It really is that bad

Thinking about Palin's sudden decision to resign the governorship, I can't help noticing a pattern. When a prominent political figure does something utterly insane, you get two reactions from each side of the ideological spectrum. First, from the opposing side, there's a mix of mockery and despairing cynicism, as most observers assume that it's a good development but a few can't shake themselves of the notion that it will somehow redound to the other side's benefit. This is exactly what we've seen: while most Democrats are hopeful that this will be the end of Sarah Palin, there's a minority so jaded by the fact that Palin ever attracted any support that they imagine her as some kind of twisted political genius, with every move carefully calculated to win the support of gun-toting, SUV-driving Real Americans.

From supporters of the figure, on the other hand, you get a mix of honest skepticism and contorted rationalization. Many Republican pundits admit that resigning in the middle of her only term as a major elected official will crush any hopes of Palin selling herself as a credible Presidential candidate in 2012, and that her rambling press conference did her no favors. Yet others reflexively insist that it will be beneficial. (It's a bad time to be a governor! She'll be able to start her campaign earlier!)

Although this is undeniably even more bizarre, it reminds me of McCain's disastrous attempt to suspend his campaign and postpone the debates in order to "focus" on the financial crisis. At first, talking heads were mixed about the prudence of McCain's strategy, and even some Democrats worried that his latest "maverick" move might gin up support in the polls. But in time, of course, the absurdity of this interpretation became clear. The public might be easily misled on factual matters, but it's a good enough judge of basic plausibility to call bullshit on ducking out of debates in a histrionic attempt to pitch yourself as above the fray, or quitting the only position of public responsibility you've ever held because it's "best for Alaska."