When Sarah Palin first entered center stage, curiosity made her famously appealing. Onlookers couldn’t get enough of the fresh face John McCain offered up as vice presidential material. Virtually unknown, she let the nation know she was a gutsy woman with children by setting the stage for her alleged capabilities. Essentially she made sure the voters knew she was just a “soccer mom” who worked her way from mayor of a small town to the governor of Alaska. 

That’s all well and good, and as far as I can tell, she is just what she portrays to be—just a regular gal. Perhaps she has become overly regular as has been shown in television interviews and in her debate with Joe Biden. Her down home chatter laced with “Doggone it,” “Darn right,” and especially her substituting “Ya” for yes is not what I consider intellectual capital. Throw in her eye wink while debating important political issues and she may seem more suited for the job of cocktail waitress than that of presidential material for the United States of America.

There are better ways she could connect to working class America than to insult our intelligence. A large portion of the working class is college educated and for those who aren’t, her gesturing words seem to place a target for others to assume these people would not understand thoughtful conversation. If Sarah Palin is truly capable, she could do so much better. 

Don’t get me wrong, I think it is admirable she is in a position to relate with the common man. However, she would do well to show her readiness for the job by answering the questions put to her. Don’t dance around the issues and change the subject focus. Don’t take away from the seriousness of some issues by basically saying, “By golly, the Joe six-packs and soccer moms will help me conquer the world.” Tell us how you and your comrades are going to do it, Sarah. Tell us why your experience will help you obtain the results you seek in areas other than energy independence. Please. 

In Gov. Palin’s defense, I will say I do not question her sincerity in wanting what is best for our country. I also do not question her desire to prove she is capable because of what I know about women her age. I speak from both observation and personal experience on this one so I feel it gives a good portrayal. 

Women in the late-30 to early-40 age range have lots of tenacity and perseverance. For whatever reason, they experience a renewed sense of well being which propels them to seek high achievements. Comfortable with who they are, coupled with their experience and knowledge, they have the focus and resolve to move mountains. A good analogy would be to compare their behavior to that of the concept behind the “coming out” parties young southern girls still participate in. It’s as if to show the world, here I am. 

The gusto with which this age group pursues ambitions is likely due to the fact that their children are older which gives her an opportunity to shift some of her time and energy from them and to herself. Albeit, that is not always the case because I still have young children and I also have that drive. Perhaps this age simply allows the woman to see herself as more than just mom. I’m still in the process of dissecting the reasons. They belong in another writing anyway. I merely touch it now to give my opinion on Sarah Palin’s drive and determination. Also, it’s my lead to share why I believe she is walking in dangerous territory. 

I personally know lots of “regular gals” with grand ideas for reform and improvement. They are intelligent, up-to-date on current issues, and overall capable to be leaders. In fact, many are great managers, both on and off the job. Do I think they are possible presidential material? Not at the moment.  

Each of these women may be great at what they do but to go straight to the top without checking out the stuff in between would be disastrous. They may be able to muddle their way through if for no other reason than to prove to themselves they can do it, but the end result would be shoddy service at best. 

Imagine a fairly new branch manager at a small town bank suddenly seeking the role of economic advisor for our country. Call me naïve but I think this loan officer may do well to first study economics and then spend more than a few years working in high-profile financials before even considering the possibility.  

To that end, and for the reputation of women everywhere, I’d like to see Sarah Palin return to gusto, not pushy. I’d like her to portray women as sensible creatures with high intellectual capabilities. I’d like her to leave the flapping feathers and empty clucking sounds in the barnyard chicken coop where they belong.  

Stealing a line from Eddie Murphy, and contrary to what people first thought, Sarah’s not a Ritz cracker. She’s just a plain old saltine.