Many don't like Palin as a choice because she removes our choice. She is an extremist and a creationist who refuses to acknowledge other views or philosophies in the world. She has no experience with foreign policy in a time where we are at war (and on the brink of more war).

No one in their right mind cares what color or gender our leaders are! We are asking for someone who is qualified! A resourceful person of depth who is capable of understanding the nuances of language. One who is highly educated, articulate, preferably well traveled, diplomatic and the most important qualification: absolute brilliance. Is that so wrong to want these qualities in a leader of the free world?

Projecting shallow thoughts about image and style (or privilege? You must be kidding!) onto people who don't agree with Palin won't work. The parts you are missing are the issues, her record and complete inadequacy. That is what gives people pause.

This really is getting funny and kind of bizarre. So much time wasted on the sparkly surface fluff. If you agree with her on the issues and with her ideology, that is a different conversation, but don't tell people they don't like your candidate because she didn't go to an ivy league school or because of her hair. What a load!

"...because she's a supremely self-confident woman with a limited worldview, impressed with her own greatness and not terribly curious about anyone else."

Emphasis on limited worldview.

Not that I have anything but "atta girl(s)" for self-confident women, but I've been stumbling along in posts attempting to express this simple truth ...then Joan nails it.

Yes!

Word!

What she said!

Wait!

Hold on! Yeah... ehr... no, I lost it again.

While I was going to post something thoughtful, amazing and quite helpful, I became distracted by (not in any particular order): my dog, an animal or human scream from the street, this pesky fly on the monitor who rubs his hind legs together and will buzz away if I move the cursor near his shiny green body, a grumbling stomach, a beautiful photo, a pile of mail, pop up ads, a waking baby, ahh there is that song again, another something from the list of things to do that didn't get done, nice legs, the ding sound of another new email...

Uh,

What did I come in here for?

Gosh, whatever do you mean, you have trouble staying focused and on task while online?

"We don't need more mediocrity in the White House."

AMEN!

Faulkner Jr.:

"Is that schadenfreude or masochism that I hear from you?"

Joan, et al,

There are a number of outstanding one liners in this thread. I am noting FJ's because I am stealing it and using it today, at the grocery store, at work, when I talk to my family on the phone, and with my kids.

I'll let you know how that goes.

e.m.

Why does anyone need a reason to cry?

If you feel frozen or incapable of feeling at all, then you can be scared. Congratulations! You are a human being. It would not hurt though, to discuss this with a professional or at least a few good friends.

Here, have a tissue. Let it rip.

Someone said Palin is one of us. Not exactly true, but exactly why she has no business running for office.

She's a bright one, that plastic countess.

Faulkner and crew...

I am really enjoying your dialogue but do feel like too much of a voyeur.

All I have to say is that I hope you never shut up (and not only here on Salon). Keep it up! You are simultaneously patriotic, thoughtful and amusing.

I hope to have a little party if things go well this election. Playlist is almost complete. Bill Withers Lovely Day, Anthony Hamilton Do You Feel Me, Gratitude by E, W & F, A Song for You by Donny Hathaway...

F Jr.: Sam Cooke, Leela James or Otis's Version, by the way?

DJ em

3 things stood out:

Spoofy fun, obviously not meant for serious music people.

Lady Tigra is gorgeous.

Some people should probably not dance.

Here's a gem from the archives of painful political rap and three things stand out:

Karl Rove can't dance

Karl Rove can't dance

Karl Rove can't dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYZre8kEsuw

There are times when I don't feel I have anything to offer but my attention and rather paltry "advice". I am sorry LW, so sorry about what you have had to endure. Truth is much worse than fiction. I cannot imagine what you feel and have been through.

If feasible, could you get into consistent therapy, EMDR specifically? This is a post traumatic situation that is not going to go away. This is a complex situation that you have been struggling with alone for too long. You must be so tired.

Just reading about this enraged me. I hope you find peace. There are people who can help you on this path but you have to find them because this will haunt you until you do. I believe you will.

...but let me guess:

Palin was robotic and used patronizing catch phrases with a wink and a smile. Biden was gracious, leaned on experience and went after McCain. For each question Palin stuck to the lines she'd memorized.

I wonder if the voting public will catch on to how when members of the Republican party of late say "smaller government" or "maverick", they really mean:

"We will do anything we want, because we can. Oh, and screw you."

...that people like Palin are promoting their agenda by using the name of the divine

(in vain).