I just finished reading Sarah Palin’s tome, Going Rogue – the whole thing. I’ve picked it up a few times before, but this weekend I actually read the entire book for the first time.
Given that I disagree with Governor Palin quite strongly on a wide variety of social and political issues, I tried very hard to read the book with an open mind. After all, there are plenty of people – both in politics and out – with whom I strongly disagree on the issues but whom I admire otherwise because they are wildly clever or very sincere – or even because they’re just damn funny. So I figured that perhaps in reading Palin’s own telling of her own story – unfiltered through the liberal, elitist, atheist press she so disdains – I would find some of these admirable qualities in Governor Palin.
Ummmmm….no.
While I have little doubt after reading the book that Palin and her husband would make fun drinking buddies, I didn’t come away from the book with my general opinion of her intellect or capacity for public service much improved. In fact, I’d say I feel even less inclined to be comfortable with the idea of seeing her serve in national political office than I did before I read her book. It probably didn’t help that the last humongous political autobiography I’d finished was Teddy Kennedy’s True Compass.
It doesn’t matter what you think of Teddy Kennedy’s politics, there’s no way you could read his memoir without coming away impressed with the thoughtful, deliberative, self-reflective approach he took in recounting his own life experiences. He owns his mistakes – and there were many – and he continually strives to better understand his own failings. He never claims to hold the absolute truth on any matter, but always seeks to create a thoughtful, American-style dialogue in which the best ideas rise to the top because they work. And while Kennedy’s politics were always liberal, he was also a master statesman, bringing all kinds of stakeholders together to craft legislation that could actually get passed, and making good friends from both sides of the aisle along the way.
But Palin’s book is the polar opposite of Kennedy’s. She seems to blame everyone but herself for any screw-ups she’s experienced; among those she says have caused her problems in her exceedingly brief national career thus far have been political opponents, the media, cunning McCain campaign aides who are out to get her, and a large number of Americans whom she repeatedly describes as elitists who aren’t REALLY Americans in the true sense of the word. In the book, Palin never truly owns any of her missteps, and she seems to believe that her aw-shucks, downhome lifestyle back in Alaska offers the same value to a national electorate as being highly experienced and well-educated in complex domestic policy issues and international affairs.
Last, while I can certainly appreciate the value of a strong spiritual faith in offering decision-making guidance to those serving in public office, I don’t think it should be substituted for contemplative thinking or deliberative process. While Kennedy is a devout Catholic, his faith seemed to compel him to think more deeply and to consider issues in a fuller, more complex way before coming to his conclusions. In Palin’s case, however, she seems to use her evangelical Christian worldview as a fixed template that she lays atop all issues and questions that come before her. She seems perversely proud of the fact that because her Christian faith is so solid and immutable, she already knows what her position will be on any issue with which she’s faced before she even informs herself of the details.
The book was modestly entertaining. She’s clearly devoted to her husband and kids, and her tales of modern family life in Alaska were occasionally humorous. But overall, the book left me more concerned about the (still remote) possibility of a Sarah Palin White House than I was before I read it. Even if I might enjoy grilling out with Todd, Sarah and the kids, I can’t muster the same enthusiasm for the idea of this woman ever having access to the nuclear football.
37 Responses to “Palin’s “Going Rogue” vs. Kennedy’s “True Compass””
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for a good laugh. funniest book review ever.
whoops, you have to click on my name to get to the website with the funny book review.
Bless you for reading this and writing such a thoughtful review. I could never do that. That woman and her devotees frighten me.
You might want to grill out with her, Katie, but she wouldn’t be seen in public with you. That’s the difference and part of the sly trick that Palin plays on her followers. It is a very successful game. So successful that she now has imitators like Christine O’Donnell. At her core, she’s a kleptocrat.
I haven’t read Going Rouge, but I did read a detailed review that said Ms. Palin spent 2 pages discussing her beliefs regarding American foreign policy, and 7 discussing her guest spot on SNL. I think that speaks volumes. I really don’t understand people who are so taken by her. I almost hope she runs in 2012, because she will once again have to debate and be interviewed in forums which she cannot control.
