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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2009
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 OPINION 
11

In Switch, Palin Flames Out as Hillary Soars

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(Newser) – Sarah Palin's resignation speech on Sunday showed how far she's fallen, writes Maureen Dowd: "Once a blazingly confident media darling," the now-former Alaska governor has become a ranting, whiny "Nixon with hair extensions." It's a marked contrast from Hillary Clinton, who on the same day gave an hourlong interview to Meet the Press. Her trajectory has been just the opposite—once "paranoid and press-loathing," the secretary of State is now radiating self-assurance.

The wonkishness that once made Clinton seem aloof has become a benefit at the State Department, writes the New York Times columnist, and she and Barack Obama have a genuine rapport that has surprised everyone. What a difference from Palin, who used to say women who wanted "to progress the country" should work harder than men, but has since decided to coast. "She's morphed into what the Republicans always caricatured Hillary as—preachy, screechy, and angry."

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives a thumbs up during her resignation speech during a ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunday, July 26, 2009.
Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin gives a thumbs up during her resignation speech during a ceremony in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunday, July 26, 2009.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Sarah Palin stands next to her daughter Piper as they dish out hot-dogs during the governor's picnic in Wasilla, Alaska Friday, July 24, 2009.
Sarah Palin stands next to her daughter Piper as they dish out hot-dogs during the governor's picnic in Wasilla, Alaska Friday, July 24, 2009.   (AP Photo/Al Grillo)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the opening session of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, Monday, July 27, 2009.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during the opening session of the first U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington, Monday, July 27, 2009.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and moderator David Gregory on
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and moderator David Gregory on "Meet the Press'" Sunday, July 26, 2009, at the NBC studios in Washington.   (AP Photo/Meet The Press, William B. Plowman)
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton on Saturday Night Live.
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton on Saturday Night Live.   (AP Photo/Dana Edelson, NBCU Photo Bank)
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Sarah, lacking Hillary’s cerebral side, has decided to wing it, Quayle-style, and go only for the visceral. That’s why she now sounds like a demagogue, embodying grievances and playing to people’s worst impulses. - Maureen Dowd

In this White House, Barack Obama is the pretty thing who is taken with Hillary’s serious, smartest-girl-at-Wellesley aura. In a funny way, he’s the man of her dreams. - Maureen Dowd

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11 comments
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Caps
Jul 29, 09 7:45 AM CDT
Go Girl. You are one smart cookie. The ideal of someone comparing you to Bimbo Palin. Reply
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+5
Citrixguy
Jul 29, 09 7:46 AM CDT
Maureen Dowd and honesty are words that can not be used in the same sentence. Reply
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-9
IN RESPONSE:
DarkFrancis
Jul 29, 09 7:53 AM CDT
Given that she is writing her opinion based on her impression rather than fact, questioning her honesty is pretty much a bleat. If the opinion were based on facts or interpretation of facts, then you may have a case. As it stands, you really don't have much here.
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+7
TerrifiedCitizen
Jul 29, 09 7:49 AM CDT
Hillary has been working on her legacy for most of her life in some very tough proving grounds; what she is today is no accident or trick of fate. Reply
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+7
IN RESPONSE:
NewserScooter
Jul 30, 09 9:02 PM CDT
Yep she married well. And invested very well too!
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+1
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