Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Innocence, Bravado Are a Dangerous Mix

McCain's Alaskan choice invokes myth of 'the innocent American'

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 27, 2008 12:32 PM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain's choice of running mate invokes the one of our country's oldest and most seductive myths, the virtue of American innocence, Anthony Robinson writes in the Seattle P-I. Innocent of Old World wiles, Americans are thought to have "a combination of virtue, tenacity and practical knowledge that will allow them to prevail where others have failed." In this context, Sarah Palin's inexperience and frontier-state origins become a strength.

But with that innocence—as we saw with George W. Bush—comes a dangerous bravado.
"The problem with the myth of American innocence," the pastor writes, "is that it renders its victims blind. Claiming to see clearly, the innocents are blind to the complexities of the world, but more important, blind to their own limitations and capacity for evil. This election looks increasingly like a referendum on the myth of American innocence." Barack Obama, he adds, might look like an innocent, because of his youth, but he's more of an idealist.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (3)]

Sarah Palin, speaks at a watch party prior to the first debate between presidential candidates, Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama, at a bar in Philadelphia, Friday, Sept. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

In this Nov. 6, 2006 file photo, Republican gubernatorial candidate Sarah Palin, and her daughter Piper, 5, waive campaign signs in Anchorage, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo, File)

Sarah Palin signs autographs, Friday, Sept. 19,2008, during a rally at the Anoka County Airport in Blaine, Minn. (AP Photo/Janet Hostetter)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

McCain and Palin seek to convey the idea of a freshness, innocence and unsullied virtue. Obama, while speaking of doing away with old-style politics, appeals less to innocence than to idealism. - Anthony Robinson

The myth of American innocence portrays America and Americans as fresh and untainted by the ancient wiles and deceptions of others.
- Anthony B. Robinson

With their improbable campaign theme, "Change Is Coming" McCain and Palin seek to convey the idea of a freshness, innocence, and unsullied virtue. - Anthony B. Robinson

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Palin Will Visit Arizona to Stump for McCain

2008 running mate brought in to counter Hayworth

(NEWSER) - With JD Hayworth breathing down his neck, John McCain is looking for help in the Arizona primary race from a familiar campaigner: Sarah Palin. The former Alaska governor and Tea Party favorite will travel to Arizona next weekend to stump for her onetime running mate. The joint appearances will be their first since they conceded the 2008 election, notes the Arizona Daily Star . More»

Clothes Spending Spree 'Out of Our Control:' Todd Palin

(NEWSER) - Todd Palin says the $150,000 spending spree that outfitted his wife during last fall’s campaign was “out of our control,” the AP reports. “You come into a campaign late,” he told Men’s Journal. “You put all your trust into the team.” At least his Secret Service detail had a good time. “They liked cruising around with me,” describing trips to “the Arctic Cat snowmachine factory” and a NASCAR race. “Rough duty, hanging out with me.” More»

Mock Her at Your Peril: Palin Speaks Real American

Accent 'dissed' by elites is same tune favored by humble, common-sense majority

(NEWSER) - The discomfort Sarah Palin causes in liberals, and even many conservatives, stems from a fundamental disconnect between the educated elite and real America, Michael Novak writes in the National Review. Solid, humble citizens hear a familiar ring to Palin’s oft-mocked accent: “The same guts. The same common sense. The same instincts. The same sense of America.” More»

GOP Ticket Agrees: Stevens Must Go

Alaska governor stopped short on state's senior senator, now toes nominee's line

(NEWSER) - John McCain and Sarah Palin delivered Ted Stevens a synchronized shooing toward the Senate door today, Politico reports. McCain said the 84-year-old Republican senator, convicted yesterday of corruption, “should now step down,” while Palin—who stopped short last night of urging her fellow Alaskan to resign—said today “he needs to step aside,” ABC News adds. More»

Alaska Paper Picks Obama

Anchorage Daily News is wary of both McCain and Palin

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin has accomplished a lot and has brought unexpected recognition to Alaska, but for the presidency, Barack Obama is "a clear choice" for the Anchorage Daily News. John McCain has abandoned his maverick positions to curry conservative favor, and the demands of the White House would "stretch the governor beyond her range," the paper says. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Innocence, Bravado Are a Dangerous Mix