"Picking At Scabs"

"Picking scabs is a remarkably self-perpetuating way to act out obsessive-compulsive tendencies that often signal an underlying, often as-yet-undiagnosed mood or anxiety disorder. Patients often describe the experience as comforting even though painful. And it’s very unsightly." – www.skinpic.com.

In the wake of the tragic Tucson shootings, the unanimous opinion of rational observers, as well as polling results, indicated the vast majority of the American citizenry, did not believe Sarah Palin, Right-Wing Media, Talk Radio or any other conservative icon, had anything to do with those horrific events. Governor Palin, scandalously accused of having a motivational influence on the shootings, issued a statement, denouncing the opinioned vitriol surrounding the incidents. Later that night, President Obama travelled to Tucson and did what Presidents are expected to do in times of crisis – assure, stabilize and calm. The Nation observed, absorbed and reflected; intent on salving its wounds.

Insistent at picking at scabs, Sarah Palin, adroitly alternating between being victim and valiant warrior, continued her unapologetic, defensive and personal rebuttal of the post-Tucson Left Wing media bile, during an appearance on the Sean Hannity show Monday evening.

Why?  What, if anything, did we learn? And was it necessary?

The “Why” may be the toughest question to answer, as the interview offered no potential political benefit to Palin. Appearing on Hannity, whose audience comprises a significant percentage of the Governor’s support base, offers her little chance to engage with Americans outside her political cocoon. No doubt her fans will herald this appearance, yet she will not have directly touched the majority of Americans who hold a dim view of her. Of course,  they’ll learn of the interview and Palin’s remarks, but only through the filter of the “Lame Stream Media” the Alaskan Mama Grizzly purports to despise. Is this a savvy political strategy or another cagey opportunity to excoriate the LSM for misrepresentation?

What did we learn?

Well,  for one thing, Palin thankfully cleared up the cross hairs/surveyor’s marks issue. Palin  seemingly has contradicted her spokesperson, Rebecca Monsour, who, in a frantic and feeble attempt at damage control, went on the gun-wielding Tammy Bruce’s talk show, the day of the Tucson shooting, insisting Palin's controversial campaign map was populated not with gun sights or cross hairs, but....”surveyor’s marks.” 

Well on Hannity, Palin quite forthrightly asserted about her map ad,  “…the graphic that was used was cross hairs, targeting the different districts.” 

Perhaps Rebbecca didn’t get the daily press briefing memo.

We also learned, Palin keeps really cool company, citing Rush, Sean and Mark Levin as fellow victims of the LSM attacks. Throw in Fox News for good measure, and you have what most political observers have known for some time. If Sarah runs in 2012, she’ll have the talk radio troika pulling for her. The GOP 2012 field should take note; it’s doubtful any of them will get a fair shake if she’s in.

 

Finally, was this interview necessary?

That answer will be only found in the hearts and minds of the beholder. Rather than let the Nation heal, Hannity - ever the obsequious and opportunistic host - felt it of great importance to provide a showcase for Palin’s defensiveness, and further traumatize this story. The only apparent need was to bolster and uphold the Palin brand, covering all the issues and slights, for 30 minutes and through 3 commercial breaks, despite the sad events not being about former Governor.

This interview cast no new light on the issues and merely served as a political stage for Palin to re-assert herself, letting the world know she will not be quiet, sit down or go away. Palin gave a sound and strong response last week. Why not leave it at that and let the wounds heal? Her respect level would increase ten-fold, by eschewing such juvenile re-hashing's, as opposed to her defiant posturing. Leadership is stepping up and looking beyond what your enemies throw at you, not in picking at the scabs to renew further bleeding.

Sarah Palin seems very comfortable as the common sense conservative Mama Grizzly, doling out platitudes, being a political lighting rod and turning out the vote during elections. Hannity, Rush and Levin will nurture, protect and defend her; earnestly, ardently and with vigor. Their base is her base, and she is the symbolic figure around which to rally the talk radio troops.

Palin may run for the office of President in 2012, or she may not. Perhaps she will decide to try down the road or maybe even never.  And if she realizes she can’t win with the majority of Americans, Palin may learn to be quite content, being the insulated and protected voice of a very loud and vibrant, Talk Radio and Cable TV minority.