Overestimating Obama and Palin

One thing about the world of politics that probably will never change is the bigger-than-real-life quality the press and public often attribute to politicians. While we try to remind ourselves that these are just people, eventually we give in to the idea that these people must be smarter, or better than everyone else. Why else would they end up becoming leaders, right? Wrong.

Earlier, it was observed by Rich Mitchell that Obama won’t dump Biden. Part of his analysis suggested two things that probably aren’t exactly accurate. It’s also unlikely that those involved would admit it, but it does bear consideration. First, it’s not likely that Obama was considering replacing Biden no matter what. But, not only does Obama think that he carries the Dem ticket, but I strongly suspect that he also believes he can overcome any gaffe Biden makes. Second, it’s unlikely that Sarah Palin is anywhere in this equation, other than where the press has placed her. Palin may as well not exist at all, at least where Obama is concerned.

Initially, when I heard Palin saying that Obama should have Hillary Clinton as his VP for this election, I wanted to reach out and smack her for giving him a relatively good idea. And then I quickly realized that wouldn’t happen, and Palin’s opinion wasn’t part of the equation anyway. Hillary has her own baggage, and arguably, it would only be trading one set of gaffes for another – Biden’s gaffes would be replaced with Bill’s. Of course, it’s unlikely that Obama would want a truly “presidential” VP anyway. No need to be tempting the increasingly violent fringe and crazies out there, right?

And it’s highly unlikely that Palin came up with this one, and intended it to become means to prevent Obama from dropping Biden. I’m not sure she anticipated anyone interpreting it that way, and basically assumed that she was just making yet another flippant remark for the sake of some on-air face-time. I know, that seems a bit harsh, but if Palin doesn’t put herself out there occasionally, she’s finished. She’s a former politician that can’t make the leap to being a true pundit – “folksy” doesn’t make for good analysis, and has a limited draw when it comes to readership and viewers. So, yes, she’ll come out with crazy comments from time to time, just to keep the public interested.

It’s a harsh analysis, but it probably isn’t far from the truth. Obama and Palin simply aren’t that smart. They can talk a good game, but contrary to what anyone might believe, there is no big political conspiracy going on here. Obama doesn’t plan his actions based on anything Palin says, and Palin doesn’t say anything in the hope of doing anything other than keeping the spotlight on her at least a little. If she believes she can influence Obama’s actions, then she’s worse off than even I think! Now, I can just sense all those Palin supporters out there itching to rip on this. Before you do, please do remember, I don’t care – and I’m not alone. My point is that we need to stop putting these people on pedestals. So, stop it!