Sorry I hit submit too fast. At her core, she’s a plutocrat (not kleptocrat). In other words, she’s running for the job, not the service. She’s running for the paycheck, not the policy. I drag that O’Donnell person into this because of the imitation of sorts that’s going on there. She tried to “pull a Palin” but got called out on it. Palin wasn’t properly vetted by the press (because she sells papers and ads), but this O’Donnell person got the full coverage and it became apparent that she isn’t interested in the work that the job of senator generates, but rather the paycheck. See the campaign moneys debacle. Palin is the uber example of this because she was able to leap from candidate to celebrity (where examination of finances and connections aren’t as public) before any of the glaring problems with her personal finances as well as her personal problems could really stick. Essentially, she saw the chance to become rich through the candidacy for VP during that candidacy. Her complaints about the McCain aides are just side talk. She had to become rich before she could rule. The sad part of this is that people think she is serious about “representing them.” She isn’t.
Also, the first page of “Going Rogue” has 7 glaring grammatical errors, but, remember, caring about English and its usage is un-American and elitist, but demanding that it be used exclusively isn’t.
Kelly, just please don’t make assumptions about who is a Sarah Palin devotee (not saying you do). I’m a strong Tea Party supporter. I think Barack Obama has done a shiteous job as President — I think he is the shittiest of shitty presidents and that . . . I could go on and on, but that’s a different topic.
But Sarah Palin doesn’t speak for me. While I also believe she might be fun to have a beer with, I consider her an embarrassment as a political candidate, and have from the moment she stepped onto the national stage. (For what it’s worth, I also thought John McCain was an embarrassment, and I think one testament to that was his selection of Palin as running mate.)
In fact, I agree with everything Katie said (except for the Teddy Kennedy part). I am frightened by the prospect of her being on the ticket again, and I know I’m not alone. I don’t watch Glenn Beck or Bill O’Reilly, and social conservatives don’t represent me. I am a libertarian atheist for small government, and I actually think there are many like me.
Jenny – Thanks for chiming in. It’s always good to hear from smart people who don’t fit so neatly into the categories we’ve created in our popular dialogue. You are certainly one of those people with whom I might disagree on the issues, but for whom I hold respect based on your thoughtfulness. – Katie
Goodness you are good, I checked her book out of the library and after a few pages, said just say no. I did flip through it though, to see if it got any better…no. She probably is a fun gal but we need more from leaders than being fun people.
I have a whole different assumptions about libertarians and tea party people. Mostly that they must have quit college after reading Ayn Rand Sophomore year.
While we were living in Alaska, my husband had the opportunity to meet (or rather, be in close proximity to in the same room as) Sarah. One was a shoot for the Daily Show, the other The Colbert Report – so anyway…she was a good sport about both shoots (I’m sure knowing full well the audience of those shows) but what stuck with him was the fact that –
The woman was wearing the type of shoes you used to see in the windows of Frederick’s of Hollywood. Red, tall, breakneck heels. This was Alaska, of course. In February. The impression he got from her was a big old faker who’d jump on whatever wagon she could hitch herself to that suit her wants at the time. The general consensus up there was that she was a big fat quitter. Although everyone seemed to like her bunches when she threw money at the populous in 08 for an energy rebate – adding over a grand to the already inflated pfd. She’s just gross.
Did you read “Game Change”? The authors of “Game Change” portray both McCain and Palin as people who make decisions, usually quickly, and always from their gut. By comparison, Obama is portrayed as very methodical in making decisions, and of course his way of approaching problems is very cerebral. Aside from the fact that I’m quite liberal in my politics, I find the cerebral approach comforting and the go-with-the-gut approach a little scary. I’d be much more comfortable with a Republican president of the former type. The God bit drives me crazy. I fine with people being open about their relationship with God, but God did not create humans as flawless beings. One of the joys of faith is feeling His support even when you have made a mistake(s).
Thanks for saving me the trouble of reading any other reviews. I think your review was pretty fair considering that you were predisposed to dislike her point of view. The fact that she doesn’t believe in informing herself is the scariest thing about her.
The Bible may well be a worthwhile roadmap for human relations, but as a geopolitical roadmap — well, how is that different from using some quirky interpretation of the Koran? It’s not.
Sarah Palin is willfully stupid.
i am waiting for the book to be at the dollar tree, then i might get to keep in the bathroom.
I’m a lawyer, Kelly. Stay classy. And proof your comments.
I give you credit for reading the book. I know I need to be better at listening to other peoples’ viewpoints, and I credit you for doing that.
So, bravo for starting and finishing the book.
So in his memoir, Teddy Kennedy “owns his mistakes – and there were many – and he continually strives to better understand his own failings.”
