Casual Researchers Question Politico’s Ethics

The headline from The Politico screams: Scholars question Palin credentials. A quick excerpt:

John McCain was aiming to make history with his pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and historians say he succeeded.

Presidential scholars say she appears to be the least experienced, least credentialed person to join a major-party ticket in the modern era.

So unconventional was McCain’s choice that it left students of the presidency literally “stunned,” in the words of Joel Goldstein, a St. Louis University law professor and scholar of the vice presidency. “Being governor of a small state for less than two years is not consistent with the normal criteria for determining who’s of presidential caliber,” said Goldstein.

“I think she is the most inexperienced person on a major-party ticket in modern history,” said presidential historian Matthew Dallek.

A few minutes of very casual research on the interwebby tubes brought these gems about a Matthew Dallek, who may or may not be the person quoted, one cannot tell from the article:

Dallek’s first book examined the origins of the conservative counterrevolution of the 1960s. In The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan’s First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics, Dallek examined Ronald Reagan’s rise to power in 1966, the collapse of liberalism in California, and the intersection of social movements (civil rights, Free Speech, anti-war), social upheavals (the Watts riots), and public policy in fueling counter-revolutionary political changes.

Since this Dallek, appears to be this Dallek, who was a speechwriter for Dick Gephardt, and since the above quote describes conservatives as “counterrevolutionaries”, one may safely assume that Mr. Dallek is not exactly a non-partisan source.

We point this out, although we are quite sure the media will continue it’s orchestrated attacks. We also point out that this will likely backfire - badly - on the media.

Found via Memeorandum.

Don’t Read Too Much Into This

But Rasmussen Reports says that Governor Sarah Palin has made a very, very good first impression on voters. Quite a lot better an impression than Senator Joe Biden made right after his announcement as VP candidate. Worst of all for the Obama campaign, Sarah Palin is viewed favorably by a straight - and substantial - majority of independents.

Palin earns positive reviews from 78% of Republicans, 26% of Democrats and 63% of unaffiliated voters. Obviously, these numbers will be subject to change as voters learn more about her in the coming weeks. Among all voters, 29% have a Very Favorable opinion of Palin while 9% hold a Very Unfavorable view.

By way of comparison, on the day he was selected as Barack Obama’s running mate, Delaware Senator Joseph Biden was viewed favorably by 43% of voters.

This is a spot poll and should be taken with a grain of salt. But it is at least of great interest. It is also a gigantic red flag to those who are attacking Palin in Obama's name - or as Obama's proxies. This is dangerous ground for them.

And frankly, there are a few slimeballs out there who are attempting to attack Sarah Palin through her children. I will not link them, they know who they are. Those people should be shunned by both sides.