Originally Posted by ijusluvit

While the other posters have either again used a post to bash the President or wrote about something else, so far this is the only response directed at the question. But it hardly qualifies as an explanation.

Ms Palin is NOT smart. There is simply overwhelming evidence of her woeful lack of knowledge about the country and the world.
Ms Palin has NOT been particularly successful as a mayor or governor. djplong's post is a pretty good summary.
I don't think the Alaskans who know her best would agree Ms Palin always practiced good christian values in her dealings there.
Ms Palin IS conservative, but I don't understand how that EXPLAINS why she is a good candidate for public office. It is as much a qualification as one's height or weight.
Finally, Ms Palin IS UNDENIABLY attractive. In fact one could argue she may be the most physically attractive national candidate person ever. So how is that more relevant than her height and weight?

The problem is that physical attractiveness is absolute magic in America. Literally millions of voters have been and will continue to be mesmerized by 'Hollywood types' simply because they are pretty. Add to that a 'shoot from the hip' mouth and a 'common person' image and you have Madison Avenue's perfect candidate. If you look at our history there are tons of examples of how attractive people with polished images were chosen to all kinds of positions primarily because of these characteristics. Democrat or Republican, it just hasn't mattered.

What amazes me is that so many people look at phenomena like the tea parties and Ms Palin's statements and convince themselves that THIS IS THE ANSWER. They hear that the current administration may be struggling to get things done and conclude that everything about that administration must be wrong, and the Ms Palin's must be right.

Unfortunately this simplistic view of politics will always limit our chances of being represented by the BEST people. But when you add the magic ingredient, physical beauty, millions more than usual will be blinded and there is virtually no chance of electing the most qualified candidates.

Back to my question. Can someone EXPLAIN why Ms. Palin is a good candidate for important public office?