The Sarah Palin Phenomenon Is Doomed

MarketWatch Columnist Jon Friedman Warns The Media Live To Build You Up, Then Knock You Down

(MarketWatch)  This column was written by MarketWatch's Jon Friedman.

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The Sarah Palin Phenomenon is doomed.

But it's not because of her lack of foreign policy experience or her deer-in-the-headlights look during part of her interview last week with ABC's Charles Gibson.

The primary reason why the Palin bubble will burst is that the media will decide that they are bored with her. They'll need to move to shine a light on a fresh issue or individual.

This is how the world works in the age of 24/7 news cycles. Whether the subject is Britney Spears, Michael Jordan or Sarah Palin, we inevitably raise stars to mythic levels, out of all reasonable proportions. Then we knock them down. (Look out, Michael Phelps. Your time is coming, too.)

It isn't a case of quixotic behavior by reporters and editors. Internet sites, blogs and cable news operations all thrive on presenting fresh headlines and updated story angles as often as possible so readers think we're on top of things. The news world moves at warp speed.

Palin's story is especially captivating because she emerged as an overnight sensation. The governor of Alaska was virtually unknown on the national scene before Sen. John McCain tapped her to be his running mate. Amid the media crush accompanying her rise, it now seems as if Palin has been around forever.

For as long as she has been in the public eye, people have been skeptical about her qualifications, but the allure of her beginner's pluck catapulted Palin to the covers of magazines ranging from Time to People.

The interview with Gibson may be remembered as the first brick being pulled out of the wall. The reviews weren't favorable from the media in the segments when Gibson asked Palin questions about foreign policy.

For instance, the New York Times called the exchange "strained." The Washington Post-owned Slate went so far as to say that "The ABC News anchor flummoxes the GOP amateur."

I'll be interested to see how Palin -- not to mention McCain and the Republican campaign machine -- reacts when the media's disillusionment sets in for real. Their actions may determine the course of the 2008 race.

If they handle the media's about-face with aplomb, her chances of looking, well, vice-presidential will be enhanced. But if Palin's handlers blow it out of proportion and show a strain, their behavior will reflect negatively on her.

Gibson, as dignified a newsperson as America has now, treated Palin fairly and didn't resort to hectoring her with "gotcha" questions, either.

Palin's supporters may be chagrined that their candidate didn't sound more self-assured or expert when she discussed Alaska's relationship to Russia. But Gibson didn't try to trip her up. He pretty much asked the kinds of questions I would have put to Palin as well.

Gibson treated her with the respect befitting a vice presidential candidate. ABC, while discussing the interview Friday on "Good Morning America" unleashed political correspondent Jake Tapper to assess the "truthiness" of Palin's remarks on the ABC show.

The television networks appear to be treating Palin carefully, trying hard not to seem sexist or liberal or come across as intellectual, big-city bullies.

When ABC noted that Tapper had found a few holes in Palin's comments (though nothing earth shattering), the network took pains to add that it, too, would be dissecting the statements of Joe Biden, the Democratic vice presidential nominee.

Specifically, Palin seemed to have little idea about the Bush Doctrine, in which the U.S must spread democracy around the world to halt terrorist acts. When Gibson put it to her and asked if she agreed with the doctrine, she answered, "In what respect, Charlie?"

Some analysts have suggested that Gibson knew more about the Bush Doctrine than the vice-presidential candidate.

"She sidestepped questions on whether she had the national security credentials needed to be commander-in-chef," the Associated Press noted.

Since we're all clear on the nuances of the Bush Doctrine, we can move on to the Fickle Media Doctrine.

Now that we've built you up, it's about time for us to knock you down.

Can Sarah Palin withstand the body blows that are being inflicted by the national media?

The media aren't the bad guys in the Palin discussion. It's easy to accuse us of acting like sexists or big-city egomaniacs. Let's be real, though. McCain selected Palin for exactly those reasons - because she is a woman from a little-known state, who can take some of the heat off McCain and behave like an attack dog against Barack Obama. So far, the Republicans' plan has worked to perfection, as Palin has dominated the political discourse over the past few weeks. Now we'll see if she has the right stuff to go the distance.

