As I’ve pondered the contrasting response of the media to Sen. Mel Martinez’ early resignation compared to Gov. Sarah Palin’s early resignation, I couldn’t help but think, “There you go again!”
Now, I am not anti-Mel Martinez. Nor in this post am I addressing whether or not Gov. Palin is “presidential material.”
But here’s the thing. It is clear that the liberal media consistently, unfairly, and viciously attacks and mis-represents Gov. Palin. Their hypocritical response to the resignation of Sen. Martinez is just one recent example.
Comparisons
Let’s compare a little . . .
1. Sen. Martinez is resigning early because of his “faith, family, and country.” Gov. Palin gave the same reasons. Yet she was attacked. Martinez was not.
2. As a Senator, Martinez has no politically elected individual in line to take his place, leaving his constituency at the mercy of a government appointment. Gov. Palin had Lt. Governor Sean Parnell waiting in the wings—an experienced, conservative, elected official. Yet she was attacked. Martinez was not.
3. Sen. Martinez said, “I have no specific plan for my future other than the fact that it’s going to be in private life.” Gov. Palin was similarly open to future possibilities. Yet she was attacked. Martinez was not.
4. Sen. Martinez indicated that since he had previously announced that he would not run for re-election in 2010, that to stay as a lame duck would be a disservice for his constituency. Gov. Palin made very similar statements. Yet she was attacked. Martinez was not.
5. A comparison with another Senator from the past—Bob Dole—is equally instructive. Sen. Dole left his Senate seat early in order to prepare for his run against President Bill Clinton. He was not attacked for being unable to cut it in office. No one ever said that this meant Dole could never handle the pressure of the Presidency.
Why?
So just why is the media so vindictive against Gov. Sarah Palin? Why the cruel, unfair, imbalanced attacks?
It’s simple.
The liberal media simply can’t stand a conservative woman—especially a woman who is conservative both politically and religiously.
They can only view her through their biased liberal lenses that tell them that politically and religiously conservative individuals lack intelligence and intellectual curiosity.
Of course, they said the same of President Ronald Reagan.
Of course, they’ve treated Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas the same.
The liberal media elite will do anything to savage the reputation of a committed conservative.
Bob,
Great insights. I believe you are spot on with your analysis.
Blessings,
Tim
I believe Sarah Palin has a double whammy against her. She is a woman and a conservative. Nobody has the right to know why she has resigned and what she is going to do in the future. My guess if she was free to state her her deep reasons, she would receive more criticism. There is such a thing as guarding your heart.
I think that Gov. Palin may have erred by baiting the press with an early refusal to meet with them and berating them. They have been very tough on her, for sure. But she's no victim. I'm thinking of the scripture from a different context,
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Cor. 10:13
Bryan, Those are fascinating perspectives. Thanks for sharing. No doubt Gov. Palin, and those who managed her campaign in the McCain candidacy made mistakes. And, you are right, she is facing temptations common to all Christians who stand up for their faith in the public forum.
Still, the vicious, blatantly biased attacks on her have been almost unprecedented and surely not fair and balanced.
I'm a little disappointed with your concern about the "liberal media". Can we Christians NOT get emotionally involved with the world's system? We are supposed to operate FAR ABOVE principalities and should be able to see them for who and what they are! Should we care about the "liberal media" as opposed to the "right winged media"? As for Sarah Palin, not everyone that says they are Christian actually live their lives for Christ and anyone who is jockying for position in this world system has already declared his or her position. I still am very impressed with your blog and will read as much as I can!
Anna, Thanks for your comments and your candor and your encouragement–all in one. Since you read my blog as often as possible, I think you've seen that I am an "equal opportunity blogger"–meaning that when I see bias, I will critique "the liberal media" and I will critique "the right wing media." I am not aligning with one or the other in terms of media extremes. In the particular case of Sarah Palin, yes indeed, the "liberal media" has been savage toward her, has been unfair, has been inaccurate, etc. I am no "apologist" for Sarah Palin. I am an apologist for "conservative Christian women" and I try to be a voice for the voiceless–for anyone unfairly treated. When President Obama has been unfairly treated I have stood up for him. Or when Professor Gates was unfairly treated, or Sgt. Crowley, etc. Personally, I disagree that anyone jockeying for position in this world is to be criticized. God has a calling for Christians in politics and if you run, you have to "jockey." But again, thank you for your bold, wise sharing. Bob