O'Dowd: Why Sarah Palin could be president

Palin family follies far less than the Kennedy clan
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At Irish Central, Niall O'Dowd makes the case that Sarah Palin's family problems and the resulting 24/7 coverage by the gossip media should not keep her from becoming president. If you think the offspring of Todd and Sarah Palin have given their parents grief, they still have nothing on the Kennedy kids and the progeny of other famous people in politics:

Indeed, there is nothing in Sarah Palin's family past that even remotely compares to some of the activities of the Kennedys at their height.

We all know human being are flawed and we put up this semi comical mask of really pretending to be shocked when famous kids step out of line.

Rudy Giuliani's daughter is just the latest to step in doo doo, after being caught shoplifting in New York.

Would it make me not vote for Rudy if I was inclined to?

No. I'm not electing Father of the Year here, but a politician.

Likewise with Palin , people will move on quickly form her family travails and judge her on her political talent which is clearly considerable given her rise from obscurity to the center of American dialogue.

O'Dowd cites some Sarah Palin strengths that "very few" American politicians can match, including an incredibly loyal base of supporters across the country. Add to that the enthusiasm Gov. Palin brings to the political scene at a time when Americans are deeply soured on politicians-as-usual, and you have some key factors "that could very well translate into a huge vote-getting capability."

The first woman in history to become the vice presidential candidate of the Republican Party has already proved with her endorsements, says O'Dowd, that she has major influence with the GOP base. If the economy doesn't start showing considerable improvement -- and there are few signs that it will anytime soon -- the author argues that a candidate like Sarah Palin, with her clear message and millions of supporters could do very well indeed beyond that base.

O'Dowd concludes, "As I have said here before I would not rule this woman out for anything."

h/t: roy y

- JP