[samthetvcat]

I was sort of skirting around this the other day, but people sort of see people in the media these days, especially the ones who give commentary as something akin to Michael Jackson - successful with a voice, but so far removed from the public sentiment that they''re seen as weird.

I''ll bet the thought process is something like that Geraldine Ferraro''s bubble burst so therefore you''ve got ''data'' to back your wishful thinking up not factoring in all the differences that make that situation less analogous to this one.

The fact that you''re see her as similar to Britney Spears without seeing Barack in that same light is one problem. The blue-collar gap is another.

Everything in competition is relative . . . she''s got a LOT of room to fail . . .

[skier-co]

The more you liberal media try to trash and make false accusations about her characters and credentials, the more she''ll be popular since we, the American people, can see through you, the sexist liberal media. You were trashing Hillary in favor of Obama (even though Hillary has more experience) because she''s a woman. Now you are trying to destroy another innocent woman, but it ain''t going to work because most of us are not as dumb as you think we are. In fact because of you sexist liberal media idiots and the sexist Democratic Party, this life long Democrat woman will never again vote for a Democrat ticket until there is a woman at the top of the ticket. Until that time comes, I''ll continue to vote Republican and I will try to influence all of my friends to do the same. McCain/Palin ''08

[urnot]

...this life long Democrat woman will never again vote for a Democrat ticket until there is a woman at the top of the ticket.
Posted by skier-CO at 03:57 AM : Sep 15, 2008
-------

Wow - sexism and extremism in reverse. Sounds like a Republican hack pretending to be a democrat. ROFLMAO

[seattlite4]

I don''t disagree with the fact that it''s a popularity contest. It is. BUT the important component of a popularity contest is to be popular last. Even if the phenomemon is doomed it won''t matter. Just so long as it lasts until November 4. And by the way, Sarah rocks.

[lordmi]

Well. to start with - where is the information about Alaska''s protestors on saturday?
Protestors NOT organized by any party.
1500 people, much more, than greeted Pit Bull , when she was back form rallies.
Where is the truth?

[lordmi]

GOPs, You are funny with this phony Pit Bull, who , as it discovered, never ruled ANYTHING, but plaid politics exactly same way, as we see now.
Government pay for babysitter, government pay for staying in her own bed, uneducated friends hired in stead of professionals, idiot husband always in Government business, an on and on and on.
wherever you work - try to imagine this hell, Your boss doing that , Your friend.
So - she is like You?
Give me a break.
You also take a break and think - WHERe does she is like You,she, who is a Moron Mother, Monster woman barking pit bull.
Give me a break.
we would not be fooled with Bushes, all kind of starting with McWar and finishing with female pit bull.(you know, how to name it).
Think. It does not hurt.
think about Your future, Your personal goals and pride.

[lordmi]

I do not need the skirt on President or VP, I need Brains there, which is missing in GOP ticket completely.

[odirony]

"I''m sorry, Mr Epstein. Guitar groups are on the way out." Decca Record Executive to manager of the Beatles, 1962.

[yoye777]

No more Bush. Bush in skirt (as Sarah Palin) or in nursing home attire (as John Mcain). No more Bush. No amount of disguise can confuse America this year. Heard about the pig......Thank you

[gunfighter51]

NO! I think the Obama phenonmenon is about run out.

After 18 months of constant press, we''ve seen enough.

Appeasing europe was the final straw. It''s been a downward spiral since.

[sleepyric]

do not need the skirt on President or VP, I need Brains there, which is missing in GOP ticket completely.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by lordmi at 05:25 AM : Sep 15, 2008

I would agree, based on the GOP ranters on here. Knuckledraggers, go eat a banana.

[moosebait]

The novelty of Sarah Palin is already wearing thin. After all the hoop-la, people are starting to look at her policies and beliefs. Nothing more than an airhead.

[skysoldier75]

This week is the week of more failed investment banks and a collapsing stock market.

This is the week that all the ''short sellers'' make a huge killing, while the taxpayers take another brutal beating.

Sarah who? Who cares?

After 8 years of Bush-onomics, and with maybe four more years of McCain-onomics ahead, my poor portfolio is no longer worth the paper it''s printed on.

