Palin Backlash Watch

I don’t agree with every word of this article, but I offer this snippet as evidence that Palin-bashing is a losing strategy for the Democrats:

Let me make it clear: there are many things I don’t like about Sarah Palin. We are ideologically opposed on numerous issues. Her stance on creationism and her pro-life zealousness are just two examples. Two big ones. … But the last two days of mudslinging against Palin have been so extreme, they have transformed her into an almost sympathetic figure in my eyes.

Obama’s reaction is to his immense credit:

”This shouldn’t be part of our politics, it has no relevance to Governor Palin’s performance as a governor or her potential performance as a vice president, and so I would strongly urge people to back off these kinds of stories,” Obama told reporters.

"Better Qualified Than Obama"

From The Corner:

Governor Palin is, based on her resume and achievement, better qualified than Obama to be president. … Obama has no important legislation to his name and no achievements that commend him to be President.

Based on what I know about Governor Palin so far, I think this is correct. Whether the sentiment will gain any traction is another matter.

I continue to think that McCain probably made a mistake in selecting Palin. But I’m less convinced it’s going to hurt him with moderates more than it helps him with conservatives.

The people making the most noise about Sarah Palin are already confirmed Obama supporters. But if people who are NOT already committed to Obama spend the next two months comparing the experience of Palin and Obama… I don’t think that helps Obama, especially given that he is running for President and she is not.

And to the extent that Democratic partisans go too far and attack Palin with Martian love child allegations, there will be a backlash among people who are not confirmed Obama supporters. Her record, credentials and campaigning skills are going to get a thorough airing. A lot will depend on how well she performs under pressure.

Update 2:20 p.m.: Turns out the Governor’s daughter is pregnant. This is, or should be, a non-event. It won’t even hurt her with the most socially conservative voters, especially since the daughter plans to carry the pregnancy to term and marry the baby’s father.