Democrats Argue Palin Choice is Affirmative Action

Some Democrats and their surrogates are charging that the Sarah Palin choice is affirmative action. Most of the time it’s brought up in the form of a question to a Republican. The Democrat asking the question uses a sarcastic tone. Doing so is bad politics.

1. The sarcastic tone is meant to mock the Republican, but it makes it harder to separate the negative connotations from the Democrat asking the question.
2. Democrats strongly believe in affirmative action, so they should be thrilled.
3. Does anyone believe that a white man, who had Barack Obama’s identical message, resume and oratory skill, would have beaten Hillary in the primary?

I suppose the thinking is that hard core Republicans will view this “affirmative action” with disdain and sit out the election. If Hillary voters aren’t going to fall for the “Palin ploy”, is affirmative action baiting likely to work on Republicans? It might shave off a few votes, but Palin more than compensates by exciting the social conservative base.

Attacking Palin on experience is a loser and so is trying to charge McCain with affirmative action. Some Democrats are throwing out worse comments.

Shouldn’t she be with her daughter at a time like this?

Shouldn’t she be at home taking care of her infant son?

Yikes! Talk about sexism.

1. The woman is governor of a state. I don’t think going back to her day job is going to give her more time at home.
2. Call me crazy, but being VP might be easier than being a governor. As VP, you’re basically a figurehead at state functions, rarely vote in the Senate, and if, and only if, the President wants your opinion, you give it. You can be more activist as a VP, but you don’t have the responsibility the President (or a governor) does. The buck keeps going past you.
3. I’m no expert and I base this on absolutely nothing, but is having an infant with downs syndrome terribly different than having an infant in general?
4. I’m pretty sure the Palin’s are going to have help with their children whether she’s VP or “just” governor of Alaska.
5. Palin’s husband can deal with the kids. Why are people acting like she’s a single mom?
6. Barack Obama has young girls, why shouldn’t he be home nurturing them?
7. Michelle Obama works, is that wrong as well?

Coming from Democrats, these arguments are horrendous. This would be like Republicans going after a Democrat for starting their own company and selling it for millions of dollars. It just doesn’t make any sense.

More importantly, how are these arguments going to win over independent women and disaffected Hillary voters? If Sarah Palin has a strong showing with her speech at the RNC tonight, Democrats will be scrambling for another argument.

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