I was doing some calls for southern OH (I'm from the area, so I know the folks) just at the time when Palin was named, and I sincerely stumbled upon an approach that seems to really be working with just the women I think the new polls are showing may be going for McCain, now.
When we knew almost nothing about Palin except about what we were learning about her uber-motherhood, I was rather taken aback. I was appalled by her judgement when it came to her children, and I couldn't connect with her decisions at all. From my initial concerned discussions with others, I'm finding that I am far from alone, once people really hear about her parenting decisions.
I think it works, because if you can't relate to her as a parent and you distrust her judgements, there, then her whole speal becomes suspect. It makes her seem like she just may be LYING.
Thank you Obama for the newest TV ad!!
For what it's worth, I've tried to recreate the dialog I'm using in case others might find the approach useful. I think it sows serious seeds of doubt, and I invariably have people respond with words to the effect of, "Well, now, I didn't know that. That IS troubling. Hmmm, I'll have to think about that."
I'm now using the approach with every woman I run into... at the grocery checkout, the hair dressers, in the mall, at church EVERYWHERE! If you have been similarly repelled by Palin as a parent, and you're trying to reach older women voters or parents, this approach might give you some ideas.
In a laughing, amiable way, I tee up the conversation with, "Gee, things sure are getting lively with the election, huh?"
If they start to talk happily about Palin, I look troubled and respond:
Oh, yeah. You know, I'm not even sure I'd be comfortable letting her babysit my son.
I find giving this line as response seems to be more effective. It's like it piques their interest and makes it seem like the converstation was their idea.
As my discussion mate looks surprised ...
I say, "Oh, I guess I'm just old-fashioned, BUT I just can't get my mind around a number of really troubling things ..."
"Like what? Like what?"
I have a number of them, but I like to start with the "weird" scenario of the flight from TX where she put her at-risk infant, herself, and others on the plane at risk. "I mean, what kind of person does something like that? At best, it was taking a terrible and totally unneeded risk."
"Then, she says she doesn't know what the war in Iraq is reallya about, but her oldest son is about to go there and risk his life in just a few weeks? I don't get that. If my son were headed into war somewhere, I'm certain I'd be researching and looking into what he was headed into."
"Then, there is the whole situation about her daughter. Oh I know, children should be left out of it, and that is just my point! I can NOT understand why she had to take go for the Vice Presidency for herself, now, at this time in her family's life! Good Lord, I can't begin to imagine what the poor young girl is going through, and little Trig? I would think that being Governor would have been quite enough."
I finish it with, "I guess I'm just old-fashioned, but none of it makes much sense to me, and I hafta be honest, I'm really worried about her judgment. I'm just gonna wait and see until we learn A LOT more about this lady."
So, parents let me know if you think this apprach might work with the guy or woman next to you in the gym or on the train or at the playground. As they say, all politics is local, and I encourage everyone to find their own approach and voice to reach out and keep talking and connecting with others.
Yes, we can!