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Could a Politician Like Sarah Palin Exist in Europe?
September 30, 2008 8:22 AM
Opinion by EVA SOHLMAN, journalist and writer for the Swedish magazine Fokus, covering the U.S. elections
This is what a friend asked me on the phone from Athens, Greece, the other day. Enjoying the view from his balcony that overlooks the Acropolis, heart of European culture and history, the retired Reuters correspondent, Brian Williams, a veteran of covering two U.S. presidential elections, admitted that he, along with many colleagues, was fascinated by the self-described “pit bull with lipstick.”
Judging by the reaction of the European press to John McCain’s pick of the moral conservative who claims to understand Russia because she can practically see it from her window, the answer to my friend’s question has to be a resounding, “No!”
So why is that? Well, ironically, what makes Palin strong in America - her religion and celebrity status – is what makes her impossible in Europe.
It’s not that Europe hasn’t had strong women leaders, or is a stranger to women in politics. Look at Britain’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Finland’s accomplished President Tarja Halonen and the chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, whom Forbes magazine rates “the most powerful woman in the world.”
But these are women who rose to power on the opposite strengths of those of Palin. In order to gain respect and acceptance they had to do more than their fair share of time in the political trenches, to prove their abilities were stronger than male counterparts.
Batting of eyelashes, color of lipstick, as well as highlighting private and personal issues like being a moose-shooting hockey mom, were not part of their campaign weapons.
It is not by coincidence Thatcher earned the nickname “The Iron Lady” or Merkel that of “The Iron Frau.” Generally speaking, to succeed as a female politician in Europe you had better suppress the private and personal – yes your femininity in part – and focus on the political. Otherwise you just won't be taken seriously.
Thatcher had her famed handbag but it was perceived to be to hit people with, not a fashion accessory.
On this note, it is not strange to notice Europe’s unease over Palin’s “habit of investing secular matters with religious meaning,” as the German magazine Der Spiegel puts it, in reference to Palin’s statements that a $30 billion gas pipeline in Alaska was "God’s will," and the war in Iraq a "task that is from God."
The fact that she was a member of the tongue-speaking Pentecostal Church doesn’t exactly reassure, neither does her wish that creationism be taught in schools or her desire for schools to skip sexual education completely. In Europe today it is almost taboo to infuse politics with religion.
Indeed, in the Op-Ed “Sarah and the Extremists” Swedish independent daily Helsingborgs Dagblad says the candidate “leaves a foul taste with her extremely conservative politics that includes anti-abortion among other things.”
And while the celebrity factor is something that has reenergized the Republican Party and has been to Palin’s advantage on this side of the Atlantic, it is something that most likely would have marginalized her in Europe where strong parliaments and parties tend to sift out mavericks and too personality-driven politicians.
Perhaps there is one exception: Italy. Its weak party structure has allowed space for beauty queens, fascists and even porno stars. Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of dictator Benito Mussolini and niece of Sophia Loren, is the party leader for Italy’s National Alliance neo-fascist party, and a member of parliament. She also posed for Playboy. Ciccolina, the porn star, singer and former wife of world-famous American artist Jeff Koons, was elected to parliament in 1987.
So unlike my friend, I have not been particularly fascinated by Palin, although there is no denying her impact on the election has been explosive.
Instead, I find there is something very sad about this Palinomania. It seems she has become the personification of the identity struggle America is fighting while its economy is on the brink of collapse. McCain’s pick of her plays straight into what I see as a desperate nostalgia for the past -- a nostalgia fueled by a fear of a future where the world order is changing and America’s role as the greatest superpower is faltering.
It is nostalgia for the 1950s and the American dream when the ideal church-going American family could survive on one salary and still know that its children would be better off when they grew up. Palin, the mother of five with strong traditional family values, and with her 1950s-inspired outfits and hairdos, is a palpable expression of this longing for a past where your dreams could be fulfilled in your own backyard.
So among my European friends there is almost disbelief -- no it is not snobbery -- that anyone, let alone a woman who could be one heartbeat away from the presidency, could have reached her 40s before getting a passport.
But in an era when the buzzword is "globalization," insularity as a strength, does not fit well.
A short while ago, I met with a major fundraiser for the Republican Party in Washington, D.C. First she admitted she had been appalled by the choice of Palin because, “there was a strong sense that there were others who were more qualified.”
But then she changed her mind: “Actually, she has been great for the party and we’ve raised so much money because of her. You know she seems like a genuinely nice person plus I do like her neat little outfits and that hairdo is really cool.”
September 30, 2008 in Guest | Permalink | User Comments (75)
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Have you ever noticed the EXTREME and irrational hate that people have for one another? It is nuts!
Posted by: korny09 | Sep 30, 2008 11:20:30 AM
I cannot believe some of the things that are being written on this page. Palin is regarded as a joke by most people I know and the thought that she could be President is beyond scary.