Thanks Bush! And no thanks McCain!

[hobbes1128]

Sarah is definitely an "off with their head" kind of leader. The NYT article about her and her methods was very enlightening. She is just like Bush and Cheney! You''re either "for me or against me." She labels people who disagree with her as "haters" and does everything she can to ensure they get fired. Fear and hate, that''s all she has to offer.

[gjb5649]

It''s too bad McCain went for appeasing the radical right. If they wanted a woman the CT. governor Jodi Rell would have made an excellent choice.

[jmurrieta11]

When McCain admitted that "he didn''t know much about economics", people assumed he''d appoint a VP, say Romney, who did.

When McCain appointed know-nothing Bush Baby from Mayberry, he got another economic ignoramus.

The Neocon Economic policies are bringing our economy crashing down around us.

But McCain fiddles with the Mooseslayer while Rome falls into ruins.

Unfit to command, for sure!

[jgunther7]

Sarahs travels are much like Hillarys. They both had stopovers in Ireland, and both claimed to have been there, but neither achieved anything. Kind of like driving by a sign on the freeway and then saying you%u2019ve been there. Hillary landed in Bosnia under heavy fire. Palin said she has been to Iraq, where in fact, she couldn''t even enter beyond the border. Both these world travellers have some very confusing tales. We''ve heard it all before.

[tbweb]

Republicans have only themselves to blame by picking unknown and unqualified Sarah Palin and trying to sneak her into office with less than 60 days to vett her! Consider this for a moment, Sarah Palin came to our attention about 20 days ago, no one knew Palin, 10 days into getting to know Palin we find out her 17 yr old is pregnant by a guy who has a Myspace web page bragging about being a red neck and not wanting kids, yet is being forced into marriage shot gun wedding style to protect Palins image and chances of getting elected. Then Palins dysfunctional family discloses members going through ugly divorce and custody battles and Palin on the way to Court for abusing her power firing an official etc. etc., its too much drama for an unknown who will be a heartbeat from the Presidency! This is only the tip of the iceberg, we have less than 60 days to vett Palin and had 20 months to vett Obama. Palin is a non starter!!

If Sarah Palin was a Democrat and Democrats tried to slip Sarah Palin pass Republicans with all this drama going on in her family and life I know for a fact Republicans would hand Democrats their heads on a silver platter and you all know its true! The same Republicans supporting Palin now would be against her if she was a Democrat! Are you kidding me? LOL

[skyk239]

Sarah Rocks and the Libs are very scared of her! Women unite! Don''''t let the Dems. BS you again and make you think they are the party for women! The Libs threw Hillary under the bus and off the planet!

Posted by sexistnbc at 07:17 AM : Sep 15, 2008

You people should be scared... It''s over!! This lady was picked to energize those who have given us Bush and that we must NEVER forget.

[ofbyfor2]

Appeasing europe was the final straw. It''''s been a downward spiral since.

Posted by Gunfighter51 at 06:39 AM : Sep 15, 2008

Do you even have a CLUE as to what the word ''appeasement'' actually means?

''The policy of giving in to the demands of a hostile or aggressive power in an attempt to keep the peace.''

He did nothing of the sort.

[kdog1112]

I would love to know why this bimbo thinks Obama would be the better choice.

The only thing I have heard that is in his favor is the economy. I do not know why the media keeps on trying to convince us that Obama is better there. I have emailed the Obama camp 3x to find out what their economic plan is and I''ve yet to get a response.

If anyone truly believes that socialism is going to work let me advise you to look at the economic condition.... the agregate tax rate... and the median standard of living everywhere it has been used. It does sound good in theory.... never works well in reality.

Obama also keeps on refering to the Kennedy prediciton on the space stuff to justify his pipe dream plan on energy and job production wealth redistribution. One major problem there.... the whole US economy wasn''t riding on that statement..... it will be if Obama gets elected. Only a fool would make that wager.

[liberalme]

...this life long Democrat woman will never again vote for a Democrat ticket until there is a woman at the top of the ticket.
Posted by skier-CO at 03:57 AM : Sep 15, 2008


Most people try to vote intelligently---voting on gender alone mocks the very priviledge we have for voting.

