I thought it was an accurate window into the repressed psyches of religious-right Republicans...like the ones who raised me. Really, I just can't get myself worked up about Gary's article.

I wish I could find it now, but back in 2004 someone like Dan Savage was quoting a sex worker in NY who was looking forward to making lots of money off the RNC. She said that the most conservative clients always wanted the kinkiest BDSM-type stuff. I can completely believe that McCain is (subconsiously, or consciously and cynically) exploiting the thwarted libidos of hordes of good fundie men (and closeted women) within the party who were never exactly thrilled about him.

The most brilliant thing about it is that if anyone brings this up, it's automatically offensive and sexist, regardless of whether it's true and a shrewd political move.

Tiberius is right. We "dems" are looking awfully fearful. Yeah they've beat us eight years in a row, and dominated over the last fifty, but let's take a page out of their book--show no fear and just do what we want. God, if we can't have a sense of humor about politics and sex, we're doomed!

Wow,Gary -- and I thought this presidential election season was all about the good old fashioned debate of well reasoned ideas of substance, couched in hearty honesty and integrity. But in your article comparing Sarah Palin to a "Dominatrix" you've stooped to an unbelievable, slimy low. Beyond any doubt, you've announced to readers of Salon.com your total lack of objectivity and any semblance of journalistic integrity, not to mention your utter disrepect for women, especially strong, assertive, intelligent women. With this irresponsible display of emotionality and journalistic shallowness, is it any wonder that intelligent, reasonable persons (men and women alike)will flock in droves to the McCain-Palin ticket this November 4th?!

Dominatrixes do not seduce. They control people who want to be controlled. They have no need to manipulate.

They are very ethical and very skilled. Some actually should be psychologists for the ways they get under people's skins. That kind of role play is very tightly choreographed and controlled for safety. The submissive must be protected.

Last time I looked, the people lusting after this woman were not submissives, and she may want to maipulate, but she is not in control.

The article betrays a fundamental misunderstanding of the whole thing. It's not my scene, but I understand and respect people in it. I just don't do pain and control. But as long as it doesn't hurt anyone, I don't care.

Palin's policies will hurt people. And I do care.

I found the photoshopped image hokey. Really, can we get something new? It looks like an image out of the Wild Wild West TV Show. Given the comment on that show here, that image is REALLY strange.

I'm just glad not to see a stiletto.

Gary, I think you're revealing more about your own fantasies than you are about either Palin or the American electorate.

After watching the conservative talking heads on network news stations do everything but beg Sarah Palin to hogtie them while orgasmically praising her, I was happy to see this article confirm that I am not alone with my suspicions. Imagine if Palin looked and acted more like Harriet Miers, then the Republicans might be playing a different tune.

On another note, I noticed that there are many scathing letters in response to this article. Salon readers have apparently lost their collective sense of humor. The democrats will not lose face because of one photoshopped picture online, people. Please keep up the edgy graphics and stories.

No, her appeal is not totally rooted in her attractiveness - but, it is a factor.

Just as in Kennedy vs. Nixon

Just as when Kerry 'looked French'

Just as when the more attractive children in grade school are perceived as being smarter than those children not considered as attractive.

Why Bush and Regan dressed up in cowboy clothes...

It's image! The Republicans have figured that out and they win.

The Dems do not play that game - they want the 'issues'.

It's not about the issues - it's about the public's perceptions.

Win the damn election - then talk about ‘issues’!

For all our angst and concern about the depiction of women, this article is on the mark. My husband returned from a meeting at a civic event that involved mostly men (low to middle class) and he can tell you there is very much a sexual element to this appointment. The "babe" component was noted more often than any presidential qualifications. It even appears that there is a element of identification with McCain as to how good his fortunes have suddenly become...hanging out with the "babe". Just because you don't like the message, don't discount the messenger.

Before her convention speech, I described her selection like this: It left the Democrats staring at the chess board wondering wtf just happened while Rove mouthed the word "Check." And while the game's not lost, we keep fingering the wrong pawn.

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This article and every other one like it will be the reason we lost the election. If you people in the press can't stop with all the sexist crap, the lies, generalizations and half-truths about this candidate, how in the hell are we going to win? We have less than 2 months now and you're still getting up to speed: Please, if it's not professional and accurate and thorough, don't toss it on the mountain of crap we have to read through to take this candidacy apart. Misrepresenting her in this way will not help anyone decide not to vote for her.

Please take this story down.

So Cindy's voting for her husband because she's attracted to his running mate.

Hey, one scandal at a time here.

And Biden's voting against himself for the same reason.

Couldn't happen. Biden's tough. Palin couldn't get to first base with Joe Biden.

I do not doubt that there are some people out there who think she's decent-looking.

Don't believe it. Her looks have been deliberately promoted as a political ploy, but her looks are quite overrated.

But there's no evidence that significant numbers of people are going to vote for McCain for that reason, anymore than there's evidence that Obama's popularity is fueled by his looks.

Not true. Studies have shown that both men and women will tend to vote for the more attractive male, but won't for the more attractive female. To a great extent, Palin can be regarded as right-wing novelty item and therefore will tend to be disregarded as a serious candidate once the novelty is over. In a month her 'looks' will be more baggage than advantage.

Think about it.