Palin draws the (artificial)battlelines

Jon Stewart is mad. Here, and on the Daily Show, he launches a diatribe against Sarah Palin’s divisive characterisation of ‘real americans’, ‘pro-america americans’ that exist in some magical backwaters – thereby implying east-coast, cosmopolitan, liberal intellectuals are somehow less hardworking or patriotic.

Its Psychology 101 that such characterisations aims to draw boundaries between the in vs out group, thereby drawing out, and solidifying the Republican base. The legitimacy of tactic – questionable. But the liberal media as certainly interpreted it in the worst meaning possible. So New Yorkers aren’t American enough for some, but enough for Al Qaeda? Certainly Stewart’s favourite argument, and packs a dramatic punch.

I think the group Palin is appealing to:

• idealise themselves as part of such a group – more than are part of such a group
• are bitter about disparities – pre-drawn battlelines?

Generally people are diverse – forcing a distinction between 2 tribes are essentially forcing nearly 60% – 80% of people to choose a side they don’t completely believe in (think about a bell curve), which generate unnecessary antagonism.

But nuff said – here are some clips about this issue.

Peggie Noonan goes on The Daily Show

I am always stunned by the sheer eloquence of writers, columnists and how they can tell us something we probably already know at some level – and we hear it as if its something new. Actually comedy does the same thing, interesting.

3 items to listen out for:
The candidates have not risen above the largeness of the moment
Bush, a commentator not a leader
Rhetoric over proper debate

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This One’s for Keepsake

I don’t know who convinced them to pose for this picture but I think its brilliant – parodying a parody, who else but Colbert and Stewart to pull this off? The original New Yorker cover showing Michelle and Barack Obama fist bumping alluded to certain right-wing commentary that their post-speech fist-bump had terrorist undertones.

The original

The parody

Best Bit I’ve Seen In Years

This is just about the best bit of satire I’ve seen in recent memory, and I’ve seen a lot.

Remember the media coverage of all the governmental incompetence, racial issues, humanitarian concerns and gutwrenching pictures that streamed from the Superdome during Katrina?

This year it’s Gustav’s turn to wreak havoc, but on who? Townsfolk of New Orleans evacuated enmasse under the mayor’s fearmongering description of Gustav. Tables have turned it seems. Fresh from a media blackout caused by the DNC, Republicans have hoped to regain their media momentum by kicking off the RNC with a bang. Gustav stalled the proceedings however, and suddenly a convention centre-full of Republicans were stranded, awaiting indefinitely for the arrival of the big speakers.

Trust The Daily Show to beautifully capture this moment.
*Try to pick up all the ridiculous parallels!

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