He actually admitted to the cold-blooded murder of MaryJo Kopechne? He owned up to the fact that he stood on the shore and watched as she beat on the windows of the car he drunkenly drove into the waters of Chappaquiddick until the last of the air ran out and she drowned, alone and helpless? Did he detail how his powerful political family made it so that justice was never served on him, and he went on to enjoy a wealthy and powerful career in the US Senate while MaryJo’s family cried out for justice and got none? (Why does that sound so familiar?)
Well, at least we can be assured that Teddy boy is now where he should be, finally – and forever – suffering the consequences of his actions that caused the death of a young woman just starting out in life – we never knew what might have been, had Teddy made an effort to save her life. Instead, he treated her like a piece of meat, and allowed the vast power of the Kennedy patriarchy to instead save his butt. But for some strange reason, feminists just love him. Go figure.
This is off topic from the other comments but you touch upon it in your post… Concerning E and J, have you considered individual therapy for them? It is really important that they are able to process, in an emotionally healthy way, these huge life bombs that have been thrown their way. I’m glad to hear that E has a cousin he can relate to but the great thing with therapists is that they can be completely impartial. hd film izle E and J would be able to say anything to a therapist, things they might not want to admit to anyone within the family. Addiction is a family disease, so as great as it is to have familial support, it is equally important to have outside, unbiased support as well. E and J may want to check out Alateen as well, where they can meet others their age who have been through the same thing.
I read your blog faithfully and am saddened by your loss and society’s loss of your son. I’m also impressed by your ability to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.
I am disappointed with this latest post. I haven’t read Sarah Palin’s book, so I can’t comment on your review of it. What I’d like to comment on is your assessment of Ted Kennedy. I have to agree with a prior commenter, Jeanie. Politics aside, Ted Kennedy is a despicable human being. He left a young woman to die when he could have helped her. He didn’t even call the authorities until the next day. Given the circumstances of Henry’s death being somewhat similar (the people with Henry did not call for help in a timely manner), I’m surprised that you would have any respect for Ted Kennedy.
In the future, I hope to read more about your family and the progress towards justice for those that did not help Henry and less about political figures.
Please understand that my comments are in no way meant to be hurtful towards you or your family. They are only to point out that Ted Kennedy is a despicable man.
Dearest Katie,
Thank you for your blog. I am a reader because you address, reflect, and present your perspectives on a wide range of topics. While your reflections on grief, loss, and justice, touch me –and propel me– so too do your postings on the seemingly more trivial (e.g., today’s fabulous “book review”). Thank you for not shying away from the potential hot topics (…and isn’t everything, really, a potential controversy?).
I appreciate your time, energy, and spirit. Thank you.
Keep on keepin’ on, My Sistah Friend.
Katie,
While I certainly admire Mr. Kennedy as a statesman, as a person who worked in his professional life with the good of our country in his heart, and while I was very impressed by the people, Democrats and Republicans alike who spoke so highly of him during his life and at his funeral, I see how wrong the death of Ms. Kopechne was and how terribly bereft and angry her family must feel. There is no denying, though, in my opinion, that he was eloquent, articulate, and a product of his environment-the good and the bad. And a very interesting writer.
I find Mrs. Palin to be neither eloquent nor particularly articulate, and because my political and social values are the opposite of hers, I would not choose to read her book any more than I would expect people who find Mr. Kennedy despicable to read his.
I applaud your willingness to really get to know a great deal about many different kinds of people. I tend to shut off and ignore those for whom I have no respect, and Mrs. Palin is one of those. Not the open minded way to be, I know, but true nonetheless.
Taking the haunted words of a grieving mother and rubbing them in her face over a political figure is shameful.
Nobody will say what Ted Kennedy did was right- it was despicable, truly. And I can certainly understand how it could be seen as relevant to mention. (Just as I feel that as a Massachusetts voter, I have to point out the way he fought tooth and nail, tirelessly for our rights, and for the rights of all Americans throughout his Senate career). But I don’t think that’s what Katie was saying. I thought it was a light-hearted book review. And to me, taking her exact words of grief and twisting them to further a politically charged debate is despicable itself, and just cruel.
I think it’s important to remember that Senator Kennedy knew very well what it was like to lose a loved one to senselessness. He’d lost his brother only very shortly before Chappaquiddick. That doesn’t exonerate him, but I think it’s an important fact to remember when thinking about what likely happened as nobody knows exactly and nobody ever will.
