With the much anticipated release of Sarah Palin’s book, Going Rogue: An American Life, it is already an Amazon best-selling pre-order that many are calling a “phenomenon.” Published by Harper Collins, Going Rogue is set to be released November 17 and apparently with quite the marketing strategy — as if Palin has difficulty drawing attention.
While Palin enjoys widespread popularity and adoration, the criticism and slams are already pouring in, starting with the Associated Press and their reports on her book. The Huffington Post fired an attack entitled "The First Ten Lies from Going Rogue."
Due to the fact that Palin writes about her experience during the 2008 campaign and apparently criticizes some staffers from the McCain campaign camp, many are crying foul, drumming up all kinds of drama.
Last week, Rachel Maddow, in the condescending way reserved for those she doesn't like, featured a Palin book segment, which included Ana Mari Cox, from Air America Radio, Cox claiming she has the “inside scoop” into the McCain camp and a direct line to the McCain staffers.
As both Maddow and Cox whacked around some petty complaints and opinions about Palin and her book, Maddow surmised a gloomy prediction of Palin's reputation. I wonder why don't these "targeted staffers" come out and speak for themselves? Even though I have yet to read Going Rogue, I'm confident it has more to offer than Palin's attitudes about her vice presidential candidacy; nevertheless, many prefer to ignite drama rather than substance.
As the Associated Press stands by their story, Palin fired back on her Facebook page, “Amazingly, but not surprisingly, the AP somehow nabbed a copy of the book before it was released. They're now erroneously reporting on the book's contents and are repeating many of the same things they spewed during the campaign and afterwards. We've heard 11 writers are engaged in this opposition research, er, 'fact checking' research! Imagine that…”
I’m sure there is more criticism looming, but I’ve been debriefed and am certain that when I watch Maddow, Keith Olbermann, Bill Maher or David Letterman, I will get an earful of Palin bashing.
It wasn’t enough for liberal pundits, politicians, and comedians to take pot shots at Palin and her family, her life, and anything else they found useful in their arsenal of contempt during the 2008 campaign. The left wing media continues its obsession with Palin and their attempt to discredit and demean her at every turn — the criticism is unrelenting and senseless. I don’t quite get it.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Ruvy
What has you puzzled, Christine? When you get close to a target, you get a lot of flak. That is what has happened to Sarah Palin. The "liberals" are scared shitless (and angry as all hell that a woman can succeed by not being submissive, but not being liberal either), and lots of "conservatives" are pissed off that a woman of "low breeding" like Palin is doing what they cannot do - ispire the public.
This is all so amusing.... At least the book is liable to make her independently wealthy. If it does, she will not be beholden to the "power brokers" of American politics - she will be one of them herself.
2 - Christine
Ruvy, good insight. The editor of this piece took out the part where I stated "I won't speculate here on why the Left has such disdain for Palin". But that is fine, they did a great job in editing as I am not that great of a writer.
It is rather amusing!
3 - Silas Kain
Sorry, I love Sarah Palin and I will always be grateful to her for one thing.
Levi Johnston.
4 - Christine
Silas, was that meant to be a joke? lol lol
Didn't that "slimeball", just do playgirl mag?
5 - Silas Kain
It's a half joke, Christine. Were it not for Levi, Playgirl wouldn't be back on the national news stage. So, in some small way, Sarah Palin has helped bail out publishing. I do love her, though. Not so much for her politics as for her guts.
6 - Glenn Contrarian
Christine -
There's two reasons liberals like myself have such disdain for Ms. Palin...and it's not the fact that she's a prima donna - most politicians are.
First of all, when Palin was asked what papers she read, she said she does read the papers...but couldn't name even one. She thought Africa was a COUNTRY instead of a continent. She didn't know how many countries were in North America. One has to ask just how much more does she not know?
But it's not that she was ignorant of these facts...it's that she felt no apparent shame at the prospect of being so ignorant, yet being a heartbeat away from the nuclear trigger. Ignorance is one thing - but refusal to acknowledge what's wrong with staying so ignorant is another thing altogether. One heartbeat away....
Second, I was one of the charter members of the USS Abraham Lincoln's SAVI team - it stands for Sexual Assault Victim Intervention - and I was a first responder to assist rape victims. One of the first things we would do is give them a rape kit - clean, loose-fitting clothing, personal cleaning items, etc.
What does this have to do with Ms. Palin? Wasilla was the only city in Alaska that charged rape victims for the rape kits.
