Sarah Palin: Winking At Disaster

My Take On The Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin Debate, 2008.

by Roland Kriewaldt

As I watched the much anticipated Joe Biden versus Sarah Palin Vice Presidential debate on October 3, 2008, I couldn't help but notice that Sarah Palin smiled at the most inappropriate times. She smiled while insulting Joe Biden and even while she was dodging questions and avoiding answers. And then there was that winking move that lets others know that they're sharing a secret. But it was no secret that she was just putting on an act, pretending to be the person that John McCain's campaign needs her to be to catch up to Barack Obama.

Yes, I admit I'm an Obama fan, so I was cheering for Joe Biden, who was unknown to me. I was relieved and satisfied with Barack Obama's choice of a running mate after Senator Biden's demonstrated a sincere, intelligent and competent demeanour. Palin, on the other hand, appeared to me as sincere as a crocodile talking a lamb to the water's edge for a drink. You just know how that's going to end.

As an entertainer, I can automatically detect when someone is performing. Sarah Palin reminded me of those infomercial actors whose exaggerated expressions and interest are paid for by those selling the product. But in this case two products were fighting to stay on the shelf in the midst of a giant recall, John McCain and the Republican worldview of armed Darwinism. But the taint cannot be undone with new labelling - the product has to be removed for the safety of the public.

Sarah Palin presented herself as down home folksy. But then so did George W. Bush during his "Heck of a job, Brownie" heyday. It didn't make him any more competent for the job. In fact he defiled the United States constitution and international goodwill all while winking and smiling into the camera. Sarah Palin also smiled into the camera like someone selling the equivalent of political swampland as "unhabituated lots with ready access to water." But it is my belief that the days of trusting empty words and gimmicks are over. The USA now needs true leadership, not more lies, false flag terror events and corporate gluttony.

Folksy No. Fake Yes.

Much to the disappointment of some, Sarah Palin didn't have a meltdown during the debate, but she did offer us an eyewitness view of someone knowingly avoiding having to answer a question. Her runaway rants were hasty collages of the same tired old right wing talking points that you'll hear on FOX news, along with canned mirth and winking gestures that would make George W. Bush even cringe. Her charm was a gimmick and her incessant yacking reminded me some big mouth at the grocery store checkout, not a vice president. I have a feeling the world could be coming to an end and she'd still be winking about it.

Here is a quick highlight of her message to Americans: "Wasilla Main Street" - "Joe Six Packs" - "Hockey Moms" and the obligatory "Less government" (um, except when they're bailing out your rich friends) and "Tax Breaks".

Even when a country is relatively stable, as was the US during the Clinton era, those in opposition must continue disagreeing with those in power for the sake of appearances. But when a country is in crisis, as is the United States of America, substituting "folksiness" for intelligent insight is like getting breast implants when the country needs more milk.

It's no doubt that Sarah Palin had something to prove to those who dismissed her as a dud after her interview with Katie Couric. So she went after Joe Biden on Afghanistan by quoting "General MacLellan" as saying that the surge was working. Unfortunately the man's name is General David D. McKiernan. Oops. Wink, wink.

My last impression of Sarah Palin was wondering why she let her little daughter carry her baby around when the families of both debaters flooded the stage for a cordial meet and greet afterward. She could have fallen. And in a society where the weakest need protection, it was Sarah's choice at that moment to give the job to someone who was probably not ready for such a big responsibility. A perfect ending.

Joe Palin: The Right Stuff.

I haven't said anything about Joe Biden. That's because he was polite, intelligent and informed as anyone can be who cannot know everything, including the future of the country. He could have embarrassed Sarah Palin about the "General McClellan" gaff, but he did a lot of smiling in his own right. The only difference is that I think his smiles were heartfelt, not manufactured for the sake of appearances. He also had a moment of tearful reflection that showed us both his love for his family and that he has the insight needed in trying times from the experience of his own hardships as a single parent in America.