Lest trailer-park feminists get their knickers in a knot over the show-biz comparisons with these young celebrities, let us make another one. Think for a moment of New York senator Hillary Clinton, a Democrat, and North Carolina senator Elizabeth Dole, a Republican not much in the news these days. These accomplished women occupy opposing positions on the ideological divide.
Now think of Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn, who — being dead — is also not much in the news.
In terms of cinematic sex appeal, Hepburn may have Clinton and Dole beat. But when it comes to grit, to substance, to spirit (which was the essence of Hepburn’s allure), Clinton and Dole are in her class.
But in an age when flash trumps content, a spunky Hannah Montana is a bigger draw than a sophisticated Hepburn. In political terms, Palin is about as pubescent as the Disney Channel star.
In choosing Palin as his would-be vice-president, McCain played the gender card the way Massachusetts Republicans Paul Cellucci and Mitt Romney did when they named Jane Swift and then Kerry Healy, respectively, as gubernatorial running mates. The public ate it up.
Swift and Healy were jokes as lieutenant governors (no great harm), but very unfunny when they ascended — or tried to, as it was with Healey — to the top job.
McCain is said to have a rather dark sense of humor. His selection of Palin certainly put one over on Republican insiders and media pundits. But is America ready to share in the laughter? Polls suggest the nation is enjoying the show. The scary thought is that America will still be laughing in November, not realizing that a joke is a joke is a joke.