As for Europeans feeling superior to Americans I think we have a right when we see the mess you make of things. America has an arrogance it no longer deserves. As for the comment about Muslims that was outrageous. Islam is a very peaceful religion and the vast majority of muslims are peaceful normal people like you and me. I did not see Americans cursing Catholics when the IRA was killing people in the UK.No they were happy to write cheques. Given some of te comments here I think Palin is the least of our worries.
Posted by: Marie Therese Hayes | Sep 30, 2008 11:24:21 AM
Poor rural republicans are seeking to validate their own lives by voting for Palin. They don't recognize a communications degree as a somewhat lesser degree. The sort of degree sorority girls would get before they invented the human resources degree. To them it's an impressive education. If she were just a high school graduate they would love her all the more.
In their fantasies these voters imagine that they could lead the nation so why not Palin? The more ignorance she displays, the more love they have for her.
Posted by: memyself | Sep 30, 2008 11:33:41 AM
VIR stated -"Der Spiegel might want to get its facts right from Palin with Sean Hannity, and not from the propaganda of pro-Obama press. Unless, of course, Der Spiegel found Obama its mirror image.
With the drive for energy independence, Palin is what America needs. Other less important facts can come later. She can't go to war without Congress anyway."
The last sentence is very interesting. It is true that Congress does have to approve the US going to war. All Palin and McCain have to do is follow Bush's lead and dupe Congress into going to war with false and misleading intel. WMD in Iraq ring a bell? Plus, why are you talking about her taking us to war? Is she running as the Presidential candidate? Or are you confusing her with Cheney who is really running the country.
Posted by: Obama Backer | Sep 30, 2008 11:35:47 AM
Sarah is a strong, patriotic, morally upstanding, genuine American woman of the type who, in another era, might have crossed the plains in a covered wagon. She would not do well in Europe; those folks would likely prefer Pamela Anderson, Barbara Streisand, or other sluts and nuts of the radical left.
Posted by: Ron | Sep 30, 2008 11:55:59 AM
I doubt it.... she can't see Europe outside her Alaskan house.
Posted by: Sandi | Sep 30, 2008 11:58:43 AM
Although a Democrat Hillary
supporter, and now Obama backer,
I am in my 50s and don't have a passport.
Having been to Mexico and Canada before
such were needed, and living in a state bigger than most of Europe,
never had the need for such.
And with Shrub's totalitarian airport and border restrictions, not likely to get one either...
Posted by: Curtis W. Rendon | Sep 30, 2008 12:02:14 PM
I'm old enough to remember when SNL cast was called The Not Ready For Primetime Players. I find it somewhat amusing that Tina Fey is playing Sarah Palin on SNL since I don't think Palin is quite ready for Prime Time either. I think she is personable and she seems nice, caring, and eager to do well, but so is my PTA president and I wouldn't vote for her for VP either.
Posted by: Catherine | Sep 30, 2008 12:16:51 PM
Yes, Marie Therese Hayes, the Islamic religion is a peaceful one. That is why they offer rewards for the death of cartoonists and writers of books. That is why they send women and children with explosives strapped to their bodies to blow up innocent people.
Have you ever spent time in a muslim community or country? I doubt it for if you had then you would know that as a non-muslim they consider you as non-human and therefore killing you is no sin!!!
Before you start spouting about how wonderful they are, you need to live among them as I have.
I have yet to meet anyone that grew up in muslim schools and Islamic religion that did not consider western civilizations to be animals! Your friend, Obama, has made his preference known by his own writings!
As for her qualifications, Sarah Palin's CV reads very much like that of one of the USA's greatest presidents. Try checking the credentials of Teddy Roosevelt.
Posted by: Irnotu | Sep 30, 2008 12:39:31 PM
Sorry,but's a shame how many americans see europe.I'm from germany,born and raised up in the west part.The most americans are sad that other countries don't like them since the G.W.Bush era.I always say it's Bush not the most citizens,but what i read here changed my minds.I'm mostly proud now to live in Germany,because it's a better LIFE
Posted by: Ulli | Sep 30, 2008 12:40:54 PM
Enough with the "Obama has no experience" and "too many ties to corruption". As to experience, Obama was a Constitutional Law Professor for 12 years at the University of Chicago, a State senator for 8 years representing 750,000 people, and a US Senator for 4 years. He has more experience than at least 21 of US Presidents who were elected, including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton and George W Bush.
As for his ties to corruption, he has a half dozen donors with some personal problems with the law among his 2.5 million donors. What are the odds it would be that few? Secondly, McCain has 63 Top Washington Lobbyists for the most nefarious groups running his campaign. This is reform?
Posted by: Grant Devereaux | Sep 30, 2008 12:46:02 PM
Yes, a politician like Palin can exist in Europe and even the US. I think we are all looking for honesty, truth and integrity. And, the passion to fight for what is right and not just for more political "retoric", false promises and plans that sound great but can't be achieved. And, please we don't need a rock star, Hollywood or the media to give us their political opinion.
Posted by: Jacalyn | Sep 30, 2008 12:53:36 PM
it would be the worst thing in American history for McCain and Palin to win. Especially if McCain dies. He was so stupid to choose her. I'm for Obama. Barack means blessing in Arabic, he would be a blessing for the USA.
