Lipstick on a Pig

Unless you have been under a rock the last few days you have heard about the "lipstick on a pig" controversy.

I must admit when I first heard from a second hand source what Barak Obama had said I immediately thought that this was definitely an unfortunate choice of words.

When I had the time to look at the actual tape of Obama and put what he said in context I was mystified over the controversy.

Immediately prior to him uttering the phrase he made no mention of Sarah Palin. He was simply discussing Senator McCain's assertion that he represents change even though he steadfastly holds on to many of the failed policies of the current administration.

I found no evidence that he used the phrase to imply that Sarah Palin was in fact the "pig".

How unfortunate for the Republican pundits who were in shock, dismayed and outraged by the remarks that Senator McCain himself had used the very same terminology on October 11, 2007 when referring to Senator Hillary Clintons proposed health plan.

In this instance McCain was in fact discussing a proposal by a female Presidential candidate. Where was the uproar from the Democratic leadership? Where was the outrage? Why did they not demand an apology from McCain?

Because he did not use the term to defame Senator Clinton. It is a somewhat common phrase used especially in recent political campaigns. Any reasonable person could discern this.

There was no justification for the outrage. There was no justification to insist that Obama make an apology.

There was certainly no justification for the McCain campaigns television ad using these remarks that Obama innocently used and implying that he is not ready to lead but is ready to smear. Very ironic coming from the McCain camp.

These tactics are tasteless and have left me wanting much, much more from a party that I have spent the majority of my life supporting.

This is just further evidence that the Republicans find it necessary to take the focus off of the issues by seizing on anything that has no relevance to the issues that we are struggling with.

If we look at each respective parties proposals the Republicans will lose to the Democrats in the minds of most Americans. They will do anything to avoid speaking on policy and issues.

In a new era where women's rights are on the front page I would think it offensive for most women that the Republicans are implying that because McCain has chosen a female running mate that the Democrats must give Palin special treatment or coddle the Governor of Alaska.

I can assure you of one thing Ms. Palin can handle this. She is not a shrinking violet. I would like to predict that she will use this comment to her advantage during a future press conference or more likely the Vice-Presidential debates. She will make some reference to "lipstick" that will cause the crowd to cheer, her supporters to swoon, and will have created a sound byte that will be played over and over on everyone's televisions for at least a couple days.

She certainly is no pig and she is even less of a dummy. Mark my words she will come out of this smelling like a rose.

How should Obama respond to the Republican's requests for an apology. Easy, all he has to say is "You first Senator McCain. You first."