Yes, I have great disdain for Ms. Palin...but I do NOT fear her, no, not at all. Why? Because she has been exposed for who and what she is, and I smile broadly at the prospect of her being the GOP presidential prospect in 2012...for it's not the right or the left that decides the elections - it's the center, and Ms. Palin is at the forefront of the Rabid Right's war against moderates and RINO's. Yeah, go Sarah! We DO so hope she's the GOP nominee!
7 - Silas Kain
Yeah, go Sarah! We DO so hope she's the GOP nominee!
I'm with you. And I love her. I know she's a complete moron and isn't qualified to be a mayor much less a governor but that doesn't minimize her chutzpah.
I, along with you, hope the GOP nominates her in 2012 because I believe Sarah Palin is the catalyst between the ultra right conservative guard and the revamped Republican Party. She will be the poster child of all that is wrong with Republicans these days and once the majority of them are neutralized there will be a vibrant three-party system in this country again.
I can dream, can't I?
8 - Christine
Glenn: Thanks for your insight and as I mentioned in my piece, I am not a Palin fan, but it has more to do with her treatment of animals than politics. That said: I was not aware of the "rape kit" thing...so will have to add that to my list.
I don't detest her like those on the Left and some in the center and I do feel she has been treated unfairly from the very beginning..it is pathetic.
Also I did mention the Couric interview was a debacle. Lastly I don't quite see her as our pres. But she is still a "rock star"!!!!!!
9 - Dave Nalle
Glenn, the rape kit charge has been pretty thoroughly debunked. There's no evidence that Palin approved charging rape victims or authorized it, and the police chief in Wasilla at the time said that his preference was to charge convicted rapists if possible, but that victims insurance companies were sometimes charged as a cost saving measure.
More here.
and here.
Dave
10 - RICK B.
When I first saw Sarah Palin, I said ''Oh God''. But when she started to speak, I really took notice. She was the firecracker that got the GOP, and others to notice her. Her ''talk tough'' attitude, and all American, patriotic, speeches ignited a lot of people, including myself. I have been a great fan of her ever since. She is attractive, but that's not the reason for liking her. She was always a compettitor in all things she accomplished. I like her conservative views, and the biggest fact that she went all the way to Irag to see her Alaskan National Guardsmen. That's alot to say, when no other Governor did that. I did notice the media cheering for Obama who was a Senator for only 143 days, and an Acorn community leader. That makes a guy qualified to be a President? I don't think so. I feel she got a raw deal. Now Sarah, ''it's payback time''. Glad she got that redneck Levi out of her daughters life. The guy is a total scumbag. I can't beleive that people don't see that? That kid didn't even have a job. Now he's the ''great gay poster boy''. Some great father. I'm sorry, I cant support a president who claims that the constitution is ''outdated'', and needs to be changed. And bow's to the Saudi King, and apoligises to the whole world about America. Ther would be no Germany, France, or Japan if it wasn't for the millions of dollars in loans that America gave them to rebuild their countries after World War 2. I am not a racist, but he is a dirty politition.I know, I am from Chicago, and he never did anything here of good. Just a pawn for the Socialists Democrats. I'm outta here!!!!
11 - Glenn Contrarian
Dave and Christine -
Grrr...but when I'm wrong, I'm wrong. Dave - thanks for pointing out my failing, 'cause I should've detected the funny smell to that particular rumor. Again, Dave, thanks.
Christine, my apologies for pushing a rumor. But I still do so hope she's the GOP candidate in 2012...and 2016, too, so she can run against her polar opposite, Alan Grayson.
12 - Christine
Dave and Glenn: OK rumor debunked. Whewwww. Take that one off the minus section. Those damn rumors!!!!!!!
And you go #10 - RICK B.
13 - Silas Kain
When I first saw Sarah Palin, I said ''Oh God''. But when she started to speak, I really took notice. She was the firecracker that got the GOP, and others to notice her.
There's no doubt about that. She has star quality.
Her ''talk tough'' attitude, and all American, patriotic, speeches ignited a lot of people, including myself. I have been a great fan of her ever since.
Her talk tough attitude in simple terms is what's missing from the national debate. I remain unconvinced as to just how capable she is at being President but won't take aware her skill in reinventing herself. She's a novelty in this American culture.
She is attractive, but that's not the reason for liking her. She was always a compettitor in all things she accomplished. I like her conservative views, and the biggest fact that she went all the way to Irag to see her Alaskan National Guardsmen. That's alot to say, when no other Governor did that.
