Karen Bune
Victimology Contributor
Officer.com
When presidential nominee John McCain (R) pulled the surprise rabbit out of his hat with his pick of vice-presidential running mate, Sarah Palin, he made a stunning impact with strategists who had anticipated other potential candidates and were likely in the process of preparing their campaign methods of attack. During her convention speech, Palin displayed herself as a confident, self-assured, and highly professional woman fearless in taking on special interests, controversial issues, and the opposing political party. She stirred a crowd in which many have since been chanting, “Sarah, Sarah†wherever she appears.
Undoubtedly, Sarah Palin’s candidacy threw many off guard, and she has now become a threat to what was perceived to be a smooth sailing race for the Democratic Party. Her sudden popularity has apparently elevated the winning stakes for Senator John McCain that has now become a disquieting concern for Senator Barack Obama (D). As a consequence, the ante has now been upped to pull out all the stops to dig up anything about Palin that could embarrass, humiliate, or denigrate her personally and taint the Republican campaign politically. Her self-assured stature, proven capabilities, and willingness to speak up and speak out sends chills down the backs of those who worry that she could have sway on the voters to touch tone their vote for the other side.
Analogous to the Queen Bee Syndrome that operates in many workplace environments, attempts are being made to tarnish her reputation, question her qualifications, investigate her actions, and second guess her decisions—all in an attempt to politically destroy her and, in turn, smother McCain’s possibilities. Though some may argue such is the game of “politics,†perhaps, in some circumstances, it would be best to listen to the words of Marcel Marceau who said, “It’s good to shut up sometimes.â€
