Distancing himself from the Bush administration, McCain proclaimed that his White House would not operate under the umbrella of secrecy of the current administration. He pledged a McCain White House would cooperate with congressional investigations, not conceal information or claim executive privilege as casually as the Bush White House. So what’s up with his response to Sarah Palin? Why isn’t he insisting she return to Alaska and to clean up Troopergate?
As I look at the relationship between McCain and Palin from the point of view of someone who has studied and treated favorite children, I see a relationship that echoes that of a father and his favorite daughter.
A favorite daughter knows how to make her father feel good. She gives him something special, something he needs, something no one else does. In return, this daughter gets special privileges. She isn’t held accountable the way that her father holds others accountable. In this exchange, her morals – her sense of right and wrong – can be compromised. This describes the relationship between Sarah Palin and John McCain.
Having selected Sarah Palin as his running mate, McCain selected a partner who stirred enthusiasm among voters. This young and energetic former beauty queen excited crowds that this older man, body stiffened from war injuries, could not. Palin, in return, had the opportunity to be the first female vice-president of the United States, her career catapulted beyond imagination. This woman, with conservative views, challenged traditional views associated with feminism and has became a symbol that profoundly impacts the feminist movement.
As Palin introduces McCain to rousing crowds, he smiles from ear to ear, his delight transparent. She loosens up audiences who translate their enthusiasm to support for the McCain/Palin ticket. Like a father’s favorite daughter, Palin is masterful at contributing to McCain’s good feelings about himself. And, in return, this “favorite daughter” is rewarded by not being held accountable to rules.
As governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin is being investigated for unlawful influence over state trooper firings, the possible scandal named Troopergate. If McCain were to hold her accountable for her behavior – reflecting his campaign promise that people in his administration would be held responsible for their actions – he would insist that she, her husband, and her staff cooperate fully with the state investigation. McCain would not tolerate Palin, or any of her associates, stone walling or impeding the investigation.
Rather, collusion, born out of this special relationship between McCain and Palin, continues. In exchange for making McCain feel good, Palin is not held accountable by him for her questionable behavior. Presumably, other staff in a McCain White House will be held to higher standards.
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Dear Elly:
Another thougtful, insightful commentary. It’s clear after the debate on Thur. that Ms. Palin has now been annointed as the favorite daughter. She has followed in her” father’s ” footsteps and has learned from the master. She will not answer direct questions and maintains her innocence in being held accountable to questions of substance.
Ellen
Dear Dr. Libby
To not be held accountable and given special status the child acts in a controlled and manipulative fashion. Providing what the parent needs in calculated fashion. Sounds like the unholiest of interpersonal transactions, damaging to both participants and potentially injuring all bystanders. Thanks for writing about this harmful syndrome.
Joel
The interview last week by David Letterman left no room for doubt about favorite child status, as Senator McCain swelled with pride as he spoke about Sarah Palin.
I very much like what Joel about the damage to both participants, as well as the collateral damage that occurs.
The favorite child is a role. But so too is the “bad” child. Both meet parental needs with costs to all. The favorite pays with interity and independence. The “bad” child pays with loss of connection but gets freedom and creativity. Its hard to beat “know thyself” as parenting advise. Even harder to do it.