Palin talented, savvy

In his column "Palin Comparison" yesterday, David Distenfeld provided valuable insight into the club recruitment process on campus. It was when he attempted to equate this process with Sen. John McCain's vice presidential pick that he veered into error. Distenfeld's assertion that "the McCain-Palin ticket certainly has an uphill battle to convince the American public that Palin is a good choice for 'veep'" completely ignores McCain's substantial "Palin bounce" in the polls. Distenfeld may have his doubts, but a glance at the poll numbers contradicts his assumption that "the American public" shares them. Whether "rational" or not, the Palin selection has boosted McCain's appeal dramatically.

Perhaps Distenfeld's qualms about Palin's "lack of experience" would be diminished were he aware that after her distinguished career as the mayor of Wasilla was followed by a successful crusade as governor against notorious corruption of Alaska's government. When has Obama ever accomplished as much? Oh, and that Bridge to Nowhere? Once she became governor and realized what it entailed, she changed her position to become one of its most fervent opponents. (The idea of changing one's position in the light of new information is clearly, however, a difficult one for the Obama camp to understand, judging by Obama's persistent refusal to admit his error in opposing the surge, even in light of its clear success.)

I, for one, am immensely flattered by Distenfeld's conclusion that Duke students are as talented and savvy as Palin. I certainly hope that in time some of us may achieve equally impressive victories against corruption and bureaucracy. But for now, we're really just community organizers.

Rachel Stern

Trinity '11