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Palin's Platform: Victimhood

She revels in acting insulted

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 15, 2009 8:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – The driving force behind Sarah Palin’s political career is victimization, writes Thomas Frank in the Wall Street Journal: She’s “a collector of grievances” who “runs for high office by griping.” The complaining appeals to those who see a “trampling of Middle America by the ‘elites,’” and she’s been doing it since she became a national figure. In fact, “the template was apparently set even before her big roll-out.”

Perhaps GOP image consultants chose the role that led Palin to take “special, detailed offense” at “frivolous ethics violations” allegations, David Letterman, and a blogger’s words. Before she appeared onstage at the Republican National Convention, William Kristol “somehow already knew” she’d be victimized, writing that liberals “will ridicule her and patronize her.” While most politicians learn to cope with insults, Palin’s strategy, it seems, has been to develop “the thinnest of skins.”

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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin answers a question during a news conference, in Juneau, Alaska Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Chris Miller)

Republican vice presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin speaks to supporters during a rally, Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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We don't really know where the former vice presidential candidate stands on most issues. We know only that she is constantly being maligned. - Thomas Frank

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Palin's Platform: Victimhood