Decision making in voting for president ( as we all know this past 8 years) is supposed to be what we feel is best for our country, not some idiotic little school yard "then I''m not going to play" game.

Perhaps you''re not mature enough to vote anyway.

[mkbjon]

The fact is, there are many female VP candidates that are light-years ahead of Sarah Palin in regards to qualifications. McNeedsACane chose her to pacify the far-leaning right. That deer-in-the-headlights look is a good sign for one who is second in command to a President with one foot in the grave and another on a banana peel.

[ohrn-2009]

To "sexistnbc", you give women a bad name. It isn''t "sexist" to question the next VP of the country''s qualifications. But it IS sexist, and idiotic, to vote for her simply because she is a woman. Hillary didn''t want a woman to be president because she is female! She wanted to be president because, first and foremost, she is qualified to be...she just happens to be a woman. To all of you who think you are doing us women a favor by voting for Palin simply because of her anatomy, think about this: you will be responsible (at least indirectly) for the ignorant, catastrophic decisions she makes as the #2 leader of the free world if she is put into office. Foreign policy experience? ....umm...she can "SEE Russia from her house" (direct quote by Palin when asked about her foreign policy experience -see interview with Charlie Gibson)

[liberalme]

The only thing I have heard that is in his favor is the economy. I do not know why the media keeps on trying to convince us that Obama is better there. I have emailed the Obama camp 3x to find out what their economic plan is and I''''ve yet to get a response.

Posted by Kdog1112 at 08:45 AM : Sep 15, 2008

Do you think you''re the only one emailing Obama? Get over yourself and do some googling and read!

At least Obama is providing information on things he would do--unlike McCain just spouting what needs to be done and stops there.

Good ole Sarah was the republicans "one night stand" people are getting sick of the repeated nonsense thas has plagued the airways since she was "announced".
She has no substance--further interviews will prove that.

McCain/Palin on that "Pork Barrel Bridge to Nowhere".

[ofbyfor2]

An interesting blog by a conservative Christian Republican woman from Wasilla who is against Palin.

http://syrin.vox.com/

[whitemale08]

Palin reminds me of that "one hit wonder" guy who sings that song "I''m Too *** For My Shirt" back in the 80''s.

And he''s probably more qualified since he was originally from England and knows more about the so-called "Royals".

Republicans are in denial and should''ve never picked this nobody who knows nothing. We are living through serious times and need serious leaders not circus clowns.

[afmca]

Palin is just Cheney in a skirt. A mean spirited, fake christian who never practices what she pretends to preach. Just like Cheney she would disappear as soon as she was in office and continue the weekly meetings with the energy industry on how to further impoverish the American middle class. She would use her less than impressive intellect to overrule research based on science and substitute her own political and religious leanings. We don''t need another Bush with McCain and we definitely don''t need an immoral, low life like Cheney with Palin.

[rational_1]

''Specifically, Palin seemed to have little idea about the Bush Doctrine,...''

What Palin should have said in response to that question is ''To which Bush doctrine are you referring Charlie?'' There have been several during the Bush Presidency, starting with unilateralism (eg. Kyoto), ''yer with us or agin us'' (9/11), pre-emptive strikes for the purpose of national security, and lastly spreading democracy. Wonder if Gibson was aware of that when he asked his question? I highly doubt it given how he phrased it. The author of this piece seems unaware of this as well. But then again most of these media types aren''t that bright - they''re basically paid big bucks to talk for a living. The bright ones like David Gergen really stand out by comparison.

[liberalme]

Sorry libtards, you hyphenated-Americans simply don''''t have what it takes to talk a real American down in the eyes of us real Americans.

Posted by FUT_NObama

Sorry dude---Bush is no American and seeing as McCain voted 90% with Bush---neither is he!

We have the most ruthless government since Nixon (who actually make Nixon look pretty good).

MOST Americans do not want to repeat the past 8 years and McCain has promised that by the way he has sided with Bush.

Because McCain likes rolling around in the mud (sort of like a pig) the "Swift boaters" are coming to "sink" the McCain boat just a little deeper.

