As Obama looks to organize his administration, the Republicans look for what went wrong. Some commentators say that this was just a bad year for Republicans, with an unpopular incumbent and faltering economy. Others though, suggest that the party needs a change of message, or at least of image.
It is not yet clear what form that message shift might take, but it will not be an easy one. This is, after all, America’s conservative party, which is temperamentally inclined to favor proven ideas and the status quo. However, Obama’s resounding victory has left some wondering whether the Bush/McCain brand of conservatism is in fact a diminishing force.
Already, a number of Republicans are gearing up into the apparent power vacuum. There is currently no clear leader of the Republican Party, but a whole bunch of people are applying for the job.
Lacking the deep political knowledge to actually tell you who some of the unexpected candidates might be, I’m going to discuss the obvious one here – Sarah Palin.
Okay, what makes Palin a possible 2012 candidate? Her VP run has given her national visibility as of yet unmatched by any other possibility. Her personality has gained her a loyal following of “Sarah-ites” who love her because “she’s like me.” As an evangelical, she seems to hold the reins of the most powerful coalition remaining in the Republican Party.
Palin herself clearly is positioning for ascension to the national stage. Recently she conducting a barrage of interviews and hogged center stage at the convention of Republican governors.
But what about the cons? Her VP run has made visible her general incompetence on the issues. Her poor performance has already made many voters disdain her, and these votes lost are probably irredeemable. Other Republicans (particularly from within the McCain campaign) have already set out to sabotage her. Her strong stances send moderates running for the hills.
Ultimately, I think the pro-Palin faction is not a broad societal movement, but a passing fad. Since it is unlikely Miss Wasilla will have the opportunity to appoint herself to the Senate, she will spend the next four years governing the frigid north, generally out of the national spotlight. And when she does step into the spotlight, people from both the right and the left will be ready to point out her inadequacies. Though I expect Palin will remain popular with evangelicals, unless they become the sole dominating force on the right, that will not overcome the number of moderates she alienates.
I don’t think we have to fear a President Palin, but let’s not get complacent.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601039&sid=a8rBJX.lvwms&refer=home
http://www.examiner.com/x-1166-DC-Conservative-Examiner~y2008m11d17-Palins-run-was-the-peak-of-her-career
http://foxforum.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/11/13/jpinkerton_1113/
http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/517155.html
http://www.timesanddemocrat.com/articles/2008/11/17/opinion/13318238.txt
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