Let's talk turkey - Sarah Palin is drop dead gorgeous. She has a gorgeous husband, a beautiful family and just comes across as a small town gal. She's today's Betty Crocker, Heloise, Dear Abby and Fannie Farmer rolled into one. We're a sentimental people who won't admit it. A smart elderly lady I know, staunch Democrat by the way, loves her. She says that Sarah Palin reminds her of Erica Kane and Vanessa Sterling rolled into one. If any of you All My Children fans or remember Love of Life, you'll get that point. The lady would never vote for Sarah, but likes her nonetheless. And her visiting the troops was a class act. One thing you can say for Sarah Palin, she's a patriot.
I did notice the media cheering for Obama who was a Senator for only 143 days, and an Acorn community leader. That makes a guy qualified to be a President? I don't think so.
I think we're paying for Barack Obama's lack of experience but overall he's taken the task with honor and really tried to do what he could. Unfortunately, he has a Congress that's too cowardly to advance his vision for this country. Like it or not, Barack Obama was elected with a mandate. People really believed he could bring about the changes that have been needed since the days of Richard Nixon. The White House miscalculation was how fast the Democrats would cower under the leadership of Nancy Pelosi.
I feel she got a raw deal. Now Sarah, ''it's payback time''.
And she has a lot of opportunities here that few women are afforded. Let's hope she doesn't squander her fame.
Glad she got that redneck Levi out of her daughters life. The guy is a total scumbag. I can't beleive that people don't see that? That kid didn't even have a job. Now he's the ''great gay poster boy''. Some great father.
Oh come on now. Levi is an impressionable kid from a backwater town who has been seduced by the glare of floodlights. Is he a scumbag? Probably. Is he the great new gay poster boy? Well, not really, allegedly he's not gay. But is he nice to look at? You betcha!
I'm sorry, I cant support a president who claims that the constitution is ''outdated'', and needs to be changed. And bow's to the Saudi King, and apoligises to the whole world about America.
Before blasting Mr. Obama for paying hommage to the Saudi King do your research on the Bush family relationship with the House of Saud.
Ther would be no Germany, France, or Japan if it wasn't for the millions of dollars in loans that America gave them to rebuild their countries after World War 2.
And America would not be the country it is were it not for slave trade and slave labor (Brown University); tobacco farmers, and millions of immigrants who came to this land seeking freedom.
I am not a racist, but he is a dirty politition.I know, I am from Chicago, and he never did anything here of good. Just a pawn for the Socialists Democrats. I'm outta here!!!!
Pin all of Chicago's political woes on Obama. That makes as much sense as saying that Carrie Prejean's breasts are natural. Chicago machine politics has been going on since day one. Illinois, in general, has a piss poor political track record. Two great men came from Illinois -- Abraham Lincoln and Everett Dirksen.
14 - Glenn Contrarian
Silas -
Concerning Palin being 'drop dead gorgeous'...um, no. In all honesty, I think Sally Field - as old as she is - is sexier than Palin.
But that reminds me of when I heard that Palin was on McCain's short list of VP candidates. I told myself right then that it would be Palin. Why? It's obvious! McCain was a sailor born and bred, and she was (to him) an attractive split-tail (to brazenly use a completely inappropriate old Navy term).
But 'gorgeous'? Not to me - she's too much like Michelle Bachmann. I spent many years around my schizo-bipolar grandmother, and that - like cigarettes - makes a woman extremely unattractive in my book.
15 - Silas Kain
I agree, Sally Field is sexy and seems to ripen like a fine wine with age. Lauren Bacall was like that. I can see comparing Bachmann to a schizo-bipolar but Sarah Palin?
16 - Glenn Contrarian
I think it's because I see in her eyes the tendency to refuse to believe anything that doesn't agree with her worldview. Nothing, absolutely nothing will make her question her own beliefs, and the ends she has in mind justify whatever means she deems necessary.
No sir, I'd stay poor and single rather than to consign myself to life with her.
17 - Glenn Contrarian
Here's something about Ms. Palin's autobiography
"New York Times reviewer Michiko Kakutani writes:
Elsewhere in this volume, she talks about creationism, saying she “didn’t believe in the theory that human beings " thinking, loving beings " originated from fish that sprouted legs and crawled out of the sea” or from “monkeys who eventually swung down from the trees.” In everything that happens to her, from meeting Todd to her selection by Mr. McCain for the Republican ticket, she sees the hand of God: “My life is in His hands. I encourage readers to do what I did many years ago, invite Him in to take over.”"
GOD wanted her on the Republican ticket? Then that leaves two possibilities: either she's batsplit crazy, or God really likes the Democrats. Personally I think the Good Lord doesn't care much for our politics, so I'll go with the first possibility.
