Flickr: Creative Commons by TiffanyBBrown

The most frustrating thing about Sarah Palin is not her political views, nor is it the winking and “folksy” word play she so often falls back on (“say it ain’t so Joe,” etc.). The really frustrating thing is the effect she had on the dumbing down of American politics and journalism. The bar has been substantially lowered (think the high jump before the Fosbury Flop). Moreover, the way she is covered in the media represents a species of journalistic apathy and disinterest that has reached unprecedented levels.

George W. Bush tapped this particular keg when someone floated the meme that he was the type of guy you’d want to have a beer with. Palin brought this to a new level. The response to Palin’s first and only debate with Senator Joe Biden was generally positive. She “did what she was supposed to do” and stayed on her “talking points.” She was referred to as “folksy” and a “soccer mom.”

These general descriptions do not provide any real insight into Sarah Palin, nor do they tell us if she understands any of the issues in question. She is able to remember a few key words, phrases, etc. and then spit them out when called upon to do so. But who can’t do that? And why is no one suggesting that rote memorization does not a VP make? 

Her ability not to stumble over words, her tendency to explain an answer by repeating the question, and her ability to make people smile does not mean that she should be considered a valid candidate.   Her ability to make us feel that she is “like” us, even though she is able to purchase a $5,000 suit jacket (US Weekly) does not make her a valid candidate.

What we have here is a lack of understanding. Eight years of Bush lowered expectations. Palin has the great ability to do the Hannity/Limbaugh thing. She knows how to play on folks’ fears by spewing nonsense. Palin is a lot like a Fox Network anchor.