Posted by
Sanity 102 on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 2:54:20 AM
I could hear it in his voice. My European business partner J.D. is a Tory (British Conservative) that is coldly reasonable and impossibly logical. He will not be persuaded by appeals to emotions or lofty dreams of "someday". Bring him ideas that have a real potential or don't bother period.
We get along swimmingly.
J.D. however; has an annoying habit of bursting my bubble.
When I was doing the TOP GUN essay about the chances of the GOP candidates; naturally I put in Condi. Not only is the woman brilliant...as the daughter of a Civil Rights pastor, her religious pedigree is impecable. She also happens to be highly respected AND feared by leaders around the world and in our own state department because the woman does her homework and knows what she's talking about.
J.D. listened politely to my raving about the woman and then quietly reminded me that Ms. Rice is NOT running...(sob).
So upon my researching Palin, once again he waited for me to tell him all about the Alaskian Governor and her "naughty" teenage daughters who upon taking over the Governor's mansion, opened a door to the attic and went exploring to the dismay of the little 7 or 9 year old youngest child who threaten to "tell Mommy". It was cute, adorable, and something I could sell.
"Didn't you find Palin a little too good to be true?" he asked.
I laughed--oh not this time, he's not going to burst my little bubble! "No. Actually, I kept thinking...UNFAIR. She's like a female Bill Gates...great family, NORMAL kids, supportive husband (but a man's man)...it wouldn't surprise me to learn she's close to her parents, grandparents..and some grouchy old uncle that served in World War I! Imagine having a family like that to represent America...people may have loved Bill Clinton, but everytime a woman sees HIllary, they remember that not only did her man cheat on her...she forgave him and allowed him to continue to do so. Palin comes off genuine and she could be Hillary's worst nightmare."
"Tell me," he said in that calm, REASONABLE voice that immediately sends out warning signals (unless he's "debating" with someone besides me.) "Do you think Palin could be persuaded to leave the Alaska you say she loves so much to run for VP?"
I thought of the glint in Palin's eyes and the passion in her voice when she talked about her state. THIS is what got to the voters--and why her numbers are high. It is like hearing the love someone has for your children or your best friend...you can't help but love that person back.
"No", I answered truthfully. "But we could draft her--"
"Ok..." J.D. agreed and added "helpfully".... "and while you're at it, draft Rice for president too, ok?"