Why Sarah Palin is so popular: She has the same effect on people as George W. Bush did -- that is, she makes it OK for people to be their worst selves. People are naturally small, petty, uncurious, mean-spirited and deceitful. It's hard to be tolerant, honest, thoughtful, caring and committed to the common good. When our leaders set the bar high, they challenge us to be our best selves. This is what Obama does -- he wants us to look beyond our own tiny little worlds to embrace a larger vision. But this will involve hard work -- not necessarily the physical kind but the hard work of thoughtful introspection that challenges us deep down. But Sarah Palin doesn't do this. She is small and snarky and dishonest, just like the rest of us. And that makes us feel comfortable with her. Like Bush (also small, snarky, dishonest and bored by deep introspection), she makes it OK to be our worst selves instead of calling on us to improve. That makes her popular.
"Whiskeyrivero1," posting at the Appleton Post-Crescent website during the 2008 campaign
Breakfast is being served
3 years ago
