Knowledge Creates Power: Sarah Palin is the perfect foil to take on Hillary Clinton

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Sarah Palin is the perfect foil to take on Hillary Clinton

AP Photo

Sarah Palin says she’s seriously considering a 2016 presidential run.

Why not? The GOP needs women on the ticket for many reasons, not least because it steals the Democratic Party’s thunder. They want to be the “first” at breaking cultural barriers and glass ceilings. With Hillary Clinton expected to be their front-runner in 2016, they’ll use her gender as a tactic to gin up support from their base — especially female voters.

I can already see Emily’s List pushing out emails nationwide saying, “Let’s make history by electing the first female president of the United States.”

It’s imperative Republicans put forward their own female leaders for the presidential ticket to counter that Democratic message.

Yes, Sarah Palin was bludgeoned in the 2008 race by the Democratic machine, which tried to discredit her unfairly and turn her into a cartoon figure. But Americans — especially Republicans — understand the game. There’s a double standard in gender politics.

If you’re a female leader on the Democratic ticket, you’re a “hero” regardless of how many times you put your foot in your mouth, embarrass yourself or worse.

We haven’t forgotten Hillary Clinton saying that we should empathize with our enemies or that businesses and corporations don’t really create jobs. Both absurd statements that should disqualify any candidate — male or female — from any race, never mind the top slot.

But if you’re a female conservative? Watch out! Liberals will pounce and do everything they can to marginalize a conservative woman who runs for office no matter how educated, or talented, or accomplished she is. Liberals only “tolerate” others if they agree with them and follow their agenda.

Skeptics will say Sarah Palin doesn’t have a chance in the GOP race because she’s too polarizing. But what about Hillary Clinton and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren? They’re polarizing too, with supporters and haters in equal measure.

The reality is Sarah Palin draws huge crowds at speaking engagements, has millions of social media followers and just as many supporters across the nation.

Hilary Clinton has been giving speeches to half-filled rooms.

If Sarah Palin chooses to throw her proverbial hat in the ring for 2016, there’s no doubt she’d make the race exciting and bring a welcome woman’s point of view to the GOP field.

Adriana Cohen is co-host of “Boston Herald Drive” on WMEX 1510 AM weekdays from 7-9 a.m. Follow Adriana on Twitter @AdrianaCohen16.