Posted by
David on Tuesday, September 30, 2008 11:12:17 AM
In sports as in life, there are real
underdogs and perceived underdogs. Governor Sarah Palin fits into the
latter category. Some observers contend stage fright may be an issue.
They are wrong. Stage fright was not an issue at the Republican
convention, and it won't be an issue in Governor Palin's first
debate.
The chattering classes – both
Democrats and Republicans – have forgotten the lesson of Mr. Smith
Goes to Washington: the intricacies of protocol may sometimes prove
perplexing, but a fearless commitment to principle can certainly
overcome stage fright. Even if this was not true, Sarah Palin has
four characteristics that suggest she will succeed.
Foremost, Governor Palin has the right
make-up – and not the kind you buy at the store. A little more than
25 years ago, her high school basketball teammates nicknamed her
Sarah Barracuda. Unfortunately for Joe Biden, this is not an
irrelevant fact. If the nickname means anything, it means Sarah Palin
is tough, intense, and competitive.
Governor Sarah also has poise
and confidence. Maybe
this has to do with being a beauty pageant winner, the wife of a
commercial fisherman, a small town mayor, or the governor of the
largest state in the union. Regardless of it's source, it will serve
her well – particularly given Joe Biden's penchant for withering
attacks.
In addition,
Governor Palin has proven herself in a debate before. In the
Republican gubernatorial primary two years ago, Sarah Palin
participated in a debate that featured Frank Murkowski - the sitting
governor and longtime senator. The result? She did well – very
well.
Finally, while Joe
Biden has spent a majority of his adult life inside the Washington
beltway, Palin is an outsider. If she is careful and well prepared,
governor Palin will have a chance to turn Joe Biden's experience into
an albatross that hangs around his neck.
With the debate
just days away, one candidate might be surprised and uncomfortable,
but I doubt it will be Sarah Palin, a great example for young women
everywhere.