Posted by: sararomania | Sep 30, 2008 1:02:28 PM
I hope people wake up - Palin is not ready for vp much less president. Her speech at the convention - all written by others but listen to her when she is ingterviewed by Gibson and Couric. She cannot answer a question, is evasive. I would feel very uncomfortable and unsafe at the thought of her being in office. ***I talked to a person who lived in her hometown during time she was mayor. I asked how she did - his reply she was a "wacko". Just what we need.
Posted by: kmn | Sep 30, 2008 1:17:07 PM
memyself - I happen to have a BA in Communications, which required economics, business, and marketing classes, as well, as my other core classes to attain my degree. In fact, it's a degree that is highly valued in the business world and you'll find it listed in many job postings with the requirements being BA in Business or Communications. Don't insult those of us who actually went to one school and graduated by lumping us in with the Palins of the world. There were and are plenty of women who go to get an education, not an MRS degree.
Posted by: This is SO Old | Sep 30, 2008 1:20:59 PM
btw - I know plenty of extremely intelligent women that also have a master's to go along with the BA. Something I hope to attain when I have the money for the additional degree.
Posted by: This is SO Old | Sep 30, 2008 1:25:02 PM
Could Palin make it in Europe? Never. Her resume doesn’t say anything about world conquest, rape, pillage and plunder of undeveloped countries and driving those citizens into despair and slavery. Her resume doesn’t mention being an apartheid or Holocaust organizer. Her resume could never match Hitler’s or Mussolini’s. Will she be a figurehead for the EU? Never, not like most European leaders are now. Will she stand up for America? YES! Europeans would not even be typing a message on the Internet without state screening if it wasn’t for Americans. BTW Haven’t you figured it out yet? The more you Europeans favor someone in American Politics, the more we disfavor him. I only wish obama lived over there somewhere, you only see the empty but shiny outside shell in which he lives. If you want someone that puts country last and his “Judgments” first then take him, please.
Posted by: M/P 08 | Sep 30, 2008 1:30:32 PM
Your ignorance of Muslims amazes me. The "recognizable" Muslims are fundamentalists. Sarah Palin is also a fundamentalist. The majority of Muslims are secular, and you couldn't pick them out in a crowd - they "look" like everyone else.
Obama/Biden!
Posted by: Mrs. Osipov | Sep 30, 2008 1:31:49 PM
TO - THIS IS SO OLD - WHO LUMPED YOU WITH PALIN???? Many women have gone to school and received degrees and even had attended different schools, no one is putting anyone down for that. Palin went to school for journalism, that does not mean it qualifies her for vp or pres. She can read a speech, but can't answer questions and is being shielded from the press WHY????
Posted by: knn | Sep 30, 2008 1:39:35 PM
knn - this is what memyself said "Poor rural republicans are seeking to validate their own lives by voting for Palin. They don't recognize a communications degree as a somewhat lesser degree. The sort of degree sorority girls would get before they invented the human resources degree. To them it's an impressive education."
I agree that Palin is unqualified. However, a Communications degree is not a "lesser degree" or one that "sorority girls" get, that's what I took offense to. An HR degree isn't a lesser degree, either.
Posted by: This is SO Old | Sep 30, 2008 1:55:39 PM
If Obama couldn't bring himself to picking Hilary as his running-mate, why didn't he choose Janet Reno? She fits the European stereo-type of an Iron Lady/Frau, doesn't she? You've come a long way baby, but if you want to make it in European politics you need to look and act like a man. This article is a joke.
Posted by: prm | Sep 30, 2008 2:00:03 PM
Go ahead rednecks, keep looking down your noses at Europe.
Posted by: Dan Sarazen | Sep 30, 2008 2:17:01 PM
Dan,
Are you an American? If so, do you realize that we fought a Revolutionary War to free ourselves from Britain (and the rest of Europe) to form our own sovereign nation? So now all Americans are rednecks who believe in the individuality of their country and who support its diversity and uniqueness? That's pretty darn narrow minded if you ask me.
Posted by: prm | Sep 30, 2008 2:20:44 PM
Palin was tapped to be the VP choice for 1 reason....because she has a Vagina. Being that I am a strong Hillary supporter, I find it very offensive that McShame would think that all it takes to get my vote is a Vagina. I was voting for Hillary because of the content of her Charecter not the content of her Panties. Because of the blatent disregard for my female vote I will vote for...
OBAMA/BIDEN
Posted by: IloveHillary | Sep 30, 2008 2:26:40 PM
Palin was tapped to be the VP choice for 1 reason....because she has a Vagina. Being that I am a strong Hillary supporter, I find it very offensive that McShame would think that all it takes to get my vote is a Vagina. I was voting for Hillary because of the content of her Charecter not the content of her Panties. Because of the blatent disregard for my female vote I will vote for...
OBAMA/BIDEN
Posted by: IloveHillary | Sep 30, 2008 2:26:43 PM
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