Ms Paglia's ongoing infatuation with Mrs Palin is easy to see, and to understand. Mrs Palin is a very attractive woman, and many have been blinded to her deficiencies by her looks. No problem there.

It is the blindness of Ms Paglia to her intellect that is most disappointing. You'd think that a woman of Camille's native intelligence could see forest AND trees. But, no, apparently not.

Mrs Palin is a dunce. Her quitter conference was the latest evidence. Disorganized, incoherent, at times almost incomprehensible, it has come to stand for everything she represents. A weird admixture of self-pity and other-loathing, it was a mishmash of ambition, failed and asserted. Complaining about how the media mis-use her children, she once again trots them out for imaginary political advantage.

Purporting to be "advancing in a different direction", she mangles that too, giving it to Douglas MacArthur when it was first attributed to General Oliver P Smith in TIME, 1950. This is, yet again, more evidence of Mrs Palin's sheer laziness and lack of preparation.

Camille should know better. Americans used to expect more of her.

For 8 years we were led into pointless war and economic collapse by a man who could barely speak English. Is it not time we were led by those who offer eloquent, thoughtful, examined and rational analysis?

Reading Ms Paglia gives the impression that, to her, this is all one giant beauty contest, with her pal as the prize. Pitiful.

Palin displays a serious disconnect. I believe she demonstrates what happens when illequipped people are put in postions of great responsibility. George Bush is another example. It doesn't matter which party a person belongs to. If they're under qualified then the leaders of each Party should not back them. We need smart people. Not people who need to think to breathe. Sarah will not be remembered for anything other than below average skills. The GOP deserves so much better.

I also recall that when he delivered the "I'm paying for this microphone" line, it was after he'd agreed to a one-on-one debate with G.H.W. Bush, and then ambushed him by inviting the other candidates. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, but the fact remains that Reagan pulled a really sleazy trick on him and should have been called out for it. As for the "my opponent's youth and inexperience etc.," yes, he delivered that line like a pro, after his speech-writers had had the time to do damage control for his fumbling, rambling, confused performance in the previous debate. There were already whispers going around about Alzheimer's, though we didn't know the official diagnosis until five years later. But it's since been confirmed that his closest associates noticed that his mental decline began during his first term.

And where was the vicious, hateful, liberal media when the President's health and mental fitness might have been jeopardizing the nation? Protecting him with a conspiracy of silence, just like everyone else. And of course, not doing or saying a word that would jeopardize their precious Access, even if it meant that the likes of Ollie North were happily running national policy in the President's mental absence.

Look, we all know porn for women includes lots of burning candles, flower petals, soft light and bubble baths as opposed to the non-stop hydraulics of the male variety.

But considering how long it takes women to make a move - think of a heavyweight fight between two counter-punchers - you'd grow a beard before there was any action.

And beside, a lesbian knocked me out with a 2 by 4 in Boston, so I'm too jumpy around dykes to enjoy their porn.

We get it ... you're so anti-elite you're the most elite of anyone in academia or whatever you do.

The upper contour of the right breast as seen in one view seems to have an indent... could it be that the two huge breasts are actually the heads of suckling infants?

Elizabeth

I voted for McGovern, Reagan, Clinton, Dole, Bush, Palin. My Dad landed at Normandy on D-day. Met my Mom with the French Underground after the Battle of the Bulge. He brought her back to the farm, grew up in a house that were FDR and JFK disciples. I am a Vietnam Vet who opposed the war in College before I had a high draft number, then served with distinction and honor.

I am also a student of politics, serving myself as an elected official for 3 terms. Have given over 1,000 speeches, many debates, both as a public speaker and paid speaker, much less in leadership positions in State and National Organizations. Led many young men and women in public presentations.

Was a Romney supporter, because of his financial expertise, never heard of Palin, except had been to Alaska where I spent 2 months traveling the state in 1980. It is a tough hard state to live in. Brutal winters, tough summers, one must be very independent and self sufficient. Just walking out the backdoor one could meet a grizzly bear on any given day.

When I saw Palin speak the first time, was taken back. When she gave her convention speech was floored. When she debated the "talking one" Biden, she cleaned his clock, period. She is smart, articule, TRUTHFUL, and most importantly apolitical or politically incorrect. She does not drink the Koolaide, she speaks from her heart and mind. Oh so refreshing. As opposed to a teleprompter speech written by $100,000 per week budget speech writers, based on focus groups and polling. A trained parrot could do that. Your comment about her debate with Biden was dead on. No one from the Left or Progressive philosophy will admit that. So sad.

I personally hope she goes out, makes money, lots of money, helps other candidates and stays in the public eye. She is one terrific woman. She should make all women proud, except those who hate guns, the military, fishing, hunting, and truthfulness.

My compliments to Salon for allowing a different perspective on Mrs Palin, the wife of a real guy, Todd. Wonder what book he read last!

Oh yes, some of us miss the good ole days, when truthfulness and honesty were the test of a person. Not, lets see how I can demean and belittle a decent person. Let the scalding begin, oh so proud they must be of themselves. Since I am sure all her critics have served themselves as Governors, and thoroughly understand the job, don't think so.