Deutchman Quoted on Palin Visit
22 November 2009 Deutchman Quoted on Palin Visit
Iva Deutchman, professor of political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, was quoted in the Democrat and Chronicle over the weekend in an article about Sarah Palins recent book signing in Rochester.
The article notes the book signing event does not include political, VIP events, but rather is meant for those supporters who say she speaks for them, who admire her candor in an age of political correctness and who are looking for a conservative voice during a time when the national government has moved to the left. It goes on to include testimonials from supporters and local GOP experts.
However, it continues later, But winning elections requires attracting more than half the votes, and a CNN poll this week found that only 28 percent of Americans think Palin is qualified to be president.
Deutchman is quoted, I think she has a very excitable base but its limited. If the party is only made up of a very narrow group, you cant win. She has a little bit of very loud and enthusiastic support, but that doesnt translate into numbers.
Deutchman holds a Ph.D. and a masters degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelors degree from Hofstra University in political science and economics. She is a professor of 20 plus years who has worked on two continents (Australia and North America). Deutchman has a long list of publications in major journals, the latest of which are Fundamentalist Christians, Raunch Culture and Post-industrial Capitalism, Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, Summer 2008, and Five Factions, Two Parties: Caucus Membership in the House of Representatives, 1994- 2002, Congress and the Presidency, 36:62-84, 2009 (with colleague DeWayne Lucas).
The complete Democrat and Chronicle article follows.
Democrat and Chronicle
Palin visit stirring both friends and foes
Jill Terreri Staff writer November 21, 2009
As the national Republican establishment appears unsure about what to make of Sarah Palin, the upper echelon of the local GOP wants very much to be a part of tonights book signing, in which the most talked-about figure in their party comes to town.
But this visit is not for them.
Former vice-presidential candidate Palin will visit Borders in Henrietta tonight to promote Going Rogue: An American Life, part of a tour with over 30 stops, all geared toward her energetic, devoted grass-roots base.
Elected official or not, everyone who wants to meet her will be standing in line. There will be no VIP receptions or meet-and-greets at the airport.
The Monroe County Republican Party and County Executive Maggie Brooks showed interest in hosting a gathering for Palin while shes in town, according to their spokespeople.
But Palins book tour isnt a political event, its meant for those supporters who say she speaks for them, who admire her candor in an age of political correctness and who are looking for a conservative voice during a time when the national government has moved to the left.
Shes like us, said supporter Wendy Nowak, 49, of Canandaigua. You insult her, you insult us.
Its Palins ability to speak to the anger in conservative circles across the country over the stimulus package, bank bailouts and health care reform that allows her to inspire such devotion in her base, according to experts.
People identify with the fact that she can get up there and tell people off, said Elayne Rapping, professor of American Studies at the State University of New York at Buffalo. They really like the fact shell say whatever she thinks.
Whether her appeal is enough to take her into serious consideration for the presidency in 2012 is debatable.
Republican radio host Bill Nojay, who helped plan Palins visit to Henrietta and says hes fielded calls from the top ranks of the local GOP with inquiries to meet her, said she clearly is the leading Republican figure in the United States today.
Nojay compared her charisma to that of President Ronald Reagans and said her views are catching fire.
But winning elections requires attracting more than half the votes, and a CNN poll this week found that only 28 percent of Americans think Palin is qualified to be president.
I think she has a very excitable base but its limited, said Iva Deutchman, professor of political science at Hobart and William Smith Colleges. If the party is only made up of a very narrow group, you cant win. She has a little bit of very loud and enthusiastic support, but that doesnt translate into numbers.
Palins opponents find plenty not to like about her and say she isnt a threat to the left if she chooses to run for president in 2012, citing her poll numbers.
A Washington Post-ABC News poll from Sunday found that 43 percent of Americans view her favorably and 53 percent do not, while 46 percent would consider voting for her.
However, she appears popular in her party, as a Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll also conducted this week found that 70 percent of Republicans, 49 percent of independents and 25 percent of Democrats viewed Palin favorably.
The Democratic National Committee promoted recent polls in an effort to show her weakness, part of a blitz from the left in response to her book tour.
It is clear that her opponents cannot ignore her.
Webster resident Vicky Ryder, 67, planned a protest against Palin last year in Rochester after Republican Sen. John McCain picked the former Alaska governor as his running mate.
When Ryder heard that Palin would be visiting tonight, she contacted Democratic women she knew and encouraged them to mark their disagreement with Palin with a letter to the editor, a call to the bookstore or some other kind of activism.
I think that Sarah represents the worst in what American women should be all about, Ryder said, noting Palins environmental record, opposition to abortion and single-payer health care. Its hard for me to understand as a woman how anyone could think her positions are laudable.
A Facebook notice of a Palin protest organized by students at Rochester Institute of Technology has attracted 250 responses.
But her supporters say the left protests too much.
You have to wonder why the left is so attacking and so vocal of her if theyre not afraid, Nowak said.
Nowak, who is part of We Surround Rochester, a group affiliated with conservative commentator Glenn Beck, planned to pick her husband up from work about 10:15 p.m. Friday in Canandaigua and travel to Henrietta to stay out all night for a wristband, required attire to attend this evenings signing.
Shes hoping Palin runs in 2012.
The people who love her, we just love her to death, Nowak said.
Sarah and Dale Cameron are some of those people.
The Camerons drove to the Henrietta store from Medina on Thursday to buy copies of the book to get them signed tonight.
Shes the only woman Id ever vote for president, Dale Cameron said. Shes for gun rights, which Im for. Shes pro-life, which is a big thing for us. She really shares our values.
Like a lot of Palin supporters, Sarah Cameron said she admires Palins candor.
I was puzzled why so many people seemed to be so against her, she said. Was it her beauty? What was it? I came to the conclusion that it was because she was honest and some people dont like that. Shes not a long-winded politician and I think her common sense and honesty goes a long way.
Palins book seeks to settle scores from the McCain campaign and in what is becoming her trademark, shes not afraid to attack the left, the media, and big government, or even those in her own party. Those targets are shared by her supporters.
People feel like they dont trust anybody, said Rapping, a pop culture expert.
Shes really plugged into this sense of confusion and betrayal.
JTERRERI@DemocratandChronicle.com
Includes reporting by staff writer Meaghan M. McDermott.
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Additional Facts
If you go
The book signing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Henrietta Borders store, 1000 Hylan Drive. Wristbands, which are available today starting at 9 a.m., are required and only available to those who purchase Palins book at the Henrietta store. Only 1,000 wristbands are available. Only two books will be signed per wristband.
Bill Nojay, who is a lead organizer of the event, said plenty of parking should be available, but the size of the crowd is unpredictable. All police and fire agencies, as well as property owners, have been involved in the event planning, Nojay said. Visitors to the store should expect crowds typical of Black Friday shopping and should arrive early.