Blumenthal: Palin will destroy GOP

Max Blumenthal takes a long look at the effect that Palin is likely to have on the GOP. Well worth the read for both it’s subject matter and the fact that Blumenthal is in the top tier of progressive analysts writing today.

Personally I have always thought that the whole Palin experiment has to end badly for the GOP. However one games it out there is no good conclusion. As an aside it would be great if the cable news bobbleheads could take this into account when crystal balling future election results. But the day they learn to do context will be the day hell freezes over.

The following logic is very simple and and relies on very few ifs and buts. Palin represents the far right, in most developed nations her political position would be considered to be one of uncritical nationalism. Now, Americans are a patriotic bunch, with a bit of a blind spot for the downside of regarding their own nation as superior to others but the majority do get that this can only be taken so far and that is nowhere near as far as Palin is taking it.

To be honest I am not sure if Palin has even thought about this as she seems to run on attention and drama but, as with all politics, the perception is the important thing here. In Palin’s own mind, Nationalism, Fascism, Liberalism, Socialism, Communism and some other are probable all rolled up into one need little ball and stored in the compartment of her mind labelled “Long words meaning Other”. It is this lack of complication and nuance that appeals to her supporters.

Problem for Palin is that the majority of Americans don’t want to revel in their own ignorance and stupidity. The bad thing for the GOP is that while the percentage of potential Palin followers will never be enough to win a general election it is certainly going to be high enough to split the party. The people inside the GOP who hold a view that extends beyond the next election cycle all but unanimously agree that Palin is a bad thing. Even the ones who thought that the Palinites could be controlled now know better. It is impossible to control a mob who’s members do not use logic or critical analysis in a post enlightenment way.

Palin has an intensely loyal support but it can never top out above 30%, in American politics broad and shallow will always triumph over narrow and deep.

Now, for some serious commentary please read Max Blumenthal’s piece.