18 - Dave Nalle
Glenn, you seriously think that nutjob socialist Alan Grayson has a presidential run in his future? That's about the one thing that might give Palin a chance.
Dave
19 - Dave Nalle
Glenn, I'm as areligious as the next guy, but I find your lack of respect for Palin's faith offensive. Believing in god doesn't make you nuts unless it impairs your functionality in society. The fact that she sees more than just luck in her success isn't really a problem, so long as she doesn't expect god to do her job for her.
Dave
20 - Zedd
Christine,
I think that the reason that people are clamoring to interview her is because of the train wreck factor. It's not because she's "a rock star". Spongebob is popular too.... and.
What really bothers me about your article is that you have really latched on this partisan foolishness and you display your unwillingness to think beyond labels, publicly. I find it disturbing and irresponsible of you for a lot of reasons. One being that you are female and these light articles don't do much for advancing the notion that we are smart (or can be). Another reason that I am bothered is that we are dumbing down as a nation. Your super light tit for tat, "I just don't like them" articles contribute to this problem. Why should your poorly considered positions be heard by the world? Being female does not grant you the right to be irrational and lazy in your thinking.
In essence this article is about defending against the comments that address a book you haven't read. Really? Your defense (I think) is that she's a rock star. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, why did you say it, and what does that have to do with anything?
21 - Arch Conservative
Ruvy pretty much summed up it up. Palin drives liberals nutty because she is a prominent conservative woman who many in the public either support and/or relate to, therefore giving her some degree of power/influence on political/social discourse.
Palin must not have gotten the memo from the DNC stating women and minorities are not allowed to express conservative or right of center views in America in 2009.
Her mere existence runs contrary to the mythology the left has created that all conservatives and republicans are priveleged white males who exhbit nothing but racism and sexism all day long. Her refusal to buy into this line of crap has led the left to show their true colors as they have not only personally savaged this woman but her daughter as well. Apparently the left's compassion and sympathy for pregnant seventeen year old girls is contingent upon the political leanings of her parents. Oh and using the decision to give life to a down's syndrome baby as a political football....just icing on the cake.
As for my take, as a conservative, of Palin......The fact that she pisses off liberals is pretty much the only value I see in her. She makes a very good attack dog for the GOP but I would never vote for her for president. The same goes for that Arkansas goober Huckabee. He should be doing Subway commercials with Jared telling evryone how he lost 100 pounds, not running for president.
22 - Ruvy
Bing misses the other half of my analysis - on purpose, I think. Palin seems to have "low beeding". She was pregnant when she got married. She had to fight to get the college degree she has - and obviously did not get A's in geography or history. "Conservatives" sniff at her, figuring that someone more of "their level" - whatever that means - should represent them. But the bottom line is that beautiful or not, sexually virtuous or not, brilliant or not, she has done what all those other "conservatives" couldn't manage to do - inspire people.
Looking at the the Republicans through my own selfish lens, Huckabee, goober or not, says the things I want to hear from an American candidate for president. But frankly, he is as inspirational as a stick of wood.
Similarly, if Sarah Palin is indeed a believer in G-d, whe will say the things at the top of the ticket that she could not say as the second fiddle attack dog - that Israel should control all of the land west of the Jordan, Arabs be damned (and if Arabs continue their terror attacks in the States, they will in deed be damned). Heck, she could push an Israeli leader to do what rabbis and national camp activists seem unable to accomplish - to display some real pride in being Jewish and some real spine. But she may have another agenda - one kept carefully hidden from her fans.
In any event, if she does indeed run for the top office in 2012, espect her to know every single African capital of every single failed state on that failed continent. She'll know what is going on - because she will have made sure she does know. Do you seriously expect a piranha with lipstick to learn nothing from a failed shot at the White House? If you do, you are fools, the lot of you.
23 - Christopher Rose
Ruvy, I would have thought the history of the 20th Century would have taught you not to support ignorant, inspirationalist political figures...
Have you decided what to do about your US citizenship yet?
24 - Ruvy
Obviously, Chris, you did not really read my article, did you? Oh, you went over it for personal attacks and the like, checked the links, and all, but you did not read carefully. If you had, you would realize that I'm a suspicious gus, who watches all the "heroes" and "heroines" and notes their clay feet. It is not for nothing that I am an iconoclast, Chris.
Go back and read carefully - and thoroughly. There is more to this than meets the eye, just as there is a lot more to Sarah Palin than meets the eye.
I have time yet to worry about citizenship issues.
25 - Christine
#20 Zedd: Hmm, if you don't like my articles and feel they are dumb and irrelevant, then why do you read them?