If the Republicans had a leg to stand on---they would NOT use the low road tactics, but would argue actual facts.
McCain can''t convince people that just because he voted with Bush 90% of the time--he has now turned over a new leaf and has had an epiphany .

[gammarae2]

Sarah Palin is in no way qualified to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. We already have an unelected, unqualified imbecile in the oval office; how anyone can think that Talking Caribou Barbie is "ready" to step into that role, if necessary, is beyond me. Haven''t the last eight years clearly shown the damage that can be done to our nation and our people when neo-con-men like Bush and Cheney are in power? Palin is indeed Cheney in a skirt, and with a slightly less-menacing sneer.
She''s no Hillary Clinton, that''s for sure. The notion that women will vote for her based on gender alone is insulting to women everywhere.
This 50+, white, working class, Christian granny is voting Obama/Biden.

[tuffone3]

Ohhhhhhhhh....YOU WISH!

REBELIOUS LIES!

let us see if we can do this ONE MORE TIME -again:
Tell lies long enough, embellish them some ''celebrity'' comments and maybe, just maybe, we can get this EMPTY SUIT named Obama elected...
then we can party hearty. Wheeeeeeeee....

GO MCCAIN/PALIN
Character We Can Trust
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
MCCAIN/PALIN 2008 and Beyond!

[tuffone3]

FLASH
NEWS FLASH

OBAMA VOTED WITH DEMOCRAT HARRY REID''S POLITICAL AGENDA 100% OF THE TIME.

FLASH: OBAMA VOTED WITH ABORTIONISTS 100% OF THE TIME.

FLASH: OBAMA VOTED FOR TAX INCREASES THROUGHOUT AMERICAN AND AT THE $30,000 BRACKET 100% OF THE TIME.

FLASH: OBAMA VOTED WITH DEMOCRATS 100% OF THE TIME.

FLASH: OBAMA NEVER CROSSED THE AISLE IN ANY ATTEMPT TO "BRING AMERICA TOGETHER" -NEVER!

FLASH: OBAMA IS A LIAR FROM THE THE BEGINNING TO THE END.

FLASH: MCCAIN/PALIN
Character We Can Trust
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

[abbe91]

"MOST Americans do not want to repeat the past 8 years and McCain has promised that by the way he has sided with Bush.

Because McCain likes rolling around in the mud (sort of like a pig) the "Swift boaters" are coming to "sink" the McCain boat just a little deeper.

If the Republicans had a leg to stand on---they would NOT use the low road tactics, but would argue actual facts.
McCain can''''t convince people that just because he voted with Bush 90% of the time--he has now turned over a new leaf and has had an epiphany .

Posted by liberalme at 09:15 AM : Sep 15, 2008"

Indeed, we need a democrat to clean up the republican mess. When a new FDR is needed, Palin/McSame simply won''t do.

[liberalme]

GO MCCAIN/PALIN
Character We Can Trust
RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
MCCAIN/PALIN 2008 and Beyond!

Posted by TUFFONE3 at

I''ll give you one thing---they''re characters allright---but NOT the kind we can trust!!!

[abbe91]

"The liberal media can throw all the dirt to Palin,
Posted by Charlie1000 at 09:31 AM : Sep 15, 2008"

No need, she is digging her hole herself.

[hungry1968]

The liberal media can throw all the dirt to Palin,
but she and McCain are the best team there is.
McCain and Palin can make Real Change.
Palin did it in Alaska and she can do it in Washington.
Obama is still a secret and has less experience than Palin and he is showing flip flop behavior.
Also the left media is treating Obama very soft.

Posted by Charlie1000 at 09:28 AM : Sep 15, 2008





Can make real change?!?!

By voting with Bush and his failed policies 95% of the time, and then championing those failed policies as your own?!?!

Or by accepting BILLIONS of dollars in pork, ear marks, and hiring lobbyists after being taught how to milk the system for every drop by her mentor, Ted Stevens?!?!


The only change, is the mentality level of Americans that think these two ''typical republicans'' represent change.

[abbe91]

"Sarah Palin is in no way qualified to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. ...

