Monday, January 17, 2011

Dissipation.

Ross Douthat examines the codependent relationship between the media and the trainwreck Sarah Palin.

Palin has squandered a superb opportunity: the recipient of a quantum leap in politics during the 2008 election, Ms. Palin could have consolidated her gains with a continued competent governing of Alaska, sober study of international and domestic affairs (for example, using her experience in Alaskan energy issues to become a principal national expert), and becoming a thoughtful and temperate national political figure. Instead she has quit - quit - as governor, stars in a reality TV show, and has cashed in on the book circuit (as for her "books", Profiles in Courage they are not). She did not quite distinguish herself with her recent highly-produced video responding to the fallout from Tuscon.

You learn a lot about people from what they do with a remarkable opportunity.