How Palin Destroyed US Politics

Richard Cohen: Now, ignorance is a virtue
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 13, 2012 2:44 PM CDT
How Palin Destroyed US Politics
Sarah Palin delivers the keynote address to activists from America's political right at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Washington last month.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

HBO's Game Change is aptly titled: Sarah Palin did indeed change American politics, and not for the better, writes Richard Cohen in the Washington Post. Palin aides have confirmed the accuracy of the film's portrayal of an "ignoramus" who was "determinately incurious"; this year's "deluge of dysfunctional presidential candidates" shows that the trend has continued. "With her selection as John McCain’s running mate, American politics lost its way—and maybe its mind as well," he notes.

Herman Cain had "zero knowledge of foreign affairs"; Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry were confused about a range of issues; Rick Santorum called President Obama a "snob" for promoting college. In short, "ignorance has become more than bliss. It’s now an attribute, an entire platform: Vote for me, I know nothing and hate the same things you do." And while the affliction remains GOP-exclusive, surely there are Democrats who will follow Palin's lead. Click through for Cohen's full piece. (More Sarah Palin stories.)

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