Palin Talking Like a Parrot to the Press

I recently read an opinion piece in the New York Times Political Blog, Caucus, which headlined “Palin Meets the Press.” This article caught my eye because it proves how heavily Sarah Palin relies on her media team to get her through the press gauntlet. The article talks about Palin’s most recent visit to Colorado Springs on Sunday where she took it upon herself to answer unscheduled questions from reporters. She seemed confident to answer any questions from journalists. In contrast, the Republican press team were less than impressed, with the New York Times blogger describing a scene of panic when Palin approached the news crews unexpectedly. If Palin’s own media team does not have confidence in her to talk to the American people then why should I?

The article also points out that Palin is yet to have an official press conference- something I never realised. She has been in the press so much in the last few months, I didn’t have time to think that she hasn’t officially addressed the press. Is this another sign of the Republican media team shielding Palin from the media? In Palin’s defence however, as the blogger suggests, Palin doesnt like this, telling the audience in Colorado on Sunday that she would sit down and talk to more Americans if she was allowed.

Perhaps it was the criticism towards Palin regarding her performance at the VP debate that has prompted her new found confidence with the media. Failing to answers questions and only giving scripted and ridged answers, Palin was criticized for being inexperienced. Her obviously rehearsed answers, gave me and other viewers the feeling she was simply dictating what the media trainers had written for her. Or perhaps Palin’s confidence has spawned from her Saturday Night Live appearance. We can see now that she is not afraid to make fun of herself, but is this really leadership? Sure it might be a confidence booster, but I have never seen Saturday Night Live as a criteria on a presidential candidate’s paper.

I believe it is encouraging to see Palin address the media in a more candid fashion. Maybe now we can see the true Sarah Palin and her views on America and its future in her own words instead of someone else’s. But ultimately I think it is too late. Too late for her and too late for McCain. McCain has made a bad choice for his running mate. So you may have a maverick hockey mom who isn’t afraid to laugh at herself, but the fact is she is not a leader nor VP material.