From the Babe's Mouth

Perhaps I'm just being too charitable by far; I can honestly say that if my mother was major, controversial political figure with national media attention, I would probably learn very quickly not to say anything directly contradictory in the vicinity of (or same county as) a live mic. Even after the campaigning was over (is it ever? really?) I would say that watching your mouth qualified as a basic component of life anywhere near the public gaze.

Not so, dear, darling Bristol Palin.

Now I for one don't have a problem with the girl having her own opinion. In fact I applaud her for saying something that might just get some people thinking outside the bounds of unreasoning, rigid doctrine. As a political wonk though...I'm forced to wonder if anyone explained to the girl about the concept of "staying on message." This interview put the self proclaimed Pitbull on defense, eliciting an interesting statement.

"Get beyond the ideal of abstinence," the 44 year old, new grandmother said. "Hey, life happens."

I hope I don't have to spell out exactly what sort of reaction this is going to elicit from the Republicans core constituency. On the plus side, this demonstrates something very important and in a particular, very relevant way. The Republican Party, such as it is, has developed a rock-solid case of schizophrenia.

They are divided against themselves and expending a great deal of energy on trying to figure out exactly what it is they represent, in leadership terms. As many have pointed out, since the evangelical "social conservatives" became the base of the party (Goldwater is doing about a kajillion rpm's in his grave I expect) they have increasingly defined themselves by what they are against, by what they won't tolerate or endorse. Even the much vaunted fiscal policy of the Free Marketer's has been reduced to, "less regulation, less taxation." Easily parroted and popular with people that don't understand the complexities of the world beyond the Podunk town limits.

To give a specific example; many young members of the evangelical demographic are breaking with the "single-issue" tradition of their parents and grandparents. They are far more tolerant of "alternate lifestyles" for instance, and see environmentalism as an extension of the "good steward" doctrines of their religion. To be blunt, they're more interested in what they should be doing to make the world better than in what others shouldn't. The fissures are becoming visible and the shuddering monolith of the Republican base is poised to shatter like a frozen river in March; Bristol Palin's words many be the sound of the ice cracking and the sudden flood that may soon follow is an unknown.

What does it mean though? If the base of the Republican Party splinters, what happens next? Do we get two separate parties? Republicans and Nationalists, maybe? It's an interesting idea and they certainly need to come up with some sort of plan, but I've never claimed much skill at prognostication.

On the other hand, maybe I should. I could certainly use the income.