If Even Jimmy Carter Gets It, What's Wrong with Republican Elites?

Mona Charen, Peggy Noonan, George Will . . . call your office.

Carter on Palin:

“I’ve never met her, but obviously I’ve watched on television many times, and I think she’s one of the most dynamic and attractive speakers we’ve ever seen. She knows how to appeal to a crowd. She’s extremely eloquent. She has a very clear cut, I say, political philosophy that she expresses. And she appeals highly to an enthusiastic group of supporters. I think within the Republican Party and within the Tea Party element of the Republican Party, she’s going to be a formidable candidate if she decides to run in 2012. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she could get the Republican nomination.”

Carter on the political atmosphere:

“But I do see a parallel between the times that I ran in for president in 1976 and this past year with the Tea Party movement. Because it’s primarily a group of well meaning people, in my opinion, who were just completely dissatisfied with what was happening in Washington. And I have to admit that I had the same kind of benefit when I ran for office against a wonderful group of other candidates who were my opponents, most of whom were U.S. Senators, very distinguished, and I was able to prevail primarily because I capitalized on the dissatisfaction that kind of was one of the driving forces for the Tea Party . . . .”

Now, President Carter is clear that Palin needs to overcome the question about whether she is qualified to be president, which Barack Obama had to overcome as well. But, Carter doesn't think Palin is a "nincompoop" or only capable of being another Oprah. Quite to the contrary, Carter lauds Palin as "one of the most dynamic and attractive speakers we’ve ever seen. . . . She's extremely eloquent." That's high praise when his own party's president, Barack Obama, is supposed to be the best and brightest orator since John F. Kennedy.

Further Carter gives Palin credit for having a "very clear cut" political philosophy. In other words, he sees that Palin is not just the opposite of the empty-head of Tina Fey skits, but someone who has hammered out a clear political philosophy. Not just political positions, but a world view--a philosophy.

Democrats are taking Governor Palin seriously. Too many Republicans still haven't got a clue. Maybe that's why the Republican Party has been stamped with the "Loser" label. Its bright lights can't seem to see beyond their noses.

Two excellent articles:
The Palin Factor: Even Republican Elites Don't Get It by Lance Fairchok (gives the sorry historical data that no Republican candidate since Eisenhower--who also suddenly became dumb after being made the Republican candidate--has been considered other than dumb by the pundits)
Why Does the Media love to Pick on Palin? by John Lott (shows that Palin is called dumb precisely because she is smart and effective)