This blog was founded on a purpose of focusing on a combination of local political figures, important issues and the conservative movement. Yet, in light of the tremendous selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin by John McCain, we are taking a bit of a side road to talk about the presidential race. In fact, this commentary today is the first installment in a series of posts we will be making about the presidential race, Sarah Palin, and the future of the conservative movement.In some ways, the purpose of this blog and a discussion of Sarah Palin go hand in hand -- because not since Ronald Reagan has there been a figure whom has so much potential to lead the conservative movement, lead the Republican Party, and most importantly, lead America in a new, optimistic inspiring path towards the future. This energy can translate to reform not only in policy but in the whole foundation of the conservative movement, which translates down the ballot into quality candidates at all levels of government and also inspires new, previously uninvolved conservatives to come out and get involved.
Indeed, Sarah Palin personifies her state's motto: North to the Future.
For twenty years, Republicans and conservatives alike have been searching a new leader in the spirit of Ronald Reagan. A figure who could not only speak for conservatives and even Republicans, but a figure who could inspire America, who knew its people, and was truly one of us. And for twenty years, it seemed elusive. On Friday, August 29, we found her. Yes, her. Sarah Palin is not only, as Fred Thompson says, a breath of fresh air. She not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. She not only understands conservative issues, she lives conservative issues.
Whether it be the right to life, where she carried her own special needs baby to term; or the second amendment, where she is a lifelong member of the NRA; or on energy, where she is a leading advocate for drilling and alternative energy; or on ethics, where she battled her state's corrupt Republican leadership, Sarah Palin is the real deal. Which is why the liberals are in such a panic.
In an election cycle where their candidate, Barack Obama, was seen as the one who could energize crowds into frenzies, bring out new and younger voters, and inspire the nation into real hope for the future, the Republicans have found their own motivating, inspirational, superstar in Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin's speech Wednesday DEMOLISHED the ratings of Joe Biden and matched those of the Messiah, Barack Obama. John McCain's ratings SURPASSED Obama's.
Yes, the Republicans, who in 2006 were thumped and in 2008, were limping towards the election, are now energized again in a way they haven't been since Reagan, passing the "one" whose enthusiasm the media said could not be matched. Some point to 1994 in 2000 -- but in those cycles, the conservative base was more motivated by dissapointment in the opposition (Bill Clinton) than their own ticket. Now we have someone to follow, someone to be inspired by, someone to carry the mantle - and this someone is a woman who doesn't just talk about our issues and then does another thing -- this is a woman who has a record of acting on them, both personally and in public life.
One might say that the intensity for Sarah Palin is a bit premature. And perhaps it is, and for sure, the Governor will have to continue to prove herself as time goes along. But, during the last week and particularly on Wednesday night in her inspirational address to the nation, the rebirth of the conservative movement has been noticeable. To borrow a famous quote, Sarah Palin has re-awakened a sleeping giant -- the conservative movement.
What's so wonderful about Governor Palin is not just that she is a conservative and not just that she is a leader, for we have had both before and within the last 20 years. But not since Ronald Reagan have we had a figure who could communicate our message to the electorate at large -- to women, to conservative Democrats, to apolitical people who just are looking for a reason to be hopeful again about our nation.
To some, Barack Obama offered that hope. But, the nation hasn't bought into his hope because his version had no substance to it. Or what's there is something only appealing to one fragment of America -- leftwingers. Palin's version of hope is one based on something Americans relate to -- a regular mom with five kids, yet with the strength to handle all the challenges of family and life along with leading a state, and now a nation. Her version is based upon the wisdom of the ages -- a belief in something more than yourself, a belief in certain time-tested principles, principles which are the foundation of our wonderful country.
There is another distinct difference between Sarah Palin and Barack Obama. While Barack Obama's dramatic rise to celebrity since his address at the Democratic National Convention in 2004 has certainly been impressive, it is based largely on his gifts of speaking and his ability to whip up people into a frenzy. Sarah Palin's rise, on the other hand, is based upon a heart-to-heart connection people have with her -- either on a personal level (people relating to her family/life experience), on an ideological level (sharing conservative principles) or on a "real deal" level (having seen her accomplish real things, both privately and publicly, rather than just "talk", as in the case of Obama). Also, while Palin is certainly a good speaker, her speaking style is more conversational in nature, and not the type to whip up people into frenzies. People are excited about Palin because they like her, like what she stands for, and like her background/life experience, or a combination of all.
Finally, there is the sense that while Barack Obama may be in it for himself, Sarah Palin is a leader not by her own ambition (though she obviously has had some), but one where she was chosen by someone else. And that's where the credit goes to John McCain, by the way, for having the guts to pick someone who could be a leader for our country, our party, and the conservative movement for the next 5-20 years.
Could this all be a fad of excitement? Perhaps. But should McCain win -- and we believe he will -- then Palin stands to be the standard-bearer not only for the Republican Party but for the conservative movement -- for 2012 and beyond. Immediately upon winning office, the question people will be asking is if McCain, at his age, will run in 2012. If not, then it is more than likely that Sarah Palin will be our nominee in four years. Let's get behind her now.
A final note -- thank you Sarah Palin, for stepping forward, for withstanding the initial onslaught to destroy you, for uniting our party, and for energizing Americans like we haven't seen since the Great Communicator himself, Ronald Reagan. As Michael Reagan said the other day, Welcome Back, Dad.