Anyone, such as BTB, that claims Kennedy was a “despicable” man and such as Jenny, a supporter of the “tea party” is simply showing their ignorance ( and isn’t KAG’s assessment of Jenny as “smart people” despite her support of the tp a contradiction?)
BTB, how about doing a bit of research & discovering what Kennedy accomplished for this country, benefitting even non-gratis folks such as you.
Jenny, why don’t you partiers find an island & live there with your style of government? See how it goes. Take your unreasoned, unproductive, ignorant and destructive anger and go. You folks are, sadly, becoming wildly sucessful in dividing this country, a division that in time would result in a society of haves (few) and have-nots (many). It’s really so awful here? The majority of Earth’s citizens have no idea what it is to live in the luxury, excess, waste and decadence that even many lower class americans do. Many in this world would feel they were experiencing the life of riley if they were on a par with welfare recipients here. Wonder how many partiers took advantage of the new car program, had their houses saved, bought homes with the 1st time buyer incentives or participated in and took advantage of numerous other programs introduced by our “shiteous” president (that,BTW, prevented this country from descending into the depths it was headed for under the rule of president cHENEY and his puppet bUSH?
Really, Beast? I know we are all entitled to our opinions, but to suggest that Palin would “probably be smart enough to do better than Obama.” ???? Regardless of their policies, one only need listen to Palin to recognize she is only a shell, so clearly lacking intellectual depth (and in my opinion, lacking depth of character)…and listen to Obama to see that his thoughts are clear, considered and formed along with a wide variety of open-minded experience (and in my opinion, of admirable character)
“she couldn’t even raise her kids right…” Based on your opinion? Everybody makes mistakes, right? And both Sarah and her children are entitled to their own. It’s how they recognize, acknowledge, and deal with them that indicates who the person is…which I do feel will speak volumes about the type of politician they (she) will be. When I see a politician fumble over and over again from a complete lack of knowledge and expereince (and i don’t mean political experience), and constantly attempt to pass the buck, I believe they are free game to hold an opinion about. Personally, i do wonder why a parent of a young child with special needs would want to run a country rather than focus on their child…but I don’t feel it’s right to hold that against her politically (difficult as that is) just as I think it’s unfair for an outsider to suggest she couldn’t raise her children right. There really are so very many reasons, other than her family, that make her so sorely underqualified.
and the imaginary blog post? nasty. tasteless. unnecessary. C’mon.
I totally and completely agree that Mrs. Kopechne likely shares many of the feelings I have about what happened to her daughter, and the role Ted Kennedy played in Mary Jo’s death. He handled that situation like a coward – likely a drunk coward – and Mary Jo Kopechne died as a result. Because what he did that night was so despicable, reading his deeply pained, reflective, self-blaming words about it in his book was especially telling to me. He was wrong and he says he was wrong without excuses.
f the people whom I believe to have been responsible for my child’s death were to take full responsibility, apologize without excuses, get themselves cleaned up and begin living a life in which they aren’t going to hurt anyone else, I would find that incredibly healing for me and for our family.
But I cannot and will not judge how any other parent of a dead child feels about or reacts to the people who may have been responsible for that child’s death.
-Katie
One of my comments from a week ago was reposted here by film izle. Why did you do that? It is not your comment nor is it relevant to this blog entry.
Regarding these comments Jenny, I laughed out loud when you told Kelly to “stay classy,” because using “shitty” and its various forms is soooo classy. Hee.
My questions would be what makes a person be mean and spiteful? Why would anyone make fun of Ms. Palin’s baby? What made people make “Mary Jo” jokes, as they did in 1969? What would make a person take and twist the personal pain of someone whose child died recently?
I don’t understand any of it.
I cannot comment directly on a comparison of the books, because I have only read one of them, and do not plan to read the other-so I cannot discuss the blog posting subject itself. But the comments here are enough to make me feel bad for our country. Despite the differences in political opinions, and even personal opinions about parenting, is it not possible to leave Katie’s anguish alone, rather than further inflaming it? Maybe Katie doesn’t mind, but it makes me very uncomfortable.
Katie, I send my hopes for peace to you and your family, every day.
