Reply #7: If a trainwreck that takes down the GOP is a distraction... [View All]

[tinrobot]

...then yes, Palin is a distraction. A distraction worth watching.

From the op ed:

The Republicans are brilliant at distractions. Willie Horton was a distraction. The chatter about gays, guns and God has been a long-running distraction. And we all remember the Swift-boat campaign.

When the GOP purposely creates a distraction, it's to attack and smear their opponents. Willie Horton directly attacked Dukakis, the Swiftboat vets directly attacked Kerry. The Rezco ad against Obama is one of these attacks. Palin doesn't fit the pattern of direct attacks.

If the author is suggesting that the selection of Palin is somehow a swiftboat attack against the Democrats, then he's misguided. Exposing your candidates to extreme scorn and ridicule from all sides is a very stupid way to attack a political opponent.

I do think we need to keep our candidates clear of the steaming pile of manure the GOP has created. But when the GOP falls face first in it and media keeps it going - it's way better than watching a trainwreck.