[Ash]

Generally, Gene, I agree with your comments but I have a slightly different take on the Palin phenomenon. I believe that it results from America’s fascination with physically attractive people, in general, but women in particular.

In other words, I believe that if Palin was as “ugly as sin” she would not be going anywhere politically – and the media interest would be zero!

True, given the democratic process being *generally* upheld in the western world (no further comment), the voters are accountable for those in power. So there are clearly a lot of Palin supporters, whether it is for her looks or otherwise (or looks overshadowing the otherwise ).

See in Aus we don't have that problem :

Amanda Vanstone, former Immigration minister - and she was a tough nut to crack too...




Or how about our own Pauline Hanson of the One Nation Party - who took controversy wherever she went... our own red-necked red-head



Please explain...


And speaking of red-heads:


But that's being unfair, Julia doesn't always look like that...
And I intentionally neglected a lot of other women in politics over the years here...
Women in politics - Australia's Culture Portal

[jolepp]

For comparing the looks of our top politicians,

Tarja Halonen, current president of Finland:



Mari Kiviniemi, the current prime minister:



Looks aside, both are rather intelligent as far as I can tell .

[stevewig]

(Appreciate the points made above about Australian and Finnish female politicians).

Please do not divert the thread into a different topic. My opinion stated above was relevant to the subject of Sarah Palin and any possible/probable leadership issues and not about women in politics or women in general. I happen to admire many of the women in today's politics but I do not admire Sarah Palin.

[Ash]

Mari looks quite nice though...
Certainly helps having brains in these top jobs.

On one of Julia's better days:




But I digress - this is about Sarah,...



I know this is her...


And these are pretty funny: Sarah Palin Jokes - Funny Palin Jokes and Palin Humor

[jolepp]

Apropos Palin: I wish I could say I'm proud to be a Martian.

[sandilands]

Ironically, the person who should have the least effect on the U.S. political scene is turning out to have one of the biggest:

Half of the people in this country look like total morons to the rest of the world for the credibilty she's been granted.

What bothers me is that I got lumped into this half-- because of the OTHER half in this country who ARE true morons and actually support her.

Remember there are only 2 qualifications needed to vote. US citizenship and 18 birthdays. Either half meets that low bar.

[shooz]

She's Baaa--aaaack.
Not a very nice person, it would seem Cheater too.

Who leaked ex-Palin aide Frank Bailey's memoir?

[jeffkrol]

[shooz]

She didn't like that job.
Too much like work.
She wants to be a spokesmodel..........like Boehner