Memo To Useful Idiots: Beware The Barracuda

Sarah Barracuda has sharp teeth, and she isn't afraid to take a bite out of the hides of leftists foolish enough to attack her and her family. Writer Robert George says Gov. Palin's feistiness is the stuff of "political gold":

"Mothers generally don't lose when they are seen as standing up for their kids. Furthermore, members of ideological bases love it when leaders of their parties are assertive and ready to, pardon the expression, "get in the face" of members of the other party -- as Palin did with Kerry."

Of course conservatives love it when a Republican goes mano a mano with the rabid attack dogs of the left. It is such a rare occurrence that we find it not just refreshing but exhilarating. George W. Bush suffered in silence, and look what it got him.

But even more important than the Barracuda persona of Sarah Palin with the conservative base, as far as perceptions go, is her role as protective Mama Bear when she defends her children. It resonates well beyond the base, as NRO's Mike Potemra observed about a week ago:

"A respected friend was talking to me about the most recent Palin controversy the other day and told me, You just don’t get it; you’re not a parent. If parents identify with Sarah Palin, that may indeed do her more good in 2012 than any number of intelligent energy-policy proposals (or even being a better governor than Arnold)."

Weak-kneed pundits who pretend to be conservatives (Debra Saunders et al) claim that it is a mistake for Gov. Palin to stand up to her attackers. They would prefer that she just allow her enemies to destroy her without lifting a finger in her own defense or that of her family. George disagrees:

Palin is doing two things: Inoculating herself against any possible photo situations that include her kids -- and making Democrats very nervous about any comments they might be inclined to make about her. Her high school basketball nickname wasn't "barracuda" for nothing. Baring her teeth both in protection of her young and defending herself against a male politician -- even if it's in "good fun" -- is smart politics.

Darn right it is. Who do people root for - the spineless character who lets everyone walk all over them or the Rocky Balboa full of fight who refuses to be beaten?

It's not a trick question.

- JP