Newt vs. Sarah

pandora

16 years ago

Pass the popcorn… this is gonna be good.

After being invited — for a second time — to speak to the annual joint fundraiser for the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, Palin was told abruptly Saturday night that she would not be allowed to address the thousands of Republicans there after all.

The Alaska governor may now skip the dinner altogether, and her allies are miffed at what they see as a slight from the congressional wing of the Republican Party.

The reason given for the snub, said a Palin aide, was that NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions was concerned about not wanting to upstage former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, the fundraising gala’s keynote speaker.

“A great deal of effort has been put into this fundraising event, and Speaker Gingrich has gone above and beyond the call of duty,” said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain. “It is our hope that Gov. Palin will attend the dinner and be recognized, but we understand if her busy schedule doesn’t permit her to do so.”

The disinvitation from speaking, said a campaign committee official, was done “out of respect” for Gingrich.

Oh, where to begin? My favorite? “It is our hope that Gov. Palin will attend the dinner and be recognized, but we understand if her busy schedule doesn’t permit her to do so.” We understand if her busy schedule doesn’t permit her to do so? Ouch! And then there’s this gem… “Pete Sessions was concerned about not wanting to upstage former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.”

So much for a big tent, and how big of a Diva is Gingrich? Here’s a hint: Real leaders can’t be upstaged; that’s why they’re called leaders. But there’s more to this skirmish than ego. Apparently, battle lines are being drawn, and from where I’m standing I’m not seeing a decisive victory. Republicans have become the party of personality. Unless you think that Newt’s camp and Sarah’s camp are divided over policy – which, of course, they’re not since Republicans have no policy regarding the economy, the war or health care.

It’s all coming down to social issues with god, abortion and gays leading the way.

My advice… brace yourself for a religious war as each one tries to “out Jesus” the other in an attempt to win the hearts and souls of the 21%ers. Warning: Scary stuff ahead.