Last updated on August 10th, 2014 at 04:57 pm
While appearing on CNN’s State of the Union, Sen. John McCain continued to carry 2012 water for Sarah Palin by actually comparing her to former president Ronald Reagan. McCain said, “I think that anybody who has the visibility that Sarah has is obviously going to have some divisiveness. I remember that a guy named Ronald Reagan used to be viewed by some as divisive.”
Here is the video from CNN:
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When asked about Palin’s new book and her political future McCain said, “I read I think she’s keeping her options open, and I think she should. I think she is an incredible force in the American political arena.” McCain went on to compare her divisiveness to Ronald Reagan, “I think that anybody who has the visibility that Sarah has is obviously going to have some divisiveness. I remember that a guy named Ronald Reagan used to be viewed by some as divisive.” He concluded by lavishing more praise on Palin, “I think she’s doing a great job. I think she’s doing a great job. I think she has motivated our base. I think she had a positive impact on the last election, and I’m proud of her.”
I could spend pages and days pointing out how Sarah Palin is not like Ronald Reagan in any way, shape, or form, but it is so absurd to even use Palin’s name in the same sentence with the two term governor of the very large state of California, who was such a popular candidate that he had the support of many Independents and Democrats in both of his presidential campaigns, that I won’t waste the time. Anyone who believes that Sarah Palin is the next Ronald Reagan is either desperate or a fool.
John McCain’s political legacy is tied to Sarah Palin. If she were to get elected president, it would validate his 2008 choice to put her on the ticket, and remove what looks to be a permanent stain from his legacy. McCain is desperately hoping that he isn’t remembered for unleashing a mentally ill, crack pot, Alaska hillbilly onto the national political scene. It isn’t unusual for Republican presidential contenders to battle each other in an attempt to inherit the Reagan mantle, but what is striking is that since 1992 there has not been a Republican presidential candidate who so shamelessly painted themselves as the return of Reagan in the way that Sarah Palin has.
Ronald Reagan whether one loves or loathes him, was qualified to be president. Sarah Palin is not. Reagan may have been an actor, but once he launched his political career, he left Hollywood. Palin has done the exact opposite. She has used her 15 minutes of political fame to become the celebrity D-lister who will not go away. As a candidate, Ronald Reagan never had approval numbers as low as Palin is carrying around. America liked Reagan as a person. America despises Palin, and views her as nothing more than fodder for the excellent comedy of Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live.
Palin is the ultimate pretender to the GOP throne of Reagan, but Republicans are so desperate that they might actually buy the hype and feel good talking points and nominate the Wasilla reject rodeo clown as their nominee. McCain is dreaming if he thinks that Sarah Palin would beat Barack Obama or is fit to govern this country. McCain may be a decrepit old fool, but those who believe that Sarah Palin is the next Ronald Reagan are completely delusional.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