Posted by GammaRae2 at 09:15 AM : Sep 15, 2008
===================

Such the typical sexist piece of ka,ka we see among you libtards.

Posted by FUT_NObama at 09:33 AM : Sep 15, 2008"


Sexist is when you don''t vote in favor of HR 2831.
But certainly Palin would agree to be paid much less than Cheney.

[hungry1968]

Sarah Palin is in no way qualified to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. ...

Posted by GammaRae2 at 09:15 AM : Sep 15, 2008
===================

Such the typical sexist piece of ka,ka we see among you libtards.

Posted by FUT_NObama at 09:33 AM : Sep 15, 2008






How is saying that she''s unqualified to be a president, being sexist?

If you said I was unqualified to be a doctor, I would think you said it, because I never received any sort of schooling or training for it. Not because I''m a 40 year old white male.




Do you McCain supporters have ANY idea of how stupid you sound with this garbage?

[ohrn-2009]

FACTS:
1) Obama is Christian;
2) Obama was the head of Harvard Law School & a constitutional law scholar who decided to help one of the poorest communities in Chicago INSTEAD OF earn a 6 figure salary or work at the US Sup Court like someone with his resume usually does. Folks, this would like being the best baseball player IN THE WORLD and INSTEAD OF accepting the highest paying contract as the pitcher for the NY Yankees, he decided to play for the Kansas City Royals because they needed the most help, because they were the "little guy". CONTINUED ON NEXT COMMENT

[hungry1968]

Sexist is when you don''''t vote in favor of HR 2831.
But certainly Palin would agree to be paid much less than Cheney.

Posted by abbe91 at 09:37 AM : Sep 15, 2008





Sexist is when you pick your VP candidate based on the fact that she''s a woman, and think that most of the women that vote are stupid / ignorant people that ignore the issues, and vote ONLY based on gender.

[ohrn-2009]

FACTS, CONTINUED
3) In the US Senate, Obama has helped pass several laws which show he is committed to "doing the right thing", emphasizing education for kids, safety locally & from terrorists, responsible war, health care plan where we would spend less than we do now (we end up paying for medical insurance 2X! 1X for our own insurance and again for the medical bills of the uninsured who still need to be treated when they end up in the ER or in surgery.)BTW, when a Senator votes "present" it means that they agree with the bill, but think that it still needs some work & should be re-voted on!
4)Obama understands what it''s like to be discriminated against while being the more qualified, dignified individual. He understands all the "--isms" because he has lived it, & is committed to fighting injustice/unfairness wherever it is. Compare that to McCain -- yes, he was a POW. He also married a millionaire woman while his paralyzed, young, first wife & he were STILL married. He also voted in the Senate the same as Bush 90% or more of the time. He defined "rich" as making OVER $250,000/year & has no intention of helping the lower/middle classes. This is a man who aligns himself with power, NOT with fighting injustice, those who are poor/suffering, or those who are oppressed by their economy.

[abbe91]

Palin''s solution to the occupation of Iraq ?
Pulling out before the job is done.

[abbe91]

"Sexist is when you pick your VP candidate based on the fact that she''''s a woman, and think that most of the women that vote are stupid / ignorant people that ignore the issues, and vote ONLY based on gender.

Posted by hungry1968 at 09:41 AM : Sep 15, 2008"

That''s true too.

[jerr11]

A former beauty queen and a former president of the Harvard Law Review.

Hmm...

That''s a tough one.

[pmsnbc1]

Nobama has had 94 chances to vote for lower taxes or not to raise taxes.

94 times he voted against lower taxes or not raising taxes.

CHANGE? Hardly.

[hungry1968]

Nobama has had 94 chances to vote for lower taxes or not to raise taxes.

94 times he voted against lower taxes or not raising taxes.

CHANGE? Hardly.

Posted by pmsnbc1 at 09:46 AM : Sep 15, 2008





Proof?

Link?

[lanawonders]

Senator Biden is emerging as my favorite candidate in this election.....BIDEN for PRESIDENT....Opps I mean Vice President.

[upto1947]

No it is not. Obama is Doomed.

[upto1947]

Iraq, we should have never been in Iraq. We need to get out, get out fast.