Every four years, Democrats in the United States make the same mistake. They underestimate the appeal of the Republican Party to Middle America, and then reduce their own appeal by belittling it. Now, Democrats are falling into the same trap again with Sarah Palin, John McCain’s vice-presidential nominee.
Palin is a tremendously popular pick among the party base, which had previously been unenthusiastic about McCain’s candidacy. These are not people who are interested in gender as such; they like Palin for her persona and her politics. So far, though, Palin’s critics have concentrated mainly on her persona. In her speech to the Republican National Convention this week, Palin has a great opportunity to take advantage of these tone-deaf critics.
Most obviously, Palin can benefit from criticism of her family life. Some commentators have attacked Palin for running for vice-president when she has a new baby with special needs. It is ironic for anyone on the left to say that a woman should just stay home with the kids. Never mind that they would never say such a thing about a male candidate (or a female Democratic one). This makes Palin more relatable to working moms, and the families who pitch in to help them. It makes her critics look sexist.
I will consider posting comments on this article which are submitted first by email to: KSHarmon[at]mindspring[dot]com.
From Susna Russell:
It is sadly symptomatic of the systemic sexism that is so pervasive in this still-working-on-its-issues country of ours that questions about how Governor Palin will “mother” her children and be Vice President are dominating the media.
If those are valid questions they should be being asked of Barack Obama as the father of young children as well. And they aren’t being asked of him. And they shouldn’t be asked of her.
Because the question is not what kind of mother Sarah Palin is … the question is what kind of VP will she be.
Blessings,
(The Reverend) Susan Russell
Senior Associate for Parish Life
All Saints, Pasadena, California