Palin's Solo Debut

So, even on the cotton fluff "deferential" terms under which her first interview was to be granted, Sarah Palin still managed to declare a frightening willingness to go to war with Russia, and a notable ignorance of the foreign policy doctrine of the current Republican president.

And yet, the question as always is, beyond people who actually imagine that a world leader should actually have a handle on basic foreign policy and diplomacy, does anyone else, the majority of the American electorate know or care? Do they maybe somewhat cherish the Capraesque, or even Capra-lite-esque idea of an everywoman taking on the entrenched leadership of the world? The unconscious appeal of ignorance defeating expertise - i.e. the subliminal force behind the appeal of Being There and Dave? And with such a dynamic running for her, doesn't someone - especially an older, established, male member of the dreaded "liberal" media elite - daring to press her for actual positions and causing her to get flustered actually reinforce the desire for those supporting her to see her defeat all those smug know-it-alls?

Which is why Sarah Palin frightens me. She literally embodies the desire of every small town no-nothing or no-little Napoleon to take over the world and make it the way they believe it should be made, as if it were the easiest thing in the world for someone, as long as they're "outside the system". Meaning any legitimate criticism made about her lack of preparedness only amplifies her appeal.

But people do wake up from daydreams eventually. And I don't think it will take them two months to get there either.