and House this year she may emerge as the most popular or at least most well know Republican. Will she stick to her guns and political position or move with the party more towards the center? How she chooses to define herself in the next year will make that clear.
So my questions to you:
1) Will She emerge unscathed and respectable
2) Will she adapt her persona to match the party
3) Where do you see her in 10 years?
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Comments
Submitted by LilGideon on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 15:47
Submitted by ekattan on Mon, 10/27/2008 - 16:07