Ms. Palin's Cheesecake

I never thought I’d say thank heavens for Sarah Palin. I finally see some use for her beside (dangerous) comic relief. She's a glorious side street to national affairs. What’s really tickling me is how her calculated self-promotion makes amazing study in contrasts with the serious business being done quietly in the nation.

What has prompted my reconsideration of her is the cheesecake photo on the cover of Newsweek. There she is in shorts, making the most of her trim figure and posing like a swimsuit model. I found myself saying to her, “Wow—go for it. You’re the best diversion the nation could have because while we’re watching your narcissistic nonsense, the government can go on about its quiet and needed reforms.”

Talk about bread and circuses to keep the crowd roaring. She does it all by herself.

Thousands of lobbyists ferreted out of advisory committees:. Has she noticed? Does she care? Ms. Palin dons her shorts and does a perfect imitation of a gold digger: I’ve got it, baby, I’m flaunting it, and I’m gonna get rich.”

Parts of health care reform squeak through in the senate: Our Sarah does a book tour through the small towns where her adoring fans are more likely to be found than in the more educated and cynical cities, the very places she would have to carry if she were a serious presidential candidate.

Careful calculation and risk assessment start to reduce unemployment: little Miss Nike tries stir up the birther theory that Obama isn’t US born, an idea thoroughly discredited by Hawaii, the Hawaii newspapers, and ME (I saw his mother pregnant with him).

A weary Obama authorizes more American troops to Afghanistan: Ms. Palin announces a new political theory of tit for tat. “I was swiftboated over my son, Trig; therefore, it is an acceptable strategy. Let the dirt begin, it’s all fair in the political process.”

Ms. Palin never found a fork in the road let alone took the high one.

But, as I said, I have a new appreciation of her role in the world. While the emotion-driving, fearful, credulous among us have found their heroine, she is busy focusing their attention on her. I can envision Ms. Palin in shorts and provocative smile on a campaign poster for one of her opponents. Presidential? Hardly.

I had been worried that some populist swell would put her into contention for 2012. Oh she’ll be around and she’ll make a lot of noise and she’ll undoubtedly come out with some advantage for herself—but, baby, as all the aging bimbos can tell you, enjoy the ride because it doesn’t last longer than you’ll be able to pose in shorts for Newsweek. .
m>