http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2010_04/023286.phpTHE WIT AND WISDOM OF FAR-RIGHT BLOGS.... Long-time readers may recall that I was the editor of Salon's now defunct "Blog Report" a few years ago, and highlighted posts from all kinds of blogs from across the political spectrum. As part of my duties, I read more than my share of far-right bloggers on a daily basis.
I've long since given up on them, but Andrew Sullivan flagged an item from a relatively noteworthy right-wing blog that reminded me of the kind of content I'm missing.
"Palin's view of nuclear weapons was shaped by her stint as the commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard, our first line of defense against Soviet nuclear weapons. Obama has held his same views since he was a stoner college student and has showed no signs of maturing. Which of the two would you trust?"
Keep in mind, the writer wasn't kidding. This was an actual, sincere observation.As John Cole asked, "Is it possible that all of these blogs we've been reading and laughing at are all elaborate spoofs, and the joke is on us?"
Sure, it's possible.
For the record, in case anyone is tempted to find the argument credible, I should note that Palin, during her two years as governor, had no national security responsibilities with the Guard, and never had to make a command decision during her brief gubernatorial tenure. Maj. Gen. Craig Campbell, the adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard, has said nice things about Palin, but he's also acknowledged that the former half-term governor played no role in the Guard's activities, and wasn't even briefed by federal officials on decisions related to the Guard. She had about as much of a connection to nuclear policy as I do.
To argue, without a hint of sarcasm, that Palin's views of nuclear arms and proliferation were "shaped by her stint as the commander in chief of the Alaskan National Guard" is one of the dumbest arguments I've seen in a while.—Steve Benen