Kudos to you for having the strength to finish reading Sarah Palin’s book. As for myself, I cannot even BEGIN
Kudos to you for having the strength to finish reading Sarah Palin’s book. As for myself, I cannot even BEGIN to contemplate reading it without throwing up in my mouth a little bit! She is one genie who, in my opinion, should never, ever have been let out of the bottle. On an even SCARIER note, I saw a bumper sticker the other day that belonged to a Tea Party member, on which this person’s idea of a political “dream team” was boldly printed for all to see. The team? Sarah Palin and Glen Beck, of course! Can you say S C A R Y?!
I’m not a fan of “cross-talk comments” on websites, but this time, I must make an exception, particularly since my own mother experienced the horrific and painful loss of a child. Twisting her comments and emotions regarding the experience would serve only to deepen a wound that, no matter, will never completely heal. Therefore, this comment is in regard to “BTB” and many of the things she says: A long time ago, a very, very wise person once said to me that hurt people who don’t get help sometimes wind up losing their way. Sometimes, hurt people hurt other people. Truly profound words that have allowed me to more easily and gracefully navigate my paths that on occasion, have crossed with these kinds of people. It has helped me to try to be tolerant of all viewpoints, or at least “to turn the other cheek”, realizing that other people have experiences far different from mine. Sometimes the “fly in the ointment” is there to remind us of how grateful we are to have what we have and not be in that other person’s shoes. Surely that may be the case we have here, with “BTB”…
I think film izle is some kind of spam bot …
I am glad to hear you say that if there was repentence on the part of those who greatly contributed to Henry’s death that you would be able to be glad. Not sure if I’d be that big of a person.
Now a million dollar question: if they went on to do good things (such as, depending on whichever side of the political fence you fall on, Ted Kennedy did) would you be able to call them a “great person” (as you are Kennedy) or would their HUGE lapse of unpunished judgement many years before erase that?
Not trying to be mean here. Just raising the question as someone who really never got into the whole Kennedy clan worship thing. (in the interest of full disclosure) It has always seemed to me that their followers dismiss the HUGE character issues in that family very, very lightly.
I might add that i say this after having watched a video that somebody posted of the OJ Simpson verdict (yup, that was fifteen years ago on Oct 2) and noting that the family of Ron Goldman has not been brought peace by their anger and rage in the name of justice.
Bought and Read the Kennedy autobio and agree with you 100%. I came away with a lot of insight and “softening” viewpoints about him. And he did a pay a price — but I know that the “haters” will scoff at that so nevermind — and I’ve finally learned that the “haters” will never change. So again, nevermind. But I cannot make myself buy Palin’s book but I will read it when I can get it at library for free. (I read the other day where someone said that the reason God gave us two ears is to listen to both sides.) I think she is far clever than one might think — and , I gotta admit , that scares me cause I don’t equate clever and wise as the same thing. When she first came on the national scene, I was intrigued I guess. But, the more I got to know about her (and not by just listening to Fox or just CNN) I started rethinking my initial impressions.
….. Loved this post — good for you Katie!
Great review Katie; thank you for your thoughtful analysis.
I appreciate your words about Kennedy, because he was a hero of mine. For me, he stands beside Vaclav Havel and Pierre Trudeau. I take my heros flawed, thank you very much. My heros are thinkers who strive to serve the greater good and a purpose higher than their own enrichment or aggrandisement; who move forward despite their failings (which they own), despite their fear. All three are well-educated, rational, contemplative intellectuals, and all three have courageously led ahead of public opinion, standing up for what was right, instead of letting public opinion define their policies. All three to this day are publicly lambasted by the right-wing Beasts of this world.
As for Obama, I am so tired of all the bashing… It’s so old and tired…
@jenny: think i might have my lawyer sue you for a new laptop to the tune of $2400 because your admonition to kelly to be “classy” after your earlier classless remark made me snort coffee all over my laptop and now my screen is spotted and my keyboard is sticky.
as a currently bedridden quadriplegic cleaning this mess will take me some time (of which i now have plenty) and is included in my assessment of $37.50/hour (my pay rate prior to my injury.) let me know, thanks!
@KAG – pls look for my email in the next couple of minutes at your mamapundit address. i have an idea for the acts of kindness fb group but would like your blessing first. thanks!
I can just imagine my 10 year old boy who wants to be an author winning an essay contest and winning a cow (we are in town but the entire county is rural and this area has a long history of ranching). Where would I put a cow in my small (really small) subdivision property? Do people board cows for kids?
hd film izle
Congratulations on your win.
I once won a poinsettia on the last day of work before Christmas when I worked at a bank and they were giving away the lobby decorations.