I learned something new this week when a colleague introduced me to the term word salad.
If you go to the all-knowing internet you will learn that this is defined as a string of words that vaguely resembles language, and may or may not be grammatically correct, but is utterly meaningless.
The friend suggested the following as an example-
Couric: What other Supreme Court decisions do you disagree with?
Palin: Well, let's see. There's, of course in the great history of America there have been rulings, that's never going to be absolute consensus by every American. And there are those issues, again, like Roe v. Wade, where I believe are best held on a state level and addressed there. So you know, going through the history of America, there would be others but...
Couric: Can you think of any?
Palin: Well, I could think of...any again, that could be best dealt with on a more local level. Maybe I would take issue with. But, you know, as mayor, and then as governor and even as a vice president, if I'm so privileged to serve, wouldn't be in a position of changing those things but in supporting the law of the land as it reads today.
One word - vacuous.
Maybe I'm just a long-suffering McCain fan that had high expectations and got smacked between the eyes with a running mate this is - well - disappointing.
How about Exxon v. Baker? It happened under your watch as governor. Remember? It cost your fellow Alaskans a big chunk of change.
Am I the only one that cringes in pain every time this candidate opens her mouth?
Sheesh.
For the sake of John McCain she better hit one out of the park tonight.
Stay tuned.
Tom
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10/02/08 9:55 PM - Some post debate observations:
Good Job!. Not an out of the park slam - but several good base-hits.
Style points for being folksy. Hey - Joe Six Pack - you're darn right you betcha - we wantcha to support those soccer moms, eh. I love it!
Ample use of Reaganisms - There you go again - doggone it. Beacon of hope. You get the drift.
Hey Sarah - some unsolicited advice from someone who was on a high school debate squad.
Rule #1 - Never let the moderator redirect you back to the original question when you fail to answer it the first time.
Rule #2 - Give-up the freaking sound bites.
Rule #3 - Stop looking at your notes and STOP using the word also. You are making me nuts.
Rule #4 - Being perky is no substitute for command of the language and facts. You need to practice more. Oh, wait, there aren't any more debates. I guess you're off the hook.
Thanks for alleviating 4 weeks of growing doubts.
Bottom line -
Lost no votes, gained some, appeared confident.
Stay tuned.
Tom
