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Thursday, February 11, 2010

Huffington Post: Palin is a brilliant strategist.

Addressing the Tea Party, Sarah Palin wrote three notes on her hand: "Energy, Taxes, Lift American Spirits." Why? She already had notes in front of her on the podium. Surely she could remember three simple themes. Why write notes on her hand?

Here's my take on why: she knew that they would be visible when she gave the speech. And she knew that she would be made fun of -- as so stupid that she needs to write notes on her hand. And that's one of her most effective tactics -- to be made fun of. It's an integral part of her strategy of standing in for hardworking, Middle Americans, derided by the condescending, know-it-all liberal elites.

So what does the Obama administration do? Press Secretary Robert Gibbs had a great idea: he made fun of her. He wrote a grocery list on his hand at a White House briefing, and belittled Palin for not being able to remember her message. Thus the White House became a vehicle for Palin's narrative of the snooty elites who think they're better than average Americans.

Palin is a brilliant strategist. First, note that I just repeated Palin's key talking points: Palin has even us fellow travelers at The Huffington Post repeating, "Energy, Taxes, Lift American Spirits." Talk about earned media.

Palin's ploy also spoke directly to ordinary Joe and Jane. By writing her script on her palm, she got to identify with the unscripted real folks, heightening the contrast with the golden-tongued Obama and his reliance on the teleprompter. Hasn't everyone sometimes written a note on her hand? Doesn't putting your message on your palm literally define the common touch? The elites were clueless.

Sarah Palin is playing chess. I don't know what game the Administration is playing, but they just walked right into her carefully laid trap. Palin, the strategist, is amazing to watch. Her brilliance is her ability to tap in to the class conflicts that drive American politics these days. Obama, whom I have supported since Iowa, just doesn't get it.(CONTINUE READING HERE)

4 comments:

Stray Yellar Dawg? said...

I might have to link to this today. Even tho it is Huffpo.

Yes, Joan Williams seems to be catching on. But that won't stop the blogger boiz. They will not let up... and neither will Olbermann or Matthews.

Because they are as driven by misogyny as by "Progressivism." (Whatever "Progressivism" even means to a woman hating, basement dwelling punk. Or a M.isogynist S.ister-hating N.ews B.roadcasting C.onflater)

Alessandro Machi said...

Its like the school of "snarks" don't get it. They feed off of the blood of perceived stupidity, even when it isn't stupidity, they nonetheless snark it up as if it is.

Alessandro Machi said...

The Thanksgiving day incident may qualify in the same spirit. The snark left could not believe Sarah Palin would speak in front of a Turkey slaughter house, as if somehow we are not supposed to see how turkeys are "made" into dinners.

Stray Yellar Dawg? said...

Agree with Alessandro.

The turkey slaughter incident was actually a bit of genius. It showed the ignorance of "city-folk" who think turkeys are dropped from heaven in neat plastic packages.

And it doesn't even matter if Sarah *meant* it that way. By merit of the fact that she could stand in front of the "carnage" and not wince.... she is showing the folks that she gets "what it takes" to live / be self sufficient.

"We eat, therefore we hunt" is a Palinism not to be written off blythly. It can easily be extrapolated into "we drive therefore we drill." And, if I know Sarah, it will be...

Word.