Palin’s performance a step back for womankind

Tess Brinton Krovetz Charlottesville
Published: October 10, 2008

I watched the vice-presidential debate with the hope that Gov. Sarah Palin would represent women well. While I will not be voting for Sen. John McCain and Gov. Palin, I think it is fantastic that a woman is running in a largely boys-only field. Seeing her do well and come out strong would make me, as a woman (not as a Dem-ocrat) very proud.

So, as a woman, how do I think Sarah Palin did?

Frankly, I’m embarrassed. She came across as flirtatious and quaint – dropping the “g” from the end of words, saying “ain’t,” using phrases like “doggone it” and winking at the camera. While she was more composed than in the few interviews she has done, I believe that she represents a step backward in the progress women have made. I would have loved to see her speak in a professional and poised manner – playing the role she may well play, of a woman in a very powerful position, not a girl flirting her way into America’s heart.

In every job, one should bring a level of professionalism. Gov. Palin is applying for a position where she would work for the American people, and as her potential employer, I would not hire her based on that performance. She is going to break new ground for women in politics; she should represent women everywhere as dignified and respectable.

One can merge one’s feminine side with one’s powerful professional side — please do not assume that a woman in any high-powered role must be either a flirt or a power-hungry swear word.

The point of my letter is not to look at what Gov. Plain represents politically. What worries me is that, to many young girls, she is a role model for how to get into politics, and how to act once there. The standard she is setting with her “aw shucks” attitude is a standard I refuse to let any sister, cousin, niece, daughter or friend of mine lower themselves to.